The UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) has become a very popular machine today. They are as common to find as the ATV's and in my opinion just as or more versatile as the ATV's.
One of the reasons why the UTV is so popular is because there are a wide variety of manufacturers producing them; manufacturers who don't even bother with other sport craft production.
Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Arctic Cat. These are the most popular names out there who specialize in UTV production along with other sport craft like motorcycles, ATV's, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc.
I want to talk about the other guy out there who builds just as good a quality UTV at an affordable price. Just because these guys don't specialize in sport craft production doesn't mean they can't build a quality UTV.
I am not going to name them all but we will cover three brand names to give you an idea of the different UTV manufacturers. Again, these guys specialize in other equipment manufacturing but bring their knowledge to the table to give us a quality machine.
o The Bobcat 2300 4X4 Utility Vehicle has an all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive system called the InelliTraka. This system sends power to all four wheels automatically which in turn helps prevent traction loss
The IntelliTraka has an automatic locking differential that engages when needed but disengages during turns to help minimize ground disruption and wear on other vehicle components and accessories.
The 2300 has its own hydraulic system to operate the RapidLinka attachment system. You have five different attachment options; a bucket, mower, pallet forks, material/snow blade and a push broom. There is a front mounted hydraulic gear and arm that is the workhorse of the RapidLinka attachment system and it has a 500 lb lift capacity.
The Bobcat 2300 is equipped with a 20hp Kubota diesel engine and a hydraulic automatic transmission. 25mph is about the top speed for this unit.
o Husqvarna HUV 4421Utility Vehicle comes with either a 23 hp Honda gas or for an extra ,000 bucks you can get a 20 hp Kubota diesel engine
The 4421 has a very unique drive train. The all wheel drive system is automatic; Husqvarna calls it the terrain-sensitive-traction-system. There are no levers or switches, if the rear wheels begin to slip then the front differential begins to lock up using an overriding clutch system. This allows for true 4 wheel drive traction for all situations. This is a mechanical system; no electronic sensors or computers to activate the all wheel drive system.
The transmission is a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is very common in UTV's. This single speed transmission (no low range) uses a high-ratio CVT for better low-end torque. Husqvarna sealed the CVT for deep water crossings and installed high air inlet and outlet snorkels. This is standard only on the XP version.
o The Cub Cadet C466 4X4 UTV was first introduced in 2007. It is the first 4X4 UTV ever designed by Cub Cadet.
Even though this is Cub Cadets first 4X4 UTV design, the engineers did not hold anything back. This quality vehicle ranks right up there with the rest of them.
The combination of the fully independent front and rear suspension and the locking front end gives the C466 a true 4WD package
The 20 hp, 624cc Kohler Command V-twin motor puts out about 33 ft. /lb of torque. This engine has been around since 1987; so it has proven to be a good engine for this application.
With the sharp looking hood, flared fenders, set back headlamps, brush guard and sculpted sides; this unit has a very appealing look that will attract both recreational and professional UTV buyers.
The Second reason why the UTV is so popular is because of its versatility. There are UTV's out there that are built just for recreation; but there are a lot of them built for both work and recreation.
The combination of both work and play in a UTV design makes it that much more appealing to the buyer. The more versatile the unit the more you get for your hard earned dollar.
Let's take a moment and look at several different features that make a typical UTV so versatile.
o Safety: Every UTV out there has the ability to carry two or more persons safely from point A to point B due to the fact that all UTV's come standard with seat belts and roll cages.
Nothing against ATV's, heck I have owned several in the past; but I live in a rural agricultural community where ATV's are very common. ATV's and UTV's are actually legal to drive around in our town. But I know families who have either lost or had family members permanently confined to a wheel chair due to ATV accidents.
The combination work and recreational UTV's tend to have a wider base and lower ground clearance. Lower ground clearance equals lower center of gravity; this lower center of gravity allows these UTV's to be more stable on uneven terrain.
o Load capacity: UTV's are built to haul heavier loads. Most UTV's come standard with a tilting cargo bed; depending on the make and model you can get cargo beds equipped with a 12 volt motor that will lift the cargo bed automatically.
The combination of a cargo bed and the ability to tow a trailer gives the UTV the advantage of hauling more than a standard ATV.
o Passenger capacity: As mentioned above the UTV has the ability to haul two or more people. UTV's are capable of hauling up to 6 or 8 persons depending on the make and model of the UTV.
If these two reasons were not enough to convince you why UTV's are so popular then go test drive a few and you will find out for yourself why they are so popular. You might even haul one home after test driving it. It is easy to fall in love with something this versatile; not to mention fun to drive.
For those of you who may be looking for a UTV, I'm sure there is one out there that will suit your needs perfectly. With the amount of manufactures out there producing these vehicles you will have plenty to choose from. I suggest you go and test drive several vehicles before making a final decision.
These are vehicles that the whole family can enjoy driving or just riding in; this may be another reason why UTV's are so popular.
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