Roll-Over Protection and Attachments for Utility Vehicles





By Cathy Walker  
OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: Buying Utility Vehicles: Determine Needs, Improve EfficiencyPt. 2: Utility Vehicles: Power and Fuel ConsiderationsPt. 3: Utility Vehicles: Size and ManeuverabilityPt. 4: This PagePt. 5: Utility Vehicles Save Time, Money


Safety remains a high priority in grounds care. Utility vehicles are designed and built to travel in areas where a standard vehicle cannot, and those areas might include rough terrain or places with pedestrians. Managers should never sacrifice safety for convenience.

Roll-over protection systems are standard on many vehicles, as well as shoulder and hip restraints for the driver and passengers. Some models can be equipped with headlights, turn signals, reverse warning indicators, windshields, and a canopy as added safety features. Front-disc brakes, tilt steering, steel cabs, balanced weight distribution, and a lower center of gravity also can improve utility vehicles’ safety.

Versatility and Flexibility

Versatility is the major attraction for most managers specifying utility vehicles, and most vehicles can handle a variety of attachments. Among the most popular attachments are finish mowers, flail mowers, sprayers — with tanks as large as 200 gallons — spreaders, hydraulic dump beds, toolboxes, tool racks, winches, pressure washers, air compressors, infield groomers, rakes, top-dressers, aerators, cabs with heater, debris blowers, vertical lifts, trailer hitches and trailers, and snow plows.

Managers need to be aware that some vehicles are made to handle attachments from other manufacturers, while others only support attachments made by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

Easy installation is a key to attachment use. Manufacturers are working hard to make the process of adding and changing attachments as smooth as possible. Some now offer drive-on mower decks, as well as front- and rear-mounting systems that require no tools. The driver does not even need to leave the seat. But before purchasing attachments, managers should check out their durability, maintainability, and performance.


Continue Reading: Utility Vehicles: Buying Performance and Flexibility

Buying Utility Vehicles: Determine Needs, Improve Efficiency

Utility Vehicles: Power and Fuel Considerations

Utility Vehicles: Size and Maneuverability

Roll-Over Protection and Attachments for Utility Vehicles

Utility Vehicles Save Time, Money



Contact FacilitiesNet Editorial Staff »

  posted on 10/1/2008   Article Use Policy




Related Topics: