How to outfit a commercial-focused utility vehicle

Though a utility vehicle (UTV) may be one of the smaller machines you will find on the jobsite, they play an important role for a crew when armed and outfitted with the appropriate attachments. No matter how big or small the job, a UTV can be appropriately outfitted to suit most construction needs. When considering different attachments to outfit your UTV, you need to consider the task at hand. It’s important to account for the terrain where you will be working; six-wheeled machines do great in gravel and sand, but a UTV with four-wheel drive will also operate fine. The following are four other key reasons to use UTVs on jobsites.

Storage

Look for a vehicle that has the ability to expand into a flatbed to handle the transfer of larger objects. There are many useful jobsite attachments for ultimate efficiency, including storage for a 5-gal bucket, cargo box dividers for bed organization, wall extensions allowing the operator to carry double the volume of light material, such as mulch, dirt or gravel and ratcheting rhino grips that can attach to the cargo box side rails to hold long-handled tools like rakes and shovels. Look for an option that comes equipped with tie-down points, so you are able to secure your objects. There are a variety of cargo box styles and custom options to suit the organizational style of any operator. It’s also important to remember utility vehicles can store more than tools and supplies. A two-row, multi-passenger vehicle can move a crew around the jobsite — quickly and efficiently.

Attachments

There are also attachments that you can add on to your UTV to aid with your task at hand. You can increase your hauling capacity by adding a cart to your UTV. Most UTVs offer spreader attachments, which could be used to put a nice finishing touch on your construction project. Contractors also find blade attachments very useful for grading jobs or clearing a path or road on the jobsite. There are different sized and shaped blades to suit a variety of needs. Need a more delicate attachment? Try a rubber squeegee attachment to level muck and sludge. An operator may also consider outfitting the UTV with a heavy-duty rear bumper for additional vehicle protection.

Lighting

When working early or late hours, when there is little-to-no sunlight, be sure to update your UTV to include a lighting package, if it doesn’t already come standard. If applicable to your job, there are also turn signal packages that can be added.

Comfort

There are a variety of tires to choose from, with all-terrain tires being best suited for work on a jobsite. Need tire options for softer land conditions? High-performance or aggressive tires will allow you to get the best possible operation in snow, sand and other difficult environments and track systems will allow utility vehicles to go where most wheels can’t — deep snow, swamps, muddy ground or other tough terrain. Turf tires are also available for turf sensitive jobsites. Similar to the cab in a piece of construction equipment, the cab of a UTV should take into consideration the creature comforts operators appreciate, such as cushioned seating, heat, stereo options and alternate power for charging of small electronics like smartphones. Suspension options are worth exploring as well to greater enhance ride comfort and capability.

Cadence Biersdorf is a product manager with the John Deere Ag & Turf Division.