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The ultimate utility vehicle buyer’s guide: 6 key factors to consider

. minute read

Whether you’re maintaining a sports pitch, golf course or public park, utility vehicles (UTVs) are the workhorses that help get the job done. From hauling heavy materials and towing essential equipment to transporting teams, these versatile machines are the secret to smooth and efficient operations.

But with so many specifications, fuel types and attachments to choose from, how do you find the right one for your needs?

In this guide, we’ll help you evaluate what matters most – from towing capacity to safety features and aftersales support – so you can invest in a utility vehicle that works as hard as you.

Top considerations when buying a utility vehicle

Want to find the right match for your team’s unique needs? Here are six factors to consider before investing in a new UTV.

1. Payload and towing capacity

One of the main functions of UTVs is to carry equipment and people wherever they’re needed most. The type of operations you run and tasks you frequently tackle, therefore, will influence what vehicles will be best suited to assist your team.

For instance, do you often transport multiple walk-behind mowers or loads of sand to remodel bunkers? Will you be towing large ride-on mowers or heavy attachments such as powerful leaf blowers or multi-functional sprayers? Or perhaps you mostly carry around light equipment or tools for park maintenance or personnel across the golf course.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to pay close attention to specs such as maximum payload and towing capacity, estimating the total weight you’re likely to carry or tow, and choose a UTV capable of handling that capacity.

2. Ground clearance

Ground clearance is the height between the chassis and the ground, which can impact key factors such as driving performance and safety. UTVs with higher ground clearance can:

  • Navigate uneven or muddy ground without getting stuck
  • Avoid damage from debris, roots or rocks
  • Work more effectively in off-road environments
  • Navigate kerbs with ease

However, higher ground clearance may slightly reduce stability due to a higher centre of gravity. Utility vehicles are often designed to balance this trade-off with wide wheelbases and stable suspension systems, but a lower clearance might best suit your needs if you’ll mostly drive on flat grounds and carry particularly heavy loads.

3. Size of the area and terrain type

The location you’ll maintain will also impact factors such as the maximum speed and off-road capabilities of the utility vehicles you’ll select.

If you need to cover vast areas every day or occasionally drive on public roads, a higher vehicle speed will be required to ensure productivity. On the other hand, if you’ll drive daily across the uneven hills of a sandy links course or highland park, choosing a four-wheel drive (4WD) utility vehicle with all-terrain tyres, high ground clearance and shock absorbing suspensions will be a safer choice. In particular, four-wheel drive can:

  • Improve traction on muddy or sandy terrain
  • Offer better stability when towing uphill
  • Prevent turf damage by avoiding wheel spin

Some UTVs offer on-demand 4WD, allowing you to switch between modes as needed – which is ideal for balancing power and fuel economy.

4. Comfort, safety and ease of use

Your teams are likely to spend long hours every week working on utility vehicles: comfort is of the essence to preserve operator and passenger health, while ease of use is key to improving manoeuvrability and productivity – for instance when steering to load or unload your cargo.

Look for UTVs that offer good suspensions, ergonomic seats and steering assists to allow for comfortable and productive work days.

Last but not least, operator safety is non-negotiable. Whether your team includes seasoned groundskeepers or seasonal staff, your UTV should include key safety features such as:

  • ROPS (Roll Over Protection System)
  • Seat belts with adjustable slides to allow for various seat positions
  • Lights, mirrors and indicators for road use

5. Electric vs fossil fuel engines

The type of power you choose for your vehicles will have a profound impact on your operations, transcending the environmental benefits of zero-emission battery-powered machines.

But despite common misconceptions, the difference doesn’t have to be on performance. Toro’s cutting-edge electric UTVs, for instance, were engineered to deliver the same power as their petrol and diesel engine counterparts. The distinction will rather be between:

  • Fossil fuel engines: easy availability of fuel even in remote areas; smaller upfront investment; no need to add charging stations and plan your operations around charging cycles.
  • Lithium-ion battery machines: allow for flexible hours due to quieter operations; no risk of hydraulic spillage on the turf; lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and simpler design; reduced vibrations.

6. Maintenance and upkeep

Not all utility vehicles are created equal; some will be more durable and designed to simplify maintenance. For instance, consider:

  • Ease of service – are components like air filters, oil tanks and batteries easy to access?
  • Parts availability – can you get replacements quickly when something breaks?
  • Service intervals – how often do filters, fluids or belts need replacing?
  • Diagnostics – do models have onboard diagnostics or app-based maintenance tracking?

All of the above can be made easier with Toro Intelli360, a modern maintenance management system that tracks equipment usage, location and conditions, providing real-time insights to proactively optimise maintenance and quickly order replacement parts.

Investing in a well-built machine from a reputable brand can reduce your total cost of ownership over time, and limit frustrating downtime.

Toro utility vehicles: best in class for a reason

Toro’s Workman series delivers some of the most durable and dependable utility vehicles available today. With a powerful blend of performance, payload capacity and reliability, these machines help your team accomplish more with fewer vehicles – adding real efficiency to your operations.

Workman GTX Series

The GTX lineup provides a tailored balance of power, comfort and adaptability. Whether you’re transporting people, moving equipment or clearing debris, the GTX is built to keep up.

Key features include:

  • Choice of power source, electric or diesel
  • Optional increased ground clearance
  • Enhanced power-to-weight ratio
  • Easily configurable for different tasks

Workman MDX Series

A tough and reliable workhorse, the MDX is engineered with Toro’s Superior Ride Quality (SRQ) system and an Active In-Frame twister joint to ensure stability and control on uneven terrain. It also delivers the highest payload in its class to maximise productivity.

Key features include:

  • Superior Ride Quality (SRQ) system
  • Coil-over shock absorber suspension for smoother rides
  • Durable, rugged construction for long-term use
  • Lithium-ion battery model available

Workman UTX Series

The UTX is a no-nonsense, four-wheel drive utility vehicle designed to excel in the most demanding environments. With a road-ready configuration and commercial-grade components, it’s engineered to perform across all terrains. And what’s best, a proprietary precise control system adjusts the amount of power and RPMs needed for any job, maximising efficiency and reducing fuel waste.

Key features include:

  • High ground clearance for rough terrain
  • Option for increased RPMs when needed
  • 907kg towing capability
  • Confident handling on and off-road

Workman HDX Series

The HDX is engineered for heavy-duty applications and specialist attachments like the ProPass 200 Topdresser and Multi Pro WM Sprayer. With components such as a DeDion rear axle that’s seven times stronger than tubular designs and advanced suspension systems, the HDX is built for demanding jobs with maximum efficiency.

Key features include:

  • Dual A-frame suspension with dual coil springs and shock absorbers
  • Independent front suspension
  • Automatic bi-directional four-wheel traction system
  • Extra traction on demand when conditions call for it

Attachments and customisation

Utility vehicles are much more than transport solutions. Designed to be configured with a wide range of attachments, each Workman model offers an exceptional degree of versatility and customisation.

All Toro Workman ranges can be equipped with roll-over protection structure (ROPS) and a cab enclosure to shield operators from sun and rain.

Additionally, with the right attachments, your UTV could double as a:

  • Sprayer for weed control
  • Sand or fertiliser spreader
  • Leaf blower or debris collector
  • Snow plough in colder months
  • Mobile workstation with racks or toolboxes

Check out your favourite Workman model to discover which attachment is compatible.

The Reesink advantage

The Toro Workman range delivers some of the hardest-working utility vehicles available today, famous for their durability and versatility. However, choosing the right UTV is only half the story – ongoing support makes a real difference in day-to-day operations. That’s why Reesink Turfcare offers:

Whether you’re building a fleet or replacing a single vehicle, Reesink helps you make the right investment for your unique situation. Speak to a specialist today for tailored advice by calling 01480 226800, or filling out a form here to find your perfect fit.