The Many Practical Roles of the ATV

We explore the many roles of the ATV from business to pleasure and everything in between. The ATV has emerged as much more than a recreational off-road vehicle.


The ATV, or all terrain vehicle, once considered pure recreation and excitement has emerged as much more than that. Years of innovations in the ATV industry have produced superior machines with extraordinary reliability and performance. Aside from enjoying the wooded trails and sand dunes, the ATV has found itself in numerous practical roles including search and rescue, law enforcement, agriculture and farming, snow removal, hunting and patrol of gamelands, and just about any job that requires access to areas previously unreachable by four wheel drive trucks. The four wheel drive (4x4) ATV models in particular have exploded onto the scene.

These utility ATVs capable of being driven by all four wheels, are able to perform far more tasks than originally anticipated. The addition of accessories including luggage and storage racks and powered winches have also impacted the use of ATVs for business and practical purposes. Engines can range in size with maximum displacement as high as 800cc providing plenty of power for towing, dragging, and other tasks. A reverse gear provides much more versatility than the mono-directional ATVs of earlier years. Shaft drives have replaced chain and sprocket drives on the original sport models. PTO has become an option providing power for those who need to drive external accessories and machinery. With a plethora of options available, the 4x4 utility ATV can be considered a viable off-road vehicle and useful tool rolled into one.

Law enforcement is a fine example of ATV use from a practical standpoint. The police have begun making use of ATVs for patrolling as well as search and rescue. The ability of the ATV to travel off-road in less than perfect road or trail conditions makes the ATV the perfect tool for police in rural areas. In areas where horseback and foot patrol used to be the only option, the ATV can provide a reliable means of travel, and in some cases a much longer range. In a city environment, ATVs play a huge role in crowd control. The ATV has also made beach patrols far easier for enforcement officers. Large areas of sandy beach can be patrolled in a relatively short period of time versus good, old fashioned walking. Firefighters also can reach wooded areas normally off-limits to firetrucks and medical personnel now have a means of assisting and retrieving individuals in need of emergency medical care.

The use of ATVs in agriculture and farm operations is most predominant of all. Small and medium sized farms have made use of ATVs performing tasks previously performed by horses and by good old human power. The application of pesticides has become more efficient due to the availability of ATV-mounted pesticide applicators. The feeding of livestock has become easier using ATVs for hauling and distributing feed. Mowing smaller fields can be more efficient with ATVs over full size tractors especially in areas with limited access.

The relocation of dirt and gravel, a simple task done for a variety of reasons, has been made easier as ATVs can reach areas not accessible by pickup truck or tractor. Seeding is another example of life made easier on the farm by means of ATV, an attached ATV spreader can ease the workload associated with seeding crops as well. Tilling can also be accomplished via ATV. A cumbersome tiller attached to a full size tractor may not always work well in areas with limited access or difficult maneuverability.

Anyone who has ever ridden an ATV for recreational purposes knows how gratifying and enjoyable riding can be and it is always interesting to see exciting new roles played by the all terrain vehicle as they continue to emerge year after year. Through the use of new and innovative accessories, larger engines, better suspension and control, we can only imagine where we'll find an ATV next.

Chet maintains The ATV Parts Locator which features both stock and aftermarket parts for all makes and models of atvs. The ATV Parts Locator lists the atvs by make and model with parts available for all the popular models including the Honda TRX400EX and Yamaha Banshee. The website is owned and operated by Val Marketing of Carbondale, PA.