SHOP LIKE A GIRL OR WHAT THE GUYS DON’T KNOW ABOUT PURCHASING AN ATV OR UTILITY VEHICLE.

Shopping for an ATV or a utility vehicle can seem an impossible chore or be a fun family activity depending how you prepare. Purchasing a recreational vehicle is an investment and a growing segment of first time owners are female. User friendly upgrades like the side by side seating, auto steering and cargo boxes found on the utility vehicles create an off road machine capable of both work and play by the entire family. Certainly there are many makes, models, sizes and colors available near you. Just ask the kids and they’ll fill you in on all the TV commercials. You know they can’t wait to try all the “don’t do this at home” stunts so here’s a way to stay one step ahead. Think of the process as just another set of tasks.

To get your shopping list on target, review your needs. Do you see a sport machine for trail riding or a work vehicle for yard projects and snowplowing in the winter? Ask yourself how it will be helpful if you cut wood or could the kids mow the lawn with a tow behind mower? Will a family member use the unit hunting or ice fishing or will the whole family enjoy riding with friends at the ATV parks or VASA trails located in the area? Many rural families use recreational vehicles for animal care in lieu of a tractor, you see them regularly at fairs and horse shows doing a myriad of hauling and pulling tasks.

An all round family friendly model such as a touring machine which seats more than 1 person or a utility vehicle that can seat 3 to 6 comfortably with seatbelts might be most feasible and versatile choice. Standard ATV models have a straddle seat for the driver only. Pricing varies according to options. Standard option choices for both body styles are winches, plows, and the Polaris Lock and Ride system of cargo boxes and racks, gun scabbards and windshields that attach easily with no tools or bungee cords. If you are challenged for garage space, protective weatherproof covers are also available. Utility vehicles can sport after market cab enclosures that mount around the roll cage and provide protection from the weather. Other attachments include cargo trailers, fertilizer spreaders, log arches and food plot implements.

As with any off-road motorized vehicle, safety is always a major concern. ATVs can be hazardous to operate so invest in the proper safety equipment for the whole family. Helmets and sturdy shoes are a must and other protective gear is readily available; remember to include this expense in your calculations. Your local dealer will advise which models are legally considered as Adult models for purchase and use only by those over 16. Smaller youth models may not be ridden by a child under age 12 per Federal Statutes. Free safety training courses are available for all ages and every family member should participate to ensure a safe riding experience. Companies manufacturing units in the United States are required to provide safety course information to buyers. Take this opportunity to Buy American; certainly you want value for your dollars.

Now that you have an idea of how a machine will enhance your lifestyle, check the Internet. Major brands have user-friendly informative sites and provide dealer locator maps. You can also find comparison charts and warranty information for major brands and models. Pay special attention to the carrying and towing capacities. Also you will be able to view the attachment and implement selection as well. Here are a few terms to be familiar with as you start that process.

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) when you push the switch from 2WD to AWD at any ground speed, you automatically get all wheel traction right when you need it. If the rear wheels slip, the machine automatically engages both front wheels with full torque, delivering all-wheel traction.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (PVT) Polaris Variable transmission uses a belt drive system similar to a snowmobile so there is NO SHIFTING at all! The system responds to both engine RPM and vehicle torque load for seamless response to changing terrain and it’s the only automatic that comes with a lifetime limited belt warranty.

ENGINE BREAKING SYSTEM (EBS) Engine braking occurs when a driver releases the throttle traveling down a hill. The wheels “back drive” the engine through the drive train and compression forces in the engine’s cylinders, along with friction, to slow the vehicle. Engine braking improves handling on hilly terrain and reduces wear in standard brakes.

INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) The rear wheels move independently over bumps and rocks creating a smoother ride.

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION (EFI) Easier starting, smoother power and more responsive than carbureted engines, along with improved gas mileage and EFI engines are not affected by changes in attitude and temperature.

Now that you can talk the talk, it’s time to visit the dealerships and further compare brands, models and pricing. Make a list of your questions and concerns. Schedule plenty of time for each visit, as the test ride experience is an important component of the purchase process. Test ride the vehicles you are interested in, the smoothest ride; easiest handling and the most comfortable seat often narrow the field. The dealership should have a trial course set up with cones; often a cloverleaf pattern with a straightaway and a “ rock walk” are featured. Keep your own needs and requirements in mind; remember although it looks inviting and exciting, there isn’t much opportunity for sand dune riding in Vermont or New Hampshire.

As you are finalizing your deal, review the available sales programs and interest rates carefully. Sales tax, registration, title, lien and document fees affect the bottom line. Extended warranties and insurances can also be obtained. While ATVS and Utility vehicles may be registered in Vermont, they are still off-road vehicles and may not be used like a car. Ask your sales professional to introduce you to the factory certified technician who will maintain your unit through the warranty period and beyond. You can perform routine maintenance but it’s always good to develop that technical connection right from the start.

Choosing the vehicle that is right for you will result in many years of productive service and a happy consumer experience. Consider mixing work and play by joining VASA. The Vermont All-Terrain Vehicles sportsman Association (www.vtvasa.org) is a statewide association of local clubs, authorized and in partnership with the State of Vermont to develop and manage ATV trails. These family based clubs require DMV registration and VASA membership to ride the network of trails found throughout the state. New Hampshire features a number of ATV parks with trails for all levels of rider.

Whether it be work or play, we wish you Happy Trails.

For First-Time Buyers:
How to Find the Right Sports Car—Oops, Tractor!

Most adults don’t wear clothing made for someone twice their own size…or even half their size. Knowing your correct size in clothing is a matter not only of personal comfort, but also for the activities you plan to undertake. There are also many different sizes of tractors out there, so how does a first-time buyer know what to look for?

A few basics about tractors may be helpful when you go looking for yours. If we had been living one hundred years ago we might have asked, “How many horses do you need to plow that field?” Today, the question is almost the same: “How much horsepower do you need to mow an acre of lawn, remove snow from a long driveway, and haul firewood in from your wood lot?” The horses you need today are tucked under the sleek hood of compact utility tractors that are made especially to work on a few acres. Why, these tractors are so much fun to operate that family members just might fight over who gets to drive them.

You are a savvy consumer, but how do you start the process? Sure, we all know about RBIs, DVDs, and MVPs. But not everyone was born with a genetic understanding of PTOs, ROPS, and FWD. When you go shopping for a tractor, here is a list of terms that will help you understand “tractor language.”

• PTO (Power Take-Off): This is a shaft at the back or the mid-point of the tractor that spins with tremendous power from the tractor engine and is used to run attachments or other machinery being pulled by the tractor. It literally “takes power off” the engine and delivers it to the implement. It is considered the true measure of horsepower capabilities.
• 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive): The engine drives the tractor’s right rear wheel. 2WD is ideal for light jobs and smooth terrain.
• Diff Lock (Differential Lock): Diff lock allows the operator to manually engage both rear wheels simultaneously for greater traction.
• FWD (Four-Wheel Drive): The engine drives all tractor wheels. FWD is ideal for hilly, muddy, or snowbound conditions. The optional New Holland Sensitrak automatically switches from 2WD to FWD when the job demands it. Under conditions that cause rear wheels to slip, Sensitrak smoothly engages FWD. Back on firm ground Sensitrak disengages, allowing the front wheels to roll freely. Protecting turf and saving wear and tear on front tires.
• HP (Engine or Gross Horsepower): These letters coupled with a number represent the amount of power the tractor engine produces.
• The hydraulic system is a closed-environment system that creates oil pressure to lubricate the transmission and gears, assist in braking, operate the steering system, engage the PTO, and power the attachments.
• Auxiliary hydraulics operate an attachment with hydraulics off a cylinder at the back of the tractor.
• Drawbar: The bar at the back of the tractor where machinery is hitched to the tractor. Drawbar horsepower is engine power measured at the tractor drawbar, generally 75 to 85 percent of PTO horsepower. Drawbar horsepower indicates the tractor’s ability to pull implements.
• ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure): A strong steel bar that rises above the driver’s seat and is designed to protect the driver in case the tractor tips over. The National Safety Council estimates that ROPS and seat belt-equipped tractors would save approximately 350 lives annually in the U.S.
• FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure): Like the ROPS, it is intended to protect you in the event of a tractor rollover, but in addition it also shields you from falling objects. Sometimes it looks like a metal sunshade.
• Three-Point Hitch: A mechanical link at the back of the tractor used to attach, adjust, raise, or lower, and pull implements such as a mower. The hitch consists of two lift arms that are raised and lowered by the tractor’s hydraulic system. At the end of each arm is a hole where the pin of an implement’s three-point hitch can be inserted and locked into position.

Now, let's make a list, starting with the size of your property. Small lot? Try a small tractor for mowing and snow removal, say 20 to 25 horsepower. A larger lot, especially one with hills and a long driveway? You should be looking at a bit more horsepower, maybe 30 –35. But if you have a few acres and plan to really do some serious small-scale farming, a model with 40 plus horsepower will probably better suit your needs.

Next, write down the tasks you want your tractor to do for you. You will discover that they do so much more than you imagined. Tractors are made for mowing, tilling, digging, making fence post holes, removing snow, and much, much more. If you move soil, mulch, gravel, or snow, a much faster, easier way to move heavy materials is with a front end loader. Once you have used one, you may wonder how you ever did outdoor work without it. With it you can move anything heavy, carry feed, hay, manure, or pallets and even do light grading around the house and garden.

Finally, think about the space where this tractor will be working and where it will be kept. What is the minimum width you have to maneuver around your roses and rhododendrons? How wide is the space beside your car in the garage? Or will you keep your tractor in a barn where there is plenty of room? Remember, ROPS, and FOPS will increase your tractor's height.

Now it is time to shop. All tractor manufacturers have Web sites, which are useful in narrowing down your color preference. When you feel ready to move to the next step, grab your list and head out to your local dealer. He will help you identify the model that will fit your needs and price range perfectly.

While you are at the dealership, test-drive several models of different sizes. Get a feel for the seat, the controls, and the visibility. Remember, after the sale, nobody ever complains that the tractor is too big for the job. Ask about maintenance schedules and warranty programs. Don’t forget to include a slow moving vehicle sign as part of the deal.

After you have done your homework and your dream tractor is parked in your yard, keep in mind that proper preventative maintenance ensures longer life, hassle-free operation, and great value. Protect your investment and know that it will perform when you need it. Happy tractoring!

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ROPS SEATBELT SAFETY - IT'S THE WAY TO LIVE

USE THE ROPS AND SEAT BELT WHENEVER AND WHEREVER APPLICABLE. IF YOUR TRACTOR HAS A FOLDABLE ROPS, FOLD IT DOWN ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND FOLD IT UP AND LOCK IT AGAIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT WEAR THE SEAT BELT WHEN THE ROPS IS FOLDED. MOST TRACTOR FATALITIES ARE CAUSED BY OVERTURNS. NEW HOLLAND STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THE USE OF ROPS AND SEAT BELTS IN ALMOST ALL APPLICATIONS.

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ATV Talk