Side-by-side (vehicle)

A Side-by-side vehicle is a type of motor vehicle which has a minimum of two seats, situated side by side, and may function as a recreational, utility, combat, or other type of service vehicle.

Definition

Side-by-side vehicles have been known by many names. Some widely used names have been specific to the type of activity or a specific feature or component of the vehicle. An example is the he dune buggy, a type of side-by-side which is based on the rear engine Volkswagen beetle, from which its name is inspired, is designed for use on sand dunes, beaches, off-road or desert recreation. Another example is the sandrail, a similar vehicle and purpose meant to be utilized in any open sand but is made from a custom frame.

Side-by-side contains a broad array of vehicles but in general these vehicles are operated by steering wheel and pedals, have four wheels, which may operate as 2wd, 4wd, or AWD.

History

The history of UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles or Utility Terrain Vehicles) traces back to the 1980s, with significant influences from earlier off-road vehicles and toys. Here’s a brief overview:

1941: The Jeep, the first four-wheel, off-road vehicle, was introduced by the military. It laid the foundation for off-road vehicles. 1960s: The Meyers Manx fiberglass dune buggy was invented, which was a downsized version of the Jeep and closer to the UTV design. 1970s: Some primitive ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) appeared around this time. The landmark Honda Big Red ATV, released in 1980, added a utility factor with racks and suspension, further influencing the development of UTVs. 1980s: The UTV gained more attention among outdoor enthusiasts. The amphibious all-terrain vehicle (AATV) emerged as a six-wheeled vehicle capable of land and water use, which was even closer to the UTV design. 2006: Arctic Cat introduced the Prowler, the first UTV with side-by-side seating, seat belts, rollover protection, and a cargo bed. This marked the beginning of the modern UTV era. 2007: Polaris followed with the Ranger RZR, expanding the market for UTVs. 2008 financial crash: UTVs experienced a popularity boom as the economy worsened and ATVs faced a slump in sales. Manufacturers like Bombardier, Can-Am, Yamaha, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, and John Deere entered the UTV market with their own models. These developments led to a vast expansion in the use of UTVs for both recreational and utility, in both the public and private sector.

Application

Agriculture and construction

Side-by-side such as the Kawasaki Mule or Polaris Ranger are widely sold brands of side-by-side utility vehicles or "UTVs". These type of side-by-sides often exhibit the above features and may also feature up to four more additional passenger seats, a utility bed and tow capabilities. Brands such as Bobcat produce a line of UTVs which can serve in heavy equipment functions such as that of a front loader, excavator, among other capabilities.

Sport

The Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, and Arctic Cat are examples of side-by-sides which specifically target the offroad recreational functions. This category of side-by-side, often known as Sport UTVs or sport Side-by-Sides may boast larger, more powerful engines, sequential transmissions, improved suspensions, and have higher MPH capabilities.

Combat

An example of a combat Side-by-side is the Polaris DAGOR (Deployable Advanced Ground Off-Road) Ultralight Tactical Vehicle is an example of a governmental combat specific Side-by-side. This model may feature a wide range of components specific to military operations and host nations. The Polaris DAGOR is primarily designed for military use and is only available to the United States Department of Defense and allied militaries. However, producers such as Polaris often have offer a similar civilian concept vehicle version which has been demilitarized and is available for the general public. These alternative versions often share a similar engine and chassis with the military models.

Fire and Rescue

Nearly every maker of Side-by-sides offers a model in this category. Examples of fire and rescue Side-by-sides are the Polaris Ranger, Gravely JSV3000, Gator XUV and Can-Am Defender, among many others. These often feature fire fighting apparatus, and larger bed and payload capacities.