Buying The Right UTV
If you own land that needs working, or you just enjoy rumbling through the great outdoors at high speeds, then you can benefit from a side by side. Also called UTVs, these compact but powerful vehicles are designed to tackle rough terrain, carry heavy loads, and handle just about any property maintenance task you can think of, from mowing to tilling. But there’s a lot of variety in the side by side market, and it can be hard to find the one that’s right for you. Where do you even start? Right here, of course!
We here at Sky Powersports Lakeland have put together a few tips for narrowing down your UTV search. If you have more questions, or you’re just ready to browse the side by sides we have on sale, stop by our store in Lakeland, Florida! Our friendly and expert staff can help you find what you need at the prices you want today.
What Are You Using It For?
Step one is to consider the role your UTV will be filling. This will influence what features and performance specs you’ll need. For example, if you want another workhorse to help with farming, you’ll want a side by side that’s small enough to fit through fence gates and barn doors, but with enough storage to carry hay, feed bags, fertilizer, tools, and more. You’ll also want a machine that’s compatible with a wide variety of attachments and add-ons so you can use your UTV to prep soil, distribute fertilizer, build fences, and other everyday farm tasks.
Some people use their side by sides to make hunting easier. This will again require a lot of storage space so you can bring your weapon and gear, and bring back whatever game you catch to your main vehicle. Size should remain compact to avoid getting trapped by tight trees or undergrowth. Hunters will also want a UTV with a camouflage paint job and a quieter engine and suspension to avoid broadcasting their presence to any potential prey.
If you just want something you can ride through the woods for fun, you’re going to want to prioritize performance potential so you can tackle any terrain and tough trails. You’ll also want comfortable seating so you can ride for longer without getting too sore. Whatever your goals, the better you know them, the easier it will be to find the right machine for you.
How Many Passengers Will You Have?
If you plan on bringing others along with you at any point, whether you’re bringing friends on your thrill ride or you need extra hands on a landscaping project, you’ll want to factor that in. Some UTVs are built to accommodate up to six passengers at a time, while others can only comfortably seat two.
What Obstacles Will There Be?
You should also think about what obstacles need to be overcome in your chosen riding area. If there aren’t many at all, like you might expect with a landscaping UTV, you won’t need to worry too much about it. But if you’re going to be in the woods, in a rocky area, or driving through sand or mud, that will affect what your UTV can do. For any particularly uneven terrain, look for a model with high ground clearance to avoid damaging the vehicle’s underside. If the terrain is particularly loose, get a UTV that can handle that, or that can be easily upgraded with aftermarket parts.
What Extra Features Might Be Useful?
Even within each of these categories, there’s plenty of wiggle room in relation to what a UTV comes equipped with. Consider carefully what extra needs your chosen usage might create and how you can best answer them.
For instance, if you plan on tackling tough terrain on thrill rides, you might consider extra safety features like full cab enclosure, windshields, side doors, and other seating upgrades. For hunters or folks riding in mud, consider a winch that can easily pull animals where you need them to be or that can help pull the vehicle out of a sticky situation. If you’re going to be using the UTV for work, no matter the weather, you might invest in a hard or soft top roof to protect you from the elements.
Whatever your needs might be, there’s a UTV out there for you! To learn more about these incredible machines, or to see the side by sides we have on sale, stop by Sky Powersports Lakeland. We proudly serve the people of Tampa and Orlando, Florida—let us serve you today!