Are ATV's Morphing into Tractors?

[have_blue]

I think ATV's are rapidly morphing into tractors. Am I wrong?

If you think about how ATV's started out as sqirrely 3 wheelers, to 4WD, to side-by-sides with canopies, to power steering, to the proliferation of small implements, it looks like the classic 80 year old cast iron tractor configuration is going to have competition. (I'm referring to ~45hp and smaller CUT's, not big ag tractors.)

Take a basic ATV design, make the frame bigger and heavier, tires larger, add diesel, a PTO (not integrated with the engine or transmission PLEASE!)and you have a serviceable CUT. There would have to be a way to temporarily firm up or lock the suspension for lifting implements and FEL, but that's a small detail.

I like the thought of a soft suspension to speed up mowing, and not having to split the whole tractor in two just to work on a clutch or seal.

 

[MikeInEburg]

Take a look at Bobcat's "Toolcat" on their web page. It is exactly what you describe - an ATV/tractor morph. And they look mightly comfortable!
Mike

 

[MMagis]

The primary issue is weight. They simply don't have the weight needed for ground engaging implements.

 

[TripleR]

Some are trying to use ATV/RUV vehicles as tractors and for light work like food plots and snow removal they seem to be OK. I have a 700 Grizzly and 660 Rhino and while very handy suck at doing any real work. I might be interested in an "up armored" ATV for some things as a supplement to a tractor, but would hate to even think of the cost.

 

[Scooby074]

Its been done! Check out the Yamaha TerraPro. Was ahead of its time for sure. THey didnt sell a whole lot of them, and the ones that are around demand a pretty penny considering they were only made in 1988.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA - 1988 Terra-Pro Home

 

[TheFlatlander]

Take a look at Bobcat's "Toolcat" on their web page. It is exactly what you describe - an ATV/tractor morph. And they look mightly comfortable!
Mike

Went there and checked it out. Very useful machine that definately makes the cross over.

 

[jas67]

Its been done! Check out the Yamaha TerraPro. Was ahead of its time for sure. THey didnt sell a whole lot of them, and the ones that are around demand a pretty penny considering they were only made in 1988.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA - 1988 Terra-Pro Home

It's only 349cc. It would have to be spinning awfully fast to make enough power to make it useful for mowing, tilling etc. I don't think I'd want to have to listen to it.

 

[lhfarm]

I think ATV's are rapidly morphing into tractors. Am I wrong?

If you think about how ATV's started out as sqirrely 3 wheelers, to 4WD, to side-by-sides with canopies, to power steering, to the proliferation of small implements, it looks like the classic 80 year old cast iron tractor configuration is going to have competition. (I'm referring to ~45hp and smaller CUT's, not big ag tractors.)

Take a basic ATV design, make the frame bigger and heavier, tires larger, add diesel, a PTO (not integrated with the engine or transmission PLEASE!)and you have a serviceable CUT. There would have to be a way to temporarily firm up or lock the suspension for lifting implements and FEL, but that's a small detail.

I like the thought of a soft suspension to speed up mowing, and not having to split the whole tractor in two just to work on a clutch or seal.

Willys wanted the Jeep to morph into a tractor (see our Web site) and they had some success. Like you, I've watched ATV's change and if I didn't already own 3 jeeps, I'd have one for the farm. Come to think of it, maybe the ATV is set to become the new "farm jeep."

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

A bit off topic, but it's another type of tractor. In fact, they're called road tractors. You can still buy some nice used ones (under $10K), and even a newer one ($150K+) !!

Check out this old brochure... I don't think there's another tractor out there with this versatility.

http://vonsmog.com/images/caseunimogbrochure.pdf

I read once that they can pull 300,000 lbs. (I wouldn't try it.)

 

[have_blue]

Take a look at Bobcat's "Toolcat" on their web page. It is exactly what you describe - an ATV/tractor morph. And they look mightly comfortable!
Mike

I knew Bobcat was making (or re-labeling and selling) tractors, but had never heard of the Toolcat. Very cool, just about what I'm talking about.

I've been thinking for years that 45hp and smaller tractors are handicapping their customers by using the ancient casting configuration that the big tractors have.

Someone mentioned weight. By the time you drop in a 30-45hp diesel, add 4 large wheels, and beef up everything, weight need not be a problem!

The main problem I see is adding a 3 point hitch, but hey, maybe it's time to bury that too. There should be better ways to mount equipment in this day and age.