How bad really is the emissions from atvs on the environment?
I never really thought about it before...
But I guess it would.

anyone got some numbers ??

 

I don't think it's ATVs in particular.....it's small engines in general they're trying to clean up. Problem is, you can't single out 2-stroke outboards and chainsaws, weedwhackers, etc., and then give a pass to relatively clean 4-stroke ATV. They've got to come up with emission rules that apply to everybody. It's a cumulative situation, not just ATVs and outboard engines. Check out Evenrude's E-tech 2-strokes. Unbelievable engine...

My XP is pretty clean. Don't have "numbers", but gotta think it's 30% cleaner than it would have been without any regulation. It's just adds to the overall reduced impact.

The popularity of ATVs is becoming a problem. The more there are the more focus by various groups they'll get.

 

2 stroke vs. 4 stroke makes a big difference. The oil in a 4 stroke is not in the emissions like in a 2 stroke. Because it is mixed with the fuel it is "burned" and put out into the "environment." Burning anything causes emissions, this is the argument over carbon. A volcano in Iceland produces mega particulate and carbon emissions and if you think, even for a second, about the Gulf oil situation it really makes you wonder if regulating relatively clean emission engines isn't really just chasing our tails? Not that carbon emissions are a good thing.

 

I agree about the Evinrude 2 strokes. Bombardier (parent company) somehow makes their 2 stroke outboards compliant with CARB rules. That's about the most stringent standard in the country. I would think the modern 4 strokes are pretty efficient as far as clean burning goes. Probably tons better than the average lawn mower. Just a guess.

 

Moose, that's probably dead on! I have an X Mark mower (now owned by Toro) powered by a 25hp Kohler 4 stroke. I also have a little tiny, ancient, Craftsman 4 stroke walk behind for the tight spots. I'll bet half a paycheck the Craftsman out pollutes the X Mark! Although that little thing gets very little attention, maintenance-wise and it just keeps going and going. One of my string trimmers is a Craftsman as well, and it is a short shafted (for me) little bent over nightmare that I keep threatening to replace but it just turns over and runs, and runs and runs. 2 Husqvarna machines, always rotting gas lines. Like Bon Jovi said at my University's commencement some years back, "work ethic always trumps pedigree." Albeit, the Honda snow blower is mind boggling. Sit for months and months. Old gas. Not a thought. Put a little air in the tires and 4 or 5 pulls and she's running fine. Now THAT machine can spoil you! (and lend to some bad habits) Sorry, wandered off topic. How me.

 

Hey, I have a sweet XMark too. Love the thing....RPMs on the deck is crazy. It's pretty efficient after it runs for a minute or two. Also have a crap old Toro for the tight stuff. It clouds the garage area with half burned fuel.

BTW: Didn't know Toro owns XMark now. Not sure if that's good or bad. Not likely good.....

 

I know one thing, my truck is putting out more pollution just getting back and forth to a decent riding spot for one weekend then my quad could possibly put out in months, maybe even a year!

 

Hey FR- When the blades are sharp those RPM's give you damn near a golf course cut don't they. Mine, like I said is Kohler 25 hp with a 60" deck. They maks a lot with Kawasaki engines. Might make the Polaris angry!! The hydrostatic ZTR is a pleasure to drive. Sometimes, especially when it gets hot (does it ever in Maine?) I do all my trimming and other work first and just sit back and drive. I only do 3+ish acres of lawn but a lot of trees/obstacles. Speaking of driving, how is it the Polaris (any quad) to turn with the tracks? Is it power steering?