ATVs and side-by-sides on the farm and acreage
Pick the right machine for the chores, then load it, tow with it and run it through winter safely
Plain-language guides for northern Alberta farms and acreages: which machine fits the work, what Alberta's farm-safety and helmet rules say, how to read load and towing ratings, and how to keep chores going at minus thirty.
Latest guides
Alberta rules for ATVs and side-by-sides on the farm
Alberta's OHV helmet law and farm work: what the exemptions actually say
Alberta's helmet law for ATVs and side-by-sides has exemptions for your own land and for farm and ranch work exempt from OHS. Here's exactly what they cover, what they don't, and why the safety advice still says wear one.
Start with a topic
- Choosing an ATV or side-by-side for farm and acreage workMatch the machine to the chores: hauling, towing, passengers, cab comfort, and the warranty fine print on work use.
- Alberta rules for ATVs and side-by-sides on the farmFarm OHS rules, helmet exemptions, crossing and using highways for farm work, and young riders.
- Loads, towing and attachmentsReading cargo, rack and towing ratings, tongue weight, loading the box, and adding plows, sprayers and other attachments.
- Winter chores with an ATV or side-by-sideCold-weather checks, driving on snow and ice, plowing, and working alone safely in winter.
Who writes this
Acreage Rig is written by the editorial team at Butler Motor Group Ltd., which owns three AMVIC-licensed dealerships in northern Alberta that sell ATVs and side-by-sides. We sell these machines, so we say so up front. We stick to what the Government of Alberta, farm-safety bodies and the manufacturers publish, and we tell you when to check your own manual.