DATE: August 2006
FOR RELEASE: Upon Receipt
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kevin Howard (573) 898-3422
E-mail: khoward@howardcommunications.com
Mike Capps (573) 898-3422
E-mail: mcapps@howardcommunications.com
Website: www.howardcommunications.com

HISTORY OF THE HOOT ® ETV™

It was the late 1970s when Bob Neary decided to create an amphibious ATV that was light, reliable, simple to work on, and would fit in a mid-size pick-up truck. The result was the Hoot ®, a machine that accomplished Neary’s goals and more. Handlebars made the transition from a 4-wheeler a breeze; a near zero turn radius created unparalleled maneuverability; six wheels increased safety and stability on land and in water.

Neary spent hours in the workshop at his Canadian home, building and experimenting with four amphibious ATVs. He used different engines, both four stroke and two stroke, as well as various types of transmissions. Eventually, he decided to simplify things with a skid steer machine.

The old-fashioned skid steer systems did not allow Neary to meet his objectives. The transmission would be too heavy and complex, and it would make the machine too wide. The added weight would not allow the machine to be well balanced when traveling up and down steep inclines and in water. It was clear to Neary that new technology had to be developed.

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The result, in 1994, was his patented Torque Grip™ drive system, which eliminated the need for a transmission. It consisted of two swing arms that control the right or left set of wheels and work on the principle of action/reaction. The system was not only simple, but it worked well and was very dependable.

After six more years of development, Neary achieved his objective. The result is a new and exciting concept in six-wheel drive, amphibious ATVs. In fact, this cutting edge piece of equipment is more than an All Terrain Vehicle – it’s an Extreme Terrain Vehicle, the HOOT ® ETV™.

For more information on Knox Outdoor Products, visit them on the Web at www.knoxoutdoorproducts.com.