4
Selecting and using equipment for all terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Introduction
This information sheet gives advice to users on how to use all Terrain vehicles(ATVs) safely with
towed and mounted equipment.
Plan the use of an ATV carefully and take particular note of ground conditions and slopes, as these
may vary considerably, depending on the terrain, weather conditions, ground surface and the crop
under the wheels.
Towed equipment
Choose equipment which matches your ATV. Stability of towed equipment is affected by:
Weight ratios
1
The safe ratio between the trailed laden maximum weight and unladen weight of the ATV
must be assessed for each operation.
2
Always take note of information given in the manufacture
′
s handbook when making this
assessment.
3
As a guide research shows that on level ground, 4 x unladen weight of the ATV for braked
trailed equipment and 2 x unladen weight of the ATV for unbraked trailed equipment are the
appropriate maximum ratios.
Note:
For work on slopes or uneven ground the ratio will need to be reduced.
Braking
Fit:
1
Brakes to trailed equipment. This helps prevent jack-knifing when braking or traveling
downhill;
2
Over-run brakes which come into action whenever the ATV brakes are applied;
3
A manually operated parking brake operable from the driving position. This provides control
for use when going up slopes.
Hitching and loads
Stability is also improved if:
1
Some weight is transferred from the trailer onto the ATV draw-bar;
2
The draw-bar has a swivel hitch and the ATV a ball hitch having a large head to neck ratio.
This makes it easier for the draw-bar hitch to swivel and cope with undulating ground;
3
The load is positioned as near to the centre of the trailer as possible.
Tyres and wheels
1
Check tyre pressures regularly with a pressure gauge capable of reading low pressures
accurately;
2
Check tyres regularly for damage and wear;
3
Select equipment which has tyres and wheels that can cope with speeds over 20mph and
occasional higher speeds;
4
Use wheels with bead locks on the rims if the main use is going to be on sloping ground.
This prevents tyre run-off on side slopes.
