EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
UTVs
Cushman Hauler Pro LSV . Photo provided by Cushman
By Glenn Hansen
No other class of vehicles offers the productive versatility of UTVs . In a world of specialization , UTVs are here to prove the value of generalists . Yes , you can find specialists in the UTV category , but even those have the capability and attitude to mix it up .
THREE BROAD CATEGORIES First , the utility class includes the workhorse vehicles ; and they ’ re diverse — from speed-controlled vehicles for specialized turf to diesel-powered torque monsters to cabequipped and climate-controlled pavement patrollers .
Second , sport-utility UTVs include a growing class of vehicles . What was once an overused catchall term for vehicles whose individual sport or utility character was questionable , this group now includes specialized comfort features and performance traits that rival on-road SUVs .
Third , pure sport UTVs are the machines that get most of the attention ( sometimes good , sometimes not ). The Polaris RZR has dominated this class for years , but the Can-Am Maverick and Honda Talon offer competition for racers and trail enthusiasts .
Let ’ s break it down further .
UTILITY : TURF AND HARD SURFACE DRIVING Deere ’ s Gator line and Toro ’ s Workman UTX line are among the most popular models in this category , and serve users with turf care in mind — from baseball fields to golf courses . Both of these vehicle lines , as well as the Landmaster Commercial vehicles , are available in gas or electric . That gives users convenience for their needs and for fleet fuel options . We expect to see an increase in the number of batterypowered offerings — whether lithium-ion or other — in the near future .
30 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com