Preparing for Your First UTV Ride

UTVs are versatile four wheel vehicles that can traverse a variety of terrains to make tough work much easier. Many UTVs have the ability to attach different extensions to dig, sweep, shovel and haul material on construction sites, farms and roads. Synergy Equipment has locations throughout Florida and Georgia, including the cities of Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Macon and Savannah. We have a great selection of side by side UTVs for sale, including Bobcat side by sides which have a vast array of Bobcat brand extensions. To get ready for your first UTV ride, we’ve prepared a list of tips to ensure your safety and success in getting your work done correctly.

Bring & Use Your Safety Gear

The bare minimum safety gear required for riding in a UTV is as follows: helmet, gloves and goggles. Even though driving a UTV is similar enough to driving a passenger vehicle that you don’t require a special license for it, their open construction means that you need to protect yourself more than you do in a car. UTVs can and do roll over on difficult terrain if precautions aren’t taken, so keep your head safe in a helmet. Goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris kicked up by your tires, particularly if your UTV lacks a windshield, as many do. Gloves obviously protect your hands and help you keep a grip on the steering wheel. Other recommended gear includes long sleeves and pants to protect your skin and sturdy boots that cover your ankles.

You’ll also want to make sure to leave room in your UTV for safety gear such as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and a tool kit with spare tire and air pump so that you can repair your side by side if it takes on damage.

Choose The Right Four Wheeler

Certain UTVs are suited to some tasks better than others. Your safety on and off the road depends on your choices while you’re in the showroom. UTVs are not universally appropriate for all purposes, particularly when you’re looking at Bobcats with their specialized attachments. Make sure that if you’re hauling or towing heavy loads that you’re using a UTV equipped to handle those loads. Don’t try to perform tasks that your four wheeler isn’t able to handle. You can talk to your local dealer to determine which UTVs will best suit your purposes.

Drive Smart & Stay Sober

When operating any vehicle, it’s important to be alert, focused and ready to react to obstacles around you. This means staying sober and not operating a UTV if you’re on medications that hamper your ability to drive. If you’re using a construction extension, you’ll want to be able to accurately perform your tasks, too, whether you’re excavating or hauling heavy payloads. So stay sober while you’re operating your UTV and save the beers for the end of the work day.

You will also want to drive carefully to avoid rolling over your UTV on rough terrain or in slick construction areas. Don’t take turns too fast or too tightly, and go easy on the gas when you’re reversing and carrying heavy cargo or several passengers. Keep your eyes on the path around you, particularly if many other vehicles are operating in close proximity. If you feel you need to practice some maneuvers before tackling rough or wet terrain or hauling heavy payloads on a work site, set aside some time to practice with your UTV ahead of time to get a feel for how it moves both with and without your cargo and passengers. You’ll thank yourself later for the practice when you encounter a difficult patch that you can then traverse safely and with confidence.

If you’re looking for a UTV to assist you with difficult tasks, come visit one of our Florida or Georgia dealerships today. Our talented staff can discuss your needs with you to help determine what four wheeler will work best for you. We carry a wide array of side by sides, including Bobcat brand UTVs with extensions to do your dirty work for you.

Synergy Equipment has several Florida locations, serving the cities of Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palatka, Pompano Beach, St. Augustine, Sarasota, Tampa and West Palm Beach. We also have two dealership locations to serve our Georgia customers, in Macon and Savannah.