All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), also known as quad bikes, four-wheelers, three-wheelers or quadricycles, are used to transport you and your goods and equipment over difficult terrain. Their sister vehicle, UTVs (All-terrain utility vehicles) are also extremely useful for farmers.
The best ATV brands in Australia are:
Need to hire an ATV, quad bike or UTV in Australia? While there are a number of brands of ATV available, Honda, Yamaha and Polaris have threatened to pull their brands out of the Australian market as of October 2020 as a result of failed lobbying against the new Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard. The remaining brands, however, are just as capable as the rest!
Need to hire an ATV for your construction project? iseekplant will find you the best rates!
See the bottom of the page for some ATV FAQs!
Can-Am
Can-Am has been building ATVs since 1971 and was bought in 1972 by Canadian company BRP. Since then, the company has specialised in high-tech, high-performance ATVs with unique designs. Their newest models have an evolved EPS and even a digitally encoded key, as well as the most powerful engines on the market – cranking out up to 91HP.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Motorcycles, as part of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries business, have been exporting motorcycles including ATVs from Japan since the mid-1960s. Their range of ATVs are described as “tough-as-nails, mighty powerful and technically innovative.” It includes Youth ATVs, and recreational and UTVs in its “Brute Force” collection, with models from 2018 to 2020.
Suzuki
Another company built on Japanese ingenuity, Suzuki has been running since 1909 and producing ATVs since 1982. Suzuki’s ATVs are built for utility at a reasonable price, but share their engines with race-winning motorcycles. Their latest line of ATVs use EFI engines on over 600lb vehicles, and follow in the footsteps of the 2005 flagship King Quad, known for its precision and strength.
Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat is the only brand on this list that specialises in ATVs. Its only other production line is in snowmobiles – which makes sense for its business base in Minnesota, USA. Established in 1960, Arctic Cat’s range is well-organised, with an average price of $6937. Their latest line includes independent rear suspensions, electronic fuel injection and electronic power steering, backed by the manufacturing conglomerate Textron.
Why are ATVs so expensive?
It’s tempting to say ATVs are expensive because of their production and engineering costs, but really since a couple of brands are competing for brand dominance and recognition as ‘The ATV Brand,’ price markup is high, especially for US brands. If you want to escape the exclusivity and save your wallet, buy Suzuki.
Why are ATVs so dangerous?
Since ATVs are designed for all terrains, they are light and bouncy, and thus roll over easily. It’s also easy to lose control of an ATV.
Is it illegal to drive an ATV on the road?
It depends on what state you’re in. The legislated requirements for quad bike use for each state are as follows:
Queensland – No need to have a licence to drive the ATV, but if you’re driving it on a public road it needs to be conditionally registered for that purpose. You and all passengers also need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times while on the ATV.
New South Wales – Class “C” drivers licence required. If you’re driving on a public road, the ATV needs to be conditionally registered for that purpose. On public roads, your speed limit is 50km/h or less.
Victoria – No need to have a licence to drive the ATV, but if you’re driving it on a public road it needs to be registered by VicRoads and covered by the Transport Accident Commission. You and all passengers also need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times while on the ATV.
Western Australia – Farm Use Quad Bike Licence required. If you’re driving on a public road, you need to be conditionally licenced for that purpose. You and all passengers also need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times while on the ATV. On public roads, your speed limit is 35km/h or less. South Australia – No licence required. Follow all the normal road rules for cars.
Northern Territory – Class “C” or “R” licence required. If you’re driving on a public road, the ATV needs to be conditionally registered for that purpose. You and all passengers need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times while on the ATV.
Tasmania – Class “C” licence required. You and all passengers also need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times while on the ATV. On public roads, your speed limit is 40km/h or less.
Where are the best Australian ATV trails?
- New South Wales: Stockton Beach near Newcastle
- Queensland: Manar Park
- Victoria: Victorian Quad Bike Tours, Daylesford
- Western Australia: Lancelin
- South Australia: Loveday 4x4 Adventure Park
- Northern Territory: The Plenty Highway
- Tasmania: Southern Forests
How do I hire an all-terrain vehicle through iseekplant?
The simplest way to get a quote for an ATV in your area is to use iseekplant’s ‘ get a quote ’ tool. Alternatively, call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au. To keep up to date with all of the latest industry and project news, subscribe to iseekplant's Constructionsht blog today!