What kind of power does the HOOT® have?

Power to weight ratio is everything and the HOOT®, at only 670 lbs, is a very light machine. This means that 15 hp translates into lots of power for its weight, making the HOOT® quick and agile.

Describe its pulling power.

The ability to pull objects is based on weight, horsepower and the number of wheels pulling. Fortunately, the HOOT® has six wheels, because all the horsepower is useless if the machine can’t grab the ground. The HOOT® is capable of pulling more than 1000 lbs.

Where is it most vulnerable to getting stuck?

The chances of getting stuck on marshland or in mud are directly related to the total pounds per square inch exerted on the terrain with the tires. Because of this machine’s light weight and six wheels, it rarely gets stuck.

Explain the drive train.

The drive system is patented and does not use a transmission. Power is delivered from the engine through a torque converter, which turns the main front shaft. The age-old problem with a skid-steer machine has been to transfer power at this point independently to the right or left set of wheels. Up until now this has been accomplished by using a heavy transmission and all the complexity that surrounds it. The patented technology allows replacement of the transmission with two simple swing arms with a large pulley on the end of each (one for each set of wheels).

When the rider demands power, the swing arms (attached to independent front axles) swing back (action/reaction) taking up the slack on the belts (attached to the front shaft). The more power the rider demands, the tighter the belts become in this “tension on demand” system. As a result, the belts never slip and are never under undue strain. From here the chains, attached to sprockets in the middle of the large pulleys, turn the front axles. These turn the other two wheels on each side.

Inside each large pulley are disk brakes which are controlled by the movement of the
handlebars. Turn the handlebars to the right, and the right brake is applied, slowing the large pulley on the right and the right set of wheels, causing a right turn. This system does not instantly lock up the right or left set of wheels, resulting in smooth progressive steering and turns.

As a footnote, the company president rides a five-year-old prototype with the original belts that look like new.

How does reverse work?

To go in reverse, the swing arm is simply pushed forward by the movement of the shift handle into reverse. As a result the belt becomes loose and the large pulley with a second groove in it engages a small pulley on the front shaft. It's that simple!

Does it steer like an ATV?

The steering appears to work like a four-wheel ATV. Turn the handle bar to the right and the HOOT® turns right, but what is happening is that it is braking one set of wheels using disk brakes to turn (skid-steer). As a result the rider does not suffer arm and shoulder shock when the machine hits rocks or tree roots with the tires. Additionally, the handlebars allow a more relaxed arm position, with no push-pull levers like other skid-steer machines.

Is the maintenance difficult?

No. Because of patented technology, everything is at the owner’s fingertips. It takes only ten minutes to change all three drive belts, the starter or fuel pumps. Raise the hood and the battery is right in front, as are the drive chains when adjustments are needed. To get at the back chains, remove one wing nut from the footboard.

To ensure that the switches stay dry, they are enclosed in the glove box section right in front.
All bearings have grease fittings; special technology (no keys) makes removing an axle simple.

As with any machine the chains and linkage, which are at the rider’s finger tips, should be kept in proper adjustment.

What is the carrying capacity?

We recommend a total carrying capacity of 600 lbs (272 Kg), with a 250 lb (113.4 Kg) maximum for the rider and 100 lbs (45.4 Kg) on the front rack. This weight is not based on the ability of the body or axles to support it, but on safety considerations.

As with all 4-wheel ATVs when you put heavy weight on the back you are moving the center of gravity back, and as a result you have reduced the angle of incline that you can go up without tipping the machine over backwards.

Why does it have a fiberglass body?

The fiberglass body, because of its design, is very strong and does not flex. Body flex is hard on chains and sprockets, causing them to not run true. Because of this design and the strength of the fiberglass, there are no sub-frames that would add weight and complexity to the machine.