Get More Done This Fall with Your ATV

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As the leaves change and the air cools, a variety of seasonal tasks emerge on the farm. Working in cold weather conditions can be challenging, but an ATV can lighten the load and boost productivity. Read on for practical ways to put your ATV to work this fall.

Transporting Wood, Waste, and Rubbish

There will always be cleaning and clearing jobs in the fall and ATVs are often small enough to efficiently tackle the job. An ATV with a small utility trailer may be more practical for hauling  leaves, needles, or other sorts of brush than larger vehicles like pickup trucks. 

The dump bed on a side-by-side can also work well for moving debris and doesn’t require a trailer at all. Keep in mind that the lift-in height of the bed can be pretty tall when working with a shovel. It’s likely worth the trade-off for the dumping capabilities though, allowing you to precisely dump a load with minimal effort. 

The ATV itself can also be used as a tool to clear debris when fitted with attachments, including lawn rakes and sweepers. Your ATV can also be used to transport large branches or trees that fell during a summer storm. You can haul them for disposal or store for later use, such as harvesting wood for camping with your ATV.

Crop and Field Management

An ATV, equipped with the right attachments, can become a versatile workhorse for all your essential fall farm tasks. ATV attachments, like sprayers and plows, can be used to apply fertilizer or lime to the fields. This method works best on smaller fields that are difficult to access with full-size tractors or large farm equipment. 

In addition to tending to your fall crops, you’ll want to ensure your field is secure and well-equipped to handle any harsh conditions, especially for windy, cold nights. Using an ATV to navigate property is one of the easiest ways to do that. Plus, you can bring along a selection of tools that you might need to fix the fence if you do find some problems.

Feeding and Caring for Livestock

Once you know your fence is stable, keeping any livestock secure, you must prepare to feed them for the long winter. An ATV with a trailer is often best suited for this job as you can load in plenty of food and drive it right inside the barn, or other locations. In many cases, the biggest advantage to using an ATV is its size and maneuverability, helping to simplify most mobile tasks. 

Prep for the Season Ahead

Once all of the jobs on the property are completed late into the fall, it’s best to start thinking about the snow. Your ATV can be a crucial tool for snow removal during winter. It’s a good idea to fully prepare your ATV for the winter during the fall to avoid fumbling around with tire chains or trying to install a plow in the freezing cold.

That means installing your plow blade and/or plow mount. You may also consider installing a windshield, a cab, a heated seat cover, or any other accessory that’ll help get you through a long winter.  Planning ahead and knocking out your fall farm work early with an ATV ensures your winter will be that much more enjoyable and stress free.

Stephen Elmer

As a second generation automotive journalist, Stephen Elmer was raised with both the passion for anything that drives and the desire to tell stories about them. Riding off-road has been a mainstay in Stephen’s life since he was old enough to hold on. When not out for ride, you’ll find Stephen at home with his wife and three children, likely playing his bass guitar or drum set.

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