Side-by-side (vehicle)

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A Yamaha YXZ1000R side-by-side. Yamaha yxz1000r in the ycp.JPG
A Yamaha YXZ1000R side-by-side.
Kawasaki MULE Starr 081230-0078 Pennisetum setaceum.jpg
Kawasaki MULE

A side-by-side vehicle (SxS or SSV), is an off-road vehicle with a minimum of two seats positioned side by side and enclosed within a roll cage structure. They have a minimum of four wheels (or continuous tracks) and are operated by foot controls and a steering wheel. Depending on use and application they can also be called a utility task vehicle, utility terrain vehicle (UTV), recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV), or multipurpose off-highway utility vehicle (MOHUV). [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Side-by-sides may be included in the category of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), [6] but do not include vehicles with saddle-seats that are operated using handlebar-type controls that are the conventional meaning of that term.

Definition and standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes two standards for side-by-sides. ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016 sets standards for multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles (MOHUV) specifically intended for utility use which are intended to transport persons and cargo, have a non-straddle seat, are designed to travel on four or more wheels, use a steering wheel and pedals for controls, have a top speed of at least 25 mph (40.2 km/h), are 2030 mm (80 in) or less in overall width, have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of no more than 1814 kg (4000 lb), and with a minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg (350 lb). [7] ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016 sets standards for recreational off-highway vehicles as having speed capability greater than 30 MPH (48 km/h), GVWR no greater than 1700 kg (3750 lbs), and engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 cubic inches) for gasoline fueled engines. [8]

Safety

Side-by-sides come factory-equipped with a rollover protection structure. Many of the vehicles also come equipped with hard tops, windshields, and even cab enclosures. Many follow safety standards including "visual seat belt usage reminders; leg/foot barriers; shoulder/hip barriers; and arm/hand barriers to restrict occupant egress and excursion from the vehicle during a rollover event." These are voluntary standards under American National Standard for recreational off-highway vehicles, ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016, though the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has proposed making them mandatory.[ citation needed ]

In 2009, CPSC warned: "The vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash." According to the CPSC, between 2003 and August 2009, 116 deaths occurred in ROV/UTV accidents. [9]

Use and application

Motorsports

Since the 2017 Dakar Rally, the SSV category vehicles have competed in a separate class, which is defined as four-wheel side-by-side vehicles with 1000 cc maximum displacement. [10] Previously, they were classified in the Cars T3.3 subclass. In 2021 Dakar Rally organizers and the FIA introduced common categories - Group T3 for light prototypes and Group T4 for production based side by side vehicles. The trucks were reclassified to Group T5.

Other off-road racing series include side-by-side classes, such as the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, TORC: The Off-Road Championship, SCORE International, Best in the Desert, and Grand National Cross Country.

Agriculture

Overlanding

In combat

Ukrainian forces have used UTVs during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, using a crew of two, fitted with Stugna-P missiles, some with machine guns, to destroy Russian tanks and positions. They have been referred to as "Mad Max" buggies. [11] The US Marines are amongst other military forces to utilise forms of side-by-sides such as Polaris RZR. [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

ROV may refer to:

<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">Utility vehicle</span>

A utility vehicle (UV) is a vehicle, generally motorized, that is designed to carry out a specific task with more efficacy than a passenger vehicle. It sometimes refers to a small truck with low sides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombardier Recreational Products</span> Canadian manufacturer of recreational vehicles

BRP Inc. is the holding company for Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., operating as BRP, a Canadian manufacturer of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, side by sides, motorcycles, and personal watercraft. It was founded in 2003, when the Recreational Products Division of Bombardier Inc. was spun off and sold to a group of investors consisting of Bain Capital, the Bombardier-Beaudoin family and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. Bombardier Inc., was founded in 1942 as L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée by Joseph-Armand Bombardier at Valcourt in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.

<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">International Harvester Scout</span> Motor vehicle

The International Harvester Scout is an off-road vehicle produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. A precursor of more sophisticated SUVs to come, it was created as a competitor to the Jeep, and it initially featured a fold-down windshield. The Scout and second-generation Scout II were produced in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as two-door trucks with a removable hard top with options of a full-length roof, half-cab pickup, and/or soft top.

<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">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">SCORE International</span> Off-road racing sanctioning body in the United States and Mexico

SCORE International is an off-road racing sanctioning body in the sport of desert racing. Founded by Mickey Thompson in 1973, SCORE International was purchased from Sal Fish in late 2012. and is run by its current president and race director Jose A. Grijalva and General Manager Juan Tintos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yamaha Rhino</span> Off-road vehicle

The Yamaha Rhino is an off-road vehicle produced by Yamaha Motor Company from 2004 to 2012. The Yamaha Rhino is designed for driver and passenger. Built at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, they can be equipped with either two or four-wheel drive. With a two-seater side-by-side, the vehicle is classified as a utility task vehicle (UTV) or recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV).

Can-Am is a Canadian subsidiary of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) founded in 1972 and based in Valcourt, Quebec. The company produced off-road motorcycles from 1972 to 1987. In 1997, the company was reformed and began production of ATV vehicles as well as the Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycle.

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

An amphibious all-terrain vehicle, amphibious ATV, 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.

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area is a state park unit of California, U.S., providing off-roading opportunities in the Diablo Range. Located in southern Alameda and San Joaquin counties, it is one of eight state vehicular recreation areas (SVRAs) administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. With a diversity of terrain ranging from rolling hills to steep canyons, Carnegie has become a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts of all skill levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rally raid</span> Long distance, multiday, off-road racing

Rally raid, also known as cross-country rallying, is a form of long distance off-road racing that takes place over several days. The length of the event can be as short as 2–3 days for a cross-country baja to as long as 15 days with marathon rallies like the Dakar Rally; with other cross-country rally events lasting 4–5 days. With skill in navigation being key, the driving skill and endurance of riders, drivers, co-drivers, and machines are put to the test. The total distance covered can be anywhere between 600 km to over 5,000 km with terrain ranging from sandy dunes, forest roads, mountain roads, and dry river beds; among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can-Am Off-Road</span> Canadian recreational vehicle manufacturer

Can-Am ATVs and side-by-side vehicles are manufactured by BRP / Bombardier Recreational Products a Canadian company, once part of Bombardier Inc. Founded in 1942 as L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée by Joseph-Armand Bombardier in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oshkosh TAK-4 Independent Suspension System</span> Weapon

TAK-4 independent suspension system is a family of independent suspension systems designed and manufactured by Oshkosh Corporation for use on military, severe-duty and emergency vehicles. The system was developed from the mid-1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polaris RZR</span> US sport vehicle

The Polaris RZR, is a sport side-by-side produced by Polaris Industries. When launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, it was officially known as the Ranger RZR, as it was marketed as a sub-model of the larger, work-oriented Ranger. As the RZR gained popularity, Polaris eventually dropped the Ranger designation and positioned the RZR as a stand-alone model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sherp</span> Amphibious off-road vehicle

SHERP is a Ukrainian UTV designed for rough and soggy terrain. The company is certified with international quality standards ISO 9001 and its headquartered in Kyiv (Ukraine). Its vehicles are sold all over the world through a wide dealership network including ARGO and STREIT Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Dakar Rally</span> 42nd edition of the Dakar Rally, held in Saudi Arabia

The 2020 Dakar Rally was the 42nd edition of the event and the first edition held in Saudi Arabia. The event started in Jeddah on 5 January and finished in Al-Qiddiya on 17 January after 12 stages of the competition.

Seth Quintero is American off-road racing driver. He is currently part of Red Bull's rallying team for rally raid events and competes in the World Rally-Raid Championship.

References

  1. Stewart, Alistair. "What is SXS Racing?". SXS Racing. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  2. "ATV vs SxS UTV". www.brp-world.com. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  3. Polaris (2022). "Explore Types of Off-Road Vehicles" . Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  4. "Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. 4 May 2011.
  5. "What is a Side-by-Side Vehicle? A beginner's guide • Axiom Side by Side". Axiom Side by Side. 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  6. "All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Quad bikes and side-by-side utility vehicles - Agriculture - HSE". www.hse.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  7. "American National Standard for Multipurpose Off-Highway Utility Vehicles" (PDF). ANSI. Retrieved 2020-01-10.
  8. "ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  9. Trottman, Melanie (2009-10-09). "CPSC Staff Calls for Mandatory ROV Standards". Wall Street Journal.
  10. "2017 Stage 1 Live Feed". dakar.com. The Dakar. Archived from the original on 2017-01-03. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  11. Davis, Katie (2022-05-02). "Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine's Mad Max style buggies used to destroy Russian tanks and planes". news.com.au. The Sun. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  12. "Marine Corps Utility Task Vehicles receiving multiple upgrades". United States Marine Corps Flagship. Retrieved 2022-08-24.