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When the first ATVs came on the market in the early 1970s, it didn't take us long to start attaching small trailers and racks, turning play toys into work beasts. Today, farmers, ranchers, game managers, trail builders, construction workers, home-owners, and hunters have more ATVs from which to choose. The newest models are quicker, nimbler, and more environmentally friendly. Here are a few options for those seeking a toy or tool that'll fit in a pickup bed, on a trailer, or tied down in the hauler.
Looking for a place to ride? We recently asked experienced ATV riders what their favorite ride areas are across the U.S. Check out our "Where To Ride ATV's" article see where we think are some of the best places to ride.
Arctic Cat
The Arctic Cat 650 H1 Prowler XT ($9499) is a rugged, versatile 4x4 utility ATV. This side-by-side can tow 1500 pounds on the hitch and carry 600 pounds in the bed. The Prowler is a strong off-road performer with more than 12.5 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of travel at both ends of its fully independent suspension. Add the power from the 641cc four-stroke, the choice of 2WD or 4WD, and a big 8.2-gallon fuel tank, and you and a buddy can cover a lot of rugged ground in relative comfort.
www.arctic-cat.com/atv
Club Car
The Club Car's XRT 1550 (gas: $9400; diesel: $10,750) benefits from automotive-inspired styling. Its key feature is a sophisticated traction system, which continually senses driving conditions and automatically engages and disengages all-wheel drive without requiring the driver to stop, shift gears, push buttons, or lock differentials. Options abound with choices of bench or bucket seats, standard or heavy-duty suspension, mud or all-terrain tires, and a choice of a Honda gas or Kubota diesel engine.
www.clubcar.com
Husqvarna
The chassis of the 2007 Husqvarna HUV-4421DXP ($12,399) is built more like a hard-core 4x4 than an ATV or golf cart with frame rails crafted from welded and boxed corrosion-resistant aircraft-grade aluminum; the certified ROPS canopy/cage is formed from two-inch steel tubing, as are the nerf bars and pushbar/grilleguard. The rear-mounted receiver hitch also is a heavy-duty two-inch model. Although the diesel (a 20-horsepower Kubota) model weighs nearly 1750 pounds when filled with fuel and equipped with options (skidplates, nerf bars, front bumper, diff guards, and mud tires), it doesn't feel that heavy when driving, thanks to the Kubota's great low-end torque coupled with the sealed continuously variable transmission for instant acceleration and ultimate simplicity--there are no gears to shift.
www.usa.husqvarna.com
John Deere
The John Deere TrailGator HPX 4x4 ($9899) is powered by a 617cc liquid-cooled Kawasaki V-twin routed through a CVT with separate high and low range. The 4x4 system has an On-Demand "Auto locking" front differential with a dash-mounted electronic switch. Suspension is MacPherson strut front and coilover rear. This trail version of the Gator comes standard with high-performance all-terrain tires, front bumper, 12-volt DC outlet, cup-holders, glovebox, hour meter, fuel gauge, storage compartment, olive-drab color scheme, brush guard, and full clutch enclosure.
www.deere.com
Kawasaki
The Mule 610 4x4 ($6699), powered by a 401cc single, features curved body panels, redesigned hood and grille, and large-diameter steel tube frame that give it a clean, modern look, while automotive-type controls and gear selectors are now located on the newly styled dashboard. The two-person, four-wheel-drive Mule, like its four-passenger counterpart, is shy on ground clearance (6.7 inches), but would do well around camp or a ranch where it can carry 400 pounds in the bed and can tow 1000 pounds. The 3010 Trans4x4 ($9599) takes the Mule name a step further by bringing utility ATVs closer to the old Jeep. The 3010 Trans4x4 can carry four riders, or the back seats can be dropped to extend the bed floor to haul cargo. Kawasaki's new convertible ATV has a cargo capacity of 400 pounds in four-passenger guise or 800 with the cargo bed extended. Power comes from a 617cc liquid-cooled Kawasaki V-twin routed through a CVT.
www.kawasaki.com
Kubota
The Kubota RTV900 ($11,999) comes from tractor-tough tradition and boasts a diesel engine, three-range variable hydro transmission, wet-disc brakes, and a hydraulic bed-lift system. Payload is 1653 pounds and towing capacity is 1300. The 4x4 system has a locking differential, and 25-inch ATV tires are standard on the recreation model, which also sports a camouflage paint job.
www.kubota.com