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March 12, 2007 – ATV Report

Tomberlin inks deal with Mitsubishi
Off-road vehicle manufacturer Tomberlin Group announced an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to provide Tomberlin with engines for its line of off-road vehicles and small engine equipment.
“Mitsubishi has been a leading manufacturer of engines for almost 100 years and is well recognized as a world leader in both quality and durability, and we are committed to manufacturing very efficient and compliant powerplants as it relates to emission standards,” Michael Tomberlin, CEO of Tomberlin Outdoor, said in a press release.
“The association with Mitsubishi fits well with our long-term strategy of product development. They are quality people.”
Honda recalls 11,000 ATVs due to ball joint problem
American Honda Motor Corp., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is recalling about 11,000 ATVs because of a problem with the ball joints.
Model year 2006 TRX450ER and TRX450R ATVs are affected under the recall.
The front suspension arm ball joints could have been contaminated during production, resulting in rapid wear of one or more of the ball joints and possible ball joint separation. If the ball joint separation occurs while riding, the operator could lose control of the ATV.
Honda dealers nationwide sold the adult-sized units from September 2005 through December 2006 for between $6,600-$7,000. No injuries have been reported related to this recall.
Mattracks Introduces New Recreational Vehicles
Truck and ATV rubber track conversion system manufacturer Mattracks Inc. released two new recreational vehicles, the Gladiator TUV and Black Diamond Powerboard.
The Gladiator TUV is a new side-by-side utility vehicle that utilizes an adapted version of the company’s track systems and has an exoskeleton frame.
TUV, which stands for tracked utility vehicle, is designed for efficient operation, has a unique drive train and suspension and will come equipped with power steering.
Mattracks’ Black Diamond Powerboard is a stand-on, track-propelled machine that carves through the snow like a snowboard. Powered by a mid-mounted 160cc engine, the company says it can power through deep snow, over steep hills and can reach speeds up to 25 mph.
The stand-on design does not require any special boots or bindings.
The Black Diamond has been in development for more than eight years. Full production begins in August and the first models should be available in early fall.
The northern Minnesota-based company recently announced plans to construct a $12 million manufacturing facility in China.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails Could Be Extended
A proposed project would link the existing sections of the Hatfield-McCoy trails in Mingo County to those on Gilbert, W.Va., The Appalachian News Express reported.
Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority Board of Directors member George Poole said the connection would allow those entering the trails in Williamson or Delbarton, W.Va., to travel to Matewan and then on to Gilbert. Eventually, Poole said the existing systems would link up with Kermit, W.Va., when its trail system is developed.
Poole added the project is still in the mapping process, but said he expects nearly 120 miles of continuous trails in the county once the project is complete.
NOHVCC Workshops Slated For Colorado, Montana
The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, in cooperation with the Gunnison and Pike San Isabel national forests, is conducting its Motorized Route Designation Workshops for agency personnel and other stakeholders April 26-29.
The purpose of the workshop is to assist the U.S. Forest Service and other stakeholders in effective implementation of the Travel Management Rule in their state.
While the sessions on Thursday and Friday are designed primarily for Forest Service personnel and the sessions on Saturday and Sunday are designed primarily for the public, they’re both open to all who want to attend. There is no charge.
A separate workshop is scheduled for Missoula, Mont., for April 19-22.
Online registration is required. For more information, call 719/380-8516 or visit www.nohvcc.org. psb

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