Originally built for agricultural purposes, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have since evolved, and there are even electric ATVs from Polaris. Apart from agriculture, some military forces use ATVs, and most popularly, they're used as recreational vehicles. There are different variations of ATVs, including youth models, entry-level ATVs, utility quads, sport quads, high-performance ATVs, among others. Most ATVs have four wheels, but six-wheelers and eight-wheelers are also available in the market. Three-wheeled ATVs were banned in 1988 after series of serious accidents.
Despite the popularity of this vehicle class, ATVs are only street legal in some states and parts of the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries. One of the foremost names in ATV manufacturing is Arctic Cat. The American brand has been around for a while and they mostly make off-road ATVs. Here, we explore everything you need to know about Arctic Cat and their ATVs.
10 They Use Engines From Other Brands
Developing a new engine is costly and many vehicles share engines with other brands; Arctic Cat is not left out. Their first engine supplier was Kawasaki before Suzuki took over the role in 1975. Suzuki was also a major shareholder at Arctic Cat.
In 2012, Yamaha and Arctic Cat formed a partnership that made Yamaha their primary supplier. Suzuki returned the favor by letting Arctic Cat built the Yamaha SRX 120 and other snowmobiles for them. The 2014 Arctic Cat line has a 123cc four-stroke engine from Yamaha.
9 The Diamond Drive
Arctic Cat introduced the diamond drive in 2004, and to put it mildly, it's amazing. The diamond drive replaces the chaincase and chains in previous ATV models.
While the chain mechanism works fine, the diamond drive comes with perks. The new diamond drive is smooth, performs better, gives low rpm to reduce trenching. Furthermore, unlike the chain system, the Arctic Cat diamond drive system makes use of electronic reverse. The 2009 M8 is perhaps Arctic Cat’s best example of the diamond drive system.
8 Handling/Off-road Capabilities
As expected of a Powersports brand, Arctic Cat has reliable handling and off-road capabilities. When properly aligned, their ATVs are remarkably sturdy and agile, even though they use different suspensions for various ATVs.
The Alterra 450 has a dual A-arm suspension for both front and rear axles. Additionally, the Alterra 450 also has a standard front bumper, a 443cc single-cylinder engine, and aluminum wheels. Arctic Cat's new 2022 Alterra 600 comes with an improved chassis, responsive steering, and easy 2WD-to-4WD switching.
7 They're Affordable
ATVs can cost up to over $20,000 and that's understandable because they are challenging to produce. Another factor to consider is the market. These vehicles are not exactly everywhere, and their owners don't mind spending thousands on them. The price of ATVs is also dependent on the brand and type.
Fortunately, Arctic Cat makes some cool ATVs for affordable prices. The Alterra 300, for example, costs $4,649, and it's a mid-size lightweight ATV with a 270cc liquid-cooled gas engine. Arctic Cat's Alterra 90 is fitted with a 90cc engine, adjustable throttle, independent front axle suspension, and a starting price of $3,359.
6 Power Steering
Some riders might disagree, but the power steering in ATVs is a vital component. Experienced drivers might be able to navigate complex trails without power steering, but the technology is especially important for amateur riders.
You'd probably be trailing rough terrains with your ATV so, why not take the efficiency a notch higher? Power steering improves the vehicle's performance and maneuverability even at low-speed levels. Another benefit is that it reduces the energy a rider expends while riding.
5 They Have A Connection With Polaris
When mentioning top ATV brands, the name “Polaris" comes up. Polaris makes ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and watercraft. You might be wondering what Polaris and Arctic Cat have in common. Well, apart from being in the same industry, they both share a founder.
Naval veteran Edgar Hetteen co-founded Polaris with his friend, David Johnson, and brother Allen Hetteen in 1954. After a dispute, Edgar Hetteen left Polaris to establish what is now known as Arctic Cat.
4 They've Once Gone Bankrupt
Though we're not certain of the exact cause, Arctic Cat went bankrupt in 1982. Two years later, another company– Arctco was created so that they could continue the production of Arctic Cat's snowmobiles. Everything went according to plan and Arctco was successful. In 1996, the company's name was changed to Arctic Cat.
However, the company was acquired by a public company– Textron in 2017. Textron is involved in the automotive, aviation, and defense industries.
3 Fire Hazard Recall
In 2019, Arctic Cat recalled over 20,000 units of their snowmobiles. The affected models include the F, Jaguar, Jaguar Z1 1100, Z1 1100 Turbo, and Bearcat Z1 XT models from 2008 and 2009. These models all tended to go aflame. The fuel tank could crack, causing fuel to leak into the engine and lead to a fatal fire hazard.
Before Arctic Cat issued the recall, there were over 900 accidents and 6 fire incidents. The company also recalled about 800 units of the M8000, Norseman X8000, XF8000, and ZR8000 from their 2019 model year. These vehicles cost between $11,000-$14,500.
2 They've Been Around Since 1960
Founded by the grandfather of snowballing– Edgar Hetteen, Arctic Cat was first named Polar manufacturing and later changed to Arctic Enterprises. After some ups and downs, the company went bankrupt and another company– Arctco, was formed two years later. The plan was to keep making their snowmobiles.
The company didn't get named “Arctic Cat" till 1996. Textron acquired the company in 2017 and most of their vehicle models were either discontinued or refreshed.
1 The Company Attempted Aircraft Manufacturing In The Past
Arctic Cat is mostly known for its ATVs and snowmobiles but they've attempted manufacturing different products. In 1968, they tried their hands at winter clothing and even opened a factory. They also bought boat-building companies to expand their business but instead, got bankrupt.
Once things were back up and running, Arctic Cat tried making generators, watercraft, and even helicopters. Their parent company– Textron has a slew of aircraft subsidiaries under it. These aircraft companies include Bell helicopters, Cessna aircraft, and Beechcraft.