6 Questions to Consider Before Selecting a Commercial UTV

UTVs have come a long way over the decades. More power. More features. More options to choose from. Investing in the right UTV for your operation is critical — one that meets the needs of your application while improving productivity and optimizing operating costs. Choosing poorly can be a costly mistake. To make the decision less daunting and help you narrow down your options, here are six questions to consider.

1. What’s the Job?

This is the kind of high-level question you need to consider before anything else. What problem are you trying to solve? Do you need to move people from point A to point B? Do you need to haul tools and materials? The application will dictate the type of vehicle you need. More on that below.

2. Where’s the Job?

The location of your jobsite matters a lot. UTVs run the gamut between light, versatile carts designed for zipping around golf courses to heavier-duty vehicles that can handle the harsh conditions on many construction sites. If you’re doing work in urban areas with parks, sidewalks or even streets, you might need a lighter UTV or even one that’s rated as street legal. If your crews need to traverse rough, muddy job sites, you might need a vehicle with four-wheel drive, a locking differential, a lifted body and more aggressive tires.

3. Gas or Electric Power?

Another early decision buyers need to make is whether to choose a gas, electric, or even diesel vehicle.

“Choosing between a gas or electric vehicle is a decision that many people struggle with,” says Marissa Swart, Senior Product Manager at Cushman. “When striking a balance between performance and operating range vs. ongoing maintenance and fuel costs, how the vehicle will be used is the most important factor.”

All power types have benefits and drawbacks depending on the application. High-quality electric vehicles, like those that run on lithium-ion batteries, tend to have lower operating and maintenance costs. They’re also quieter to run. That said, gas vehicles can do better in rough terrain and extreme cold, as well as sometimes benefit from longer ranges between refueling.

4. What Are Your Payload and Towing Requirements?

Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty details you need to pay attention to. Every UTV is going to meet certain payload and towing capacity requirements, so think about whether you need your UTVs to haul heavy loads or trailers.

“Once you determine what you need to carry, you can work on finding a UTV to fit your payload or towing capacity,” Swart says. “Some of these vehicles can even be outfitted with options and accessories for additional hauling capabilities.”

If all you need is a vehicle to get people around the job site, you can probably get away with a more modest power source. The heavier the loads, the heavier duty your vehicle needs to be, and you might need to add on purpose-built options and accessories.

5. What Are Your Range Requirements?

No matter how large your jobsite is, increased vehicle range means more time moving and less time refueling or recharging. Range is even more critical if you have limited access to fuel or power on the jobsite.

“With lithium powertrains, there are more options to extend range through additional battery packs,” Swart says. “That keeps you moving without the emissions of gas-powered vehicles.”

Regardless of your power source, pay attention to battery capacity or fuel capacity, especially if you can’t afford to have vehicle downtime.

6. Are there additional features you need?

Different brands and models will come with a variety of features that may benefit your crews on the job. Pay close attention to whether the models you’re looking at offer features such as a winch, roof, windshield, power steering, tool storage, a bed lift, towing hitch, etc.

The good news is, there are UTVs out there to meet any industry’s need — from resorts and city parks to construction sites and factories. Ask yourself questions like those above and you will start to zero in on the right vehicle to meet the needs of your operation.

Will Folsom is a public relations associate with Swanson Russell.

Utility vehicles are perfectly made for both work and play. Learn all about these sweet rides here.