Why the Right Ute Setup for Surveyors Is a Game Changer

July 31, 2025

Cohen & Assoc_Survey Ute with Drone

TIPS FOR A BETTER UTE SETUP

For surveyors, the ute is more than a means of transport — it’s also a mobile office, equipment hub, smoko hut and first aid station. Whether it’s raining or pushing 40 degrees, surveyors stay on the job — and that’s why having a professionally designed ute setup is a game changer for productivity, safety, and equipment protection.

Your tools of the trade — drones, theodolites, tripods, GPS gear and prisms — are fragile, expensive, and essential. They need to be securely stowed, easy to access, and protected from vibration, dust, and weather. On remote mine sites, unsealed roads or isolated work zones, reliable gear performance isn’t optional — it’s critical.

That’s why more surveyors across Australia are rethinking their ute fitouts and partnering with experts who can deliver purpose-built mobile workspaces.

PROFESSIONAL SURVEY UTE FITOUTS DELIVER SMARTER STORAGE AND BETTER WORKFLOW

Large surveying companies like Veris and Spiire have been customising their fleet fitouts for years — and the benefits are clear. Their tailored mobile workspaces protect equipment, streamline workflows, and increase field productivity.

Every tool has its place. From tripod storage racks and lockable drone platforms to integrated lighting, power access, and charging solutions — surveyors know where their gear is and how to access it fast.

Each service body is co-designed by Hidrive’s Mobile Workspace Specialists and your own team, ensuring every fitout is consistent, durable, and fit for purpose across the entire fleet.

Key features surveyors value most include:

  • Designated drone storage bays
  • Underbody roller drawers for shovels and survey pegs
  • Lockable compartments for scanners and GPS equipment
  • Easy-to-access power points and lighting for remote operation

STAY ORGANISED AND EFFICIENT IN THE FIELD

Loose tools, tubs and tarps lead to disorganisation, wasted time, and damaged equipment. Standardising vehicle fitouts across your survey fleet creates consistency and makes it easier for teams to switch vehicles without missing a beat.

With a standardised ute setup:

  • Equipment is always where it should be
  • Downtime is reduced
  • New team members onboard faster
  • Risk of damage or loss is minimised

“An efficient mobile workspace doesn’t just get you and your gear from A to B — it offers real productivity and safety gains and helps protect expensive equipment.” —  Cameron Atkinson, Hidrive Head of Engineering

LIGHTWEIGHT SERVICE BODIES MEAN MORE PAYLOAD AND SAFER DRIVING 

Whether you’re working in urban environments or remote terrain, every surveyor needs a dependable, lightweight vehicle fitout that protects their gear and stays within weight limits.

Your ute’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) can quickly be exceeded when you add tools, tech, water, and fuel. That’s why lightweight service bodies — like Hidrive’s aluminium designs — are essential.

Benefits of a lighter service body:

  • Carry more tools and gear without exceeding GVM
  • Improved fuel efficiency and braking
  • Better vehicle handling and safer driving
  • Avoid compliance fines related to vehicle weight

CHOOSE A SERVICE BODY THAT’S BUILT FOR SURVEYORS

Hidrive is an Australian manufacturer of co-bonded aluminium service bodies engineered for durability, consistency, and performance in harsh environments.

With one of the lightest service bodies on the market, Hidrive helps surveyors maximise payload without compromising safety or compliance.

Talk to our Mobile Workspace Specialists about:

  • Real-world fitouts built for surveyors
  • How to customise your fleet for workflow efficiency
  • Long-term benefits of investing in a standardised, engineered setup

READY TO OPTIMISE YOUR UTE FOR SURVEYING?

Call 1300 368 161 or visit hidrive.com.au to speak with our team and explore tailored service body solutions that keep your survey gear protected, organised, and always ready for action.

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