Keeping Your Modified ATV Balanced

Many operators take advantage of custom equipment to increase their ATV’s usefulness. Two types of custom equipment exist.

Rigidly mounted equipment:

• Includes luggage racks, broadcast seeders, and wick applicators for chemical weed control.
• Is bolted to the front or rear of the vehicle.
• Places the entire weight burden on the ATV.
• Moves the center of gravity to a less stable location.
• Increases the likelihood of a side overturn.
• Requires added caution when driving, even on level ground.
• Degrades steering and decreases rear traction when attached to the front of the ATV.
• Increases the chance of a rear overturn when attached to the rear of the ATV.

Equipment that is towed by the drawbar:

• Varies from a load of firewood to a row-crop sprayer.
• Tends to make the front end of the ATV rise proportionately with the amount of required drawbar pull.

When you add equipment, use counterweights to offset the load and improve the vehicle’s balance.

Never expect more towing capability than your ATV can safely provide.

Never exceed the ATV manufacturer’s weight limitations as explained in your owner’s manual.