Key Features to Look for in a Grounds Maintenance Vehicle

December 16, 2024

Investing in a grounds maintenance vehicle is a significant decision for any business tasked with the upkeep of our parks, gardens, and green spaces. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Beyond the basics of transportation of people and tools, the right grounds maintenance vehicle can be a powerful asset, boosting your team's efficiency, productivity, and safety.

With over 30 years of experience manufacturing high-quality special vehicles for a range of uses, our team at AKFS are sharing the key features to look for in your new grounds maintenance vehicle. From payload capacity and maneuverability to advanced safety, customisation and electric options, we are here to help you choose the right vehicle for your fleet.

What are the most important features in a grounds maintenance vehicle?

When choosing a grounds maintenance vehicle, there are a few key features to be on the lookout for, as these can significantly impact the vehicle’s functionality, safety, and overall suitability for your specific needs.

Payload and Capacity

First up, payload and capacity requirements. Consider the weight limits and cargo space required for your work. Will you be transporting heavy equipment like ride-on mowers, or primarily lighter materials such as soil, gravel, and plants? Vehicles like our Plant & Go® Landscaper are specifically designed to transport ride-on mowers with ease, boasting an impressive payload capacity and ample space between the wheel arches. For heavier machinery and tools, our Dropside Logistics Vehicles offer stability, durability, and flexibility, with an optional tail lift for effortless loading and unloading.

Maneuverability

Will you be operating in confined spaces or more challenging areas? The maneuverability of your vehicle becomes key in such situations. Evaluate the vehicle's turning radius and ground clearance. If off-road capability is essential, consider a 4x4 option. Our Load & Go® Utility Vehicles, for example, are built on both conventional and electric vehicle platforms, providing versatility and adaptability for various terrains.

Accessibility

In grounds maintenance, easy loading and unloading of equipment and materials is essential for both team efficiency and preventing injuries.

It’s for this reason that we’d recommend looking for features that simplify this process, such as low loading heights, ramps, and assisted tailgates. Our Load & Go® vehicles are renowned for their assisted tailgates, engineered for effortless operation and safe handling of heavy equipment.

What safety features should I look out for in a grounds maintenance vehicle?

When purchasing any vehicle, safety should always be a top priority. Explore grounds maintenance vehicles that protect both the operator and the load.

Operator Safety

For operator safety and comfort, seek ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue. You should also ensure that the vehicle has excellent visibility, and secure seating. Examples include our Transit Utility Vehicle, which has a unique slip-resistant floor to help prevent onboard accidents.

Load Security

In order to prevent shifting cargo during transit, proper tie-down points and secure compartments are essential. This will not only protect your valuable equipment, but also ensures the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users. Our Store & Go® vehicle offers full-height storage lockers and under-bed compartments to keep tools and equipment secure and organised.

Road Safety

In any vehicle, road safety is of the utmost importance - so you’ll need to choose a grounds maintenance vehicle with adequate lighting, mirrors and a reliable braking system. You should also consider vehicles with advanced safety features, such as backup cameras and lane departure warnings.

Our Tip & Go Tipping Dropside, for example, includes features like LED light bars, amber flashers, and reversing cameras to improve visibility and safety.

How do I choose the right grounds maintenance vehicle?

To purchase the right grounds maintenance vehicle to add to your fleet, you should carefully consider your needs, budget and long-term goals.

Assessing Your Needs

To start, you should analyse the main types of grounds maintenance tasks your business offers, the frequency of use the vehicle is likely to see, and any budget constraints. You should also factor in the long-term ownership costs, including fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements and potential resale value.

Comparing Different Vehicle Types

Explore a variety of different vehicle types, such as utility vehicles, tippers, transporters and specialised vehicles. Go through the pros and cons of each, considering specific features and the benefits of each option - keeping in mind your plans for how you’ll use the vehicle.

If something like secure storage is top of your must-have list, our Store & Go® vehicle offers additional storage space and a usable payload of up to 1100kg, while our Plant & Go® Landscaper is ideal for transporting ride-on mowers and other landscaping equipment.

Why Invest in a Purpose-Built Grounds Maintenance Vehicle?

Purpose-built grounds maintenance vehicles offer significant advantages over standard vans or trucks. These vehicles are designed specifically for the demands of grounds maintenance tasks, making them a better choice for functionality, safety and efficiency.

The Importance of Reliability and Durability

Investing in a reliable and durable grounds maintenance vehicle will ultimately minimise downtime and reduce long-term costs. Opt for a vehicle with high-quality materials and robust construction that will last the test of time, such as our range of grounds maintenance vehicles.

Customisation Options for Grounds Maintenance Vehicles

If you are looking to add additional features and tailor your vehicle to your specific needs, consider a specialist manufacturer such as ourselves. These features might include specialised tool storage, racking systems or even the addition of specific equipment to make your vehicle bespoke to your needs.

Environmental Considerations: Electric and Hybrid Options

If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and operating costs, consider electric and hybrid grounds maintenance vehicles. We are committed to sustainability, and offer a range of electric options, including in our Load & Go® range.

AKFS: Your Partner in Grounds Maintenance Solutions

With over 30 years of experience designing and crafting special vehicles, our team at AKFS understands the needs of the grounds maintenance industry. We have a diverse range of high-quality, reliable vehicles designed to enhance your efficiency, productivity and safety.