One of the most popular pieces of outdoor power equipment these days is the utility vehicle. From hunters to handymen, everyone seems to be using them.
Why? The current crop of utility vehicles is practical, powerful and versatile-a far cry from their “golf cart with an attitude” predecessors. So what should you look for in a utility vehicle?
“Take the time to really figure out how you will use a utility vehicle and what type of terrain you will encounter,” advises Jerry Sandy, product manager for Husqvarna’s HUV utility vehicle line. “Decide up front what accessories and features are required for the types of tasks you plan to accomplish.”
Home & Garden-For jobs like brush clearing or hauling supplies to the garden, says Sandy, a compact utility vehicle may fit the bill. Larger tasks such as clearing snow, on the other hand, require a more powerful unit, four-wheel drive and accessories such as a snowplow attachment, tire chains and a cab enclosure.
Property Management-For farmers, ranchers and timber owners, key factors include engine durability, payload capacity and traction for rough terrain. A...