Utility Vehicle Roundup

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Choices … choices

The choices in the UTV market are many, and deciding which model best suits your needs can be a bit overwhelming. Narrowing the field to a manageable number is the best way to begin your search. To do this, first carefully consider your needs and outline how you will use the vehicle. If you move heavy or bulky cargo on a regular basis, for example, then check the bed capacity and examine the size of the cargo area of each model. On the other hand, just about any UTV will work fine if you just need to haul a few bales of hay to the far pasture. Also figure in passenger capacity. A few models offer a second-row bench seat and can carry the whole crew. Most have two buckets or a front bench.

Next, determine the powertrain and drivetrain that will work best for your application. Power is seldom an issue with modern UTVs, but if you plan to work or play hard, make sure the model has plenty of punch.

If you plan to operate in a muddy field, over trails, on steep hills or during the winter, then four-wheel drive and a locking differential will get you where you need to go and offer safer operation. Plan to plow snow? Check into which models offer accessory plows and make four-wheel drive a priority in your search.

Another important consideration is dealer location and reputation. You might think twice about purchasing a particular brand if the nearest dealer is several hours away. Most UTVs are very robust and designed to take a beating, but they do need regular service. If you have a history with the local John Deere or Cub Cadet dealer and trust their ability to treat you fairly, then you are one step ahead of the game. Even if you plan to do your own maintenance, parts availability is another consideration.

Happy hunting

When you pick a few models and head for the dealer to kick tires, don’t hesitate to ask for a demo drive. Operating the vehicle is a quick way to find out how easy or fun it is to drive and check out less obvious things you can’t determine from facts and figures like whether the model is objectionably noisy.
No matter the make or model, if you take the plunge on a new UTV, you’ll wind up with a partner that will entirely change the meaning of chore.

Todd Kaho is a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience as an automotive journalist. He lives with his family on a rural acreage in the Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio.

ARCTIC CAT PROWLER XTX 700

For more than 40 years, Minnesota-based Arctic Cat (www.ArcticCat.com; 218-681-8558) has produced renowned snowmobiles. That harsh environment coupled with engineering, design and manufacturing expertise led Arctic Cat to branch off into a rugged line of off road wheeled vehicles. The Prowler UTV is currently available in 650 and 700 models. The top of the line XTX 700 comes with custom aluminum wheels, a tilt steering wheel, 12.5 inches of ground clearance, and front and rear receiver hitches standard to accept a wide range of accessories.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print