The True Benefits of Hiring An ATV For The Workplace.

Using an All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) has become a very popular option for a wide range of workplaces since the turn of the decade. Before their rise to popularity, workers and businesses would use other modes of equipment to assist them. Some examples of these are tractors, quad bikes, golf carts and more. For many of the tasks that these examples have been designed for, the ATV sits in between them all in terms of size, power, and productivity. Narrowing the gap in machinery. In this resource, we are going to cover the benefits of hiring an ATV, highlight their common features and expose their weaknesses.

What is an ATV?

What are ATVs all about? Well, as their name suggests (All-terrain vehicle) these machines are designed to tackle any type of terrain. All-Terrain vehicles come in a vast range of designs, styles and above all, uses and purposes. Originally, these machines would have been used for a wide range of different activities in and outside the workplace. As the machines are so versatile, they can be used for a variety of jobs to reduce manual labour hours.

Their structure is very similar to a standard motorised car but smaller, with specialised tires. These tyres assist in the navigation of rough and uneven terrain during operation. Further, ATVs generally have a cabin area which may have a side-by-side seat. This can be left fully open or in some designs enclosed, depending on the specs of the machine. ATVs can be made road legal, providing they have all the legal features required to do so.

What is their purpose?

ATVs are generally quite small, compact machines that were originally designed for recreational use. However, after manufacturers recognised their significance, these machines transferred to the workplace very quickly. The purpose of an ATV is to be able to navigate rough or uneven terrain with ease. These terrains may consist of mud, sand, gravel. Or any other surface a standard road vehicle would struggle to operate safely on.

ATVs are typically lightweight compared to standard vehicles and are fitted with low-pressure tires. This is to provide the required torque to travel through, over and around, difficult terrain. Their versatility allows them to suit a wide range of different types of trades.

Who uses ATVs?

ATVs are used in many trades, all of which are possible due to the machine’s high degree of versatility. There are many tasks that an ATV can cover, making them ideal for most workplaces. Nevertheless, ATVs are most popular in the following trades:

Hiring an ATV in Farming/Agricultural

ATVs can be used for a wide range of tasks in farming/agriculture such as spraying, hauling, livestock management, fence maintenance, crop maintenance, snow removal and irrigation inspection.

Hiring an ATV in Forestry

ATVs are commonly used for many tasks in the forestry industry. These machines can be used for timber harvesting, transporting equipment, tools, and fuel. Trail maintenance, tree planting, firefighting, wildlife management, pest control and surveillance.

Hiring an ATV in Utility operations.

During utility operations, an ATV can be used for several specific tasks. Examples of these are such as, powerline maintenance, pipeline maintenance, surveying, search and rescue, environment monitoring, wildlife management and snow removal.

ATVs are popular in utility operations because they are small, agile, and able to access remote areas that larger vehicles may not be able to reach. They can also be used year-round, making them a versatile tool for utility workers.

Hiring an ATV Golf courses

The use of ATVs on golf courses has become an integral part of the way they operate, hence why they are extremely popular. Common tasks that take place using one of these machines are course management, transporting personnel and equipment, course monitoring, watering, event support on large courses and security.

Common features on hired ATVs

Choosing the right configuration for your project is essential to making your investment a profitable and productive one. Nevertheless, here are a few examples of the common features you should expect to find on an ATV to hire.

Engine

All ATVs will be fitted with some type of engine. This could be either petrol or diesel depending on your supplier. Nevertheless, different manufacturers and suppliers will offer machines with a variety of different engine sizes. The engine size will ultimately determine the speed and power of the ATV.

4×4

All ATVs should be fitted with a 4×4 drive option. This is to allow you to navigate across uneven surfaces and always provide traction. Some machine models will have the option to change from both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. Choosing to hire a machine that has this option will be more productive and economical in the long run.

Tyres

Tyres are essential to the way that an ATV operates. Some machines are fitted with specialised tyres for individual tasks such as snow ploughing, off-roading or hill climbing. Nevertheless, on hired machinery, you can expect your equipment to be fitted with a good all-around type of tyre.  

Safety features

No matter the design or type of ATV, they are all fitted with a level of safety features. Some examples of these can be seatbelts, brake indicators, beacons, cabins, roll cages and more. You must make sure that the hired ATV you chose is fitted with adequate safety features for the tasks you wish it to carry out.

Cargo bed

Cargo beds are extremely popular on hired ATVs. A cargo bed allows operators to transport equipment, materials and much more during the course of its use. Cargo beds generally will offer a tailgate to safely contain cargo when driving. Some designs of ATVs will offer a tipping cargo bed for additional efficiency when uploading.

Tow bar

Tow bars are very common on ATVs and can be used to transport small trailers in and around the workplace. Some ATVs will be able to tow larger weights than others, so it is always worth checking the specification of the machinery you intend to hire. Tow bars allow you to extend the overall capacity of the machine and in turn, increase your productivity levels.

Benefits of hiring an ATV

Hiring an ATV comes with a long list of highly productive benefits. No matter the application, there is no doubt that these machines can have a positive impact on the workplace.  

1. Increased Mobility: ATVs are designed to operate in off-road conditions and can access remote or difficult-to-reach areas, providing increased mobility for workplace tasks.
2. Versatility: ATVs can be used for a variety of tasks in different industries, including farming, forestry, mining, construction, utilities, and more.
3. Cost Savings: Hiring an ATV for a short-term project or occasional use can be more cost-effective than purchasing an ATV outright, which can be expensive.
4. Reduced Maintenance: When hiring an ATV, maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the hire company, reducing the maintenance and repair costs for the user.
5. Improved Productivity: ATVs can increase productivity by allowing workers to access remote areas quickly and efficiently, completing tasks in less time.
6. Environmental Benefits: ATVs are designed to minimize damage to the environment, making them a more sustainable option for workplace use than larger vehicles.

Overall, hiring an ATV can provide a business with the ability to be far more flexible and efficient in task completion, save on the cost of purchase, save on maintenance, increase productivity levels and some environmental benefits. There is no surprise that hiring an ATV has now become far more popular than purchasing. Nevertheless, to get a better understanding of hiring an ATV, we need to look at the cons of doing so.

Cons of hiring an ATV

Even though there is a large endless list of pros to hiring an ATV, there are also some potential cons which you should be aware of before committing to doing so.

1. Cost: Depending on the length of the rental period and the specific features of the ATV, the hire cost can add up and become expensive over time.
2. Availability: Rental ATVs may not always be available when needed, especially during peak seasons or in remote locations.
3. Liability: When renting an ATV, the user assumes liability for any damages or injuries that may occur while using the vehicle, which can be a concern for some businesses.
4. Limited customization: Rental ATVs may not be customizable to the specific needs of the business or workplace, which can limit their effectiveness in certain tasks or situations.

While there are many benefits to hiring an ATV, businesses must be aware of the potential draws back to doing so. It is important to also discuss your requirements with your hire company to ensure the machinery is fit for purpose. Plant hire companies like ourselves will be happy to take you through the features of the equipment they have to offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many benefits to hiring an ATV for either a long- or short-term project. Their ability to increase productivity levels can allow businesses to flourish and be far more efficient in their day-to-day activities. Nevertheless, it is important to discuss your specific requirements with your potential prospects to ensure that their products meet your requirements.

If you are looking at hiring an ATV for your business, then we at WHC Hire Services can help. Our fleet of Kubota ATVs has been designed to assist businesses across a wide range of sectors including Utilities, forestry, golf course, estate and event management in the UK. To see the specs of our Kubota ATV fleet then click here, or get in touch by calling 01684377977 today.