What Is The Ackerman Percentage Used In ATVs? – Best Guide

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have become popular for outdoor recreational activities and work-related tasks.

These vehicles are designed to easily navigate rough terrains and uneven surfaces.

One important component in ATVs is the steering mechanism, which controls the vehicle’s direction.

One important factor that affects the steering performance of an ATV is the Ackerman percentage.

Your needs in the ATV decide the percentage of Ackerman. It is typically held between 90 and 100%.

But it all depends on the type of vehicle you’re building and the steering system you will use in the ATV.

While parallel steering has limited off-road capacity, especially on a vehicle as tiny as a typical ATV, Ackerman steering is preferable.

In this article, we will discuss the Ackerman percentage and how it is used in ATVs.

What Is Ackerman Steering?

Ackerman steering is a vehicle mechanism to enable the front wheels to turn at different angles while negotiating a turn.

This system is designed to improve the vehicle’s steering performance and reduce tire wear.

The basic principle behind Ackerman steering is that the inside wheel of a turn should have a smaller turning radius than the outside wheel.

The inside wheel has to travel a shorter distance than the outside wheel.

Ackerman steering is named after its inventor, a German carriage maker, Rudolph Ackerman.

He developed the Ackerman steering system in 1818 to improve the handling of horse-drawn carriages.

The principle of Ackerman steering is still used today in various vehicles, including ATVs.

What Is The Ackerman Percentage?

The Ackerman percentage measures how well the Ackerman steering mechanism is implemented in a vehicle.

It is expressed as the percentage of the inside wheel’s turning angle to the outside wheel’s turning angle.

The ideal Ackerman percentage is 100%, which means that the inside wheel turns at a tighter angle than the outside wheel during a turn.

A higher Ackerman percentage results in better steering performance and reduced tire wear.

However, achieving the ideal Ackerman percentage of 100% can be challenging in ATVs due to their unique design and operating conditions.

ATVs have a high center of gravity and are typically used on rough terrain, affecting the steering performance.

Therefore, manufacturers must balance the Ackerman percentage with other factors such as stability and maneuverability.

How Is The Ackerman Percentage Used In ATVs?

The Ackerman percentage is an essential factor in designing the steering system of an ATV.

It determines how well the vehicle can turn and how much stress is placed on the tires during a turn.

The Ackerman percentage is affected by various factors, including the wheelbase, track width, and steering angle.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels of an ATV.

A longer wheelbase results in a higher Ackerman percentage, while a shorter wheelbase reduces the Ackerman percentage.

A longer wheelbase allows for a larger steering angle, increasing the difference in turning angles between the inside and outside wheels.

Track Width

The track width is the distance between the two wheels on the same axle.

A wider track width results in a higher Ackerman percentage, while a narrower track width reduces the Ackerman percentage.

A wider track width allows for a larger steering angle, which increases the difference in turning angles between the inside and outside wheels.

Steering Angle

The steering angle is the maximum angle that the front wheels can turn.

A larger steering angle results in a higher Ackerman percentage, while a smaller steering angle reduces the Ackerman percentage.

A larger steering angle allows for a larger difference in turning angles between the inside and outside wheels.

How Do We Calculate Ackerman’s Percentage In An ATV?

The Ackerman percentage is a measurement used to determine the steering geometry of a vehicle, and it is particularly relevant for vehicles with four-wheel steering systems, such as ATVs.

The Ackerman percentage represents the difference in steering angles between the inside and outside front wheels during a turn, and it can be calculated using the following formula:

Ackerman Percentage = (Track Width ÷ Wheelbase) × Tan (Steering Angle)

Here is what each variable in the formula represents:

1. Track Width: The distance between the center of the two front wheels.
2. Wheelbase: The distance between the front and rear axles.
3. Steering Angle: The angle of the inside front wheel during a turn.

To calculate the Ackerman percentage, you will need to measure the track width and wheelbase of your ATV, as well as the steering angle of the inside front wheel during a turn.

You can then substitute these values into the formula above to determine the Ackerman percentage.

It’s worth noting that the Ackerman percentage can also be adjusted by altering the steering linkage or changing the angle of the front wheels, which can impact the handling and performance of the ATV.

What Are The Benefits Of More Ackerman Percentage In Steering In The ATV?

An Ackerman steering system is a type of steering mechanism that allows a vehicle’s inner and outer wheels to turn at different angles when making a turn.

In an ATV, increasing the Ackerman percentage in the steering system can provide several benefits, which we will discuss in this article.

Improved Cornering Stability

One of the primary benefits of increasing the Ackerman percentage in an ATV’s steering system is improved cornering stability.

When a vehicle’s inner and outer wheels turn at different angles, the inside wheel has a tighter turning radius than the outside wheel.

It results in a more stable and predictable turn, especially when navigating tight corners or rough terrain.

Reduced Tire Wear

Another benefit of a higher Ackerman percentage is reduced tire wear.

When the wheels of an ATV turn at different angles, the inside wheel is forced to turn at a sharper angle than the outside wheel.

It reduces the scrubbing effect that can cause excessive tire wear, especially during turns.

By reducing the amount of tire wear, a higher Ackerman percentage can help prolong the tire’s life, saving you money in the long run.

Better Handling In Rough Terrain

Increasing the Ackerman percentage can also improve an ATV’s handling in rough terrain.

When navigating rocky or uneven terrain, the wheels of an ATV can become misaligned, causing the vehicle to veer off course.

However, a higher Ackerman percentage can help to counteract this effect, providing more stable and predictable handling on even the roughest terrain.

Enhanced Maneuverability

Finally, a higher Ackerman percentage can also enhance an ATV’s maneuverability.

When the wheels of an ATV turn at different angles, the vehicle can make sharper turns with less effort, which is especially useful in tight spaces or when navigating obstacles.

This increased maneuverability can help make the ATV more versatile and easier to handle in various situations.

What Is The Difference Between Ackerman And Anti-Ackerman In An ATV?

An ATV’s steering system is critical to the vehicle’s handling and maneuverability. Two main types of steering systems are used in ATVs: Ackerman and anti-Ackerman.

Ackerman Steering

An Ackerman steering system is designed to allow a vehicle’s inner and outer wheels to turn at different angles when making a turn.

It results in a more stable and predictable turn, especially when navigating tight corners or rough terrain.

The degree of Ackerman in a steering system is determined by the distance between the two front wheels and the pivot point of the steering system.

A higher Ackerman percentage means that the inner wheel turns at a sharper angle than the outer wheel, which provides better stability and reduces tire wear.

Anti-Ackerman Steering

An anti-Ackerman steering system is designed to do the opposite of an Ackerman system. In an anti-Ackerman system, the inner wheel turns at a shallower angle than the outer wheel.

This design is intended to provide a tighter turning radius, which can be useful in some situations.

However, the downside of an anti-Ackerman system is that it can cause excessive tire wear and instability during turns, particularly on uneven terrain.

Which Mechanism Is Better For An ATV? Ackerman Or Anti-Ackerman 

Whether Ackerman or Anti-Ackerman steering is better for an ATV ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the driver, as well as the driving conditions.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding which steering mechanism is better:

• Maneuverability: Anti-Ackerman steering provides a tighter turning radius than Ackerman steering, which can be advantageous when maneuverability is important, such as when navigating tight trails or making tight turns. If maneuverability is a top priority, Anti-Ackerman steering may be the better choice.
• Stability: Ackerman steering is generally considered more stable than Anti-Ackerman steering, particularly at higher speeds or on rough terrain. If stability is a top priority, Ackerman steering may be the better choice.
• Tire Wear: Anti-Ackerman steering can cause increased tire wear, as the tires are subject to more scrubbing during turns. It can lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased performance over time. If minimizing tire wear is a priority, Ackerman steering may be the better choice.
• Complexity: Anti-Ackerman steering is generally more complex than Ackerman steering, requiring additional parts and more precise alignment. It can make repairs and maintenance more difficult and expensive. If simplicity and ease of maintenance are priorities, Ackerman steering may be the better choice.

Conclusion

Depending on the specific model, most vehicles use a lower percentage of Ackerman steering, typically between 60% and 80%.

The Ackerman percentage is an essential factor in designing the steering system of an ATV.

It determines how well the vehicle can turn and how much stress is placed on the tires during a turn.

Achieving the ideal Ackerman percentage of 100% can be challenging in ATVs due to their unique design and operating conditions.

Manufacturers must balance the Ackerman percentage with other factors, such as stability and maneuverability, to achieve optimal steering performance in an ATV.

It can be done through careful design and testing to determine the appropriate Ackerman percentage for the vehicle’s intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Ideal Ackerman Percentage For An ATV?

The ideal Ackerman percentage for an ATV depends on several factors, including speed, terrain, and driving conditions. 80-90% range is generally considered optimal for most ATVs.

2. What Is The Difference Between Ackerman And Anti-Ackerman Steering In ATVs?

Ackerman steering turns the front wheels at different angles during a turn, while anti-Ackerman steering turns the front wheels at the same angle.

3. What Are The Benefits Of Using Anti-Ackerman Steering In An ATV?

Anti-Ackerman steering can reduce tire wear, improve stability at high speeds, and provide better maneuverability in some situations.

4. What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Anti-Ackerman Steering In An ATV?

Anti-Ackerman steering can increase the turning radius, reduce handling in some situations, and limit adaptability to different driving conditions.

5. Can Using 100% Ackerman Steering Be A Problem For An ATV?

Using 100% Ackerman steering can cause increased tire wear, reduced stability, and limited adaptability in some driving conditions and is generally not recommended.