The Rise and Rise of the Side by Side on Farms 

The modern ‘Side x Side’ or utility task vehicle (UTV) can trace its genealogy back to rough and ready military jeeps. These days, UTVs are most commonly associated with off-road adventure, racing, and stunt driving. But as well as their potential for fun, side by side vehicles can also be a very practical tool for farmers throughout New Zealand. 

A Growing Trend 

Farmers have been showing an increased interest in UTVs over the last few years, pushing the vehicles' market share up significantly. Farmers are favouring side by side vehicles because they offer good carrying capacity, cover ground quickly and safely, and offer a good level of comfort while doing so. Quad bikes are popular too, but their lack of safety features is seeing them fall out of favour. On the other hand, UTVs feature seat belts and roll cages as standard, plus smoother suspension with the option of a roof, and a windscreen.

They can also be upgraded to include practical accessories like a winch and tow kit to make them both safer and more practical.

Benefits of a Side by Side Vehicle on the Farm 

UTVs offer a range of benefits for farmers, including:

Transportation

Recently, the way to get around a farm has always been a quad. But quads offer limited ability to carry supplies. Whether you’re checking the fence line, inspecting cattle, or seeing to an emergency situation, a UTV will help you get the job done faster than a quad and it will prove itself more versatile very quickly.

Moving Soil, Feed, or Equipment 

UTVs can help with hauling heavy goods around your farm. If you’ve ever had to move a pallet of soil or feed one wheelbarrow load at a time, you’ll appreciate the advantages a UTV offers.

These vehicles can carry up to 45 kilograms safely– depending on the model –and can tow much more. Heavy duty side by sides like the Polaris ranger 900 can even fit a whole pallet in the bed. Not only can they carry heavy loads, UTVs will also get them moved much faster than walking. They are far more manoeuvrable than other options like tractors or trucks.

Moving People

UTVs make moving small teams around much easier. Having everyone walk can be time consuming, a truck may have access issues, and having an individual solution like a quad on hand for everyone is just wasteful. UTVs can carry anywhere from two to six people, depending on the model, not to mention being able to hold all their gear and supplies. This makes utilising groups of people throughout your farm easier than ever.

Swiss Army Jeep

A UTV is never going to replace a tractor on your farm, but with an incredible range of accessories available it can do double duty and then some. Cultivators, disc plows, box scrapers, loaders, mowers, wood splitters, and augers are just some of the tools that can be added to your side by side vehicle.

Learn More

To learn more about how UTVs can help around the farm, or to enquire about our range get in touch today. You can also browse all our products online.