![\"what](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/atv-1130685_1280-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn ATV, also called a quad bike, is a 4-wheeled off road vehicle with similar controls to those of a motorcycle. You also ride it like a motorbike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When they first came out, manufactured first by Honda<\/a>, ATVs were mostly used recreationally to explore off road trails and by hunters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent years though, farmers have discovered that the features that make ATVs so capable in difficult terrain also make the excellent on the farm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An ATV can traverse through soil and mud, cross deep ruts, climb over rocks and, with the right skills and experience, go up and down steep slopes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The wide tires and four wheels of an ATV keeps it stable and reduces the risk of tipping. Controls including throttle and brakes<\/a> are very similar to those of a motorcycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that ATVs are not road-legal in most countries. Check your local regulations, but most likely you\u2019ll be limited to riding it within your farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can definitely farm with an ATV. Of course, there are limitations and an ATV may not be suitable for certain tasks and situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let\u2019s look at what you can accomplish on your farm with an ATV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most obvious application of an ATV is mobility<\/strong>. It\u2019ll easily and quickly get you from one point to the other. It can access places a tractor or pickup truck cannot, and it uses less fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a sizable farm, an ATV is an easy way to check up on crops and animals, inspect fencing and move around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ATVs offer much more than mobility on the farm. You can use an ATV as a mini tractor<\/strong> to carry and pull stuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To expand the utility of an ATV, you\u2019ll have to get various attachments. Here are the most common ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other attachments include spreaders, blades, hay dolly and so on. Basically, you can attach whatever you want to your ATV as long as you do not exceed your vehicle\u2019s weight and power limits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend getting an ATV that\u2019s powerful enough (400cc minimum) to handle a wide range of attachments. It should also be four-wheel drive, use a shaft drive instead of a chain drive, an external oil cooler and disc brakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll often find that an ATV can do whatever a tractor can, but at a smaller scale. And that\u2019s the main limitation of ATVs in farming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are not as powerful as a tractor. Your ATV cannot carry as much hay, produce, or timber as a tractor. It will also not pull plows, tillers and attachments as big as a tractor can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a big farm, the smaller tiller or plow attachment of an ATV may slow down work. Consider getting a UTV instead or buying a tractor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to mobility, ATVs also have certain limitations. One, almost all ATVs cannot carry passengers. You cannot bring someone else on your farm inspections, unless they have their own ATV or you spend more on a tandem ATV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Two, ATVs struggle with certain terrain such as very steep slopes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ATVs are sizes based on engine displacement, a measurement you likely know as CC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ATVs start at 50cc. These are good for kids. They go all the way up to 1000cc. These are suitable for hardcore trail riders and off roaders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For farming, you\u2019ll want to get an ATV that\u2019s adequate for most farming applications. Even if you don’t plan to pull a tiller with it right away, or carry hay, you may need to do so in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best ATV size for farmers is 400 to 500cc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This range gives you adequate speed for mobility, and plenty of power to carry and pull loads. Just as importantly, it ensures the ATV is heavy enough to haul things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A small ATV such as 250cc or 300cc may be adequate for many farming tasks, but it\u2019ll likely be too light to maintain traction when you are pulling or pushing heavy loads such as plowing snow or pulling a disc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The weight of an ATV is just as important as its engine size. 400 to 500cc gives you both the power and weight you need for just about any task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though almost similar in abbreviation, UTVs are quite different from ATVs. A UTV or a Utility Terrain<\/a> vehicle is bigger, more powerful, and can haul heavier loads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n UTVs are like small vehicles. In fact, they have the same controls as a vehicle including a steering wheel and brake and throttle pedals. Also, UTVs can sit two people. That\u2019s why they are sometimes called side-by-side. Bigger UTVs can sit three or four people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The added capability, power and performance of a UTV allows you to do more on your farm. But it has its downsides. One, UTVs are more expensive. Two, UTVs are bigger and are not easily maneuverable on narrow paths and wooded or bushy areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most farmers will do just fine with an ATV. But if you want to pull bigger attachments, or carry more bales of hay, consider upgrading to a UTV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a utility\/farming ATV with a 400cc to 600cc engine, expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000. The price of specific models depends heavily on which features it is equipped with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Premium models with added features such as electric power steering, 4×4 mobility, winch, and engine braking can cost up to $2,000 more than the basic model. A tandem (2-seater) ATV will also be significantly more expensive than the common 1-seater models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to include the cost of various attachments, as well as the cost of ownership (such as insurance, fuel and maintenance). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money at once. You can get the ATV first, and then slowly add attachments over time starting with the ones you need most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people find UTVs much easier to operate compared to ATVs. That\u2019s because a UTV is like your car. You get in and drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An ATV, on the other hand, requires a fair amount of skill, similar to riding a motorcycle. Unlike a UTV where you sit and steer, an ATV is rider-active. That means it requires a significant amount of input from the rider in the form of weight shifting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, you\u2019ll constantly need to move your body around to maintain balance on different kinds of terrain and paths such as going uphill, doing a U-turn and going round a bend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But before you even get on your quad, you need essential safety gear. That includes a helmet, eye protection, proper boots, gloves, long pants and a long sleeved shirt or, even better, a jacket. ATV accidents tend to be serious, so don’t skimp on protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And don’t forget to attach a flag to ensure other people can see you. The low profile of ATVs makes them easy to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a quick guide from Honda on doing safety checks and safely riding an ATV<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCan You Farm With an ATV? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"can](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/splash-3165667_1280-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat You Can Do With an ATV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Can’t You Do With an ATV?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Size ATV Do I Need for Farming?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/atv-1572927_1280-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nATVs vs. UTVs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does an ATV Cost? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/atvs-2751243_1280-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Ride an ATV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/boy-5814203_1280-1.jpg\")