Watch: ATV or UTV – which one is right for you?

Many Irish farms now have some sort of off-road vehicle, whether that be the trusty jeep or one of these smaller vehicles. ATVs have been on farms for many years and were originally designed for use in the agricultural and forestry industries. UTVs are a more recent arrival into the farming landscape with their mini-jeep appearance.

Firstly, what are the differences between the two offroad machines? ATVs are what we all know as the humble quad, single-seated with load-carrying racks back and front. UTVs are two-seater, side-by-side machines with a load-carrying area behind. Both machines have a place in Irish agriculture. We will try to decide where.

The ATV used for this test was a Honda TRX 500. Firstly the quad was driven around a set course which would be used for both machines. The quad was found to be very good at getting across rough ground but, as with all ATVs, care has to be taken. Rider skill is essential to operate an ATV safely in these conditions.

Then it was driven through water and found to be capable. The next stage of the test was a quick run on smooth farm tracks. The openness to the elements made this a chilling experience.

Then it was back to the yard to get hooked up to the 5ft Quad-x shredder, where the plan was to go and cut some grass – probably not what the shredder is meant for cutting but it would be a stern test for both machines.

Attaching the shredder was a simple process as the hitch on the Honda was easily accessible. In the field the ATV was easily able to pull the shredder at its optimal working speed in this ground, 6km/h. Being able to hear the engine on the shredder coming under strain in heavier conditions was very useful as forward speed could be adjusted so as not to over strain or even stall the shredder engine.

Once the shredder was removed from the quad it was then hooked to the Quad-x dump trailer, fitted with electric tipping. The first test undertaken was to bring the quad and trailer outfit for a run around some of the earlier used rough terrain course. With the trailer’s bogey axle and the quad’s ample power it was right at home in the rough stuff. Equally, it was very capable on the quicker smoother run back to the yard.

Once back in the yard the trailer was loaded with muck from an earlier sweeping of the yard, a mix of clay and straw. When the trailer was loaded it was taken for a run on the smoother sections of lane and was more than capable of hauling the trailer. When it was asked to stop quickly it showed good braking ability considering the sizeable load. The visibility of the trailer at all time was excellent. When required to supply power to the tipping pump, the battery was found to be easily accessible, backing the loaded trailer up to the heap was not an issue with lots of power and good visibility.

The UTV used for this test was a John Deere XUV 855D gator. The gator was driven around the same course as the quad was earlier and found to be capable of getting around the rougher parts of the course with very little drama and was very comfortable for the operator.

Some decent off-road driving skills were required to get through the section safely.

In the water the UTV was able to comfortably climb out with no fuss. Following this it was the fast run back to the yard on smooth farm lanes. The gator was very comfortable in these surroundings and provided a snug space for the operator behind its windscreen. Once back at the yard, hooking to the shredder was a bit awkward as the hitch on the UTV is well in under the rear load-carrying platform.

Once hooked and in the field, the gator was comfortably able to handle the 5ft shredder in these conditions. We had slight issues with hearing the shredder’s engine, knowing if it was under pressure and requiring a slower forward speed.

After the shredder was removed, the dump trailer was hooked and the same loop as was travelled with the ATV was undertaken.

The rough part of the course was slightly more difficult with this outfit due to the differing levels of visibility offered from the cab of the UTV. The fast run on smooth ground was a pleasure, with lots of power available and the wind-breaking windscreen.

The trailer was then re-loaded with the same mix of straw and muck. Pulling the trailer with a UTV seemed very similar to the everyday towing of trailers with a Jeep. On the fast section the UTV was comfortable with the load and the brake test was very impressive.

Visibility of the trailer was more difficult than on the ATV due to the off-centre driving position and the cab structure obscuring your view.

Connection to the battery was easily done as it was under the passenger seat. Backing the loaded trailer into the heap for tipping was more difficult due to the visibility issues but there was lots of power available.

Rough ground

Both types of machine are very capable in the rough stuff but a well-ridden ATV would have a slight advantage if the going gets really tough.

Smooth running

The UTV makes running at speed a very comfortable experience in any season, where the ATV requires the operator to dress for the season in order to be comfortable.

Hooking to implements

In the test it was found that the ATV was far easier to hook attachments to due to the difficulty caused by the overhanging load area on the UTV.

Using the shredder

When hooked to the shredder both machines showed themselves to be very impressive but the greater visibility and hearing of the implement engine given by the quad slightly shaded it over the comfort of the UTV.

Pulling the dump trailer

There is very little to choose between the two types of machine for trailer work but the manoeuvrability and visibility just give it the way of the ATV.

Following the test day many conclusion were drawn as to what farms were more suited to a UTV and what were more suited to an ATV.

Some factors which need to be taken into account before a decision can be made are the land type, who will be driving or riding the machine, what it will be used for and budget.

From the test it can be seen that the ATV is slightly better suited to rougher terrain and the hooking to and operation of implements whereas the UTV is less able in rough terrain, more comfortable and also has the added ability of carrying loads without the need for a trailer.

If you are farming on rough or hilly ground and require your machine to attach and run implements such as used in the test the ATV is the machine for you.

If you are based on flatter land and just need a handy run around with the capability of bringing a second person and some fencing equipment or bags of meal without a trailer, a UTV is for you

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Focus: ATVs and UTVs