EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
One of the most important characteristics of these work machines is their ability to tread lightly on sensitive soil . While low-psi , turf-specific tires help reduce the impact of any UTV , machines with a rear differential — transaxle or other non-locking — mean lower impact when the tires are turning . Several of the larger 4x4-equipped sport-utility UTVs feature a “ turf mode ” setting that essentially makes them 1-wheel-drive machines to accomplish the same light steering impact . Even more important for any of these pure-work machines is the owner ’ s ability to customize . One look at the Toro Workman options list shows canopy , solid folding windshield , 4-seat configuration , 6-foot flat bed , storage box , trash can mount , bed racking , electric bed lift , Roll-Over Protection System ( ROPS ) -certified hard cab , 2-post ROPS kit , beverage cart , range cage , glass windshield , medical bed and more .
Although John Deere Gators , for example , are often sold alongside Deere compact tractors and mowers , others , like Toro Workman UTVs could be sold through distributors or purchased in fleet arrangements or acquired by lease . Pro users should look closely at used vehicles too . It ’ s easy to check engine hours and maintenance history , and visibly inspect the condition of wear items .
UTILITY : FARM AND RANCH WORK For landowners like farmers and ranchers UTVs are more accessible and easier to use than a pickup truck . We used to add “ more affordable ” to that advantage list , but that ’ s not always the case today . It ’ s not difficult to spend $ 25,000 or more on a 4x4 UTV , and that ’ s not
far from the price of a new mid-size pickup truck . You can find used vehicles in this group , but they tend to get driven hard , and you ’ re less likely to find a wellmaintained bargain .
Still , UTVs are more useful for many around-theacreage tasks and will go places many pickups might not . The best example of that , and one of our favorites in this category , is the Can-Am Defender 6x6 UTV . With selectable 4-wheel or 6-wheel drive , this vehicle will go nearly anywhere while carrying people , tools and equipment .
Bobcat ’ s UV34 line of UTVs includes four variations ; users can choose a gas or diesel engine , and single-row or two-row seating . Unlike the UTVs from some of the powersports-focused companies ( Can-Am , Polaris , etc .), the Bobcat UV models are speed limited to 35 mph . “ Performance ” means work to Bobcat , and owners can choose to limit speeds further depending on the use environment . These vehicles come standard with a ROPS-approved cab .
The “ Kleenex ” of this category is the Kawasaki Mule . Kawasaki now offers more than 40 models with different drive systems , engine sizes , fuel types , seating configurations and prices that start under $ 10K .
UTILITY : LOW SPEED AND STREET READY The Utility categories start to blend here . You can find low-speed workers in the above groupings , but some vehicles are designed strictly for low-speed use , even street-legal ones depending on local laws . If you run landscape teams on large commercial lots or in HOAtype neighborhoods , a street-legal , low-speed vehicle that can carry tools and people could be a good option .
Bobcat UV34 . Photo provided by Bobcat Toro Workman UTX . Photo provided by Toro sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2024 | SportsField Management
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