Category Archives: side-by-side

Hyndsight Rear View Vision System For Kubota UTVs

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The Kubota RTV-X900

The Journey rear view vision system from Hyndsight Vision Systems will soon be available for Kubota utility vehicles like the Kubota RTV-X900.

Hyndsight Vision Systems has announced they have established an exclusive partnership with Weidmann Brothers, a national aftermarket wholesaler of quality products to agricultural, turf, industrial and rural lifestyle dealers, to sell the company’s rear view vision system to Kubota dealerships. Weidmann’s Orange Aftermarket division supports over 1,900 Kubota dealers with aftermarket accessories for tractors, RTVs and mowers.

The Journey vision system is a portable, wireless rear view vision system that can be mounted without any wiring required on any utility vehicle, allowing full rear view coverage on a sunlight readable monitor. Designed for a harsh environment, the rugged, weather resistant system and provides a “real-to-life” visual field through a real-time video stream between camera and monitor. The Jouney system debuted at Kubota’s recent national dealer meeting. Learn more:  PRweb.com

Comment:  As the UTV market has developed, the vehicles have been adopting some of the same advanced technology that is present in automobiles. In similar fashion, this technology is typically first found on more expensive vehicles as standard equipment or as an optional accessory. This product could be useful in other STOV market segments as well such as on LSVs and golf car type vehicles used on college campuses, where vehicle safety is a significant concern in high pedestrian traffic environments. Similarly, in gated communities or where public road use by LSVs and golf cars is high there could be some demand for the product.

Kubota Makes Upgrades to 2016 UTV Models

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

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

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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

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

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.

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.

Polaris Recalls 2015 RZR 900 and 1000 Side-by-Sides

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2015 Polaris RZR 900 is part of the recall.

2015 Polaris RZR 900 is part of the recall.

Polaris is issuing a recall of model year 2015 Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 vehicles due to reports of pinched fuel tank vent lines. The recall is related to the vehicle’s fuel tank vent line potentially being incorrectly installed during manufacturing, causing it to become pinched, which may cause the fuel tank to pressurize and leak fuel, posing a potential fire hazard. Management believes the problem has occurred in very few vehicles but wants to inspect all vehicles before further use.

Polaris is taking this action after confirming that, in some reports, a vent line had been pinched during assembly.  In those cases, Polaris has also received reports of the driveline contacting a pressurized and expanded fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak and a fire hazard.  Polaris also received two reports of small fires, but could not confirm whether the vent line was obstructed during assembly or during subsequent accessory installation or whether the pinched vent line was the cause of the fires.

Owners will be contacted by Polaris and directed to their local dealer for a free inspection and repair, if necessary. A news brief by the Consumer Protection and Safety Commission estimated that 53,000 vehicles are involved. Learn more:  Polaris.com , PRNewswire.gov and CPSC.gov

Comment:  This is a massive recall if the initial CPSC recall estimate is correct. I’ll update the post when more information comes out. Update:  The initial estimate of about 53,000 vehicle is correct. See the CPSC.gov link above. Most recalls in the side-by-side market tend to be around 2,000 to 4,000 vehicles or less. A total of 53,000 is more than ten times as many. Luckily for Polaris they seem to be dealing more with a very large number of inspections as opposed to repairs, but it will still probably be a hit to their bottom line as well as their brand image.

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

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

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

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

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.

What’s Cooking on the STOV: Disaster Relief Operations

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Polaris Commercial highlights potential cost-savings for non-pneumatic tires.

Polaris donated a similar set of non-pneumatic tires along with several vehicles to The Salvation Army for disaster relief operations.

Highlighting some of the many applications for Small, Task-Oriented Vehicles

Polaris recently donated four utility vehicles to The Salvation Army for use in disaster relief operations. The four vehicles include the military-oriented Ranger HIPPO, Brutus vehicles and a Polaris M1400. A set of TerrainArmor non-pneumatic tires(NPT) is also part of the donation. The Brutus vehicles are equipped with varying attachments including a bucket, grapple and pallet fork, and one vehicle has the NPT tires. The Ranger HIPPO has an integrated power system that is driven by the vehicle’s diesel engine. This allows the vehicle to travel to sites with no available power sources and run a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and welding equipment, eliminating the need for generators and other bulky equipment usually needed for these jobs.The Polaris® M1400 unit is a 2×4 gas-powered, commercial utility vehicle, capable of hauling 1,400 pounds and towing 1,500 pounds.  Learn more:  Businesswire.com

Comment:  The versatility, off-road capabilities and ruggedness of utility vehicles can really shine during disaster relief operations. In particular, the models that have multiple attachments that can be switched quickly can be useful in disaster situations where you don’t know what type of obstacles you will face or the specific tasks that will need to be completed. A remote and mobile power source is also very valuable in natural disasters where the power infrastructure has been damaged.

Kubota RTV-X900 Review

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The Kubota RTV-X900

The Kubota RTV-X900

Horticulture Week based in the UK recently performed a ride and review of the Kubota RTV-X900 utility vehicle. The X900 appears to be very similar to the RTV-900XT sold in the US. The following are some of the key points from the review:

  • Improved ground clearance of 10.4″ and 8″ of suspension travel
  • Independent suspension front and rear provides a smooth ride over bumps and through turns
  • More legroom than previous Kubota model
  • Improved instrument panel that is easier to read
  • Handles rough terrain well
  • Engine braking performs well
  • Switching between Hi and Lo gear settings can be a tricky

In general the review was positive and the vehicle is seen as an improvement over the previous version of the model. Learn more:  Horticultureweek.com

Jacobsen Launches Professional Series Utility Vehicles

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

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

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

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

Jacobsen’s gas-powered Truckster LS/LX 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

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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 YXZ1000's cockpit.

A shot of the YXZ1000R’s cockpit.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

The hybrid analog-digital instrument panel.

A side view of the new Yamaha YXZ1000.

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.