ATVs and UTVs are becoming more and more popular these days – and when you look at everything they can do, it is no wonder why. “They’re just so handy,” said Rogersville S & H Farm Supply salesman Scott Crowder, “and they’re more maneuverable than a bigger truck.” ATVs and UTVs are faster, lighter, easier to store and can reach those hard to get to places on the back 40 where other vehicles can’t. They come in multiple colors, styles and sizes, and can often be customized to fit your needs. Having an ATV can be a big help on the farm; if you need to reach your cows in a pasture with rugged terrain, an ATV can make that job easier and faster. If you have a smaller machine shop or garage, an ATV will store nicely in a tighter space. If you have rough pastures that need sprayed for weeds, you can even purchase a sprayer attachment for your ATV so you don’t have to sacrifice your tractor. Keep reading for some pointers on implementing ATVs into your agriculture program.
Substituting an ATV for Horses or Trucks
The pros of using an ATV in place of a larger truck or a horse are plentiful – if you need to reach a steep or rugged area to check livestock, for example, an ATV can maneuver such an area much more efficiently than a larger vehicle can. Being smaller and more aerodynamic, ATVs and UTVs do not require as much gas or diesel fuel – “the fuel consumption is less than larger vehicles,” said Mike Sellers, the manager of Sellers Trading Post, an Odes UTV retailer in Arkansas. ATVs don’t have as high of ongoing maintenance costs as horses do – you don’t have to feed or vaccinate an ATV. ATVs can also be more reliable during bad weather – they have tires that are built for handling mud and snow, and many models come with four wheel drive features.
There are a few cons about ATVs and UTVs in agriculture to bear in mind as well, though. While some UTVs do have ample storage room for driving around tools and equipment, they still won’t hold as much as the bed of a pickup truck might. And unlike horses, the noise from an ATV motor can sometimes frighten livestock during roundups or routine checks.
Choosing and Maintaining Your ATV
The first thing to consider when choosing an ATV for your farm or ranch is the purpose of the vehicle. If you will primarily be driving fence lines or checking livestock by yourself, a four wheeler would be a good choice. If you and a partner need to haul feed, tools or even a spray rig, you might want to think about a UTV with a cargo bed and side by side seats.
Once you have determined the primary use for your ATV, the next thing to consider is the style and look you are after. Do you want red, blue, camouflage or orange? Do you want your UTV to have a backseat? And of course, you have to consider price. Buying brand new from a dealership is the most expensive choice, but that may be best if you are looking for some custom options. If you are just looking for an ATV that runs well, but don’t mind a few nicks or scratches, many ATVs can be purchased used for a cheaper price.
An ATV is an investment, so you will want to make sure you keep up on the maintenance of your vehicle. “Change your oil at recommended intervals,” Crowder said. This will increase vehicle performance and engine life. Also check the air filter regularly. Farms and ranches are full of dust, dirt and debris, and this can take its toll on an air filter. Seller noted that “general maintenance is very important” and that the vehicle should be inspected routinely for wear and tear.
ATV Safety
Just like with any other vehicle, there are some safety considerations that you need to keep in mind when driving your ATV or UTV. “Be careful as far as hillsides go,” said Scott Crowder. He notes that the majority of ATV accidents are due to rollovers on inclines. You should never operate an ATV (or any vehicle!) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ATVs are designed for off-road use and should not be driven on paved roads except where permitted by law. Children under the age of sixteen should not operate an ATV without the supervision of a responsible adult. And finally, you should NEVER operate an ATV that is too powerful for you to safely handle.
