iAll-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can be an excellent tool on the farm or ranch, but an ATV accident can really slow you down or worse. Keep these tips in mind to prevent ATV accidents and get the job done the first time.





  • Keep the weight balanced.
    • Choose a spray system with the lowest practical center of gravity.(sloshing liquid in enough quantity can change atv handling)
    • Use a spray tank that has internal baffles. They will reduce liquid surges and improve your overall stability when turning on slopes or hills.
    • Choose booms that can be operated as low to the ground as possible and tanks that are easy to flush.
  • Don’t use an inferior spray system.
    • ATVs should only be fitted with rear-mounted spray booms or other equipment that reduces the risk of pesticide exposure to the operator.
    • Don’t ride and spray if you have to hold a wand or lance. If you’re using this setup, make sure the ATV isn’t moving while you’re spraying. 

  • Don’t fight the wind.
    • Work at right angles to the wind and turn into the wind to reduce con tamination to yourself and the machine.(increased wear on machine due to oxidation??)
    • Spray only in ideal wind conditions.

 

  • Only use the speed that you need.
    • The optimal speed for good spray distribution is probably slower than you’d like.
    • High speeds mean higher chances of missing your target, and worse, possibly losing control of the machine.

On hills, always lean your body uphill to prevent tipping & flipping.

Fit the ATV to the job.

  • Bigger and faster is not always better—a smaller machine is easier to move by hand if necessary (e.g. if it flips on you).