I must admit I'm a little intrigued by this new forum. I wasn't going to post a new thread but just reply to Doc's Intro (which I decided not to post). What began as curiosity about the moniker of "UTV" has grown into wondering how the current UTV came to be. I know very little about ATVs and even less about UTVs.
In the summer there is a few on the back streets with kids driving, but no plates or inspection stickers. They disappear about the time hunting season opens.
As an ex owner I'm familiar with the Govt. designation of "Truck, utility, 1/4 ton, GP". The WWII Jeep had only a 500 lb. payload which would be considered a light weight unit if produced today. Also kinda narrow. Like UTVs. Would go through the woods on trails little wider than sidewalks.
Take a look at the original "utility vehicle".
Don't forget to click on it for a larger view.
Don't forget to click on it for a larger view.
When I was in high school if you couldn't afford a surplus jeep (and not many could
) you built a "trail goat", maybe from a kit. Little off road scooters with a rack on the front and/or back
. You got the engine off a reel type mower.
I can remember the Cushman 3 wheel mail delivery with full cab in the fifties. I suppose it has a place in utility vehicle history since you sat on a seat not a saddle like an ATV. And now heat and air conditioning?
Is that the real difference in ATV and UTV? Two abreast seating?
I doubt if "turf" is the T in UTV but I know Toro made some early utility vehicles for turf maintenance, complete with cargo beds. Does anyone know which came first? Toro (Workman), Deere (Gator), etc?
If you know any relevant history please fill us in.
Ted
In the summer there is a few on the back streets with kids driving, but no plates or inspection stickers. They disappear about the time hunting season opens.
As an ex owner I'm familiar with the Govt. designation of "Truck, utility, 1/4 ton, GP". The WWII Jeep had only a 500 lb. payload which would be considered a light weight unit if produced today. Also kinda narrow. Like UTVs. Would go through the woods on trails little wider than sidewalks.
Take a look at the original "utility vehicle".
Don't forget to click on it for a larger view. Don't forget to click on it for a larger view. When I was in high school if you couldn't afford a surplus jeep (and not many could
) you built a "trail goat", maybe from a kit. Little off road scooters with a rack on the front and/or back . You got the engine off a reel type mower.I can remember the Cushman 3 wheel mail delivery with full cab in the fifties. I suppose it has a place in utility vehicle history since you sat on a seat not a saddle like an ATV. And now heat and air conditioning?
Is that the real difference in ATV and UTV? Two abreast seating?
I doubt if "turf" is the T in UTV but I know Toro made some early utility vehicles for turf maintenance, complete with cargo beds. Does anyone know which came first? Toro (Workman), Deere (Gator), etc?
If you know any relevant history please fill us in.
Ted
