Utility vehicle
Encyclopedia
Utility vehicle is used to describe a vehicle
, generally motorized
, that is designed for a specific task.
but built on a light-truck chassis, usually with off-road capability.
s based on car chassis, but styled to look like sport utility vehicles
.
(all-terrain vehicle
) but with more truck-like features for working instead of recreation.
UTV Characteristics
UTV’s differ from ATV’s in that UTV’s typically
have a side by side seating arrangement, many
have seat belts and roll over protection, and most
have a cargo box at the rear of the vehicle. The
UTV’s generally have a higher payload capability
and are longer and wider than ATV’s.
While most ATV’s can carry 125 to 200 lbs. of
cargo in addition to the operator’s weight, the UTV
payloads run from 800 to 1350 lbs. above the
operator/passenger’s weight. The payload is
usually carried on a UTV below the top of the tires
as opposed to an ATV where the load is carried
above the fenders. This lower load positioning
can drastically lower the vertical center of gravity
which will increase stability.
UTV’s come in a number of different configurations. Some have
four tires on the ground some have six or more.
How these differences affect the operation of the
UTV’s can be confusing.
Most of the functions required of these units within
wildfire suppression operations have at least two
aspects in common. The machines are required
to work off road and to carrying equipment.
Working off road requires the unit to maneuver
around obstacles and over rough terrain.
Carrying equipment requires the strength to haul a
load and the ability to stay on top of softer ground.
Vehicle
A vehicle is a device that is designed or used to transport people or cargo. Most often vehicles are manufactured, such as bicycles, cars, motorcycles, trains, ships, boats, and aircraft....
, generally motorized
Motorized
Motorized may refer to:* Motor vehicle** especially an automobile* Motorized military unit—see Armoured warfare* any item containing a motor...
, that is designed for a specific task.
Sport utility vehicle
Vehicles similar to a station wagonStation wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
but built on a light-truck chassis, usually with off-road capability.
Crossover utility vehicle
Station wagonStation wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
s based on car chassis, but styled to look like sport utility vehicles
Light equipment
Vehicles like the Kawasaki's MULE in which a flat bed is added to an all terrain vehicle. Generally used as a maintenance vehicle.Coupé utility or Tray utility vehicle
Vehicles featuring a coupe passenger compartment with an attached cargo bed. All-steel-bodied utility vehicles, more commonly called utes, were invented in AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Utility Terrain Vehicle
A type of small vehicle like an ATVAll-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
(all-terrain vehicle
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle , also known as a quad, quad bike, three wheeler, or four wheeler, is defined by the American National Standards Institute as a vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control...
) but with more truck-like features for working instead of recreation.
UTV Characteristics
UTV’s differ from ATV’s in that UTV’s typically
have a side by side seating arrangement, many
have seat belts and roll over protection, and most
have a cargo box at the rear of the vehicle. The
UTV’s generally have a higher payload capability
and are longer and wider than ATV’s.
While most ATV’s can carry 125 to 200 lbs. of
cargo in addition to the operator’s weight, the UTV
payloads run from 800 to 1350 lbs. above the
operator/passenger’s weight. The payload is
usually carried on a UTV below the top of the tires
as opposed to an ATV where the load is carried
above the fenders. This lower load positioning
can drastically lower the vertical center of gravity
which will increase stability.
UTV’s come in a number of different configurations. Some have
four tires on the ground some have six or more.
How these differences affect the operation of the
UTV’s can be confusing.
Most of the functions required of these units within
wildfire suppression operations have at least two
aspects in common. The machines are required
to work off road and to carrying equipment.
Working off road requires the unit to maneuver
around obstacles and over rough terrain.
Carrying equipment requires the strength to haul a
load and the ability to stay on top of softer ground.