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3 in 1
Special feature designation at ARCTIC CAT. 3in1 designates a model variant with which it is possible is to make out of 1 base vehicle 3 different versions by means of different accessories. The customer can select between a large rack, a transportation box or a passenger seat, which can be exchanged by means of a patented quick-locking mechanism without any tool. The place for this alternating system results from the long wheel base of the models 400 3in1 and 650 H1 3in1.
A-Arm
Wishbone in form of an A. ARCTIC CAT equips all vehicles with a double A arm construction at front and rear axle, which provide stability and fall neutrality. The track width changes slightly when flected and deflected, which is hardly recognizable, however during the use of the vehicle. Ideally, A-arm suspensions possess a plastic bearing at the framework.
ATV
Abbreviation for ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE. This designation is used particularly for vehicles, which can be used in the utility area. Vehicles from this "UTILITY" segment have four wheel drive and provide an appropriate size and loading capacity.
Cardan drive
Power transmission to the axles by means of cardan shaft. The cardan drive is insensitive to dirt, low-maintenance and used mainly with ATVs. It is the counterpart to the chain drive mainly used with quads. See chain drive.
Chain drive
Power transmission to the rear axle by means of chain. The chain drive is rather dirt sensitive, it is possible, however, to change the gear transmission ratio very easily (by exchange of the chain wheel/pinions combination). In comparison to the cardan drive, it possesses a definitely lighter structure. See cardan drive.
Chassis
Most ATVs dispose of a welded steel tube framework. Quads often possess aluminum components (rear axle A-arm suspension), also milled/welded. The steel framework provides the necessary stability for an offroad use. Framework damages usually result from an inappropriate attachment of accessory equipment - therefore always respect the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Clothing
In general, we recommend strong shoes, sturdy clothing (long sleeves, ideally with protectors) as well as gloves. When driving ATVs and quads helmets are required!
CVT
CVT means Continuous variable transmission and is the common propulsion principle for ATVs. With the CVT, speed, dependent on the torque, is regulated steplessly via a belt drive. This mostly takes place in combination with a centrifugal clutch (ARCTIC CAT 650H1 engine) and a reduction gear. This propulsion principle facilitates an infinitely variable speed control without shifting processes and especially offroad, in connection with the offroad reduction "Low ", it offers large advantages. As alternative to the CVT, hydraulic torque converters or a transmission with manual clutch can be used.
Differential
Facilitates different turning speeds of the wheels of an axle, e.g. when driving along curves. In offroad use however, the differential is rather obstructive. Therefore and because of the rather small track width of the ATVs/quads many manufacturers, in favor of better offroad and road characteristics, abandon a differential at the rear axle. At the front axle with "4WD" ATV however, a differential becomes necessary for the reduction of the guidance forces. Everyone who has ever tried to drive with an inserted front axle differential lock, knows why. See also differential lock, rigid axle, rigid drive shaft.
Differential lock
Many ARCTIC CAT models are equipped with a manual front axle differential lock. With inserted four-wheel drive and a spinning wheel on the front axle usually further advancing is possible by switching on the differential lock. By locking the differential, both wheels are forced to run with the same speed. Apart from the manual differential lock there are also automatic differential lock systems. Before driving along curves the differential lock has to be loosened absolutely.
Driving license
In order to be allowed to drive an ATV or a quad with more than 50ccm displacement, you must have a car driving licence. Vehicles with less than 50ccm can be driven with the moped driving licence and/or driving licence class S (Germany).
Engine power
Vehicles classified in the European type permission in vehicle class L7e may have a maximum power of 15kW. The speed is not reglemented.
Four-wheel-drive
All ARCTIC CAT ATVs dispose of an electronically insertable four-wheel drive: the front wheel drive can be activated by a switch at the steering wheel if necessary. During longer travels on strong, dry underground (bitumen, concrete) it is recommended to switch off the four-wheel drive in order to avoid a tension of the drive rope.
Ground anchor
Available as offroad accessory. If there is no tree, stone or another vehicle available, this is the only way to fix the winch hook to the ground (soil).
Ground clearance
The maximum distance between underground and lowest point at the underside of the vehicle.
Homologation
The homologation is the European type permission which enables the manufacturer to issue a COC (Certificate of Conformity). With this COC paper it is possible to registrate vehicles in the European Union member states.
Independent suspension
ARCTIC CAT uses the abbreviation FIS (Fully Independent suspension). Designated individually fixed wheels with own feather/spring/absorber units. Thus, all wheels can adapt independently to the ground and provide a perfect power transmission to the underground
Nerf-Bar
Auxiliary framework with quads that extends the footrests. This framework with net prevents that the legs can get under the rear wheels because it "closes"the gap between front wheel and rear wheel. Absolutely recommended for motocross use.
Parking brake
ATVs and Quads must be equipped with a parking brake which may simultaneously be used as emergency brake. See service brake, emergency brake
Quad
Abbreviation for QUADRICYCLES. This designation is used particularly for vehicles, which are predominantly used as leisure and sport vehicles and dispose only of 2-wheel drive. In the meantime, there are also available hybrid versions that combine the sporty chassis of a quad with a 4-wheel-drive.
Rigid axle
Most quads are equipped with a rigid axle, which is fastened to a rear swing arm (as with a motorcycle). The advantage is a smaller side inclination when driving fastly along curves e.g. with the motocross or supermoto. The rigid axle is often confounded with the "rigid drive shaft", which actually is an independent suspension without differential (see independent suspension).
Service brake
Most quality vehicles are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. There are different systems, either the discs are connected directly to the wheel or fixed at the axle at the drive shaft next to the angular gear. A disadvantage of the latter method is that maintenance is more laborious because access is not so easy and repair or exchange work takes longer. According to the homologation regulations, the operating brake assembly must be able to retard the vehicle with at least 5m/s2. Activated by means of the foot brake pump.
Shock absorber sleeve
Protection for the feather/spring/ unit of shock absorbers. Prevents damage of the immersion tube and decreases wear of the seals in adverse conditions.
Side-by-Side
Special form of ATVs where driver and passenger sit next to each other? a special characteristic of this type of vehicle, which is also called UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), is the steering wheel. Best example of this kind of utility vehicle is the Prowler of ARCTIC CAT.
Skid-Plate
Protection installed at the underside of the vehicles. The ARCTIC CAT provides a high density durable plastic skid plate which prevents very effectively from getting stuck at the ground and/or a damage of the framework.
Snow plow
Meanwhile a classical part of the accessories program, of course available also in ARCTIC CAT version. The manufacturers offer different systems to be used either manually, with winch, with electrohydraulics or screwdriven system.
SPEEDRACK
The patented rack system SPEEDRACK facilitates a fast an simple installation of diverse accessory articles from transportation box to passenger seat. The speed rack system is an exclusive trademark of ARCTIC CAT.
Stabilisator
Vehicles with independent suspension with stabilizers are not so likely to stumble in fast curves, but their offroad capability is not so high.
Thumb gas
Counterpart to the "turning gas" e.g. with motorcycles. Thumb gas is more effective in rougher terrain or trial courses. When turning handlebars, the wrist is usually blocked by the posture of the body, that is why you ?dose? the acceleration better by your thumb better than with a turn of the wrist. Quads for motocross or supermoto use are usually converted to turning gas. Apart from ATVs and quads also jet ski and snowmobiles are equipped with thumb gas.
Towing device
Available at ARCTIC CAT as original accessory. Commercial trailers can be towed in consideration of the maximally permissible load.
Track chain
Chain systems for ATVs for the use on snow. Thanks to the large contact face of the track chains the driving characteristics on snow are ideal. The guidance effort however increases extremely, which can lead to a higher load and a faster wear of wheel bearing and chassis.
Tree belt
"Slip" or mountain belt put around the tree instead of the steel cable of the winch - thus the tree is not hurt.
Two persons homologation
All Arctic Cat vehicles (except for the model 400DVX) are homologated for 2 persons. Enough space for the pillion seat is available especially with the models with long wheel base, like the 400 3in1 and the 650H1 3in1.
Winch
For use and assistance in rough terrain. Many attachment systems e.g. snow plows can be used with it, there are models with and without remote control. The winch from the ARCTIC CAT accessories program is produced by the famous company WARN. Reference to environmental protection: Always to be fixed with tree belt in order not to hurt the trees.