No matter whether they are designed as recreational, sport or utility vehicle, ATVs, SxS and UTVs are basically at home in "all terrains". They are becoming more and more popular for road-travel as well. ZF provides optimal damper setting solutions for every application.
In addition to the classic four-wheel version, there are different three-wheel versions available, as well. Other obvious distinguishing features for such vehicles include the type of steering control and the seating. Steering is possible via handlebars or a steering wheel, seating options include motorcycle-type saddles (ATV) or so-called side-by-side (SxS) seating as found in a car. No matter what the design, the great variety of versions makes for unique recreational activities and a high utility value.
ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), in Europe often called Quads, are quite present in the sporting field as well, for example, in motocross racing or on freestyle circuits. Street-legal ATVs featuring the respective modifications and the right equipment may also be used on public roads. The driver's seat of the common ATVs is a motorcycle-type seat for up to two persons. Steering movements by the driver are transferred by means of handlebars and a steering rod. Generally, power is transmitted to the powered rear axle by means of a chain, while ATVs with part-time four-wheel drive usually feature a shaft drive.
When equipped with additional features, ATVs provide almost unlimited application possibilities as work or utility vehicles. Nowadays, UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) are strictly recognized as utility vehicles for working purposes. They are steered by means of a steering wheel and have room for 2 to 6 persons on non-straddle seating, similar to that in a car. Many different models provide a wide range of applications, including off-road use, but also use on public roads.
Equipped with rear racks, work surfaces and accessories such as tow bars, snow plows, spreaders, trimmers, tow-behind mowers, sweepers, chainsaw mounts, hydraulic systems and many other features, ATVs and UTVs are used, for example, in agriculture and forestry, for highway engineering, and at municipal organizations for maintenance and repair works. Even fire departments, ambulance and rescue services, as well as military and police forces use ATVs and UTVs.
SxS (Side-by-Side) are another design derived from the ATV. Nowadays, UTVs are strictly recognized as utility vehicles for working purposes while SxS are ideal for recreational use. They are steered by means of a steering wheel and have room for 2 to 4 persons on non-straddle seating, similar to that in a car. Many different models provide a wide range of applications, including off-road use, but also use on public roads.
Furthermore, there are electrified vehicles or so-called electric carts. They are used for passenger transport and as work or utility vehicles, both indoors and outdoors. Primary use for electric carts is in urban local or shuttle transport on short-haul routes. In addition to being used for recreational applications, for example as golf cart, electrified vehicles with their specific advantages are often used at municipal institutions and commercial businesses.
A large variety of motorized tricycle versions is available, ranging from the classic trike, tadpole motorcycles to SxS variants. The single wheel can be found either at the front or at the rear. The majority of three-wheeled vehicles is designed for road-use and recreation. A special application is the snowmobile with skis at the front and a rear caterpillar chain drive.