Image Arctic Cat Alterra 570

Utility ATV Review: The Workhorse You Need on Your Property

After testing this Alterra 570, I can confidently say it delivers an excellent balance between power, versatility, and let’s be honest about the value you get for money. This machine is suitable for any farmer, hunter, or if you just need a reliable vehicle for your rural property, this delivers performance that exceeds its price point.

Powerful Performance for Everyday Tasks

The ATV has a robust 503cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, that produces 14.4 kW (19.3 HP) at 5500 RPM, which will give you enough power for the daily usage.

I know that this is not impressive compared to sport quads, but don’t be fooled by this. The ATV has an impressive 31.2 Nm of torque coming in at a low 3600 RPM, which provides excellent pulling power exactly when you need it.

During my testing, the 570 Alterra easily handled pulling a loaded trailer weighing nearly 1000 pounds, tackling moderate inclines very easy. The water-cooled engine runs smoothly and keeps temperatures manageable even during extended work sessions in warmer weather in the summer time.

A strong point of this ATV is the CVT transmission, which deserves special mention. The CVT provides seamless power delivery without the need to shift gears manually, and you can enjoy and focus on navigating challenging terrain rather than thinking constantly to change the gear.

I was also impressed by the centrifugal wet clutch that engages smoothly and works like a charm, which makes ride a pleasure for operation in stop-and-go situations.

Practical Design and Comfort

I can say the engineers done a great job in terms of design. With an overall length of 84.8 inches and width of 48.6 inches, the Alterra 570 it’s compact enough to navigate tight spaces while maintaining excellent stability.

The double A-arm suspension system absorbed most bumps making the ride feel like a breeze, though I did notice some stiffness when hitting larger obstacles at speed.

What impressed me most was the thoughtful load capacity. As you can also see in the technical specs, the front carrier can handle up to 99 pounds while the rear carrier accommodates 165 pounds; which in my humble opinion is more than enough for tools, supplies, or any hunting gear you may want to carry. Towing capacity it’s not bad at all, at 1225-pound traction, making this a true workhorse for property maintenance.

The seat height of 49.2 inches provides excellent visibility, feels very comfortable during riding, and it’s maintaining a low center of gravity. The full weight is 895 pounds (without rider), and it’s substantial enough to feel stable but not so heavy that it becomes unwieldy in tight spaces or soft terrain.

Handling and Mobility

Arctic Cat Alterra 570 provides a great balance between stability and maneuverability, having a 50.4-inch wheelbase and a modest ground clearance. During testing, I found the ATV handled uneven terrain quite well, although the climbing ability tops out at around 25 degrees from my eyes estimation. With that in mind, I can say that I rarely encountered situations where this limitation became problematic.

The ATV comes equipped standard with steel rims (aluminum available as an upgrade) with 25×8-12 front and 25×10-12 rear tires provided decent traction in most conditions. For the guys which are using the ATV in muddy environments, I’d recommend upgrading to the optional 26-inch tires for additional ground clearance and improved performance in such challenging terrain.

The brakes I cand say was reliable and predictable, which are critically important when descending steep slopes with a load. The sealed system required no maintenance during my testing period.

Convenience Features

For an utility-focused ATV, this model includes several thoughtful features. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank that provides excellent range. I averaged about 5-6 hours of continuous use before needing to refuel, which is great. The electric start system fired up reliably every time, even in cooler morning temperatures.

The board instrumentation is clear and easy to read. You have a speedometer (though I doubt you’ll ever approach its 48 mph top speed while working), a fuel gauge, and all necessary warning lights. And on top of all has a 12V power outlet that can came in handy for charging devices while working in remote areas.

The lights are powerful enough, with dual 60-watt headlights that provide decent illumination. The brake light and tail light ensure you remain visible when operating near roadways.

Durability and Maintenance

One over another, after testing I was impresses, because the frame shows no signs of flex even under heavy loads, and the components all appear to be selected for longevity rather than reducing production costs.

Maintenance access can be done by anyone, the air filter (sponge type) is easily accessible for regular cleaning, and basic service points are well thought out.

The transistorized ignition system provides a reliable performance for years to come, so you don’t need to worry about maintenance beyond basic tune-ups.

The 12V/18Ah battery is perfectly suitable sized for the electrical demands of the Alterra 500, though time will tell regarding long-term durability. The fuse panel is easily accessible, logically organized and accessible if you should replace a blown fuse.

Areas for Improvement

No product is perfect, and this ATV does have a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

The seat could use additional padding for all-day comfort. After about three hours of continuous riding, I found myself standing on the footpegs more frequently to alleviate pressure points.

Wind protection is minimal – if you frequently ride in cooler weather, you’ll want to invest in aftermarket handguards or a small windscreen.

The stock tires perform adequately in most conditions but struggle in deep mud. Consider upgrading if you frequently operate in particularly challenging terrain.

Final Verdict

The Alterra 570 can be suitable for property owners, farmers, or outdoor enthusiasts looking for a capable utility ATV that won’t break the bank. This 503cc model delivers exceptional value for the money at the end of the day. It has an impressive balance between work utility capabilities and everyday usability, and remains affordable compared to premium brands, which can seriously affect your finance.

The ATV has a strong low-end torque, impressive hauling capacity, and manageable size, which I think  make this a versatile tool for countless tasks.

This machine may not have the refinement or power of ATVs costing thousands more, but it delivers the reliable performance day in and day out for any work you may have.

If you’re in the market for a utility ATV that prioritizes function over flash, this model deserves serious consideration in my humble opinion.