In farming and ranching, efficiency is the key to success. That’s where UTVs equipped with skids come into play. These versatile vehicles, often referred to as side-by-sides, have revolutionized the way tasks are carried out on ranches and farms. We’ve put together ten invaluable uses for UTV skids to show how they make life easier for ranchers and farmers.
1. Transporting Equipment & Supplies
Tired of hauling heavy supplies and awkward tools around? Save your back! UTVs with ranch skids conveniently transport tools, equipment, and supplies around the ranch. This combination offers ample cargo space, allowing you to carry everything from fencing materials to feed and water.
2. Crop Harvesting
When it’s time to harvest your crops, a skid unit can significantly speed up the process. Load the skid with harvesting tools on the way out and fill it with produce on your way back. You’ll be able to transport larger quantities with ease.
3. Faster Fencing & Repairs
Maintaining fences is a crucial part of ranch management. They keep animals out of your crops or safely inside pens and pastures. UTVs equipped with skids can carry fencing materials, tools, and personnel to quickly address any issues or make necessary repairs.
4. Livestock Handling
Moving livestock from one area of the ranch to another can be a daunting task. UTVs with skids outfitted for livestock handling make the process smoother and safer. Bring tools, water, food, and even your trusty K-9 companions.
5. Farm Fire Control
In the event of a wildfire, UTVs outfitted with FIRELITE fire skids can be invaluable for transporting water tanks, hoses, and firefighting equipment to quickly respond to and control the blaze. You have the tools you need and the versatility of a small, rugged vehicle. This is incredibly convenient in small spaces and forested properties.
6. Crop Irrigation
UTVs equipped with water skids are excellent for crop irrigation. Your skid unit can carry water tanks and irrigation equipment to ensure crops receive the hydration they need.
7. Feed Distribution
Feeding livestock can be time-consuming and exhausting. Those bales and bags are heavy. UTVs with skids outfitted for feed distribution make the task more efficient. Load the skid with feed and distribute it quickly and evenly. Water tanks can make bringing water to even the most remote pastures simple.
8. Orchard & Vineyard Management
UTVs can be outfitted with skids for orchards or vineyards for pruning, spraying, and pest control, helping you maintain your fruit and grape yields. You can maneuver these small vehicles through tighter spaces more easily for fast harvesting and produce gathering as well.
9. Emergency Response On The Ranch
In emergencies, UTVs with skid units can be vital for rapid response. They can transport first aid equipment, rescue gear, and personnel to areas that are difficult to access with larger vehicles.
10. Trail Maintenance
If your ranch includes trails or pathways, UTVs with skids are ideal for trail maintenance, too. Attach skid units with grading or grooming tools to keep your trails in top condition.
ATV Vs. UTV — Which Is Better for Farming?
What’s the difference between ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles), and which is better suited for farming and ranching? Before you start shopping around, you’ll want to know how to tell the difference and which one suits your unique property and tasks. Here’s a quick comparison to get you started.
- ATVs: ATVs are smaller, single-rider vehicles designed for off-road use. They excel at maneuverability and are ideal for tasks that require agility. However, their limited cargo capacity and seating capacity may only be suitable for some farm and ranch needs.
- UTVs: UTVs, on the other hand, offer more significant cargo capacity and seating for multiple passengers. This makes them versatile farm workhorses capable of tackling a wide range of tasks. UTV skids further enhance their capabilities, allowing them to handle specialized jobs effectively.
How To Choose The Best UTV For Your Ranch
Now that you know a little bit more about these small vehicles, let’s talk about features and factors. Selecting the right UTV for your ranching will depend on what you intend to use it for and how you want it to work for you.
- Payload Capacity: Determine the weight of the loads you’ll be carrying and ensure the UTV can handle them.
- Seating Capacity: Think about how many people will need to ride in the UTV during work tasks.
- Terrain: Assess the terrain you’ll be navigating. UTVs come in various models designed for rough, off-road conditions.
- Attachments: If you plan to use UTV skids, make sure the vehicle is compatible with the specific skid units you require.
Customize Your Kimtek UTV Farming Skid
Regarding UTV skids for ranches, Kimtek Corporation stands out as a trusted name in the industry. Our skid units are well-known for their quality and durability. We offer a range of units tailored to different farm and ranch applications, including water skids, fire skids, K9 transportation, and more. Contact us today to order a skid that boosts your efficiency, saves time, and streamlines your tasks, all with the power of a UTV.
