4
Selecting & Using Equipment For 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 & 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 center of the trailer as possible.
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