UTVs vs. Pickup Trucks: Which Is Better for Landscaping in California’s Hilly & Rural Terrain?
5/28/2025
Landscaping in California presents unique challenges, especially in hilly and rural areas where rugged terrain and tight spaces are common. Choosing the right vehicle to tackle these conditions is crucial for efficiency and productivity.
At Belkorp Ag, we understand the needs of landscapers and property managers, offering a wide range of equipment, including John Deere Gator UTVs and compact tractors. But when it comes to deciding between UTVs and pickup trucks, which is better suited for your landscaping tasks? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
UTVs - also called side-by-sides or XUVs – like the John Deere Gator series are designed for versatility and maneuverability. These compact machines are great for rugged environments, making them a popular choice for landscapers working on uneven or confined terrain.
UTVs are smaller than pickup trucks, allowing them to navigate tight spaces and steep inclines with ease. This makes them ideal for hilly areas or properties with narrow pathways.
They also adapt to varied terrain. With features like all-wheel drive and specialized tires, UTVs can handle muddy, rocky, or uneven surfaces better than most trucks.
John Deere Gators can be equipped with attachments like dump beds, sprayers, or snow plows, enhancing their utility for landscaping tasks such as hauling mulch or clearing debris.
Finally, UTVs generally have lower initial costs and operating expenses compared to pickup trucks. They also cause less turf damage when driving over grass or landscaped areas.
For example, the John Deere XUV835M Gator Utility Vehicle combines power and comfort with a spacious cab, making it a great option for transporting tools and materials across challenging landscapes.
While UTVs are excellent for specific tasks, they do have limitations:
Limited Capacity: UTVs have smaller cargo beds compared to trucks, which may require more trips for large-scale projects.
Speed and Range: They are not designed for long-distance travel on highways, limiting their use to on-site operations.
Pickup trucks have long been a staple in landscaping due to their versatility and hauling capacity. They are particularly useful for transporting large quantities of materials or equipment over longer distances.
Trucks can carry significantly larger loads of soil, gravel, or tools compared to UTVs, giving them a higher load capacity. And unlike UTVs, pickup trucks are street-legal and capable of covering long distances between job sites.
Trucks are multi-purpose, and a truck can serve both professional and personal needs, making it a practical investment for many landscapers.
At Belkorp Ag, even if you decide to go with a pickup truck, we recommend pairing it with compact equipment like a John Deere Gator for maximum efficiency. There are some places a pickup truck can’t go, and that’s where your Gator UTV comes in to save the day.
Despite their advantages, trucks have drawbacks when used in hilly or rural terrain:
Limited Maneuverability: Their larger size makes it difficult to navigate tight spaces or steep inclines.
Higher Costs: Trucks typically have higher purchase prices and maintenance costs compared to UTVs.
Turf Damage: Driving a heavy truck over landscaped areas can lead to significant damage to grass or soil.
The choice between a UTV and a pickup truck largely depends on the specific needs of your landscaping projects. If your work involves navigating steep hills, tight spaces, or delicate turf surfaces, a UTV like the John Deere Gator is the better option. Its nimbleness and adaptability make it perfect for on-site tasks in rugged environments.
For projects requiring heavy hauling over long distances or transporting large crews and equipment between job sites, a pickup truck might be your best choice.
For many landscapers in California’s diverse terrain, combining both vehicles offers the best solution. Use a pickup truck as your primary transportation vehicle while relying on a UTV for specialized tasks on-site. At Belkorp Ag, we provide a great selection of Gators along with expert advice to help you choose the right equipment for your needs. We are the number one John Deere dealer in California’s Central Valley, and we are eager to help you find your next UTV.
California’s hilly and rural terrain demands versatile tools that can handle challenging conditions without compromising efficiency. While both UTVs and pickup trucks have their strengths, understanding the unique demands of your landscaping projects will guide your decision. Visit Belkorp Ag today to explore our lineup of John Deere Gators, compact tractors, and other landscaping solutions tailored to California’s unique and varied landscape!
Contact us at 209-205-3793 or email our sales team at sales@belkorpag.com.