Safely maintaining utility vehicles

Superintendents frequently share with me the demands of their workday. We discuss a “typical day” in their mobile office, aka their utility vehicle, and the pre-dawn hauling of heavy equipment onto the greens with one goal: to produce the best playing conditions for their golf course. They tell me they want to do it efficiently, safely and without being noticed.

Making sure crews understand proper utility vehicle operation is an important part of achieving that goal. The following are a few tips to consider.

Routinely maintain and service vehicles.

Utility vehicles are built to work long days over a long time. But like any vehicle they require proper maintenance to ensure they run reliably and safely.

Take time to service the powertrain. If your utility vehicle is electric, water your batteries regularly with clean, de-ionized water. Check the battery terminal posts frequently to make sure the connections are clean and tight. Inspect the wires and cords to confirm that they are in good working condition and don’t show wear or damage.

For gas models, check the oil levels and change the fluids as necessary. Also, routinely clear debris from the fan and the cooling system. Evaluate the belts and hoses and replace if warranted.

Service the brakes on utility vehicles regularly for best performance. Some designs require system adjustments before brake part replacement.

Teach operators safe driving and braking habits.

Proper driving practices are a crucial part of utility vehicle safety. Drive straight up and down hills slowly while avoiding sudden stopping or turning. Once stationary on level ground, set the parking brake. Insist that the vehicle’s key be turned to the off position and removed every time the driver exits the vehicle. If this isn’t done, the vehicle still could be active and ready to drive.

Most utility vehicles feature a mechanical or hydraulic brake system. However, some utility vehicles feature additional technology to limit and control speed. Cushman’s IntelliBrake system is an example of this. The electric motor slows the vehicle when traveling up or down grades, automatically engages the parking brake when the vehicle stops, and restarts without hesitation or rolling backward.

Review proper towing.

Superintendents routinely rely on utility vehicles to tow blowers, greens mowers, drop spreaders and other equipment. It’s critical to understand how to correctly get heavy equipment around the course without injury or damage.

Know the manufacturer’s recommended vehicle tow capacity and weight rating of the hitch. Pulling equipment too heavy
for the vehicle can result in unstable conditions.

Review how to properly attach equipment to the hitch. Double check that the pin is tightly in place. Doing so ensures that whatever you’re towing remains safely secured while the vehicle is in motion.

Know the manufacturer’s recommended vehicle tow capacity and weight rating of the hitch. Pulling equipment too heavy for the vehicle can result in unstable conditions, can overwork the engine, damage turf, or worse, cause physical harm.

Finally, review safe stopping distances. Towing heavy equipment and loads increases the distance and time it takes to safely stop. Inadequate distances can result in damaged equipment and cause wear to brakes, tires and turf.

Safely secure loads.

Confirm that your team understands the correct way to load a cargo bed. The best practice is to first load heavier objects low and in the front part of the bed. Doing so results in a balanced and safer vehicle. Some new utility vehicles come with the option to add tie-down loops and bed organizers to secure loads. Use powered lifts to dump heavy loads.

The most popular light utility vehicles used on golf courses are designed to be easy to get in and out of and load. They feature deep seats, ample leg room and storage in the dash. Avoid storing objects or equipment on the floorboard or seat so they don’t interfere with the pedals or vehicle operation. A best practice is to load long-handled tools front to back, avoiding tools that extend beyond the width of the vehicle.

Maintain appropriate speed.

Getting the job done quickly means higher overall productivity, but speed should never come before safety.

Confirm that your team understands the correct way to load a cargo bed. Some new utility vehicles come with the option to add tie-down loops and bed organizers to secure loads.

When driving a utility vehicle loaded to its maximum capacity, it’s important for the operator to drive slowly and brake and turn smoothly. Both high speeds and sharp turns increase the risk of a safety incident. In addition, avoid driving on steep slopes unless absolutely necessary and approach this practice with extreme caution.

Clear the view.

As with our personal vehicles, it’s important to drive utility vehicles without any objects impeding the operator’s view. Having a clean line of sight helps the operator navigate tight areas of the course and reduces the risk of striking low objects or damaging equipment.

Many vehicles intended for off-road recreation have reduced line of sight, while utility vehicles designed for golf courses and commercial applications feature a dash design that provides a clean, unobstructed line of sight behind the wheel. Opt for a vehicle with a centralized control panel on the dash. This keeps all the necessary switches within reach of the operator.

Know what to look for.

Finally, make sure to research the utility vehicle safety features and intended applications before investing in a fleet. Choose utility vehicles with features that best meet the needs of your course. Always follow the storage, handling and safety guidelines provided in the utility vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Our goal is to help make superintendents’ jobs easier by building functional and safe utility vehicles. It’s up to superintendents and their crews to implement and promote proper vehicle operation. Doing so goes a long way toward creating a safer environment for everyone and everything, including the turf.

Matt Zaremba is the director of products and strategy of golf at Textron Specialized Vehicles, which designs and manufactures Cushman utility vehicles.

All photos courtesy: Textron Specialized Vehicles