Every car owner knows that driving on a perfectly smooth asphalt road is a real pleasure for the driver. But if the road is full of holes and cracks, then the trip turns into torture for both the driver and the car. But if you need to drive through rough, swampy or snowy terrain, then for an ordinary car such a path will certainly become an impassable obstacle. Tires and suspension intended for city roads will get stuck in the mud, and then you can only rely on the help of a tow truck. If it is necessary to travel long distances over rough terrain, then for this purpose there are special vehicles - all-terrain vehicles.
People who constantly need to travel long distances off-road often come to the decision to purchase a vehicle that can pass through snow, swamps and sometimes even water. Most often, such people are lovers of hunting and fishing, as well as rangers who constantly work in the forests. Snow and swamp-going vehicles on ultra-low pressure wheels can satisfy all the needs of this kind of people. These all-terrain vehicles are capable of traversing not only mud and forest floors, but also thick snow and marshy terrain, and the ultra-low pressure tires reduce the chances of punctures due to their higher ductility and shock absorption.
Features of all-terrain vehicles
First of all, vehicles of this class are distinguished by the versatility of the suspension system and high engine power. The suspension in some models is designed in such a way that the all-terrain vehicle becomes an amphibious vehicle, as it is capable of moving not only on land, but also on water. When choosing an all-terrain vehicle, you should pay main attention to the following characteristics.
Versatility
To ensure high maneuverability over all possible obstacles, manufacturers often have to sacrifice something in the design of the all-terrain vehicle, reducing its speed or capacity.
Obviously, the most versatile vehicle will be the one that can pass any rough terrain, including water. But if it is known that the all-terrain vehicle will not be used to cross deep water obstacles, then it is better to choose the model that is most suitable for moving on land.
Tire pressure
Wheels are a very important part of an all-terrain vehicle, since their quality determines whether a puncture will occur during a collision with some sharp snag, after which you will have to, at a minimum, change the wheel for a spare wheel.
Ultra-low pressure tires minimize the chances of punctures, but reduce the maximum speed of vehicles.
Knowing how dangerous the terrain for wheels will have to be overcome on an all-terrain vehicle, you should choose wheels of a suitable design.
Capacity
The number of seats in the cabin of an all-terrain vehicle directly determines how many people can ride in it. It’s convenient if you can put a lot of people in a vehicle, but the more seats there are, the larger and heavier the whole car will be.
If the goal is to choose an all-terrain vehicle model for a huntsman who, for professional purposes, constantly travels long distances, then it is better to give preference to a small vehicle with one or two seats. An all-terrain vehicle of such a small size will obviously consume less fuel, which is beneficial in terms of economy.
To choose an all-terrain vehicle wisely, it is important to know in what conditions it will be used. If the conditions for using an all-terrain vehicle are precisely known, then it is possible to select the optimal model that will perform all the tasks assigned to it most effectively.
If the conditions in which the vehicle will have to work are unknown, then a reasonable choice would be to purchase a universal model that can cope with any tasks.
Review of popular models
Some models of all-terrain vehicles are in greatest demand among hunters and fishermen, as they have been tested by practice and time. Companies specializing in the production of this kind of machines have authority in the all-terrain vehicle market, which means their products are of high quality and meet all requirements.
All-terrain vehicles "Max"
There are 3 common models of all-terrain vehicles from this manufacturer: the maneuverable two-seater “Max 2”, the roomy six-seater “Max 4” and the “Buffalo” designed for transporting heavy loads.
Representing a six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle on low-pressure tires, the Max is also an amphibian, as it is capable of sliding from land into water without any difficulty and moving along it at speeds of up to 12 km/h. This is a fairly fast transport for its class, since its speed on land is up to 75 km/h.
The Max 4 all-terrain vehicle weighs 900 kg and easily overcomes almost any natural obstacles due to the fact that each of the wheels has independent control. This model is a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle on low-pressure tires, which is a very versatile, indispensable vehicle for those who like to go hunting far from civilization.
All-terrain vehicles "Argo"
In many countries, the most common model from this manufacturer is the 8x8 OutFitter. This eight-wheeled vehicle is also available in a tracked model. The all-terrain vehicle moves well through forests, as well as rocky, swampy and snowy areas, and at the same time it is an amphibian, so it can also move on water.
A very versatile, but limited in speed of movement, all-terrain vehicle with tracked suspension. The absence of tires means that there is no need to fear a sudden puncture of the tube, but the maximum speed of such vehicles on land is only 45 km/h. On water, this all-terrain vehicle also does not accelerate very much - only up to 4 km/h.
The cabin of the Tinger amphibious all-terrain vehicle is a closed structure that can accommodate up to 5 people. Riding in such a vehicle is quite comfortable in any weather conditions.
Domestic models "Transmash"
A large tracked all-terrain vehicle, which is produced in Russia. A large closed body can accommodate a dozen people or other bulky cargo. The cross-country ability of the tracked suspension is unquestionable in conditions of snow, mud and other forest flooring.
The two-wheeled all-terrain vehicle with low-pressure tires is a lightweight and reliable single-seat vehicle for off-road travel. This model has a collapsible design, which allows it to be compactly placed in the trunk of many large enough cars for transportation.
How to choose the best
When it becomes necessary to purchase a vehicle for moving over rough terrain, every hunter or gamekeeper faces a fairly wide choice.
Obviously, for the forest you need to choose an all-terrain vehicle with low pressure tires, but in some cases a track suspension may be a better choice. Indeed, in this case, the danger of a tire puncture is completely eliminated, since metal parts in forest conditions are much more difficult to damage than rubber.
But it should be noted that all-terrain vehicles on low-pressure wheels are designed in such a way as to move comfortably over rough terrain. And they are often able to reach higher speeds than similar vehicles on tracked suspension, and the likelihood of getting a puncture in them is actually very small.
When it is known that you will have to drive in very difficult conditions of swampy terrain, snow and swamp-going vehicles with low-pressure tires, best suited for moving through sticky quagmire and snow, come to the fore. If a hunter likes to travel alone, then there is no point in purchasing large and heavy transport, since it will consume much more resources, and its additional capabilities will not be used.
Video
You will find a comparative test of ultra-low pressure tires in our video.
Today, in many programs about hunting, travel, tourism and extreme recreation, you can see unique transport - all-terrain vehicles on low-pressure tires.
This technique is easily recognizable by its huge wheels, incredible ground clearance and unique cross-country ability. This is the best option for moving on sand, sticky soil, rocky surfaces and water.
A little history
The first all-terrain vehicles were not represented by the Christie tank. Within a few years, faster versions appeared based on this model.
Their advantages include versatility and excellent maneuverability. This technique felt confident on hard surfaces (wheels were connected to the work) and off-road (caterpillars helped).
But time has shown that tracked vehicles are far from the best option.
Car enthusiasts have noticed that as the pressure inside the tire decreases, the area of contact between the wheel and the ground increases. As a result, the vehicle's cross-country ability increases.
For example, on some trucks (Ural-4320, GAZ-66 and others), the driver can adjust the tire pressure based on the situation on the road.
Sometimes SNDs with a special tread are used, which improves all-terrain qualities.
The peculiarity of special tires is their greater width and softness when compared with conventional tires.
Today, tires with ultra-low pressure are becoming increasingly popular. But there is one big minus. Installation of such wheels is possible only on special equipment. If you want to install them on your car, you will have to make serious alterations.
Main types
Depending on the scope of application, design features and purpose, all-terrain vehicles come in several types.
They perform well in swampy areas and are used in agriculture when draining wetlands.
In addition, such devices are very useful in the construction of roads, oil and gas pipelines, as well as geological exploration.
They do well in snowy areas. These are reliable assistants for fishermen, hunters and travelers. They are suitable for transporting goods and replace personal transport for residents of the northern regions.
Able to overcome any obstacles. For them, dirt, stones, snow and even shallow rivers are not a problem.
“Sharpened” for overcoming deep obstacles, even under conditions of complete immersion. For example, today amphibious earth-moving machines are very popular, which cope with their tasks on any terrain.
Design features
All-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires have unique cross-country ability, primarily due to an unusual approach to design and reduced pressure inside the tire. In this case, the contact patch makes up one third or one fourth of the entire surface of the tire.
By increasing the contact area, the load on the soil is also reduced, which is very important for agricultural machinery.
When inflating tires, you need to ensure that the pressure difference (between ultra-low and low) is about 0.3 MPa.
As for amphibious all-terrain vehicles (we have already mentioned them), their buoyancy properties are ensured by special fillers in the tires.
Moreover, the bottom of such cars is completely sealed. If it is necessary to increase the speed of movement, wheels are used, but, of course, water cannons are more effective.
In addition, all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires have a special articulated frame.
This design feature allows the wheels to occupy any position relative to each other (it all depends on the characteristics of the machine itself).
The use of articulated frames improves the maneuverability of equipment and minimizes the likelihood of it overturning.
Wheeled all-terrain vehicles may have two or three axles. In the first option, all wheels are driven. Moreover, each of them has the ability to block the center and cross-axle differentials.
Another feature of such systems is the ability to disable one of the bridges. If you need greater cross-country ability, then it is better to give preference to three-axle vehicles with a 6x6 system.
Or four bridges with an 8x8 system.
As for the main unit, all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires can have either a carburetor or a diesel engine.
The diesel version is more suitable for medium and large-sized equipment, and the carburetor version is more suitable for small all-terrain devices intended for hunting or fishing enthusiasts.
Types of all-terrain vehicles with low pressure tires
All-terrain vehicles with SND differ in their functional purpose.
They are:
- Passenger. This equipment is designed to transport people up to 15 people;
- Cargo and passenger. The peculiarity of such all-terrain vehicles is that they can accommodate both passengers (up to four people) and cargo (a special trailer or platform is provided for these purposes);
- Freight. They have their own trailer and a special platform for transporting various cargoes.
Domestic and foreign models of all-terrain vehicles
Today, all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires are represented in many models on the automotive market. Let's look at some of them.
Automotive market of the Russian Federation.
Designed for movement on water and any off-road conditions. The most interesting thing is that it does not belong to the class of all-terrain vehicles.
Capable of transporting up to 80 kilograms of cargo and up to two people. It has a four-stroke engine on board with 9-15 horsepower. Can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. The average cost of such a “miracle” is 170-200 thousand rubles.
It is an amphibious all-terrain vehicle with a three-cylinder engine producing 53 horsepower.
Speeds up to 45 km/h. Polyethylene is used as the main material for the body; there is additional protection.
It can perform its functions at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius. Has a load capacity of up to half a ton.
It has a weaker two-cylinder engine with 35 horsepower. The remaining functions are similar to the version discussed above. The cost is about 600 thousand rubles.
Full characteristics of Tiger HVN 6x6-1.
Modernized version of UAZ. Easy to maintain and repair. Mechanically, it is no different from standard models.
Can be equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine. Speed – up to 70 km/h, maximum weight – 450/350 kilograms on land (water), respectively. The cost is about 1.4 million rubles.
Has characteristics similar to the previous model. A distinctive feature is the use of warmer plastic for the body and an expanded temperature range (-60- +60 degrees Celsius).
An excellent option for farmers and oil workers. It has a good load capacity - 400/300 kg (land/water) and all the characteristics of the main line model.
A six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle costing more than two million rubles. Has the characteristics of the leader of the line. Load capacity – 700/400 kg.
It has similar characteristics to the previous model. The car weighed up to 2.8 tons and became more spacious (capacity - up to 8 people).
Foreign automobile market.
Manufacturers abroad are also not asleep. The following models are popular there.
A powerful amphibious all-terrain vehicle with six wheels, an 18-horsepower engine and a maximum speed of up to 30 km/h.
It comes in a variety of colors and the body is made of polyethylene. Operates in the same temperature range as previous versions. Capable of transporting loads up to 317 kilograms by land and up to 227 kilograms by water.
Another American all-terrain vehicle with 8 wheels. Engine capacity - 750 cc. cm.
Yanmar C12W 6x6. All-terrain dump truck. Load capacity up to 650 kg, maximum speed up to 40 km/h.
Swedish military all-terrain vehicle with a 2.0-liter engine and 82 horsepower.
Homemade all-terrain vehicle: photo and description of the design of homemade equipment.
As you know, low-pressure tires have high off-road performance. Such capabilities of an all-terrain vehicle are provided by large, wide tires, inflated with the minimum possible pressure, which provide maximum contact with the ground surface.
Factory tires are quite expensive, so the people’s “Kulibins” have learned to make low-pressure tires from used tires from trucks, usually Ural, KrAZ, GAZ-66. A new tread is cut out of the old tire, and the tire itself becomes much lighter; such wheels are popularly called “flare wheels.”
In front of you is a home-made all-terrain vehicle on “breadth” tires, built by a craftsman from the Kostroma region.
The design of this vehicle is as follows: the frame is borrowed from a UAZ car, the axles are also from a UAZ. A transfer case is installed from a Niva, but the engine and gearbox are from an Oka car.
Low pressure wheels are tires from the Urals. To turn such wheels, a Volga hydraulic booster is installed here.
An Oka body is installed on top of the UAZ frame.
The wheels are homemade.
Suspension and axles from UAZ.
A homemade all-terrain vehicle can easily move through swamps, mud, slush and snow. The cruising speed of such equipment is 40 - 50 km/h.
Homemade author: Andrey. Kostroma region, Vokhma village.
Snow and swamp-going vehicles are a very useful device that is necessary not only for villagers, but also for fishing/hunting enthusiasts. After precipitation, most of the country roads become, to put it mildly, impassable, and even a Niva cannot drive on some of them. The only salvation in such cases may be an all-terrain vehicle with low-pressure tires, designed specifically for such difficult driving conditions.
Snow and swamp-going vehicles are universal all-terrain vehicles for which there are almost no obstacles
What are these snow and swamp-going vehicles?
Numerous videos highlight the cross-country ability of this miracle technology. So, in the video below, you can clearly see that for the described all-terrain vehicles there are no obstacles in principle.
And it doesn’t matter whether the terrain is rocky, swampy or sandy - the snow and swamp-going vehicle will cope with it perfectly, mainly thanks to these same wheels.
Note! It has been proven that the maximum cross-country ability of this type of equipment is achieved under conditions where the area of the flat part of the tire in contact with the surface corresponds to 1/3 or 1/4 of the diameter of the tire itself.
As a result, the pressure on the surface under the weight of the vehicle is minimized. Moreover, if the tire pressure exceeds the surface pressure on them, then plastic deformation disappears. The car simply cannot move on such surfaces, so the pressure is reduced (within reason, of course).
Design features
A distinctive feature of all representatives of this class of equipment is that their frame is articulated. It is thanks to this that the wheels are able to be located at almost any angle (not exceeding the indicator provided by the design) in relation to the others. And this, in turn, significantly increases the cross-country ability of snow and swamp-going vehicles. This frame also reduces the risk of the car turning over on its side, which is extremely important in extreme driving conditions - for example, on rocky ground.
All-terrain vehicles can have two or three axles, the specific number depends on operating conditions. The engine can be of two types:
- diesel;
- carburetor
If the car will be used for hunting, then it is better to give preference to the second option.
Types of all-terrain vehicles on low-pressure wheels
The classification of the described equipment is based solely on what kind of soil it will move on. As a result, there are only three such varieties, let’s get acquainted with them.
- Swamp walkers. As the name suggests, they are designed for driving in marshy areas. They are considered a universal technique, since there are no obstacles for them - they are not afraid of stones, shallow reservoirs, or snow.
- Snowmobiles. These vehicles are used mainly in the northern regions of the country, where snow lies almost all year round. For such harsh terrain, this is, as a rule, the only possible technique for movement.
- Amphibians. Inside the wheel rims of such cars there are floating fillers, the bottom is completely sealed. In order to move along the water surface, a special water cannon is often used. By the way, in some modern models the driving force in this case is the rotation of the wheels.
How much does such equipment cost?
There are many types of all-terrain vehicles equipped with low-pressure tires. As an example, let's look at the most popular of them.
- The most widespread of them is, perhaps, "Niva" on MARCH, created on the basis of the VAZ-2121 back in 1995. Externally, the car is no different from the original, only the wheel arches have changed. Due to the movement of the wheels, this Niva is capable of moving on water, albeit at a speed of only 4 km/h. To date, no more than 400 of these all-terrain vehicles have been produced, which is not surprising; the price of the Niva Marsh starts from 1,200,000 rubles for the basic model (i.e., even without a winch).
- Another serial swamp vehicle is SHERP, released last year by the company of the same name. It looks compact and unusual. The suspension is pneumatic circulation (in other words, when one of the wheels hits an obstacle, part of the air from it passes into the common system; thus, all tires are balanced). This is the main disadvantage of the SHERPA swamp vehicle: if one wheel is punctured, then all four will be lowered. The cost of the standard package is approximately 3,850,000 rubles.
Note! Some craftsmen make such all-terrain vehicles with their own hands, which is understandable, because it costs at least several times less.
This requires not only appropriate skills, but also special equipment. Let's look at how this process occurs.
Do-it-yourself snow and swamp-going vehicles - is it possible?
Perhaps, but the procedure, as noted above, is not easy. You should start with choosing an engine. For high cross-country ability, the following units are suitable:
- engines from ZAZ models;
- motorcycle engines;
- walk-behind tractors;
- engines from domestic cars.
As a rule, craftsmen use motors from walk-behind tractors for this purpose. As for the chassis, independent suspension is required. You can make it yourself from pipes, angles and channels, both articulated and solid. But in general, the manufacturing process consists of six main stages.
Stage one. First, a base is selected on which all the parts will be installed. This could be a frame from a motorcycle or car, or a homemade structure.
Stage two. Next, the suspension and rear axle are created. The suspension must be independent - this is quite labor-intensive, but the cross-country ability of the all-terrain vehicle, as well as the level of comfort while driving, will be higher. To connect the suspension to the rear axle, a steering bushing and a special rack are used.
Stage three. After this, wheels are installed on the suspension. Iron hubs are used to mount the cameras.
Note! Here you can use ready-made wheels with low pressure from KamAZ or Ural. This will increase the adhesion of a home-made vehicle to the surface, and driving safety will significantly increase.
Stage four. The previously selected engine is installed, and a cooling system for it is also equipped.
Stage five. Exhaust and brake systems and clutch are installed. In parallel, the building of the future design is being built. At the end, the wiring is arranged and all light sources are connected.
Stage six. A trial run is being carried out. This way you can check how efficient the created all-terrain vehicle is. If there are any problems or malfunctions, they must be corrected immediately.
How to make a swamp vehicle with your own hands (video)
What is important to consider?
- Attention should be paid to work daily. If you are not sure that you can do this, then it is better not to start anything at all.
- Create a project for the future design in advance. If necessary, use the drawings of other inventors, fortunately there are a lot of them on the Internet.
- Plan your budget correctly. Yes, making it yourself will help you save a lot, but to do this you need to calculate the cost of consumables and purchase them in advance. You also need to set aside a little in case there isn’t enough.
As you can see, the described snow and swamp-going vehicles are very useful for difficult terrain. They are quite expensive, but if you have the skills and appropriate equipment, you can save a lot by building a vehicle with your own hands.
For an ordinary passenger car, driving through snowy terrain, slippery or loose soil is difficult. It can get stuck in mud, snow and sand, to the point where you need to call special equipment for evacuation. If it is necessary to travel over rough terrain over long distances, it is wise to use special transport - snow and swamp-going vehicles with ultra-low pressure wheels.
Characteristic features of all-terrain vehicles
The main feature of all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires is the presence of a frame with articulated joints. Thanks to it, the wheels can be placed at any angle, which is necessary to increase cross-country ability.
This design prevents the all-terrain vehicle from falling over on its side. This is especially important when moving on rocky, crumbling surfaces.
The number of bridges for this technique can vary from two to three. The all-terrain vehicle engine is diesel or carburetor. The latter is considered more effective for long trips, for example, hunting.
Types of all-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires
Universal designs of snow and swamp-going vehicles on low-pressure tires are called all-terrain vehicles. There are no obstacles for all-terrain vehicles. Thanks to the special structure of the tires, such vehicles are able to overcome even shallow streams and rivers. But the technology can also be aimed at traveling on certain types of soil. Depending on this, models are divided into:
- snowmobiles;
- swamp walkers;
- amphibians.
The first of them are more often used in the Far North, where the tundra is covered with snow for almost a year. They are needed not only for recreational trips or hunting. For residents of remote villages, this is the only way to get to civilization.
The second type is designed for travel in marshy areas. Swamp vehicles are used for hunting ducks, moose, and wild boars. As for amphibians, they are able to move through water due to the presence of special floating fillers inside the wheel rims. Another important feature of amphibians is the tightness of the bottom and adjacent compartments. A water jet device is sometimes used to move through water.
Pros and cons of low pressure tires
All-terrain vehicles are usually equipped with special wheels, although there are models with tracked suspension. All-terrain vehicles with low-pressure tires, due to their structure, minimize the risk of puncture. But such a technique will not be able to gain high speed.
Cabin features and capacity
The weight of the equipment and its maneuverability depend on the number of passengers. The most nimble are two-seater all-terrain vehicles. Most of them don't even have a cabin - they look like motorcycles. Another advantage is their low fuel consumption. They are chosen by rangers and rescuers for fast movement over long distances.
To go outdoors with a large group, you need all-terrain vehicles with a cabin that can accommodate 4–6 people. Models with a heated cabin and a closed body are good for long trips in cold climates.
Popular models of all-terrain vehicles from different manufacturers
It is much easier to make a choice in favor of one or another all-terrain vehicle model with low-pressure tires if you know which of them are the most popular and why. This can be done by reading owner reviews and analyzing the main characteristics.
Max brand models
Three variants of all-terrain vehicles of this brand are popular:
- maneuverable “Max 2” for two people;
- roomy “Max 4” for six people;
- cargo "Buffalo".
The first two models are considered universal, since it is easy for them to move from land to the surface of the water and continue to move at a speed of 12 km/h. On dry ground, the equipment can reach speeds of up to 75 km/h. Each of the six wheels has independent control, which allows you to overcome any obstacle.
Argo 8×8 OutFitter equipment
Both varieties of this model - tracked and wheeled - are popular among extreme sports enthusiasts all over the world. In the wheel version it has eight tires. This is a universal model, capable of moving over rocks, swamps, snowy ground and ice, as well as through water.
Argo 8x8 OutFitter
Amphibian Tinger
Its advantage is almost absolute cross-country ability, but its disadvantage is low speed (largely due to the tracked device for movement). Maximum speed on land is 45 km/h, on water – 4 km/h.
But it has a spacious closed cabin that can comfortably accommodate five travelers. They are completely protected from the vicissitudes of the weather. This is an excellent option for those who value comfort more than speed.
It is often used as a cargo vehicle, as it has tracks and a large closed body. But it can also transport people - up to ten people at a time. Despite its large mass, it moves easily through snow, mud, and windfall.
Maneuverable "TARUS 2X2"
This model will be chosen by a person who likes to hunt, fish or just go out into nature alone. A lightweight all-terrain vehicle on two wheels will pass through any obstacles and off-road terrain. If desired, it can be easily disassembled and packed into the trunk of a spacious car for long-distance travel.
Selection rules
For anyone who wants to purchase an all-terrain vehicle with low-pressure tires, it is quite difficult to make a choice. Before this, you should analyze the possibilities of using technology and the characteristics of the soil in the area.
Wheeled all-terrain vehicles are more maneuverable, lighter, and develop good speed. But sometimes an option with tracks is required. They have better grip on clay surfaces and eliminate the possibility of tire damage when driving through a forest littered with dry branches.
You should consider how many people the model should accommodate. For solo travelers, there is no point in buying heavy transport - it is uneconomical.
Many owners of snow and swamp-going vehicles on ultra-low pressure wheels believe that domestic equipment is better in their native open spaces. It is already adjusted to local realities, is not afraid of temperature changes and can be easily repaired in field conditions.
All-terrain vehicles are necessary for connoisseurs of natural beauty that cannot be reached by a regular SUV. If you choose the right model, a trip to the most remote corners will turn into a pleasant and exciting journey.
