Kubota Makes Upgrades to 2016 UTV Models

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The Kubota RTV-X1100C receives a PTO upgrade for 2016.

Kubota has made some upgrades to their RTV-X line up of utility vehicles for model year 2016. The RTV-X1100C will now be able to have a front PTO connection. Implements can hook up to the PTO in seconds by simply flipping the PTO lever. The PTO is gearbox driven and the complete system can be removed in less than an hour if you need to use the vehicle without an implement. Four PTO attachments will be available for 2016:

A 66-inch snowblower with a standard hydraulic chute rotation and deflector.
A 66-inch sweeper that turns at more than 240 rpm.
A 78-inch v-plow that will accommodate the full width of the RTV.
A 78-inch straight blade.

Kubota has also added the RTV-X1140 to their X series. A key features is the K-Vertible cargo conversion system with an improved three-step process when converting the seating from two to four. A newly designed ROPS makes loading from the side easier when the RTV is in the two-seat configuration. In addition, the X1140 has independent rear suspension, 10% more legroom in the backseat, and a 20% larger radiator. This model is expected to ship to dealers this month. Learn more: Forconstructionpros.com

Comment: Compared to other manufacturers these model year changes are more incremental, but consistent with the rate of change that Kubota has implemented in the past for their utility vehicles. In part, this is a reflection of their primary markets such as farming, large estate, hunting and construction. The needs of these markets have not changed drastically over the years and Kubota has had a long time presence with a full line up of vehicles. In contrast recreational UTV buyers are frequently looking for the latest and greatest new technology or larger engine size, and these changes often drive vehicle sales.

Kubota Commemorates 1 Millionth Vehicle Made in Georgia

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The one millionth vehicle produced by Kubota in Georgia, a RTV1120D utility vehicle.

The one millionth vehicle produced by Kubota in Georgia, a RTV-X1120D utility vehicle.

When a RTV-X1120D rolled off the line earlier this week in Gainseville, GA, it became the millionth Kubota vehicle manufactured in Georgia. The million units includes tractors as well as utility vehicles. That number is sure to increase even faster in the coming years as the company has added facilities, including a new RTV manufacturing facility. The RTV-X1120D features special wheels, a high-end sound system and LED lightbar, and will be auctioned off as a fundraiser at a national dealer event. Learn moreL Bizjournals.com

Polaris Adds To Their 4-Seat RZR Line-up

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition in Titanium Matte Metallic.

The new Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS Spectra Orange.

Polaris announced the addition two new 4-seat side-by-sides, the RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS and the RZR XP 4 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition. The RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS is based on the 2-seat version and similarly features:

144 hp ProStar Turbo engine mated to a stronger driveline
FOX Podium Internal Bypass shocks
16″ of front suspension travel
18″ of rear suspension travel with a 3-Link trailing arm rear suspension
High Performance True On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive
Triple piston front brake calipers and double piston rear brake calipers with 248mm rotors
Adjustable front seat sliders
Adjustable seat belts heights in the rear

The RZR XP 4 Turbo EPS retails for $27,499 U.S./$32,399 CAN, will be offered in Graphite Crystal and Spectra Orange, and will be available at Polaris dealerships in October.

The RZR XP 4 EPS High Lifter Edition is based on the RZR XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition and features the following:

110 hp ProStar 1000 H.O. engine
Mud specific cooling and gearing
High Performance True On-Demand AWD
High-mounted engine intakes, clutch intakes and exhaust
15″ of ground clearance
Stiffer springs
29.5″ High Lifter Outlaw 2 tires
4,500 lb. Polaris winch
Dryseat technology seats
Factory-installed half doors
Electronic Power Steering
Removable floor drains

The RZR XP 4 1000 High Lifter Edition will be available in dealerships in October with an MSRP of $25,699 U.S./$30,199 CAN.

Polaris has also added a RZR S 900 with Blue Fire premium paint without Electronic Power Steering (EPS), retailing at $15,499 U.S./$17,799 CAN to their 2-seat RZR lineup. Learn more: Polaris.com

Comment: It only took about three months for Polaris to come out with these four seat versions. Not only the sheer number of vehicles Polaris puts out, but the pace at which they put the vehicles out is one of the reasons they are such a tough competitor and so successful in the market. The new High Lifter Edition vehicle is about $3,400 more than the standard version of the same model.

Can-Am Launches Defender Line of Utility Side-By-Sides

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Can-Am Defender utility side-by-side.

The Can-Am Defender with Camo paint and cab options.

Can-Am recently launched their Defender line of utility side-by-sides. The lineup includes four models: Defender, Defender DPS, Defender XT and Defender XT Cab. MSRPs range from $10,999 to $23,699. This represents Can-Ams first foray into the more pure work end of the side-by-side spectrum. Key features of the models include:

Two EFI engine options: The 72 hp 976 cc Rotax HD10 V-Twin engine with 61 lb-ft of torque for work or recreational use and the work focused 799.9 cc Rotax HD8 V-Twin with 50 hp and 50 lb-ft. of torque
High rigidity steel chassis
PRO-TORQ Transmission with Quick Response System (QRS), high airflow ventilation and Electronic Drive Belt Protection
4-mode traction system – Users, via a separate front-and-rear toggle switches, can select between a 2×4 open rear differential for tight turning and turf protection, a 2×4 lockable rear for improved 2WD traction, a 4×4 open rear for more maneuverability in rugged terrain and a 4×4 locked rear for maximum traction. This is optional on the Defender HD8
Electronic Hill Descent Control
Torsional Trailing A-arms rear suspension with 10″ of travel and dual A-arm front suspension with 10″ of travel
11″ of ground clearance
1,000 lb. capacity cargo box and 2,000 lb. towing capacity
25″ Maxxis tires and 12″ steel wheels
Front steel bumper and central skid plate
Versa Pro 40/20/40 bench seating for three
Removable, water-resistant tool box
Adjustable tilt steering
Cargo box with indentations to fit five-gallon buckets and a tailgate with cup holders.

The Defender DPS ($12,799 MSRP) adds the following features:

Dynamic Power Steering
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo and Yellow color options
Cast aluminum wheels

The Defender XT ($15,599 MSRP) features:

27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
Dynamic Power Steering
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
Multifunction analog/digital gauges
4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
Steel front bumper
Full skid plate
Full hard roof

The Defender XT Cab ($23,699 MSRP) features:

72 HP Rotax HD10 engine as the only option
Dynamic Power Steering
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14″ black cast aluminum wheels
Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo, Intense Red and Pure Magnesium Metallic color options
9″ of ground clearance
Multifunction analog/digital gauges
4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead
Steel front bumper
Full skid plate
Full hard roof with line
Full black doors with electric opening windows
3-position full glass tilt up windshield with wiper/washer kitRear glass with sliding opening

A crew version of the Defender will likely be introduced in the next 6 to 12 months.

Learn more: Can-am.brp.com

Comment: The competition in the side-by-side market continues to heat up. Many of the larger players have now launched models into market segments they did not previously compete in directly. This will likely create downward pricing pressure for manufacturers through either more competitive MSRPs and/or more promotional dollars. However, product innovation and more marketing dollars and awareness should be an impetus for growing the overall market. Consumers should win with an improved and wider selection of product offerings.

Jacobsen Launches Professional Series Utility Vehicles

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Jacobsen’s gas-powered Truckster MS/MX utility vehicle

Jacobsen’s electric powered Truckster MS-E/MX-E utility vehicle

Jacobsen’s gas-powered Truckster LS/LX utility vehicle

Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. company, has launched its Professional Series commercial-grade line of utility vehicles. There are six utility vehicles in the product line including the gas powered Truckster MS and Truckster MX, the electric powered Truckster MS-E and Truckster MX-E and the Truckster LS and Truckster LX. Key features include:

Truckster MS – 1,200 lb. capacity and 17 mph top speed
Truckster MX – Optional link suspension for rough terrain
Truckster E-MS/E-MX – 72-volt electric drivetrain and 1,000 lb. capacity
Truckster LS/LX – 800 lb. capacity and polyethylene bed

The vehicles will be at at next month’s GIE+EXPO, held Oct. 21-23 in Louisville, Ky.

Learn more: Golfdom.com

Comment: Textron also owns the Cushman brand of vehicles and these vehicles look similar to the Cushman Hauler 1000, Hauler 800 and the electric powered Hauler Pro with the exception of the colors, tires for rougher terrain and possibly more ground clearance.

New Yamaha YXZ1000R Targets Pure Sport Side-by-Side Market

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new Yamaha YXZ1000 targets the "pure sport" side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

The new Yamaha YXZ1000R targets the “pure sport” side-by-side segment, with an eye toward dune riding.

A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000R.

Yamaha has announced they will now be competing in the pure sport side-by-side segment with the introduction of the all-new YXZ1000R side-by-side. The YXZ1000R features a high-performance, 3-cylinder 998cc engine and 5-speed sequential shift manual transmission. The 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled engine has a 11.3:1 compression ration and 10,500 RPM redline. The powertrain also has high-mounted, high volume air inlets, dual air filters and stainless steel exhaust system. The 5-speed transmission is manually operated via a clutch pedal and short-stroke shift lever. The new clutch design incorporates a foot-operated hydraulic clutch system.

Other key features include:

Yamaha’s On-Command 2WD/4WD/4WD with full differential lock
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes with 245mm rotors and twin piston calipers
FOX 2.5 Podium Shocks with 16″ of travel in the front and 17″ in the rear feature adjustable hi- and low-speed compression, adjustable rebound, and adjustable preload settings.
Color-matched A-Arms
Aggressive styling and design
Four LED headlight system and LED taillight
300 lb. capacity cargo box
Sun top and full doors
Adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering
Passenger hand-holds
Hybrid digital-analog instrument panel
Center console and 12V power outlets
27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
14″ cast aluminum wheels
12.9″ of ground clearance
64″ wide with a 90.6″ wheelbase
MSRP $19,799

Learn more: Marketwatch.com

Comment: This is a natural progression for Yamaha as they first introduced the utility/recreation Viking and then the more recreational/trail leaning Wolverine product line and now the high-performance YXZ. The lucrative sport segment of the market keeps getting more and more competitive. With the stronger US dollar, Yamaha, for at least the time being, may have a pricing advantage. We could also see some more aggressive promotions in this market segment as the competition heats up. I would anticipate some special edition models based on the YXZ1000R to be introduced in the not to distant future as well as additional models to build out the product line. It will be interesting to see if Honda decides to target this end of the market as well as they have been expanding their UTV roster as well or if Kawasaki offers some higher performance Teryx side-by-sides.

SVR Adds Model Year 2016 Polaris, Arctic Cat and Can-Am UTVs To Database

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Marc Cesare

Smallvehicleresource.com has added the recently announced 2016 utility vehicle models for Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Can-Am to our vehicle database. Here is an overview of the key 2016 additions for each manufacturer.

The new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo EPS

Polaris

New turbocharged RZR XP Turbo EPS
New RZR S 1000 EPS
Ergonomic improvements for much of the RZR product line
New Ranger 570 Full-Size
New mud riding model, the Ranger XP 900 EPS High Lifter Edition Stealth Black
New lithium battery powered EV Li-Ion Polaris Pursuit Camo
New Ranger 570 EPS Hunter Edition Polaris Pursuit Camo
Increased horsepower for the Ranger Crew 900-5, Ranger Crew 900-6, Ranger XP 570 and Ranger Crew 570-6
Styling and drivetrain enhancements for other select 2016 Ranger models
New Polaris ACE 900 SP

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system
New Wildcat X Special Edition
New Wildcat Trail Special Edition
Wildcat X and 4X get new Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing
New Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition
New Prowler HDX 500 XT

The2016 Maverick X rs 1000R Turbo in Carbon Black – Can-Am Red

Can-Am

Increased turbo engine horsepower to 131 hp for the Maverick Turbo, Maverick X ds Turbo and Maverick X rs Turbo
New Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition
Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo also available on the Commander XT and Commander MAX XT
New belt monitoring system and improved maintenance schedule for Commander Max models

Arctic Cat Launches New 2016 Side-by-Sides

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2016 Wildcat Trail Special Edition model from Arctic Cat.

The new 2016 Wildcat X Special Edition Model from Arctic Cat.

Arctic Cat has announced their 2016 side-by-side lineup which includes a more powerful Wildcat Sport line, special editions for the Wildcat X and Wildcat Trail, and some new tires and pricing for the Wildcat X and 4X models. They also added to their Prowler line with the Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition and the new Prowler HDX 500 XT model. Key features of the 2016 models include:

Wildcat Sport models: 5% increase in engine power from a new exhaust system; MSRPs $13,599 to $15,999;
Wildcat X Special Edition: aluminum bumpers, color-matched beadlock wheels and roof, and desert tan colored bodywork. MSRP $19,999
Wildcat Trail Special Edition: full-sized doors, color-matched aluminum wheels, and an industry-first color combination of true timber camo and orange metallic paint. MSRP $13,599
Wildcat X and 4X: New Duro PowerGrip tires and new pricing; MSRPs $17,499 and $20,999 respectively.
Prowler HDX 700 SE Hunter Special Edition: Electric bed lift, painted aluminum wheels, a 5,000-lb. winch, gun scabbard and true timber camo paint; MSRP $15,799
Prowler HDX 500 XT: Tilting 2-in-1 cargo box that converts to a flatbed for 1,000 lbs. of carrying capacity, side and under hood compartments, three-person capacity, tilt steering, new body styling and an automotive-style hood; MSRP $11,999

The new models will be in dealerships starting in September.

Learn more: Businesswire.com

Comment: This is a fairly extensive model year introduction with some new models or changes across all the Arctic Cat side-by-side model lines. Not surprisingly, there was some increased horsepower for some models as the fight for engine power supremacy continues in the high-end recreational market segment. The introduction of the Prowler HDX 500 XT, which is priced $2,500 less than other HDX models and $2,000 less than the Prowler 700 XT, indicates Arctic Cat is trying to expand their offerings in the work utility vehicle segment. While not cheap, the new model hits more of the sweet spot in this segment in terms of pricing as a vehicle priced at $12,000 compared to $14,000 to $14,500 should appeal to a significantly broader range of customers.

E-Z-GO Introduces Next Generation RXV Golf Car

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The new 2015 E-Z-GO RXV golf car.

E-Z-GO recently announced their newest version of their RXV golf car. This next generation model includes an AC motor and their IntelliBrake technology. The IntelliBrake technology consists of a motor brake that automatically slows the vehicle when traveling up or down steep grades, a parking brake that automatically engages when the vehicle stops and full-time regenerative braking to recharge the batteries. Other features of the new RXV include:

4.4 hp, 48-volt AC motor
230 Amp AC controller
Fade-resistant automotive-quality paint
Integrated front bumper as well as side and rear bumpers
Redesigned rear body to maximize storage space and offers the industry’s largest bagwell
Contoured, ergonomic seating
Larger dash storage
Optional USB port to power smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices

The RXV is also available with a 13.5 hp Kawasaki gas engine. Learn more: Textron.com

Cub Cadet Challenger Targets The UTV Value Segment

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Marc Cesare

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger 700 utility vehicle.

The 2015 Cub Cadet Challenger utility vehicle.

SVR recently interviewed Jeff Salamon, Director of Marketing for MTD Products, the manufacturer of the Cub Cadet brand of products including the new Challenger series of UTVs, which we discussed at length. The Challenger represents a renewed commitment to the UTV market for Cub Cadet whose Volunteer line of UTVs has been on the market for a number of years. While the Volunteer is more of a heavy duty work UTV, the new Challengers, the 500 and 700, are more of a mixed use line that can be for both work and recreation. As Salamon states “Whereas we say work and off-road for the Volunteer we say task and off-road trail for the Challenger.”

With MSRPs starting at $8500 and $9500 respectively, the 500 and 700 are clearly priced for the value segment of the UTV market. But that is not to be confused with being low quality or bare boned in the features department. In fact, one of the prime selling points for the Challenger is their wealth of standard features including large 26″ off-road tires, alloy wheels, windshield, roof, 3,500 lb. winch, horn, digital dash display, bumper guard, halogen lights and hand brake. They also beefed up the vehicle’s hardware with a reinforced frame, high-strength steering components and dual row wheel bearings.

At these price points Cub Cadet is competing against the value priced imports from the likes of Kymco and CFMoto as well as the lower priced UTVs of the major players in the market like Polaris and John Deere. Against the former Salamon believes Cub Cadet has an edge with their strong and established American brand combined with a well-trained and well-stocked dealer network. Against the more established brands, the wealth of standard features gives Cub Cadet the advantage.

Cub Cadet expects to launch a crew version of the Challenger in the near future and will be building out the Challenger line on an ongoing basis driven by consumer demand and dealer feedback. Learn more: Cub Cadet Interview

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