Amphibious ATV

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Land Tamer amphibious in the water; 8x8 remote access model, for disaster relief Land-Tamer Amphibious 8x8 (cropped).jpg
Land Tamer amphibious in the water; 8x8 remote access model, for disaster relief
Argo 8x8 Amphibious ATV as used in 2006, to aid in search for human remains in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina. FEMA - 23019 - Photograph by Marvin Nauman taken on 03-15-2006 in Louisiana.jpg
Argo 8x8 Amphibious ATV as used in 2006, to aid in search for human remains in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina.

An amphibious all-terrain vehicle, amphibious ATV, (or AATV) is a small, all-wheel drive, all-terrain amphibious vehicle, used for recreation, farm-, hunting, utility or industry tasks, by enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. They are legally off-highway vehicles in many countries, or at least restricted from use on express highways and motorways – their use is generally extra-urban.

Contents

Amphibious ATVs frequently use a lightweight body-tub with wide balloon tires and a simple drivetrain without any wheel suspension or steering – the only cushioning is provided by the soft tires, that also contribute to floatation in the water. Steering is through differential steering, also known as skid-steering. Models are frequently six-wheel drive, or eight-wheel drive on larger models.

They were marketed from the early 1960s and quickly became popular, predominantly for recreation, in both the United States and Canada, originally called all-terrain vehicle (ATV). [1] However, after the introduction of cheaper small three- and four-wheeled off-road motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s, these became more popular, and the nomenclature 'ATV' shifted in usage to refer to the latter non-amphibious, straddled little off-road motorbikes.

To distinguish the original class of vehicles from the newer, straddled ATVs, the amphibious ones now go by the classification of 'amphibious ATV'.

History

The 6x6 Amphicat was made from ca. 1965-1975. Amphicat.jpg
The 6x6 Amphicat was made from ca. 1965–1975.

Amphibious ATVs were made in the United States a decade before 3- and 4-wheeled ATVs were introduced by Honda and other Japanese manufacturers. After the introduction of the Jiger in 1961, numerous manufacturers offered a number of similar small off-road vehicles. These vehicles were designed to float and were capable of traversing swamps, ponds and streams as well as dry land. Because they were smaller and much simpler in construction than amphibious cars, they were much cheaper to produce and quickly gained considerable popularity. By 1970 there were almost 60 companies producing amphibious 6x6 vehicles. There was even a professional racing association (NATVA) dedicated to the 6x6, holding numerous competitions across the US. [2]

In the early 1970s however there was a rapid decline in sales of this type of ATVs, forcing most manufacturers to cease production:

Only a small number of manufacturers of this type of vehicle remain today.

Characteristics

The German Solo 750 was manufactured from 1971 to 1981 Solo 750.JPG
The German Solo 750 was manufactured from 1971 to 1981

Although many differing variants have been developed over the years, most amphibious ATVs share most of the following characteristics. In contrast to today's ANSI definition of an ATV: "a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the (single) operator, and with handlebars for steering control", an AATV is intended for multiple riders, sitting inside, and will usually have two control sticks (and in some cases a steering wheel or joystick) rather than motorcycle-type handle bars as stipulated in the current definition. Typically constructed with a hard plastic or fiberglass watertight body "tub", AATVs usually have six or eight wheels all driven with low pressure (around 3 PSI) balloon tires, no suspension (other than what the tires offer) and no steering wheels. Directional control is accomplished through differential steering  just as on a tracked vehicle either by braking the wheels on the side of desired direction, or by applying more throttle to the wheels on the opposite side. Most contemporary designs use garden tractor type engines, that will provide roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) top speed. AATVs typically do not meet vehicle regulations in most countries, and are therefore strictly Off Highway Vehicles (OHV). [3] [4]

Though not as fast as a straddled ATV, the amphibious 6x6 and 8x8 can be operated with precision at slow speeds, carry more passengers and cargo, and has the ability to float. Although the spinning action of the tires is enough to propel the vehicle through the water albeit slowly outboard motors can be added for extended water use. On land the combination of a large number of wide wheels and tires, low tire pressure and low vehicle weight all result in exceptionally low ground pressure, high grip, and off-road ability. For further enhanced off-road, snow and mud performance, optional tracks can be mounted directly onto the wheels. [3] [5]

Vintage Manufacturers

The Spanish Artes Gato Montes was manufactured in 1971 Artes Gato Montes 1971.JPG
The Spanish Artés Gato Montés was manufactured in 1971

A partial list of the more than 70 manufacturers of AATVs in the 1960s and 1970s:

Current manufacturers

MAX 6x6 sporting optional tracks around its balloon wheels. ARMS & Hunting 2008 exhibition (112-37).jpg
MAX 6x6 sporting optional tracks around its balloon wheels.

Although amphibious ATVs are not widely known today, they can be found everywhere from a farm to the oil fields. Modern AATVs are used for industrial applications due to their capabilities that traditional off-road vehicles do not possess. Recreational and sport uses (trail riding and exploration) are other common contemporary uses.

Current brands of these machines include:

Racing

NATVA (National All-Terrain Vehicle Association) was the official amphibious racing association and had its own magazine. The organization started holding races in the late 1960s through the mid 1970s. Most of the events were held in Northeast and Upper Midwest of the US. Most of the successful teams were sponsored by dealerships or by an ATV company. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphibious vehicle</span> Vehicle capable of transport on both land and over/under water

An amphibious vehicle is a vehicle that is a means of transport viable on land as well as on or under water. Amphibious vehicles include amphibious bicycles, ATVs, cars, buses, trucks, railway vehicles, combat vehicles and hovercraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All-terrain vehicle</span> Light off-road vehicle

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a light utility vehicle (LUV), a quad bike or quad, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, has a seat that is straddled by the operator, and has handlebars. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. It is street-legal in some countries, but not in most states, territories and provinces of Australia, the United States, and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Four-wheel drive</span> Type of drivetrain with four driven wheels

Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer case providing an additional output drive shaft and, in many instances, additional gear ranges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Off-road vehicle</span> Automotive vehicle capable of driving across difficult terrain beyond sealed roads

An off-road vehicle (ORV), sometimes referred to as an off-highway vehicle (OHV), overland vehicle, or adventure vehicle, is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving off paved or gravel surfaces, such as trails and forest roads that have rough and low traction surfaces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tatra 815</span> Motor vehicle

The Tatra 815 is a truck family, produced by Czech company Tatra. It uses the traditional Tatra concept of rigid backbone tube and swinging half-axles giving independent suspension. The vehicles are available in 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, 10x8, 10x10, 12x8 and 12x12 variants. There are both air-cooled and liquid-cooled engines available with power ranging from 230–440 kilowatts (310–590 hp). As a successor to Tatra 813 it was originally designed for extreme off-road conditions, while nowadays there are also variants designated for mixed use. The gross weight is up to 35,500 kg (78,264 lb).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drive wheel</span> Any wheel of a motor vehicle that transmits force

A drive wheel is a wheel of a motor vehicle that transmits force, transforming torque into tractive force from the tires to the road, causing the vehicle to move. The powertrain delivers enough torque to the wheel to overcome stationary forces, resulting in the vehicle moving forwards or backwards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Six-wheel drive</span> Type of drivetrain with all six wheels driven

Six-wheel drive is an all-wheel drive drivetrain configuration of three axles with at least two wheels on each axle capable of being driven simultaneously by the vehicle's engine. Unlike four-wheel drive drivetrains, the configuration is largely confined to heavy-duty off-road and military vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, armored vehicles, and prime movers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military vehicle</span> Vehicle which is specially designed for use by military forces

A military vehicle is any vehicle for land-based military transport and activity, including combat vehicles, both specifically designed for or significantly used by military. Most military vehicles require off-road capabilities and/or vehicle armor, making them heavy. Some have vehicle tracks instead of just wheels; half-tracks have both. Furthermore, some military vehicles are amphibious, constructed for use on land and water, and sometimes also intermediate surfaces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arctic Cat</span> Subsidiary of Textron

Arctic Cat is an American brand of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The company was formed in 1960 and is now part of Textron Inc. Arctic Cat designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, as well as related parts, garments—such as snowmobile suits—and accessories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pandur II</span> Armoured personnel carrier

The Pandur II is an improved modular all-wheel-drive version of the Pandur 6x6 APC wheeled armoured vehicle. It was developed as a private venture by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge. Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), which is also the parent company of MOWAG of Switzerland and Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Articulated hauler</span>

An articulated hauler, articulated dump truck (ADT), or sometimes a dump hauler, is a very large heavy-duty type of dump truck used to transport loads over rough terrain, and occasionally on public roads. The vehicle usually has all-wheel drive and consists of two basic units: the front section, generally called the tractor, and the rear section that contains the dump body, called the hauler or trailer section. Steering is made by pivoting the front in relation to the back by hydraulic rams. This way, all wheels follow the same path, making it an excellent off-road vehicle.

Motorcycle components and systems for a motorcycle are engineered, manufactured, and assembled in order to produce motorcycle models with the desired performance, aesthetics, and cost. The key components of modern motorcycles are presented below.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphicat</span>

The Amphicat is a six-wheel-drive, skid steer amphibious all-terrain vehicle invented in Spain by José Artés de Arcos, manufactured in the late 1960s through the early 1970s by Mobility Unlimited Inc. of Auburn Hills, Michigan. The product line was purchased by Magna American which produced the vehicle in Raymond, Mississippi for several years. The vehicle was also made in Canada by Behoo Industries and differed slightly from its American counterpart, mostly on the transom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eight-wheel drive</span> Vehicle system with 8 powered wheels

Eight-wheel drive, often notated as 8WD or 8×8, is a drivetrain configuration that allows all eight wheels of an eight-wheeled vehicle to be drive wheels simultaneously. Unlike four-wheel drive drivetrains, the configuration is largely confined to heavy-duty off-road and military vehicles, such as armored vehicles, tractor units or all-terrain vehicles such as the Argo Avenger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FAP 2026</span> Serbian off-road lorry

FAP 2026 is a general purpose off-road lorry made by Serbian vehicle manufacturer Fabrika automobila Priboj (FAP). The six-wheel drive lorry is designed for transport of personnel, weapons and material up to 6 tons of total weight, as for traction of weapons and trailer up to 7.2 tons of weight for the needs of the Yugoslav People's Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otokar Arma</span> Turkish armoured combat vehicle

Otokar Arma is a 6x6 and 8x8 amphibious wheeled armored combat vehicle family designed and developed by Otokar. The vehicle is a modular multi-wheel configurable with a monocoque steel hull.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argo (ATV manufacturer)</span>

Argo is a Canadian manufacturer of amphibious all-terrain vehicles. It was founded in 1962 as Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG) Limited, in Kitchener, Ontario and was later moved to New Hamburg, Ontario. Argo offers 6×6 and 8×8 amphibious extreme terrain vehicles, as well as 4 wheel ATVs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphibious automobile</span> Vehicle viable on land and on/under water

An amphibious automobile is an automobile that is a means of transport viable on land as well as on or under water. They are unarmored for civilian use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avtoros Shaman</span> Motor vehicle

The Avtoros Shaman is a four cylinder diesel engine 8x8 all-terrain vehicle, built by Russian company Avtoros. The vehicle's design includes the ability to carry eight passengers, the use of low pressure tyres, an optional extra that can allow it to navigate on water, a "captain's chair" driving position, and three drive modes - both on and off-road capabilities, and a "crab" mode that allows the car to move sideways. Its design was intended to allow it to navigate all forms of terrain and be an ideal choice for outdoor adventures, with each vehicle costing over €250.000. The vehicle takes several months to be manufactured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CS/VP4 ATV</span> Lightweight all-terrain vehicle

Lynx is a series of lightweight all-terrain vehicle with 8x8, 6x6, or 4x4 all wheel drive. The vehicle is amphibious and capable of center-turning. Militarized version were observed in 2008 with reinforced chassis, weapon mounts, storage space and roll cage. The vehicle has different layout for different mission set, including troop transport, logistics, heavy weapon platform, reconnaissance, air defense, engineering service, or medical evacuation. During airborne, quick reaction and special forces operations this vehicle can be launched by tactical airlift or transport helicopters, or helicopter sling load.

References

  1. "About this Site". www.route6x6.com.
  2. "NATVA History and AATV racing questions". 6x6 World. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
  3. 1 2 "Bathtubs On Wheels". www.6x6world.com. Archived from the original on 2010-11-30. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  4. "ATV Laws by State | Riding Information | ATV Safety Institute" . Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  5. Dyer, Ezra (2016-06-29). "This ATV Is Also a Boat". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  6. "Gibbs Sports Amphibians". gibbssports.com.
  7. Litetechnologies.com
  8. "NATVA History and AATV racing questions". 6x6 World. Retrieved 2020-05-23.