NFMT Trade Show

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Last week I visited the NFMT trade show in Baltimore at the invitation of Andy Kaplan of Dominion Utility Vehicles, a Polaris commercial dealer who carries the GEM, Brutus and Gravely vehicle lines. The National Facilities Management and Technology Conference & Exposition (NFMT) brings education, networking and new products to facilities professionals nationwide. While a host of products and services from lighting, energy, air systems, roofing, HVAC, etc are on exhibit, I was there to check out the handful of utility vehicle brands on display including the GEM and Brutus from Polaris, Club Car, Taylor-Dunn and Vantage Vehicle.

The Polaris Brutus HDPTO Deluxe with an angle broom attached on display at the NFMT expo.

The Polaris display had one of the larger footprints on the NFMT expo floor and had on display the GEM eL XD, Polaris M1400 and Brutus HDPTO Deluxe. The latter probably received the most attention on the day I was visiting. (The NFMT ran for three days) The Deluxe is an impressive vehicle with a factory installed cab with heat and A/C standard, integrated front PTO, 24 hp Kohler diesel engine, hydrostatic drive, and 1,250 lb. cargo box. The model also has a treadle pedal so you don’t have to shift gears back and forth during tasks like plowing snow, and with the hydrostatic drive the hydraulic fluid absorbs the changing forces rather than gears. The display model had an angle brush attachment mounted on the front. Starting at around $24,000 with the attachments extra the vehicle may appear to be pricey, but the Brutus HDPTO Deluxe is a commercial level work utility vehicle and the versatility provided by the attachments allow the Brutus to do the work of several vehicles on all types of terrain.

An interior view of the Brutus shows the joystick for controlling attachments.

For example, with the finishing mower attachment you can mow even on steep terrain and do so in a climate controlled cab. The angle brush can sweep sidewalks of dirt and debris in the summer and snow in the winter. For other snow removal applications there is a snow blade or snow blower. The attachments can be controlled from the cab and can be moved up, down, left, right and tilted forward or backward. A cargo box spreader attachment was added last year with cab controls for adjusting the area of the spread, the volume of material, and the vibration of the auger to prevent clogging. The PTO also has a separate throttle control so the vehicle can be operated at a slower speed but the attachment can be operated at higher power. Other attachments include a landplane, grapple, pallet forks and materials bucket. According to recent Polaris earnings calls the higher end Brutus vehicles have been selling well.

The recessed bed in the new 2016 GEM eL XD.

A shot of the interior of the GEM eL XD on display at the NFMT expo.

I was also able to see the new 2016 GEM eL XD up close. As advertised the new doors feel really solid. I met another GEM dealer who expressed optimism about sales for the new line in the coming year. The recessed bed on the eL XD is one of the new features for 2016. I sat in the cab and the overall look and feel of the vehicle is solid and gives the impression of a quality build.

A Club Car Carryall with the VersAttach system installed.

At the Club Car display they had their relatively new Carryall 500 and 700 on display but were focusing more on their VersAttach Bed System, a configurable and removable track-based bed attachment system for carrying tools and equipment. The commercial focused team was representing Club Car at the event. They are focusing products and services on specific vertical market segments such as education, resorts and government.

The electric powered Vantage Vehicle is proving to be a popular alternative to pickup trucks in certain applications.

Werres Corporation, a distributor of Vantage Vehicles, had one of the vehicles on display at their booth. The electric powered vehicle features a long truck bed and an enclosed cab with a design similar to mini-trucks. The Vantage Vehicle has been a big seller for Werres, and often displaces pick-up trucks for campus applications.

The electric powered Taylor-Dunn Bigfoot has a 3,000 lb. load capacity.

Taylor-Dunn was featuring one of their relatively new vehicles, the Bigfoot. The Bigfoot features 48V AC power, hydraulic brakes, 12 mph top speed, a 44″x77″ flatbed and a 3,000 lb. load capacity. Other amenities include dual USB charging ports, LED lighting, adjustable seats, tilt steering and recessed tie-downs. The Bigfoot has a range of up to 40 miles and can be configured with a cab, stake sides or aluminum drop-down sides.

2016 GEM Line Looks Like A Success

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new GEM product line for model year 2016.

The new GEMs for model year 2016.

A recent conversation with a GEM dealer indicates that the newly designed 2016 GEM product line will be a success. In November I spoke with John Stockman, Director of GEM about the new 2016 line of GEM vehicles. I wanted to follow-up that article with a dealer’s perspective of the line now that it has been in the market. To that end I spoke with Andy Kaplan of Dominion Utility Vehicles of Bedford, Virginia, which carries the GEM line along with Gravely and Brutus utility vehicles. Polaris manufactures all three of these brands.

While December through February are typically a slow season for Kaplan, he has been selling GEMs at a rapid rate this year. In fact, we conversed while he and his loaded vehicle trailer were calling on customers for test drives and to deliver a price quotes. He is still following up leads from a trade show six weeks ago. Kaplan typically sells vehicles to colleges and universities, hospitals and real estate developments where GEMs are used for security, maintenance and people transport.

Polaris significantly re-engineered the GEM line for 2016. They made changes to the body design, added more cabin space, improved the doors and added more door options, introduced their Smart Power concept, and expanded options and accessories for the utility model. According to Kaplan, the changes have all hit the mark and are winning over customers. The new doors and additional cabin space are probably the most critical changes driving customer interest. As Kaplan observes, these changes give the GEM a more car-like feel. He believes they have helped position the GEM in it’s own market niche between golf car based vehicles and fully functional automobiles.

Kaplan expects to double his GEM sales this year driven by both the new 2016 line, and by virtue of the new line being part of a Virginia state purchasing contract. The latter allows state colleges, universities and other agencies to more easily purchase GEMs without having to conduct a complex purchasing process.

I’ve posted a more in-depth article from my discussion with Mr. Kaplan in our buying guide section.

2016 PGA Show: Evolution Electric Vehicles Introduces Revolution 4-seater LSV

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Revolution LSV from Evolution Evolution Vehicles.

The new Revolution LSV from Evolution Electric Vehicles.

A view from the front of the Revolution LSV.

The perspective from the rear shows the Revolution’s LED taillights, brake lights and turn signals, as well as the rear bumper.

A side view of the 4-seat LSV.

Evolution Electric Vehicles launched their Revolution vehicle, a 4-seater LSV powered by a 72V AC system. The 4.0kw AC motor is paired with a 300 amp Curtis programmable controller and features regenerative braking. The Revolution also features an independent front and rear suspension, powder coated chassis, TPO injection moulded body, 12 inch aluminum wheels and four wheel hydraulic brakes. The model includes LSV features such as 3-point seat belts, laminated windshield, LED headlights, brake lights and turn signals, rear view mirrors and DOT tires. Additional features include:

Adjustable bucket seats
Air conditioning
Mp3 layer
Windshield wiper and washer
On board charger
Front and rear bumpers
Electric powered door windows
Air conditioner

Company management stated that additional Revolution variants will be launched later this year.

Company management stated that these additional Revolution variants will be launched later this year.

The vehicle is currently available at authorized dealer. Later in the year the company will be launching several variations including a 2-seater with a long pick-up bed, a 2-seater with a short pick-up bed and 2-seater with an enclosed cargo box. The company produces several other product lines of people movers, utility vehicles and golf cars. Learn more: Evolution Electric Vehicles

2016 PGA Show: Torq Off-Road Electric Vehicles Showcases Suppressor VLE Electric Side-by-Side

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The spartan and aggressive looking Torq Suppressor VLE utility vehicle features a low-slung design, which results in a low center of gravity.

A frontal view of the Torq Suppressor VLE with seating for two.

A frontal view of the Torq Suppressor VLE Side X Side with racing-style four-point harnesses and seating for two.

A view of the vehicles quick-release steering wheel and instrument panel.

A view of the vehicle’s instrument panel and quick-release steering wheel.

The Torq Suppressor VLE’s AC powertrain.

Torq Off-Road Electric Vehicles used the 2016 PGA Show to showcase their Suppressor VLE Side X Side, an electric powered hunting and recreational vehicle. The company also has a single seat version, the Solo. VLE stands for Very Light Electric, and the models have a curb weight of about 1,020 lbs. Both models are powered by a 48-volt AC brushless powertrain with a 450 amp Curtis controller which produces 18 hp and a top speed of 25 mph. The battery pack consists of eight Crown 6-volt AGM batteries with an estimated run time of 3 to 3.5 hours. Other features include:

12.49:1 Team Industries Slip Disc Differential
Width of only 58.5″
10″ of ground clearance
PRP suspenison
Dual A-Arm front suspension with coil over, multi-position, pre-load adjusted shocks
A-Arm rear suspension with coil over shocks
All-wheel disc brakes
25″ tires
Four-point racing-style harness
Quick-release steering wheel
MSRPL Suppressor VLE Side X Side – $15,500; Suppressor VLE Solo – $14,500;

While hunting is a key application for the Torq vehicles, it is certainly not the only one as the company is also marketing the vehicle as a recreational vehicle as well. Compared to other electric hunting vehicles, Torq’s design and look will likely have more appeal to off-road recreational riders. This dual application design is also a good idea from a marketing standpoint. Research SVR has done in the market indicates that the electric hunting vehicle market is limited to only certain areas of the country where geography and the type of hunting lend itself to the use and expense of a dedicated hunting vehicle. The design of the Torq models should appeal to a wider potential market, although versions with a higher top speed would probably broaden the appeal in the recreational market. The company has started to build out their dealer network.

2016 PGA Show: E-Z-GO Introduces New Refresher and Updated RXV

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The updated E-Z-GO RXV includes a redesigned front with integrated bumper.

The two main products E-Z-GO showcased at the PGA Show is their RXV with an updated design and a new refresher vehicle. The RXV update involves style and comfort features rather than the underlying structure and driving performance of the vehicle. Key changes include a redesigned front with integrated bumper, more ergonomic seats, a larger dash with deeper cupholders and two USB ports and what E-Z-GO claims is the largest bagwell in the industry. The redesign is intended to improve golfers on-course experience. The RXV is available with an electric AC drivetrain or a 13.5 hp gas engine. Both models provide rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension.

More ergonomic seats were added to the RXV as part of the update.

The RXV’s larger dash includes USB ports and deeper cupholders.

The RXV’s bagwell is now the largest in the industry according to E-Z-GO.

For the third year in a row E-Z-GO has added to their refresher product line. This year’s model, the Cushman Refresher Oasis, features four beverage compartments which can fit up to 500 cans, a 12.1 square-foot wrap-around counter and a 6.7 cubic-foot dry goods cabinet. Optional airpots are available for serving morning or afternoon beverages. While previous refreshers, the F2 and F4, focused on modularity and flexibility the Oasis is focused on providing volume. A key target market is golf courses with higher volume which can use the Oasis to reduce their need to return from the course to replenish their food and beverage supply during the course of the day.

The new Cushman Refresher Oasis.

Some of the 500-can storage capacity under the wrap-around counter.

The merchandise/dry goods cabinet with adjustable shelves to facilitate a flexible approach to point-of-sale efforts.

Other features of the Oasis include:

13.5 hp, 401 cc, single cylinder, air-cooled Kawasaki gas engine
CVT transmission
Dual rear drum brakes
5000 Series Aluminum, Super Durable TGIC Polyester Powder Coating
3.4 cubic foot trash bin
11 mph top speed
Powder coated steel frame and steel rear body

2016 PGA Show: Sunright International Introduces HJS Big Horn UTVs

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Sunright International introduced two new utility vehicles at the PGA Show, the HJS Big Horn 200VX priced at $4,199 and the HJS Big Horn 200GVX priced at $4,699. Sunright International operates as an importer, distributor and developer of motor vehicles and motorsports products from China and is the authorized importer of Jiangsu Linhai ATVs, UTVs and Scooters in North and South America.

The new HJS Big Horn UTV from Sunright International.

A view of the cockpit for the new HJS utility vehicle.

The Big Horn 200VX features include:

A CARB and EPA approved 4 Stroke Overhead Cam, Air/Oil Cooled 177cc Engine
CVT Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel hydraulic disc brakes
McPherson Strut Front Suspension
Double A-Arm Fully Independent Rear Suspension
10 in. of ground clearance
220 lb. cargo box capacity
Hydraulic assist Dump Bed and Under seat Storage
450 lb. towing capacity
Roof
Headlights, taillights and brake lights
24″ tires

The Big Horn GVX has a rear-facing bench seat instead of a dump bed and features:

Seating for four
A CARB and EPA approved 4 Stroke Overhead Cam, Air/Oil Cooled 177cc Engine
CVT Transmission
Rear wheel drive
Four wheel hydraulic disc brakes
McPherson Strut Front Suspension
Double A-Arm Fully Independent Rear Suspension
10 in. of ground clearance
220 lb. cargo box capacity
Hydraulic assist Dump Bed and Under seat Storage
450 lb. towing capacity
Roof
Headlights, taillights and brake lights
24″ tires

2016 PGA Show: Garia Showcases Models for the US Market

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Marc Cesare

Luxury golf car manufacturer Garia showcased three vehicles at the PGA Show that will be a focus of marketing efforts this year in the US including a golf car, utility vehicle and a people mover.

Garia’s utility vehicle now available in the US.

Garia’s utility vehicle is already in production and ready for the US market, after being a great success in the Europe according to Garia representatives. What is somewhat surprising, given the price differential between their golf cars and typical golf cars, is the relatively low price of approximately $15,000 for the base utility model compared to what is currently on the market.The base model comes with a cab but no doors, no bed sides and no powerlift. The floor model on display included all of these plus a small Webasto diesel powered heater and is priced around $18,000.

The doors feature a sliding window and a unique latching system that can hold the door open flat against the vehicle.

The Garia Utility's dash features a storage area, cupholders and a knobs for adjusting side mirrors.

The Garia Utility’s dash features a storage area, cupholders and inside knobs for adjusting side mirrors.

The underseat battery pack features a single-point watering system.

Adjustable seats in the Garia Utility.

An overhead stereo system with bluetooth connectivity is available for this model.

The utility vehicle features a 48-volt system with a 3Kw AC motor powered by six Trojan T875 batteries. A lithium battery option is available for a $5,000 premium. The vehicle features a galvanized steel frame, front disc and rear drum brakes, a 350 amp Curtis controller and a 620 kg. payload capacity. While the Garia Utility will still be more expensive than similar models on the market, management believes the quality, durability and ride of the vehicle compared to the extra cost will win over customers looking at the long-term ownership experience.

The Garia Golf Car.

Another vehicle being showcased is the Garia Golf Car which will be ready for the US market in March of this year. Some final changes are being made to the roof design which is now wider. The model is also designed so dealers can easily convert the vehicle from a two seater to a four seater. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Garia Golf Car is the marketing approach being used in the US. While priced too expensively to be a replacement for existing fleet golf cars, this model is being pitched as a fleet add-on where a course would purchase three or four for their fleet and charge extra for a luxury experience. According to Garia management some 15-20 resorts have already taken this route. This seems to be a really smart approach by Garia. Not only does it open up part of a market in which they would have a hard time competing through a traditional approach, but it is a market in which they likely will have limited competition. A course offering a select number of luxury golf cars will have a harder time selling that concept with a Club Car, E-Z-GO or Yamaha with extra bling compared to a Garia which from it’s inception has been designed and marketed to be a luxury golf car.

The new six-seater people mover from Garia.

Garia was also showcasing a six seat people mover that will be ready in June. A large order for custom vehicles for a collection of resort hotels in the Middle East gave rise to this model. While the custom version uses an aluminum chassis, the cost is prohibitive for the stock version, given the amount of aluminum needed to provide the needed stiffness for the long wheelbase. Instead a steel chassis will be used. Other changes to the floor

The six seater from Garia features a lot of legroom for occupants in the first and second rows.

The aluminum footrest for second row passengers is visible with the front seat raised.

The back two seats will be slightly narrower in the stock version to accommodate roof supports.

model pictured here is a roof and slightly narrower rear-facing seats. The base cost is expected to be approximately $16,200.

John Deere Introduces New Crossover XUV590i UTVs

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Marc Cesare

John Deere has introduced new crossover UTVs, the XUV590i and the four-passenger XUV590i S4. Both models also feature a power steering variant.

“The XUV590i and XUV590i S4 four-passenger models were designed to get more chores checked off your to-do list, in a more comfortable setting,” said Mark Davey, John Deere marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. “Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate terrain faster with a top speed of over 45 mph thanks to quick acceleration powered by a 586 cc, 32 horsepower, liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder gasoline engine.”

The new crossover UTV from John Deere, the XUV590i.

Key features of the XUV590i include:

586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $9,799
Power steering version for $10,899

A four-passenger version, the XUV590i S4, was introduced as well.

Key features of the XUV590i S4 include:

4-passenger seating
586cc, 32 hp, 4-cycle gas, Inline-twin engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Overhead Valves (OHV)
45 mph top speed
4WD with limited slip front differential, plus locking rear differential
Fully independent front and rear suspension with 8 in. of front and rear travel
10.5″ of ground clearance
Hydraulic disc brakes
Ancla M-T or Terrahawk AT tires
400 lb. cargo box
1,100 lb. towing capacity
65 amp alternator and 12V DC outlet
Backlit digital instrument panel
Ample legroom
MSRP $11,399
Power steering version for $12,499

Learn more: Deere.com

Comment: These new models essentially offer a faster version of the XUV560 with similar cargo box and towing capacity. They also match the speed of the XUV825i (MSRP $12,059) at a lower price, but are a smaller vehicle with less horsepower, 600 lbs. less cargo box capacity and 400 lbs. less towing capacity. I would assume that the management was hearing that customers were looking for more speed, as well as comfort in the mid-size class. In any case, this launch is another indication of the ongoing competitiveness in the utility vehicle market as manufacturers continue to churn out new models across the range of market segments.

Arctic Cat Introduces the 2017 Prowler 500 Side-by-Side

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new 2017 Prowler 500 from Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat recently introduced the new 2017 Prowler 500. With an MSRP of $9,499, the Prowler 500 is priced considerably less than the 2016 1000 XT ($15,299) and the 700 XT ($13,999). Compared to the 700 XT the 500 has a smaller engine, no electronic power steering, less suspension travel, 25″ tires, no LED accent lights, less underhood storage, bench rather than bucket seats and slightly less cargo bed capacity. Key features of the Prowler 500 include:

443cc, SOH, 4-stroke, 4-valve EFI engine
2-passenger bench seating
2/4 WD with electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
7.5″ of front and rear suspension travel
10″ of ground clearance
25″ tires
1,500 lb. towing capacity
500 lb. cargo box capacity
Halogen headlights
Side restraint nets
Tilt steering
Digital sport gauge
3.5 gallon underhood storage

Learn more: Arcticcat.com

Comment: With their lowest priced Prowler at $14,000, Arctic Cat did not have a Prowler for the lower priced segment. While this price point is crowded with competitive offerings from imports to brands like Cub Cadet as well as the larger players, Arctic Cat needs to have some presence in this part of the market. Not everyone that wants a utility vehicle can afford to spend $14,000 or more on a vehicle, but models under $10,000 are much more affordable and can offer a good value depending on the feature set.

Arctic Cat Introduces HDX Crew Utility Vehicle

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Marc Cesare

The new Arctic Cate HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017.

Arctic Cat has announced the new HDX 700 Crew XT for model year 2017. Key features of the HDX 700 Crew XT include:

695cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine with electronic fuel injection
Bench seating for 6
2/4 WD and electronic front differential lock
Automatic CVT with engine braking system
Hydraulic disc brakes
Electronic power steering
1,500 lb. towing capacity and rear 2″ receiver
1,000 lb. cargo box capacity convertible to flatbed
22.4 gallon underhood storage
10″ of front and rear suspension travel
Fox Float rear shocks
10″ of ground clearance
26″ Duro Kaden tires with aluminum wheels
Halogen headlights with LED light bar
Side restraint nets
Tilt steeing

The HDX 700 Crew XT is available in Team Arctic Green, Fire Red (MSRP $15,499) or True Timber Camo ($15,999).

Learn more: Arctic Cat

Comment: With most of their competitors offering a crew size utility vehicle in the work segment, Arctic Cat really needed to add a crew version of the HDX to fill out their product line. It’s interesting that they are introducing the model as part of the 2017 model year. Typically, vehicles for the next model year don’t start appearing until May or June.

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