The Best Side by Side UTVs for Farms and Ranches

A rugged utility vehicle (UTV) can handle the same tasks as a pickup truck, but costs a lot less. Unlike an ATV, which you ride like a motorcycle, UTVs have a steering wheel and a cargo bed. An average UTV can haul up to 1200 lbs. of hay, feed, mulch, etc. Some can handle up to 3500 lbs.

UTVs are also called side-by-sides. Two-passenger models are the most common, but four-passenger options are available. You can also get UTVs with enclosed cockpits and climate control.

This article includes a quick rundown of the best UTVs for farms, ranches and other agriculture applications. We’ll also review a few key questions to ask before you buy a side-by-side/UTV.

The Best Gas-Powered UTVs for Farms and Ranches

Cushman 1200 and Truckster XD

You read that right, Cushman. The company known for golf carts also makes gas and electric UTVs that can haul up to 3500 lbs. and tow up to 2500 lbs. (3500 lbs. with trailer brakes).

Cushman 1200 Specs

• 13.5 horsepower
• Top speed of 14.5 mph
• Load capacity 1200 lbs.
• 1500 lb. towing capacity
• 12 cubic ft. cargo bed
• 3.5” ground clearance
• Options include: brush guard, electric bed lift, 2-in-1 hitch receiver

Cushman Truckster XD

The Truckster is a hard-working, half-sized pickup truck that’s packed with features. It comes standard with a hydraulic bed lift that can handle up to 3500 lbs. The heavy gauge steel bed also comes with integrated stake pockets and tie-downs.

Cushman Truckster XD Specs

• Available with a 32.5 hp gas engine or a 24.8 hp diesel engine
• Top speed of 23 mph (gas) or 21 mph (diesel)
• 3500-lb. cargo load capacity
• Tow up to 2200 lbs. or 3500 lbs. w/ trailer brakes
• Hydraulic bed lift - up to 3500 lbs.
• 23.6 cubic ft. heavy gauge steel bed 
• Integrated stake pockets and tie-downs
• 6.5 inch ground clearance
• Options include: 4WD, two or four-post canopy, premium suspension seats

Electric UTVs for Farms and Ranches

Many farm and ranching operations want to minimize air and noise pollution. Whether you want to keep things quiet for livestock and their young or just eliminate the hassle of maintaining a gas-powered engine, electric utility vehicles are a great option.

In addition to being low-maintenance, electric UTVs give you instant torque. If you’ve never experienced the immediate power of an electric vehicle, schedule a free demo and take a test drive. You’ll be surprised how well an electric UTV performs on rough terrain or when towing a heavy load.

Two of the best electric utility vehicles for farms are the Cushman Hauler Pro and Westward Vehicles’ Max-EV.

Cushman Hauler Pro

Cushman Hauler Pro Specs

• 14.9 horsepower
• Top speed of 16-25 mph
• Up to 50-mile range per charge
• Load capacity 1200 lbs.
• 1200 lb. towing capacity
• 12 cubic ft. cargo bed
• 4.3-5.5 inch ground clearance
• Zero-maintenance batteries backed by a 5-year warranty
• No emissions
• Quiet

The Cushman Hauler Pro is available in a street-legal version with lights, turn signals and reflectors, mirrors, seatbelts, a DOT-approved windshield, parking brake, horn and VIN. 

Westward Vehicles Max-EV

The MAX-EV is larger than the Polaris Ranger (two-seater) and a green alternative to John Deere’s Gator and Kubota’s RTV. It’s tough, hard-working and recharges in only 4-6 hours.

Westward Max EV Specs

• Lithium-ion batteries standard
• 28-120 mile range, depending on battery package
• Recharges in 4-6 hours
• 2 or 4-passenger
• Up to 1500 lb. towing capacity
• 25 mph max speed
• 4WD or Off-Road 
• Tilt deck handles up to 500 lbs.

Options include:

• Street legal version
• Tow hitch, ladder rack, air conditioning

Things to Consider Before You Buy a UTV

Power source: gas, diesel or electric?

Passenger capacity: 2 or 4?

Capacity: how much weight will you transport?

Towing: what capacity do you need?

Climate control: do you want an enclosed cab? A/C?

Accessories: what type of racks or mounting brackets do you need?

Does the vehicle need to be street legal?

Do you want an electric bed that can tilt/dump?

Does the vehicle need a brush guard?

Questions About UTVs for Farms? We're Happy to Answer

If you’re currently using a pickup truck to haul supplies or do maintenance around your farm, a UTV can help you get the job done for less. Schedule a free demo, take a test drive and make an informed decision about whether a UTV would be a good fit for your operation. 

Our experienced and friendly experts can answer any questions you may have about side-by-side UTVs. The Lilly Company is an authorized dealer for Cushman, Pack Mule, Taylor Dunn, Westward Vehicles and Vantage Vehicles serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas.

Please contact us online or by phone 800-238-3006 with any questions you have about new or used forklifts. Or, come say hello at one of our 13 locations:

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Belden, Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

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