If you own farmland, there’s a good chance you also own a utility terrain vehicle or utility task vehicle, otherwise known as UTV. These machines are built to plow through rough terrain, much like an all-terrain vehicle or ATV. If you’ve recently purchased your UTV, a new vehicle maintenance program or something similar could be worth considering, especially if you plan on using your UTV for a variety of tasks you need to do at the farm.
A UTV can be used for various jobs, but on a farm, this is usually utilized for feeding livestock, plowing soil, hauling large items and equipment, and accessing off-road tracks for emergencies such as when a tree falls or a portion of the fence breaks. Some farmers also attach a spreader to spread seeds and fertilizer on the tilled land.
With that much work, it’s imperative that owners take extra care of their work machines. These are the typical steps usually done for initial care and maintenance:
1. Regular cleaning
It goes without saying that your UTV needs to be cleaned regularly. It would be best if you wash the unit with soap and water after every use to prevent mud from caking and also prevent buildup of dirt and debris. You also have to thoroughly dry the vehicle, taking care to wipe dry those nooks and corners, too, as these are usually where rusting starts.
2. Cover the unit with breathable fabric
You can actually use any type of cloth or fabric to cover the UTV, for as long as the unit is dry and clean before covering and storing it. Some owners use plastic to cover their UTV but instead of protecting the unit from the elements, it actually increases the risk of moisture buildup, which could cause metal parts to corrode.
3. Store properly
Once the unit is cleaned and all covered up, the next thing to do is to store it properly. Simply store it in a cool, dry place, protected from the elements. It’s particularly important to clean, cover, and store the unit properly during winter (when you won’t have much, or any, use of the machine). Do a bit of research on how to “winterize” a UTV so you can properly prepare it for winter hibernation.
It’s also important to have your machine regularly checked by a licensed mechanic, which is why a new vehicle maintenance program or a similar product is strongly advised.Want to learn more about how the New Vehicle Maintenance Program will benefit your customers? Please feel free to call Torque Group at (800) 859-0590. You may also send a message at info@torque-group.com.
