Although Side By Sides, also known as UTVs, have recently acquired popularity due to their superior off-road capabilities, their primary function has always been as a work tool, notably on farms. They are not only handy for transporting various objects or distributing fertilizer, but they also do it without breaking a sweat, without being unnecessarily expensive, or difficult to live with. They’re also commonly used on farms due to their off-roading and 4WD capabilities.
Perhaps you’re reading this post because you’re seeking a farm hand to help you. There are various friendly options to pick from in this regard. We’ve compiled a list of the best functional UTVs available, taking into consideration several aspects, such as pricing, transport and towing options, and more. We have also thought about availability, fuel consumption, reliability and comfort. We’ll also discuss other topics, such as what to look for in a UTV and why to choose a UTV that should be used in parallel with agriculture.
Learn more about:–> 8 Best UTV For Farm
Reasons to select a side-by-side/UTV for farm work
- To begin with, you can link up a little trailer and tow it anyplace. This includes going down paths, over rocks, and through ditches—anything that may cause a full-sized trailer or large truck to become bogged down or trapped.
- It’s quick and easy to get through every problematic portion of your land with a UTV. It’s also easier to transport the equipment and supplies you’ll need to fix any damage you find.
- The most valuable service an ATV or side-by-side UTV can provide on a farm is moving supplies around quickly and efficiently. You can supply your side-by-side with feed, hay, rope, farrier tools, and whatever else you need to keep your animals healthy. It’s ideal for completing the nasty chores that could cause your truck to be totaled.
- A massive off-road truck can easily transport hundreds of pounds of goods daily and simplifies many hauling jobs throughout the farm.
- By attaching a chisel or circle plow to the back of your off-road vehicle, your ATV or side-by-side can function as a compact tractor, serving a similar purpose on a smaller scale. This setup can prove beneficial for agricultural and landscaping tasks where using a larger, more expensive piece of equipment would be impractical due to its size or cost.
- Having the greatest UTV for the farm will allow you to save a significant amount of time. With a UTV, you can be anywhere you are going in no time. It will save time; we all have too many responsibilities to waste hours of our life going aimlessly. This is significant because, rather than requiring someone else to do the labor, employing these vehicles to go from one location to another or to carry heavy equipment through fields results in more work being completed.
- Farming demands significant physical labor, and it’s not uncommon to feel fatigued after spending just a couple of hours on the farm. Managing a vast expanse of land can be exceptionally challenging as it requires more attention than a single individual can provide. However, the use of UTVs has reduced this problem considerably. These four-wheeled vehicles utilize their energy to generate traction, minimizing the need for excessive walking and wasted effort while transporting heavy machinery like tractors across the fields.
What To Look For In A Work UTV
Watch for how relaxed you are and how simple the equipment operates. If you’re buying a UTV for work, chances are you’ll be exposed to the sun, wind, and other elements for several hours, so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible.
If you plan to buy the machine from a dealership, take a test ride or try to sit on it. Make sure the UTV is the right size for your body. Other essential features to look for in a work UTV are:
- Get Electric Power Steering (EPS): Electric Power Steering is the first item I recommend. Both farmers and leisure motorcyclists have found EPS to be a blessing. In a nutshell, EPS is a technology that helps you turn your UTV wheels. If you’ve ever driven over rocky or uneven terrain, you know how difficult it can be to maneuver fluidly. By the day’s end, EPS will ensure your arms aren’t falling off.
- Check that the ground clearance is adequate for the job: One of the first things you should look for is a UTV with enough ground clearance for the activity you’ll be conducting. If you’re going to be working in the fields, you’ll almost certainly have to ride through rocky or uneven terrain, which not all side by side can handle. If this is the case, opt for a vehicle with adequate ground clearance, such as a Polaris Ranger.
- If you plan to ride in muddy conditions, a 4WD UTV is a must. When transferring items from one location to another, the last thing you want to be is slowed down. Getting 4WD ensures you can get to work without worrying about traction problems.
Stuff to look for the most in your UTV
- The Engine:
Farm activity necessitates a high-quality motor that can withstand abuse. Compared to other ATV and SxS jobs, agricultural work puts a lot of load on a vehicle’s powertrain because it requires constant pulling and towing—much more than recreational jobs.
Fortunately, Can-ATVs, Am’s, and side-by-sides are tried and faithful agriculturist companions thanks to the practical and proven Rotax motor range.
The Can-Am Shield family’s dedicated Rotax HD10, HD8, and HD5 motors are the perfect balance of fun and work, while class-leading Rotax V-Twin motors with 90 hp (1000R), 77 hp (850) and 61 hp (650) make Can-Am Outlander ATVs an agrarian workhorse.
- The CARGO Capacity:
SXS/UTV When comparing an ATV versus an SxS/UTV on the farm, the side-by-greater side’s capacity could be a significant benefit. In comparison, quads like the Can-Am Outlander have a lot of capacity because of their high-strength multifunction racks with LinQTM quick-attach additional framework, side-by-sides have a lot more space thanks to their cargo bed, under-seat anteroom, and other nooks and crevices.
Can-Am Shield Master DPS cargo box is 72 x 54.5 x 10 inches and can handle up to 1,000 pounds. And that’s the end of the box. It has a 94-gallon (356-liter) capacity, sprint, under-dash, lower-box capacity, and a removable water-resistant tool kit.
- The SECURITY:
A side-by-side vehicle, such as a car or truck, implies that the driver can have a passenger next to them, hence the name. If travelers are a regular part of your day-to-day group on the farm, an SxS like the Can-Am Shield can accommodate three adults, with the MAX version accommodating up to six.
While being able to transport passengers is not a necessity daily, it does extend the value of your side-by-side car to those rare days off when the entire family can pile into the vehicle for an adventure.
The best UTVs available for farm work
What are the best side-by-side UTVs for farmers to utilize?
The excellent side-by-side UTVs for farm purposes are:
- Yamaha Viking
- Can-Am Defender
- John Deere Gator
- Honda Pioneer 1000
- Honda Pioneer 800
- Polaris Ranger 1000
- Polaris Ranger 500
- Cfmoto Uforce 500
- Yamaha Viking
Yamaha is known for coming close to making things happen. In the farm fields, this Japanese brand proved to be effective.
The Yamaha Viking is the best cultivating tool available. The following are the show’s most important qualifications:
- A 686cc single-cylinder petrol engine.
- Yamaha’s Ultramatic CVT.
- A centrifugal clutch is used.
- Downhill terrain requires all-wheel motor braking.
- Directing with the help of electronic power.
- A revolving switch allows switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
- The tipping bed has a large carrying capacity and can add a tow ball.
- Can-Am Defender
The Cam-Am Shield from Can-Am is the ideal UTV for agriculture. Because of its high-quality features, this machine could be an excellent pick. The following are some of the most essential qualifying features of this brand:
- Rotax V-Twin with 72 horsepower and 976cc.
- Four-wheel drive with locking differential.
- A 2,000-pound towing capacity is available.
- The towing capability is 1,000 pounds.
- The glove box is a removable device box that looks like a glove box.
- The seats are sturdy.
- However, they can also be flipped up to provide extra pulling room.
- On the front, there’s a 4,5000-pound winch.
- John Deere Gator XUV835M HVAC
We’re willing to guess that you’ve heard of John Deere if you’re a farmer. This dependable equipment can assist you with any task on your farm and is equipped with some critical agricultural characteristics. The weather is one issue that farmers frequently confront when operating a UTV on their farms. The cabin of the John Deere Gator vehicle is air-conditioned and heated, making driving in any weather condition considerably more enjoyable!
- The gasoline tank size has been raised to 42 liters, giving this vehicle a more extended range.
- The tilting load bed on this UTV can carry 1000 pounds, and the UTV can carry up to 2000 pounds.
- This variant has a two-speed CVT with a top speed of 31 or 37 mph.
- 54 HP
- 2000 lb. towing capacity
- 1000 lb. cargo capacity
- Honda Pioneer 1000
In a few ways, the Honda Pioneer 1000 is a peculiar beast. The suspension isn’t as luxurious as the Defender or Ranger’s, but the 1000-5 versions let you change the two back-row seats into additional bed space for maximum adaptability. You also receive Honda’s well-known quality, which most other manufacturers aspire for.
- HP 72
- The towing capacity of 2000 lbs.
- Cargo capacity of 1000 lbs.
- Honda Pioneer 800
Honda is a company that takes pleasure in being able to cater to a wide range of customers. Whether you’re looking for a car, an ATV, or a UTV, the Honda Pioneer has you covered! You may also use their UTVs for farming because, let’s face it, farming will always have a role on this planet, no matter how advanced technology becomes. These characteristics include:
- It is powered by an 800cc single-cylinder petrol engine.
- A three-speed automatic transmission is included.
- It has a towing capacity of 1500 pounds.
- A total of 850 pounds can be carried in the rear tilting bed.
- This variant has a fast flip that gives you more carrying room.
- Polaris Ranger 1000
Polaris is currently a top brand for a wide range of open-air vehicles, including UTVs. They are a well-known and well-loved provider of high-quality goods.
However, there are some highlights to this show that make it very valuable for your cultivating purposes. This vehicle is designed to perform every task you may want of a UTV. Some of the highlights of this show that make it so special are as follows:
- There are 11 different versions to choose from, each with a different chassis type.
- Electricity is provided via a 48-volt battery. Three-seaters are available with a 1,000cc diesel engine, a 68hp 875cc petrol engine, or an 82hp 1,000cc petrol engine.
- Steering with electronic control Active plummet control system for the engine Can provide augmentations for up to 6 people.
- 82 HP
- 2500 lb. towing capacity
- 1000 lb. payload capacity
- Polaris Ranger 500
The Polaris Ranger 500 is an extremely popular farm vehicle. With a 73-inch wheelbase and a 58-inch width, this two-seater is compact. With those dimensions, you can take this thing across every corner of your land. It’ll fit through the trees and down any narrow path. Its 32 by 42-inch cargo box can hold a lot of tools, allowing you to get a lot of work done without having to return to base.
- HP 32
- 1500-pound weight limit ability to tow
- 1000-pound weight limit capacity of cargo
8. Cfmoto Uforce 500
Although the UForce 500 isn’t the most popular option, it’s a strong contender for the finest entry-level UTV. It’s the cheapest option, but it’s not as basic as it appears. The 495cc engine produces 38 horsepower. With a 72-inch wheelbase and a 58-inch stance, it’s a compact vehicle. It’s as nimble and maneuverable as a Ranger but at a cheaper price. It also comes standard with a 3000 lb. winch and power steering, which none of the competitors can match.
- 38 Horsepower
- Towing capacity: 1025 lbs.
- Cargo capacity: 600 lbs.
As far as pricing for these farming UTVs is concerned, these are their prices:
Model Price
Yamaha Viking $14,100
Cam-Am Defender $9,000- 27,000
John Deere Gator $17,500
Honda Pioneer 1000 $15,899
Honda Pioneer 800 $13,000- 14,050
Polaris Ranger 1000 $8,000- 14,000
Polaris Ranger 500 $9,499
Cfmoto Uforce 500 $9,099
How to Upgrade Your UTV?
WINCHES IN THE FRONT AND REAR
Adding a pair of 4500 or 6000 Lb. Black Ops Winches to your machine will assist you in pulling other vehicles out of ditches, as well as getting your own vehicle out of trouble.
TRANSMISSION GEAR
A gear reduction is a way to go if you want to increase your machine’s torque to make hauling and crawling over uneven ground easier. Transmission gear reductions and portal gear lifts with built-in gear reduction are available.
Depending on the vehicle, transmission gear reductions provide a 12 percent to 25% reduction in gear ratio. They are installed directly in your transmission, lowering the gear ratio and increasing torque.
TIRES
You can navigate the rougher sections of your land with a set of aggressive off-road tires. Any of our Warrior Tires or the more aggressive Intimidator Tires are recommended for farming. So you don’t get stuck, they’ll keep you clinging.
DRIVETRAIN
Even when your UTV is under great stress, an improved drivetrain keeps your power going to the ground. Replacing your front differential and prop shafts will ensure that your four-wheel drive continues to function in any situation.
Many models have had their differentials and parts upgraded. We now have a Pin Locker Differential for Defenders that allows you complete control over the axle locking mechanism in your front differential.
We have heavy-duty Rhino Driveline Prop Shafts with larger shafts and innovative U-joints or CV joints when it comes to prop shafts. As a result, instead of being one of the weakest elements on your machine, they are now one of the strongest.
SUSPENSION
Keeping your car operating smoothly requires upgrading your suspension, especially if your farm has a lot of rough terrains. Because axles and A-arms are at the forefront, it’s a good idea to convert to heavy-duty parts or keep a few heavy-duty axles on hand for replacements. If you get stuck on a stump or over-torque your wheels when they become wedged in some roots, they’ll keep your tires moving.
How to protect passengers?
The first thing you should think about is a front windshield, and there are many different styles to pick from. You can obtain exactly what you need and want, from full windshields to vented windshields to flip windshields, to make long hours of work more pleasant.
Our doors are simple to remove if the summer heat prevents you from using them, and some even have sliding windows for ventilation management on the fly.
You must choose between aluminum, plastic, and colored polycarbonate for roofs. The colored roofs are one of our favorites. They’re sturdy, block enough sunlight to keep you cool, yet don’t make your cab seem claustrophobic.
Briefly, we all are aware that the backbone of contemporary agriculture is multipurpose equipment. Indeed, you can get more work done in less time with a side-by-side and be very confident that it will live with you for a long time if you ensure good maintenance. In this respect, UTV makers made sure to provide you with a variety of excellent choices to choose from to make your farm work much easier and more efficient.
