Monthly Archives: September 2018

John Deere Recalls XUV590 Gator UTVs

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John Deere XUV590 S4

The John Deere is recalling the XUV590 S4 Gator utility vehicle due to a throttle cable issue.

The two-passenger John Deere XUV590 is part of the recall as well.

John Deere XUV590 Recall

John Deere is recalling XUV590 and XUV590 S4 Gator utility vehicles sold between September 2017 and August 2018 due to a powertrain issue. The powertrain hardware can become loose and cause the throttle cable to stick. As a result, the operator may not be able to stop the vehicle. The recall involves approximately 4,700 vehicles including 200 in Canada. To date John Deere is reporting no injuries because of this issue. Vehicle owners should stop using the vehicles immediately and contact their local John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair.

Compared to John Deere’s overall Gator utility vehicle sales, this recall is fairly large but small compared to typical recalls in the industry. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recent recalls of UTVs, golf cars and LSVs.

The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product:  John Deere XUV590 and XUV590 S4 Gator™ utility vehicles
Hazard:  The powertrain hardware can come loose, causing the throttle to stick. This could result in the operator not being able to stop the vehicle, posing a crash hazard.

Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  September 11, 2018
Units:  About 4,700 (In addition, about 200 were sold in Canada)
Consumer Contact:  Deere & Company at 800-537-8233 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, or online at www.deere.com and click on “Product Recall Information” on the drop-down menu under “Services & Support” for more information.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves John Deere Gator utility vehicles with model number “XUV590” or “XUV590 S4” printed on the hood. “John Deere” and “Gator” are printed on the cargo box. The serial number is located on the frame on the rear of the machine above the hitch and begins with 1M0590 and falls within the ranges on the chart below. The recalled utility vehicles were sold in green and yellow, olive drab and camouflage and have four-wheel suspension with side-by-side seating for two or four people.

Serial Number Range

1M0590EAxxM010001 – 1M0590EAxxM020029

1M0590EBxxM010001 – 1M0590EBxxM020004

1M0590EDxxM010001 – 1M0590EDxxM010014

1M0590EExxM010001 – 1M0590EExxM010008

1M0590MAxxM010001 – 1M0590MAxxM020071

1M0590MBxxM010001 – 1M0590MBxxM020025

1M0590MDxxM010001 – 1M0590MDxxM010018

1M0590MExxM010001 – 1M0590MExxM010012

1M0590MFxxM010001 – 1M0590MFxxM020004

1M0590MGxxM010001 – 1M0590MGxxM010049

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair. John Deere is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:  John Deere has received two reports of the throttle cable sticking. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:  John Deere dealers nationwide from September 2017 through August 2018 for between $10,000 and $13,000.

Manufacturer(s):  Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill.

Manufactured In:  U.S.
Recall number:  18-766

Caterpillar Adds 5-Seat UTVs

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Caterpillar CUV105 D

The 5-passenger diesel powered CUV105D is a new addition to the Caterpillar UTV lineup.

Caterpillar’s new 5-passenger CUV85 is gas powered.

Caterpillar recently expanded their utility vehicle lineup with the 5-seat CUV85 and CUV105 D models in order to add a crew-sized offering. The CUV85 is gas powered and the CUV105 D is diesel powered because of the need to meet the diverse fuel options of their target market. The expansion is a follow up to their entry into the UTV market earlier in 2018 with the CUV82 and CUV102 D two-person models. As a result, the lineup now includes four models. Textron is manufacturing the new models under a partnership agreement with Caterpillar.

Key Caterpillar UTV Features

The two latest models have a 1,000 lbs rear cargo bed capacity and can tow up to 2,000 lbs in order to meet the rigors of heavy duty work applications. The CUV85 features a 50 hp, 3-cylinder gas engine with a 45 mph top speed. In contrast, the CUV105 D is powered by a 25 hp, 3-cyclinder diesel engine and has a 25 mph top speed. The CUV85 comes with quarter doors, probably due to the higher vehicle speed. Common features across both models include:

  • 5-passenger capacity
  • 2WD/4WD/Electric Rear Locking Differential
  • CVT transmission
  • 10.5″ of ground clearance
  • Four-wheel independent A-arm suspension with front sway bar
  • Electric assist power steering
  • Single and dual piston disc brakes
  • ROPS
  • 25″ tires on steel wheels
  • Steel cargo bed
  • Digital gauge
  • Halogen headlights
  • Dual LED taillights
  • Adjustable tilt steering
  • Adjustable driver’s seat

Additional Features

Furthermore, Caterpillar marketing material points to specifc features designed for work use including a steel cargo bed, smooth acceleration, clear sight lines and engine braking. Additional features in order to produce quiet and comfortable operation include a design to minimize noise and vibration, ample head, elbow and leg room, and removable passenger seat base. Likewise easy access points facilitates maintenance and advanced diagnostics reduce troubleshooting time.

Learn more:  Constructionequipment.com

SVR’s Take:  Similar to other manufacturers, Caterpillar has expanded their product line with the addition of crew-sized models. In contrast to some models on the market, these are pretty basic vehicles but with solid features which are appropriate for the work applications they are targeting. If Caterpillar is successful with this lineup they will likely continue to introduce new models.

Can-Am Market Share Increases

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2019 Can-Am Defender HD8

New models like the 2019 Can-Am Defender HD8 help increase Can-Am market share.

Can Am Defender Max

Can Am Defender Max

BRP Reports Strong Fiscal Q2 Earnings  

BRP Inc., manufacturer of Can-Am vehicles announced strong earnings for their fiscal second quarter (ending July 31, 2018) and improved Can-Am market share for their side-by-side business. Management reported an increase in revenue of 18% to $1,207 million from $1,023 million (In Canadian $) as well as increased profit margins.

Ahead of Strategic Plan 

Since implementing their strategic plan in 2015 Can-Am has steadily made inroads in the side-by-side market. Management set the goal of doubling Can-Am market share for the North American side-by-side market from approximately 10% to 20% by 2020. They are on track to reach that goal in 2019 instead of the original 2020 target year.

Recent Can-Am UTV Launches Source: Can-Am Presentation 9/10/2018

Product Development Drives Can-Am Market Share Success

The company drove this rapid growth by launching a host of new models to maintain competitiveness in existing market segments or to enter new segments. They typically launch new models every six months. The Defender lineup of UTVs is an example of entering new segments. The Defender not only attacked the work/utility segment where Can-Am needed a presence, but opened up under represented geographic markets. The company reports US side-by-side dealer network coverage increased over 50% over four years. They also added trail and sport models for the recreational segment while continuing to produce competitive high-end performance side-by-sides as well.

Can-Am Emerges as Main Polaris Competitor

While still far from the market share of market leader Polaris, Can-Am has established itself as the main competitor to Polaris, outpacing the likes of Yamaha, Honda, John Deere and others. This applies to not only to the side-by-side market but in other product segments as well including ATVs, 3-wheelers and snowmobiles. Both companies have also entered the boating market with recent acquisitions. (BRP; Polaris) Can-Am is one of the few side-by-side manufacturers that comes close to the breadth of models that Polaris offers across all the market sub-segments. Management’s intentions are to continue to build out their product lineup.

Earnings Call Highlights

The following are highlights from the earnings call and presentation. Unless noted comparisons are to the same quarter of the previous year.

  • Revenues were up in North America (NA) and all intl markets
  • NA retail sales for Seasonal and Year-round business segments increased 16%
  • All product segments are outgrowing respective industries
  • Year Round business which includes SxS, ATV and Spyder products increased by 26% from $440.4 to $554.0
  • NA side-by-side retail jumped low 30% vs. low teen % for industry for the quarter
  • NA 2018 SSV industry up high single digits percent for recently ended model year while Can-Am jumped mid 30%
  • Management reports gaining over 2.5% in market share in NA side-by-side market for the 2018 season
  • Can-Am SxS up 25% in all  international markets:  Europe/Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
  • Management states:  “We are seeing solid growth across the lineup, and the popularity of our specialized models such as the Defender LONE STAR, the Maverick X3 rock crawler and our mud-ready Maverick X3 and Defender is helping us deliver superior profitability for us and our dealers.“
  • Management increased guidance for Year Round business to up 18-21% from previously guided 12-15%
  • Can-Am has more than doubled their side-by-side retail volume since 2015 with 6 new platform introduced over the past 3 years and on target to reach 2020 goals one year in advance
  • Room to grow in the Defender side-by-side segment
  • Some cost pressures from commodity prices and freight costs

Learn more:  Earnings Call Transcript

Polaris Recalls RZR XP Turbo S UTVs

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RZR XP Turbo S

Polaris is recalling RZR XP Turbo S models due to an issue with the ROPS.

Polaris is recalling 2018 RZR XP Turbo S UTVs because the rollover protection structure can fracture during a high-speed rollover. The recall involved approximately 1,300 vehicles. Owners reported six instances of the ROPS fracturing. Owner should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer for a free repair.

SVR’s Take:  The recall is relatively small compared to typical recalls, and considering the number of vehicles Polaris sells. However, this is the first time I remember an issue with a ROPS structure for any manufacturer. In addition, Polaris mostly likely manufactured these 2018 models under their new design and manufacturing processes implemented to produce better quality vehicles. SVR maintains a list of recent recalls of UTVs, golf cars and LSVs. The following recall information is from the Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Model year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard:  In the event of a high-speed rollover, the vehicle’s rollover protection structure (ROPS) can fracture, providing inadequate protection during a rollover.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 27, 2018
Units:  About 1,300
Consumer Contact:  Polaris at 800-765-2747 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off Road Safety Recalls” for more information. In addition, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the “Product Safety Recalls” page to see if your vehicle is included in any recalls.

RZR XP Turbo S Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) sold in red and blue. The recalled vehicles have “POLARIS” printed on the front grille, “POLARIS” printed beneath the doors, and “RZR” printed on the rear fenders. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and model number can be found on a label affixed to the vehicle frame in the left front wheel well.
Polaris Model Year 2018 RZR XP Turbo S
Year Model Number Model/Color
2018 Z18VEL92BR RZR XP TURBO S WITH RIDE CMD AND LV INDY RED
2018 Z18VEL92BK RZR XP TURBO S WITH RIDE CMD AND LV POL BLUE
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. Polaris is contacting all registered owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  Polaris has received six reports of rollover protection structures fracturing during rollovers. Polaris has received one report of an injury but does not attribute it to ROPS fractures.
Sold At:  Polaris dealers nationwide from January 2018 through August 2018 for about $27,500.
Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn
Importer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn
Manufactured In:  Mexico
Recall number:  18-762

American Landmaster Recalls UTVs

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LandMaster Crossroad

American Landmaster is recalling Crossroad UTVs because of a potential gas leak.

Landmaster Landstar utility vehicle

Landstar models are part of the recall.

Landmaster Trailwagon models are also part of the recall.

American Landmaster has recalled approximately 1,500 model year 2018 UTVs including Landstar, Crossroad and Trailwagon models due to a potential gas leak from the vehicle’s gas tank which can potentially create a fire and burn hazard. Owners have not reported any injuries related to this recall. Owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their American Landmaster for a free repair. The recall information below is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recalls related to utility vehicles, golf cars and LSVs with links to detailed recall information.

Name of product:  Off-road utility vehicles
Hazard:  Gas can leak from the utility vehicle’s gas tank, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 23, 2018
Units:  About 1,500
Consumer Contact:  American Landmaster at 800-643-7332 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at recall@AmericanLandmaster.com or online at www.AmericanLandmaster.com and click on the “Notice to UTV Owners Important Recall Information” icon or www.AmericanLandmaster.com/recall for more information.

American LandMaster Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2018 gasoline-powered Landstar, Crossroad and Trailwagon models of American Landmaster four-wheel off-road utility vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in a variety of colors. The model name and number are printed on the hood of each front fender. The American Landmaster logo is printed on the center of the hood of the vehicle. The VIN is located behind the pedals and below the steering wheel.

Model Number

VIN range start

VIN range end

CR350, LS350, LS350DL

A4PUTYFB1JBA00023

A4PUTYFB9JBA00304

A4PUTYFB1JBA00751

A4PUTYFB7JBA00754

LS450

A4PUTYJC4JBA00422

A4PUTYJC6JBA00499

A4PUTYJC3JBA00749

A4PUTYJCXJBA01512

TW450

A4PUTYJCXJBA00358

A4PUTYJC0JBA00496

A4PUTYJC2JBA00760

A4PUTYJC2JBA01147

TW750

A4PUTYPD0JBA00014

A4PUTYPD8JBB00149

LS477

A4PUVTKD7JBB00003

A4PUVTKD9JBB00049

LS550

A4PUTVKD9JBA00003

A4PUTVKD9JBA00308

LS670, 677EFI, 677EPS

A4PUTYPD6JBB00005

A4PUTYPD7JBB00224

Crew2, Crew4, Crew4X

A4PUFYPD0JBA00005

A4PUFYPD5JBA00078
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact American Landmaster for a free repair.
Incidents/Injuries:  None reported
Sold At:  Atwood Distributing, Tractor Supply Company, Orscheln Farm and Home stores and other distributors nationwide from January 2018 through July 2018 for between $4,300 and $10,300.
Manufacturer(s):  ASW, LLC d/b/a American Landmaster, of Columbia City, Ind.
Manufactured In:  U.S.
Recall number:  18-207

Polaris Recalls Gravely Atlas UTVs

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Name of product:  Gravely Atlas JSV 3000 and 6000 utility vehicles
Hazard:  The utility vehicle’s exhaust header pipe can crack, posing fire and burn hazards.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August 8, 2018
Units:  About 2,100
Consumer Contact:  Gravely at 877-740-7060 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.gravely.com and click on the Product Support link at the bottom of the page, then select Product Safety Recall in the menu on the left of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves all model year 2015 through 2018 Gravely Atlas JSV 3000 and 6000 gas-engine-powered utility vehicles. The recalled utility vehicles were sold in red and have one or two rows of seats and a rear box. “Gravely” is printed on the rear box, and “Atlas” is printed on the hood of the utility vehicle. The model and serial number can be found on the driver’s side and are visible from the front wheel well. The following model numbers and serial number ranges are being recalled:

Year

Model

Serial Number Range

2015

996200 Base

150100, 150102 – 150299, 150310, 150321, 150332, 150343, 150354, 150365, 150376, 150387, 150398, 150409 – 150771, 150774 – 150803 and

150805 – 151173

996201 Crew

150100 – 150299, 150310, 150321, 150332, 150343, 150354, 150365, 150376, 150387, 150398, 150409 – 150599 and 150601 – 150641

2016

996200 Base

160100 – 160299, 160310, 160321, 160332, 160343, 160354, 160365, 160376, 160387, 160398 and 160409 – 160640

996201 Crew

160100 and 160102 – 160112

2017

996200 Base

170100 – 170256

996201 Crew

170100 – 170102 and 170108 – 170152

2018

996200 Base

180101, 180105 – 180116, 180118 – 180136, 180138 – 180149, 180151 – 180154, 180158 – 180161, 180163 – 180166, 180168 – 180170, 180172,

180174 – 180178, 180181 – 180182, 180186 – 180187, 180190, 180192, 180199, 180202, 180205 – 180206, 180209 – 180211, 180214 – 180215, 180218 and 180220 – 180222
Remedy:  Consumers should contact an authorized Gravely dealer for a free repair. If the exhaust system becomes noisier, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles. Gravely is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  Gravely has received seven reports of cracked header exhaust pipes. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At:  Gravely dealers nationwide from September 2014 through July 2018 for between $13,000 and $15,700.
Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Distributor(s):  Gravely Company, of Brillion, Wis.
Manufactured In:  United States
Recall number:  18-758

Bobcat 3400 and 3400XL UTVs Recalled

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Bobcat 3400 utility vehicle

The Bobcat 3400 for model years 2015 through 2018 is being recalled.

Bobcat 3400XL utility Vehicle

The Bobcat 3400XL is being recalled as well.

Last month Bobcat issued a recall of the gas powered Bobcat 3400 and 3400XL UTVs for model years 2015 through 2018. The vehicle’s exhaust header pipe can crack and create potential burn and fire hazards. Owners have not reported any injuries or fires related to this recall, which involves approximately 2,700 units. The 3400 model is a two-seater and the 3400XL is a four-seater. Polaris manufactured both models for Bobcat under a partnership the companies formed several years ago to develop UTVs for commercial markets. If you have an affected model you should contact your local Bobcat dealer. The following recall information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of product:  Bobcat 3400 and 3400XL utility vehicles
Hazard:  The utility vehicle’s exhaust header pipe can crack, posing burn and fire hazards.
Remedy:  Repair
Recall date:  August, 2018
Units:  About 2,700

Recall Details

Description:  This recall involves model year 2015 through 2018 Bobcat 3400 and 3400XL gas engine-equipped utility vehicles manufactured by Polaris Industries. The recalled utility vehicles are white and black with orange decals and have one or two rows of seats and a rear box. “Bobcat” is printed on the hood of the utility vehicle and “3400” or “3400XL” is printed on the rear box. The model and vehicle identification number (VIN #) can be found on a label under the seat and storage bin on the passenger side. The following models and VIN ranges are being recalled:

Year

Model

VIN Range

2015

3400 4X GAS

B3FL11001 through B3FL11911

3400 4X GAS DLX

B3FN11001 through B3FN11286

2016

3400 4X GAS

B3FL12001 through B3FL12803

3400 4X GAS DLX

B3FN12001 through B3FN12245

2017

3400 4X GAS

B3FL17001 through B3FL17580

3400 XL GAS

B3FN17001 through B3FN17124

2018

3400 4X GAS

B3FL18001 through B3FL18097

3400 XL GAS

B3FN18001 through B3FN18065
Remedy:  Consumers should contact an authorized Bobcat dealer to schedule a free repair. Bobcat is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries:  Bobcat has received seven reports of cracked exhaust pipes. No injuries or fires have been reported.
Sold At:  Bobcat dealers nationwide from August 2014 through July 2018 for between $10,000 and $15,000.
Manufacturer(s):  Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Distributor(s):  Bobcat Company, of West Fargo, N.D.
Manufactured In:  United States
Recall number:  18-757