Have you ever thought about adding an ATV or UTV to your arsenal of farm equipment? No matter where you live and no matter what your needs, these small but versatile machines are useful for a wide variety of farm operations.
Perhaps you own a full-fledged utility tractor, but you’re looking for something smaller and more convenient for making quick trips with a few supplies around the farm. Or perhaps you’re a hobby farmer on a budget, looking for a relatively inexpensive tractor alternative that can handle a mix of lightweight farming assignments.
In either instance, an ATV or UTV might just fit your needs. But hold! Don’t head to the local dealer and purchase the first model that catches your eye just yet! We’ve got 20 buying, maintenance, safety and trail-building tips to help you make informed decisions when purchasing (and using) an ATV or UTV.
Buying Advice
Before your start shopping, consider your needs. Are you looking for a lightweight vehicle perfect for driving around a few tools and supplies without rutting up your yard? Or do you need a heavy-duty machine capable of cultivating fields?
Make a list of projects (both current and future) that you plan to tackle. Then ask yourself the following questions.
ATV or UTV?
Though similar, ATVs and UTVs have a few key differences. An ATV (which stands for all-terrain vehicle) is typically a small, one-person machine designed for traversing challenging terrain and carrying small loads.
A UTV (utility task vehicle or utility terrain vehicle, also known as a “side by side”) is a larger machine that seats multiple people while carrying larger loads. When enhanced with attachments and implements (such as snow blowers, tillers, harrows, etc.), ATVs and UTVs are capable of performing light farm work.
But farmers are generally advised to pursue the extra strength, stability and safety offered by a sturdy UTV.
Gas, diesel or electric?
Many ATVs and UTVs run on gasoline. But some models feature diesel engines, and still others are electric.
As a broad rule, diesel-powered models are strong and durable, designed for hauling heavy loads and handling attachments and implements. You might not get the same speed and sport performance as you would with a gasoline-powered model. But this usually isn’t a concern for farmers.
Electric models offer several advantages compared to gasoline and diesel engines, including reduced noise and maintenance. No oil filters, air filters, fuel filters and spark plugs. That’s appealing, right?
But heavy-duty farm work may drain the batteries quickly. And if you run dry in the middle of a project, recharging isn’t nearly as fast or convenient as filling a tank with gasoline or diesel fuel.
2WD or 4WD?
Just like cars, some ATVs and UTVs offer two-wheel drive (2WD). Others offer four-wheel drive (4WD).
Two-wheel drive vehicles are generally lighter and less expensive. They are also more likely to get stuck in muddy or otherwise challenging terrain. And they don’t climb or descend steep hills as well.
Four-wheel drive machines tend to be stronger, heavier and more stable. This increases safety while allowing you to tackle tougher conditions.
Clearing snow, for example, is a task where four-wheel-drive vehicles offer a meaningful performance boost.
How strong is the engine?
Depending on the model, the engine strength of an ATV or UTV might be measured in cubic centimeters, horsepower or both. The two ratings aren’t directly comparable. In both cases, though, higher numbers represent more power.
Other factors (including torque and rpms) can influence the capabilities of a machine. But a powerful engine is a good place to start if you’re planning to tackle tough tasks.
Maybe you can get away with doing light field cultivation on a machine with 20 horsepower. But jump up to 30 horsepower, and you’ll be able to handle larger implements more effectively, and with less strain on your machine.
Chain drive or shaft drive?
How does the machine transfer power from the transmission to the wheels? Many small ATVs use chain drives, which employ a chain (quite like a bicycle) to get the job done.
They’re lightweight and less expensive than shaft drives, which use shafts and joints to transmit power. But chain drives need more maintenance (including lubrication). And they aren’t considered as durable as shaft drives, which are better suited to heavy-duty farm work.
How much can it tow?
Sometimes, you need to transport more than your ATV or UTV has space to carry. That’s when it’s nice to hook up a yard cart or utility trailer and haul a larger load.
If you plan to do a lot of heavyweight hauling, check out towing capacities before making a purchase. A small ATV might be rated to tow just 500 pounds, which includes the weight of the trailer. A stronger UTV might be able to handle 2,000 pounds or more.
What are the specifications of the bed?
A heavy-duty UTV is practically a miniature pickup truck, complete with a rear bed for hauling supplies. But bed dimensions (measured in cubic feet) and payload capacities vary widely. So consider how you might use the bed before choosing your machine.
If you want to carry around a toolbox and the occasional bale of hay, a small bed might be all you need. If you want to haul loads of rocks around, look for a bed rated to carry 1,000 pounds or more.
Consider also whether the bed is a hydraulic dump bed designed to facilitate easy unloading of heavy materials, or whether the bed has sides that fold down to convert into a flatbed when needed. Both features are highly useful.
What bonus features does it offer?
A bare-bones ATV or UTV can accomplish a lot. But lots of extra features are worth looking for if you can afford them.
Some UTVs boast enclosed cabs with heat and air conditioning, allowing you to work comfortably in all kinds of weather. You might also find a model offering power take-off (PTO) for powering attachments, a nice alternative to using self-powered attachments designed for machines without PTOs.
Read more: Consider making these 5 enhancements to your UTV or ATV this winter.
Maintenance Musts
ATVs and UTVs require regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. To avoid accelerated wear and tear—and to keep your machines in safe working order—follow a regular maintenance schedule highlighted by the following steps.
Change filters as needed.
Assuming your machine isn’t electric, you’ll need to regularly clean and/or replace the filters for air, oil and fuel. Neglecting the filters can reduce performance and even damage the engine.
Consult the user manual for instructions on how often to maintain the filters.
Keep the oil fresh.
Oil serves to lubricate and cool the engine for maximum performance and durability. But over time, oil breaks down and accumulates various bits of debris, reducing its effectiveness.
Oil changes are critical to extending the life of your machine. Drain and replace the oil on a regular basis, as outlined in the user manual.
Give your machine a good cleaning.
The user manual might not specifically instruct you to “Clean Your Machine Every 25 Hours,” but taking the time to remove mud, dirt and grime from your vehicle will keep it looking spiffy and help prevent parts from wearing out prematurely.
Grab some wet rags, buy some degreasers and cleaning solvents, and take some time every now and then to give your ATV or UTV a thorough inside-and-out cleaning.
Consult the manual for other maintenance tasks.
Exact ATV and UTV maintenance requirements vary from model to model. The user manual may provide a thorough checklist of maintenance tasks, which can include (but may not be limited to):
- checking tire pressure and tread depth
- replacing spark plugs
- lubricating the fittings
- checking/adding coolant
- checking driveline tension
- inspecting wiring and cables
- tightening bolts and connections
Safety Suggestions
As with any vehicle, some inherent danger exists in operating an ATV or UTV. Safety should always come first, so minimize your risk of injury by adhering to the following safety advice.
Wear a helmet.
Just because you’re driving around your own farm doesn’t mean you can neglect basic safety. Wear a helmet when riding, especially if you’re negotiating uneven terrain.
And consider wearing eye protection if you’re riding without a cab through woods or other areas where brush and low-hanging branches might catch you by surprise.
Consider weight limitations.
Don’t overload your machine! ATVs and UTVs have payload capacities, with the weight of rider(s) and cargo counting toward the total. If your machine has a payload capacity of 400 pounds, a 250-pound rider leaves just 150 pounds left over for cargo. Overloading your ATV or UTV can strain and/or damage the machine and its shock absorbers.
In addition to the overall payload capacity, consider how much weight the racks and/or cargo bed are rated to carry. Just because the entire vehicle can carry 500 pounds doesn’t mean the front rack can hold this much. It might be rated to carry just 100 pounds.
Distribute weight across both racks.
When loading up the racks of an ATV with cargo, don’t pile it all on the front or all on the back. This can throw off the balance of the machine and increase the risk of tipping forward or backward.
Instead, split the load across both racks. If the rear rack is designed to hold twice as much weight as the front rack, put 2 pounds of weight on the rear for every pound on the front. You’ll stay safer and your machine will perform better if you take care in distributing the weight.
Stay off roadways.
ATVs and UTVs are designed for off-road use, so driving on paved roads (if allowed by local ordinances) can be dangerous, especially if operating at high speeds.
With their off-road tires and high centers of gravity, these machines can be unstable and difficult to control on roadways, increasing the likelihood of an accident. At the very least, driving on paved roads will wear out your tires, so aim to operate only on your own property and designated ATV trails.
Read more: How would you even use an ATV or UTV on your farm? Check out these 10 uses.
Trail building
Planning the routes you’ll regularly drive with your ATV or UTV is important for minimizing erosion, rutting and soil compaction. Plus, a heavily used trail is bound to take a beating. So if aesthetics matter to you, consider where you would (and would not) like a well-worn path to appear.
Whether you’re carving a trail through your woodlot for harvesting firewood, or simply planning a route from the garage to the livestock paddocks, the following tips can help you achieve the most satisfactory and pleasant-to-drive results.
Beware of low ground.
Just because your machine can handle all terrain doesn’t mean you should tackle all terrain on a regular basis. If a low spot in your trail tends to get muddy during wet weather, driving an ATV or UTV through the mud is only going to tear up the ground, increase erosion and worsen the problem.
Consider rerouting your trail around the muddy spot if possible. Otherwise, adding gravel or improving drainage can reduce the issue. Installing geosynthetic materials such as geotextiles or geocells can be an effective long-term solution if you’re willing to invest some capital and bring in experts.
Watch out for slopes.
When planning the paths your trails will follow, pay special attention to sloping ground. If possible, avoid driving on steep slopes since they’re more likely to degrade and suffer erosion (from water runoff, for example) than flat terrain. They can also make for dangerous driving conditions, so if you must negotiate sloping ground, aim to have the trail run straight up or down the slope rather than across. This will reduce the risk of your machine tipping over.
Consider also how you plan to use the trail. An ATV might struggle to pull a wagonload of manure up a steep slope, so if you’re trying to reach a remote compost pile, perhaps you should seek a flatter avenue to the area.
Repair potholes.
There’s no reason to beat up your machine (and your body) by riding over a pothole-riddled trail. Scrape away loose material from within the pothole, getting it back down to a firm surface. Then add gravel (a heaping load higher than the surrounding ground) and pack it down tightly.
The tamper end of a digging bar can give you a good start. After you’ve done your best by hand, repeatedly drive over the filled pothole with your ATV or UTV to pack down the gravel even better.
If necessary, add more gravel until the hole is completely filled and satisfactorily smooth.
Keep branches & brush pruned back.
Driving along and ducking underneath low-hanging branches isn’t just annoying. It can be dangerous. Rather than plunge willy-nilly through an overgrown woods trail, prune back branches and brush to create a well-defined path.
Trim branches high enough so you can walk or drive underneath without issue.
A chainsaw and pruning loppers will handle much of the work, though you may need a pole saw to tackle higher branches. For best results, consult a guide to pruning tree limbs. Keep in mind that wet or snow-laden branches tend to hang lower than dry branches, so you may have to trim higher than you expect.
Annual touch-up pruning may also be required to maintain the trail as upper branches grow longer and sag lower.
Choosing the right ATV or UTV requires time and effort, as does getting the most out of your machine through proper maintenance, safety and trail-building techniques. But the reward of a trusty, durable and versatile farm machine is well worth the commitment.
Have fun working and riding!
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Hobby Farms magazine.
