Buying a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle), also known as side-by-sides, can be a big decision for any business as the reliability of these vehicles will greatly impact your companies efficiency and profitability. There are many unique features that are offered by this class of vehicle and the choices can be overwhelming, especially for first time buyers. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first UTV or considering an upgrade, this article will provide you with the essential information required to make an informed decision.
Understanding UTVs
Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), are a smaller class of vehicle that is larger than an ATV while still being much smaller and more agile than a full sized vehicle. Typically they can accommodate one driver and one or more passengers side-by-side, which is where they get their common name. Their smaller frame can allow them to pass between vehicles and three wheel designs can offer a much tighter turning radius, allowing them to operate on busy roads without being slowed down by traffic or limited space, ideal for parking authorities or police enforcement.
They can often come with enclosed cabs that offer more comfort and protection from the elements when working in hot or cold temperatures and can also include hydraulic cargo beds, providing utility in a variety of applications. UTVs can also include a rather large payload capacity which makes them ideal for hauling equipment and supplies around large facilities like airports, large parks, stadiums, and universities.
Key Features to Consider when Buying a UTV
Low Speed Vehicle: A Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a regulated classification of vehicle that must meet numerous technical requirements, primarily that of a limited or governed max speed of 25 mph (40 km/h). LSVs are also commonly called neighborhood vehicles and are typically not street legal, but like the Max-EV LSV, they can have on-road kits fitted to meet this requirement.
Street Legal: If you intend to be working on the roads, ensuring the classification of your vehicle is fully street legal and includes all the required safety features to operate safely on public roads. These features include proper rated lighting systems for headlights, turn signals and brake lights, safety belts, quality inspection reports, and a lot more. Both the GO-4 and Max-EV manufactured by Westward Industries are approved for street legal use in most States and Provinces, but please check with your local government.
Number of Passengers: The standard GO-4 offers one single driver seat allowing for a personalized vehicle, ideal for solo operators like parking enforcement officers. The Max-EV LSV will accommodate two people, one driver and one additional passenger, while the New Max-EV 4 PASS offers 4 seats total and would be a more ideal transport shuttle. When buying a UTV, make sure you evaluate exactly how the vehicle will be used and get the right passenger size for your specific application.
Cabin Features: When buying a UTV, you can choose to operate your vehicle with no door (ideal for mild climates), or you can choose a closed cabin with solid steel hinged doors. Westward also produces sliding door configurations which excel for more narrow applications, make sure you explore all the options available. This includes additional features like climate control (heat or air conditioning A/C), digital displays including back-up cameras, and standard safety features, like horns, emergency lights, and back-up alarms.
Turning radius: Working on busy roads or in tight spaces means having an agile vehicle is essential, the GO-4 three-wheel design offers an incredible 9ft turning radius and can easily operate between standard lanes, allowing operators to move up and down busy streets while still being able to perform their required duties. The MAX-EV offers a 14ft turning radius, for comparison most SUV’s turning radius is 18-24ft.
Gas vs EV: Modern UTVs have the option of being fully electric, this new classification of EUV makes them much more environmentally friendly and can also reduce overall operational costs by reducing fuel consumption. When buying a UTV, If range is a priority consideration for your purchase, Westward Industry’s electric vehicles have an average max range between 105 – 120 miles (169 – 193 km) with the larger 20 kWh battery.
4WD or 2WD: If you are going to be driving on rough or uneven surfaces, having 4WD is preferred, the Max-EV models can easily be upgraded with dual electric motors that provide all wheel drive for superior traction but will normally come standard with 2WD which is suitable for most applications. When buying a UTV, the versatility of 4WD makes the vehicle more capable in different terrains while having minimal impact on range. Electric 4WD’s are much better at reducing friction loss and have less impact on consumption compared to traditional locked differential configurations.
Vehicle Suspension: Proper suspension not only provides additional comfort when driving on bumpy roads, but a stronger suspension system also increases how much weight the vehicle can safely haul. The Max-EV with standard suspension can support a total payload capacity of 1,140 lbs. (517 kg) but with the optional heavy duty suspension it increases to 1,410 lbs. (640 kg). Please note these estimates vary depending on model and options selected.
Ground Clearance: Making sure that if you are doing any off road work, that you have a vehicle that can handle the difference in surface height. The standard Max-EV would provide around 6” – 7” of ground clearance, while the Max-EV ORV All-Terrain model is specifically built for more extreme off-road applications and provides an increased clearance of up to 9.3”. Buying a UTV with the right clearance is essential to prevent any undercarriage damage from driving over obstacles that it was not designed to clear.
Cargo, Refuse and Towing Capacity: If you’re going to be regularly hauling equipment, or need a vehicle specialized for transporting heavy loads, the GO-4 XTR is a refuse hauler with a hydraulic lift 1.75 cubic yard poly bin, with an 800 lb. lift rating. Allowing you to perform tasks like garbage collection quickly across large areas. When buying a UTV from Westward Vehicles, it can also be equipped with either a flat deck (with or without hinged sides), or a van body with protected storage, ideal for last-mile delivery.
Customization: All vehicles manufactured by Westward Industries have numerous optional features that allow you to create a custom UTV specifically suited for your unique needs. When buying a UTV, always refer to the vehicles spec sheet for available customization options, but standard options include:
- Alarms: Backup Alarm, Rear backup Sensors
- Attachments: Snow Plow, Nerf Bar, Tow Hitch
- Battery Size: 48V 8kw, 72V 15 kw, 72V 20kw
- Charging: J1772 Electric Charging port, J1772 2in1 Charger
- Climate Control: Electric Heat / Blower Fan, Air Conditioning
- Door Type: Hinged Doors, Sliding Doors, No Doors
- Driver Side: Right hand Drive Available (MOQ’s may be required)
- Engine Type: Gas Powered (GO-4 Only), Electric Vehicle (EV)
- Extras: Extra Keys, Bluetooth Radio, Rubber Floor Mat
- Lighting: Pre-wired LED Roof Light, Hella Roof Amber Lights
- Support: EV Diagnostic Tool, Service Manual
- Suspension: Upgraded Payload Suspension
- Tires: Spare Tire & Jack Kit, Alloy Wheel Rims, Winter GRIP tires, Wider Turf Tire Package (With Fenders)
- Vehicle Body: 60″x48″ Flat Deck Cargo Bed with walls, 62″x50″ Flat Deck, Rear Cab Wrapper, Mounted Toolbox, Ladder Rack, Tilt Deck / Cargo Dump, Trailer deck wall Brush Guard, Van Box, Front Storage Trunk, Treated wood deck surface
Conclusion
Buying a UTV is a significant investment that can offer a lot of enjoyment and utility. By understanding the key features, and taking the appropriate safety measures, you can ensure that you choose the right vehicle for your needs.
Remember, the team at Westward Industries is ready to help guide you through the UTV customization process, making your buying experience as informed and smooth as possible. Click here to see our custom vehicle builder and start creating your own custom UTV.
