Instructor's Notes

• Use the "Safe Operating Practices" section of the video-enhanced PowerPoint presentation.
• Administer the "UTV Operator Written Test" at the conclusion of this section.

Objectives

• Students will be able to load cargo properly.
• Students will understand how to operate a UTV safely and efficiently.

UTVs and Industrial Uses

Forest Service policy now stipulates that only UTVs will be used for industrial uses, after June 13, 2013. In the Forest Service, industrial use includes pesticide application (figure 37), fuel firing (torches), and transportation of more than 15 gallons of liquid cargo.

Industrial use does not include:

• Transporting the operator plus solid cargo that does not exceed the weight limitations of either the vehicle or cargo racks
  
  
• Transporting the operator plus liquid cargo up to 15 gallons if contained in one tank
  
  
• Transporting the operator with liquid cargo up to 15 gallons if the cargo is in separate 5-gallon tanks. Do not exceed the rated capacity of the cargo rack(s)
  
  
• Using a trailer to transport cargo

Figure 37—A UTV being used for pesticide application.

Loading Cargo

Cargo and trailers affect how a UTV handles. Before hauling cargo or towing a trailer, consult the UTV owner's manual to determine weight limits. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating, the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating, or the weight rating of the trailer hitch.

When loading cargo, keep the cargo centered and as far forward as possible. Place heavier objects on the bottom and lighter objects on the top to keep the UTV or trailer from being topheavy, increasing the risk of rollover. Consider making two trips when you are transporting a lot of cargo or heavy cargo, especially in rough terrain. Secure the cargo with a net, bungee cords, straps, or ropes (figure 38) to prevent it from shifting. You could lose control of the UTV if cargo shifts while you are traveling.

Figure 38—An employee secures cargo with a tiedown strap.

Take extra precautions when carrying liquid (figure 39). When a liquid sloshes back and forth, weight shifts on the UTV which could affect its center of gravity. Ensure that tanks carrying liquid do not exceed the load carrying capacity for the UTV. Tanks with baffling devices are highly recommended to reduce sloshing and shifting of weight.

Figure 39—UTV equipped with a water tank. Courtesy of Chris Hobson.

Before Starting

Consult with the owner's manual before operating a UTV. Make sure that the manufacturer's recommended maintenance and service have been performed.

If a UTV has an adjustable suspension system, a qualified mechanic or certified dealer can adjust the suspension for the work conditions. A softer suspension setting is needed for rougher terrain. The right and left shocks must be set the same to avoid poor handling.

If a UTV has the option for two-, four-, or six-wheel drive, determine which setting is best suited for the trail conditions and terrain. Steering is easiest in two-wheel drive, but a UTV generally handles rough terrain and obstacles better in four- or six-wheel drive. Inexperienced operators may need to practice their driving skills in two-, four-, or six-wheel drive before knowing which setting is right for the conditions.

Before starting a UTV, make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened (figure 40). If the seatbelt is adjustable, move it until it's comfortable and then follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing it.

Figure 40—An operator and passenger make sure their seatbelts
are fastened securely. Courtesy of Michael Donch.

Become familiar with your UTV gauges and controls (figure 41), because each make and model may be different. UTV gauges may include a speedometer, fuel or hour gauge, and a low-oil light. UTV controls may include an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shifter, parking brake, and light switch.

Figure 41—An operator and passenger become familiar with the
machine's controls. Courtesy of Michael Donch.

Startup

Before starting a UTV, make sure the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in "neutral" for manual transmissions or "park" for automatic transmissions. Turn the lights on to increase visibility of the UTV.

To start some gas-powered UTVs, a key is inserted and turned to the "on," "run," or "start" position (figure 42). On other models, a "start" button may have to be pushed after the key is turned "on." For machines with a carburetor, the choke will have to be closed for starting and then opened to run. For many electronic UTVs, the machine is started simply by turning the engine stop switch to "run" or "on."

Figure 42—An operator starts a UTV.

Getting Going

To get going with an automatic transmission, press the brake pedal, shift into gear, and release the parking brake. Press the accelerator pedal slowly. For manual transmissions, press the brake pedal and clutch, shift into the lowest gear, and release the parking brake. Release the clutch slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal slowly.

While operating a UTV:

• Always remain seated.
  
  
• Be aware that passengers affect how the vehicle handles.
  
  
• Keep your eyes on the trail and hands on the wheel (figure 43).
  
  
• Avoid distractions such as eating, drinking, using a cell phone or radio, or reading a map.
  
  
• Operate the UTV at safe speeds within the limits of the machine and the operator's skills.
  
  
  • Speeds exceeding 8 miles per hour are considered dangerous (Driver-Operator Guide).
    
    
• Assess terrain before crossing it.
  
  
• Reduce speeds when hauling heavy cargo.
  
  
• Keep alert for signs of vehicle defects, such as unusual noises or vibrations, and take immediate action (during operation check).
  
  
• Follow the work/rest guidelines (refer to chapter 10 of the "Health and Safety Code Handbook") and avoid driving at night.

Figure 43—An operator checks out the trail while driving slowly.

SIPDE Process

The SIPDE process (figures 44a, 44b, and 44c) is a system taught in driver education classes. SIPDE stands for:

S—Sweep, Search, and Scan: The operator must continually glance from side to side and scan the surrounding area for hazards that may affect the operator, the passengers, or the operation of the machine.

I—Identify: The operator must be able to identify whether an object, animal, or situation poses a hazard to the operator, the passengers, or the operation of the UTV.

P—Predict: The operator must be able to predict whether the identified hazard will affect the operation of the machine, operator, or passengers. Specifically, the operator must predict the worst-case scenario and determine possible courses of action.

D—Decide: The operator must choose a safe course of action that will mitigate the hazard.

E—Execute: The operator must execute the mitigation.

Figures 44a, b, and c—SIPDE process.