Originally Posted by
jpswift1
First off, your comment about AATVs being a product that isn't much more advanced than a go cart with a plastic tub missed the mark. There were a couple other members that were on the site for a very brief time that continuously pitched similar comments and some were even bashing AATVs. All the other members weren't very receptive to them and the negativity of their comments so they were simply taken with a grain of salt and everyone else just moved about their business and discussed these great machines in more of a constructive manor. Yes, they are simple compared to some other things out there, but they work GREAT (better than any 4 wheeler in the mud), they're cheap and easy to fix (price a Yamaha or Honda 4 wheeler rebuild against an Attex or Max), they are what started the ATV market, and we all like them so that's pretty much the end of the story on that. Now, let me clear things up for you about the price. Do you think they produce thousands and thousands of AATVs every year? No, it's a niche market. I'll break it down for you a bit. Here are just a few things regarding the manufacturing process of these machines. They use large aluminum molds to make the bodies that cost $50,000+, they have parts like axles, throttle cables, wiring harnesses, frames, and other mechanisms that are specifically made for them in somewhat small quantities, not in quantities of 10,000+ at a time. They have to have all the transmission parts specifically machined to their specs, they have to buy engines, clutches, belts, bearings, chain, wheels, tires, etc, etc. When manufacturers have to purchase all these parts in smaller quantities, especially the ones that are model specific to their machines it's not going to be cheap for them. You have to figure in all the overhead of a business that makes AATVs as well.....for example, the utility bills that the factory has to pay. Every year prices go up. You have to keep in mind ALL of the costs these companies incur; the external factors that drive these costs, the logistics, labor, taxes/fees, costs of plant, property, and equipment......these all are figured into the books and they price the vehicles accordingly. You have to keep in mind that AATV manufacturers are not huge companies like Ford or GM so their profit margins producing significantly fewer units will be smaller than a large company so drastic changes to the product line aren't always cost feasible. I've been in the business world and I teach how businesses work. I'll let some folks that run small business like Whipper and Bridget of Apache Gear chime in and explain this as well. Many people ask the same thing, "why do they charge so much for these basic machines?" but they don't think about everything I described.
! if its not broken dont fix it i love the trans and its the best part of any 6x6 or 8x8 unit that has one in my opinion. who out there would not want a 6x6 or 8x8 with articulating suspension? not only would the ride be more comfortable but the unit would allso be more capable... at a 12 grand price point this is something you should expect not want and thats just for a small unit. how about deeper tubs so we could do more up grades? jet perpulsion for water ? that tec has been around for 40 years in anphibs but it will take from the bottom line at the manufacture so its out . all im saying is if they are going to ask a premium price they need to deliver an advanced product not a warmed over 30 or 40 year design. im a contractor and if i try to use products from 30 years ago i would have no customers you have to keep pace with the times and justify your prices thats all im saying so sorry to anybody that tolk my comments of amphibs as a direct blow to there owen.
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