When many people think of a utility vehicle, or UTV, they think of sports-related activities such as off-roading, sightseeing, or racing. However, UTVs can accomplish so much more. Whether you are a farmer or construction worker, you can complete far more tasks in one day by utilizing a UTV .
What Is a Utility Vehicle (UTV)?
A utility vehicle, or UTV, is a motorized vehicle or small truck designed to carry out specialized tasks. There is more than one type of utility vehicle. The categories include:
- Sport utility vehicles — Also known as SUVs, these vehicles are designed for off-roading and have excellent towing capabilities.
- Multi-utility vehicles — Commonly referred to as an MUV or an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), multi-utility vehicles can handle a wide range of tasks and can fit six to eight people.
- Armored utility vehicles — These types of UTVs are commonly used in the military.
- Cross utility vehicles — These are station wagons built to resemble SUVs. Cross-utility vehicles have limited off-road capabilities but sportier on-road capacity than SUVs.
What Is a UTV Used For?
UTVs can be designed for construction and farm work instead of sports. They are commonly used to carry equipment and supplies to and from jobsites. Here are 13 tasks UTVs can easily accomplish for your next project.
Jobsite Transport
While driving a work truck on a slippery road can be dangerous and may require installing tire chains, the rugged tires on a UTV make them well-suited to handle extreme weather. You’ll never have to worry about being late to an out-of-the-way jobsite due to bad road conditions, and will even be in the position to pick up other workers who need a lift.
Towing
Most UTVs have a trailer hitch that lets you take construction and farm equipment of all sizes to and from your work site in one single trip.
Riding on Pavement
UTVs are smooth on all terrains including pavement. They are not only ideal for driving outside on jobsites, but drive just as smoothly inside warehouses.
Plowing in the Snow
UTVs are equipped with snowplow attachments, a cabin, and heating. Moreover, their tires are designed to travel on all types of ground including snow.
Spreading Salt
Rather than carrying a 30-pound bag of salt around yourself, let a UTV help you complete the job. There are a variety of salt spreaders you can attach to your UTV receiver hitch or bed. An added benefit to using a UTV to spread salt is that they can travel on smaller, narrower paths that city salt trucks cannot access.
Mowing
Utilizing a UTV when mowing acres of land will save you time, money, and space otherwise used on an expensive lawn mower. Simply, buy a tow-behind mower to attach to your UTV and you’ll be able to mow large pieces of land in no time.
Riding Fences
Checking for repairs on fences is a lot easier with a UTV. These vehicles come with a bed in the back to carry tools, which makes it easier to handle quick repairs.
Cleaning the Yard
No need to waste time and energy walking around to do yard work. With the help of a UTV, you can ride around the yard and load anything from leaves to fallen branches. This makes yard work a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Planting Trees and Landscaping
UTVs have the capability to haul up to several trees waiting to be planted. Use the vehicle to move quickly around the yard, making it feasible to plant trees in different areas. With additional space for other equipment and tools like shovels and rakes, you can increase efficiency on your next landscaping project.
Carrying Firewood
Some UTVs can carry over half a ton, which makes the task of carrying firewood to the house faster than ever. In addition, some models even have dump capacity, saving you from much of the heavy lifting. Rather than making several time-consuming trips, the right UTV can get the work done quickly and efficiently.
Clearing Brush
Hauling cut brush away is likely one of your least favorite chores. But it’s a lot easier with a UTV to load and carry it away. The off-road capability and stability of a UTV can make the job faster and safer, especially for larger jobs.
Spraying Weeds
Take care of harmful weeds with ease by adding a plastic spray attachment to the bed of your UTV. Rather than hiring several teams to handle weeds, you can take a smaller team with the support of a UTV to get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.
Checking and Driving Livestock
Using a UTV is the preferred way to move cattle, sheep, and other livestock, according to many experts. Unlike riding a horse, driving a UTV won’t overexert you during travel, forcing you to take multiple breaks. While it may take a while for your animals to get used to a noisy vehicle, before you know it, you’ll be finishing work in less time.
Rent and Use a UTV for Your Next Job to Improve Safety
There are many practical uses for UTVs, but perhaps one of the most convincing reasons to get one is for improved safety.
In addition to more maneuverability and the safety features built into the vehicle, a UTV is easier to operate than other options. Construction zones especially are full of hazardous objects such as falling debris and electrical hazards that can lead to serious harm, which is why driving on a farm or jobsite is much safer than walking on one.
Where to Buy Used UTVS
The fact is, you can get more work done in less time and less effort with the right tools. The right tools and equipment can prevent injuries and improve results. For many jobs, that can mean renting or purchasing a UTV.
Leppo Rents provides the best used and rental equipment, including used UTVs. We carefully inspect every piece of used equipment before renting it out. If you’re interested in learning more about utility vehicles, let us know. Contact us today for equipment you can trust!
