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TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Resorts, campuses and urban landscapes are often ideal for electric-powered UTVs, as these whisper-quiet vehicles won't disturb the people around them. "Electric-powered vehicles can work from sun up to sun down around any area that may be dis- turbed by noise and odor associated with gas- or diesel-powered vehicles," said Hamish Lusty, vice president of commercial busi- ness for Cushman. Don't confuse low noise with low power. Manufacturers offer electric vehicles in a variety of payload and hauling needs for the toughest jobs. For example, the 72V AC-powered Cushman Hauler Pro is capable of carrying or towing more than 1,000 pounds. Contractors who prefer gas- or diesel-powered vehicles will find a variety of rugged options with heavy-duty hauling and towing ca- pacities. For example, Cushman's Hauler 4X4 diesel-powered UTV boasts towing capacity of 1,300 pounds and comes standard with a 14.4-cubic-foot bed with a cargo capacity of 1,100 pounds. Built for rugged jobsites and heavy-duty tasks, many of these vehicles come standard with 4-wheel independent suspension and user-selectable 4WD for better traction and control on loose or wet terrain. "The 'bigger is better' mantra definitely has a hold in the com- mercial UTV market," said Lusty. "UTVs with bigger engines to maximize power and performance are popular. 'How can I get more power in the same size vehicle?' is a question we get asked a lot." In the coming years, there may even be a hybrid electric-gas UTV available. "We're seeing more interest from customers for hybrid- electric UTVs. It's still a small percentage of the market, but we plan to continue investing time and money in developing a hybrid model." REPLACING PICKUP TRUCKS On many worksites, UTVs are now replacing pickups. The ve- hicles can do everything a large pickup truck can do on a site, but more efficiently. Since they're easy to get in and out of, productivity remains high. UTVs are also more maneuverable on a jobsite, with the ability to go off the beaten path and over rough terrain not safe for a full-sized truck. Utility vehi- cle manufacturers are even offering multi-row UTVs, such as the Cushman Hauler 4X4 Diesel Crew, which haul and handle just like a two-seat vehicle, but can transport twice as many workers from a jobsite office or parking lot to the far ends of a large-scale site. Owning and maintaining a UTV is also easier and less costly. The cost of ownership is lower because UTVs don't incur the same wheel, road and property taxes as on-road pickups. Maintaining a UTV is simple enough that many owners handle it in-house. "About 70 percent of UTV owners perform their own main- tenance. Unlike a truck, which needs to visit a garage for repairs and routine maintenance, a UTV is almost never out of commis- sion," said Lusty. The open cab design and task-oriented nature of UTVs make it easy for contractors to monitor employee productivity. ACCESSORIES AND UPGRADES TO GET MORE DONE UTV options and accessories that enhance the vehicle's function- ality, safety and operator experience are growing in popularity among contractors. Cargo beds are what truly turn UTVs from people movers to equipment movers. Many UTVs can be enhanced with larger, factory-installed cargo beds, which can then be further maxi- mized to increase use and efficiency. For example, Cushman cargo beds can be customized with a power dump feature, allowing the vehicle to unload materi- als — such as fresh topsoil for a landscaping job — without the need for extra workers to be pulled from other jobs to help. The dump bed improves efficiency and reduces physical stress on workers. Many UTVs used on landscaping sites traverse narrow path- ways, so it's important to think about what's under a vehicle when choosing a model. "Every time a UTV slips off a path, the poten- tial for damage to lawns or expensive irrigation systems is high." Accessories such as turf tires should be considered for dam- age prevention. These tires make it safe and easy to go from pavement to the lawn with minimal disturbance to the turf un- derneath the tire. ACCESSORIES AND UPGRADES TO ENHANCE SAFETY Keeping crews safe is of the utmost importance, and many utility vehicle manufacturers now offer an array of accessories and at- tachments to keep workers safe while on the job. Accessories that alert others that a UTV is in operation — such as taillights, brake lights, reverse alarms and strobe lights — can be added for a nominal cost. They are especially worth- while for crews working in morning fog or at worksites with trees and landscaping that might shield a vehicle from view. "Quiet- running electric UTVs, which are often chosen over gas vehicles in areas with noise or emissions restrictions, can benefit greatly from additional lights," said Lusty. A Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS), in conjunction with seatbelt use, helps prevent a passenger from being injured in the event of a rollover. Similarly, an Occupant Protection Sys- tem (OPS) prevents passengers in the vehicle from being injured when a vehicle tips over. "UTVs can add productivity to any worksite, but these vehi- cles should be used with care, not only for the safety of the crew, but for everyone working in close proximity," said Lusty. "Adding affordable safety accessories helps ensure that every job remains accident-free." ADVICE TO BUYERS When deciding which brand and model of UTV to purchase, it's important to think about the worksite environment and the main job functions it will perform. From there, consider accesso- ries and attachments to customize your vehicle. "New UTV mod- els and the wide range of available accessories and attachments can make a big impact on productivity," he said. "They're rugged enough for any worksite, and move crew, supplies and equipment quickly to keep projects on time and under budget." Alexis Abel is public relations counsel at Swanson Russell, Lincoln, Neb. Article provided by Cushman. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation September 2015 25 LI