The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe with climate controlled cab.
The new Polaris Ranger Diesel HST with a Yanmar diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission.
Polaris Industries recently introduced two new diesel powered Ranger work utility vehicles to their product lineup, the Ranger Diesel HST and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe. Both vehicles are powered by a 24hp Yanmar diesel engine with engine braking which is paired with a hydrostatic transmission featuring Polaris’ exclusive On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive. The vehicles also include a treadle pedal and multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension. The treadle pedal allows for travel in forward to reverse without shifting gears. The Deluxe model comes with a factory-installed cab with climate controls and an electric assist for the dump bed. Both models have a 1,250 lb cargo capacity and 2,000 lb towing capacity along with a 90 amp alternator for better cold weather starting and operating accessories. The models are targeted for the agricultural and rural customer. The vehicles will be available in April with the Ranger Diesel HST starting at $15,199 and the Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe at $20,999. Learn more: Polaris.com
Comment: Polaris continues to build out their work utility vehicle lineup, targeting different customer segments of the consumer work and commercial portions of the market. While these new Ranger models are primarily aimed at the agricultural and work customer, they could also be used in the construction market or other segments that might use diesel vehicles. The company has been making a particularly strong push into the commercial area over the last several years with their Brutus vehicle partnership with Bobcat, the GEM lineup which is primarily for commercial and institutional use and now these models provide a slightly different flavor. The question in the STOV market often returns to how well the distribution channel matches to the target customer. Since the agricultural segment has historically been served by the powersports dealer to a certain degree this should not be an issue with these models. For other more purely commercial segments where these vehicles could find traction, a more efficient distribution channel may be needed to fully exploit their potential.