Category Archives: utility vehicles

Honda Recalls 2016 Pioneer 1000 UTVs

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The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS being recalled.

The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 EPS being recalled.

The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe being recalled.

The 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe being recalled.

Honda has recalled approximately 3,300 model year 2016 Pioneer 1000 utility vehicles due to the front door potentially opening unexpectedly and posing an injury risk. The recall involves both 3 and 5 passenger models. (See specific model information below) Only one incident has been reported and no injuries have been reported. Vehicle owners should contact their local Honda dealer for free replacement of the front door striker plates. The following is recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Recall Summary

Hazard:  The front door can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in use, posing a risk of injury to occupants.

Consumer Contact:  American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.powersports.honda.com and click on Recall Information at the bottom of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Units:  About 3,300

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 side-by-side recreational off-highway vehicles. The ROVs are motorized off-road vehicles with a steering wheel, a gas pedal, a brake pedal, bucket or bench seats, seat belts and an occupant protection structure. The recalled ROVs were sold in three-seat and five-seat models in red, silver or camouflage color. “HONDA” is printed on the front grill and rear tail gate. “Pioneer 1000” is printed on the sides of the vehicle near the tailgate. The model and serial numbers are on a certification label located at the top rear of the left front wheel well. The following model/types and serial number ranges are included in this recall:

Honda recall model info 5-16Incidents/Injuries:  Honda has received one report of an unexpected door-release incident during a dealer set-up of the vehicle. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact their local authorized Honda dealer to schedule an appointment to have the original front door striker plates removed and replaced, free of charge.

Sold at:  Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from February 2016 through April 2016 for between $14,000 and $17,200.

Manufacturer(s):  American Honda Motor Company Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Manufactured in:  U.S.A.

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This recall happened relatively quickly as the vehicles were only sold in the last few months. It is not a very large recall, and not that recalls ever happen at a good time, but, since Honda has been making a stronger push into the side-by-side market in the last few years it’s not the best timing from a marketing standpoint. On a positive note, they seem to have identified the problem fairly quickly.

Textron Targets UTV Market With New Stampede 900 Models

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The new gas powered Stampede 900 from Bad Boy Off Road.

The new gas powered Stampede 900 from Bad Boy Off Road.

stampedevehiclepage_gallery05_1600x600Stampede 900 360_v3_00002In search of new growth opportunities Textron Specialized Vehicles is targeting the off-road utility vehicle market with their new Bad Boy Off-Road Stampede 900 models. The vehicles represent a new strategy for the company as they add a gas powered UTV to their Bad Boy Buggie line of electric powered vehicles. At the same time they are re-branding the product line under the Bad Boy Off-Road brand, which now includes the new Stampede 900 models, existing Ambush and Recoil Bad Boy Buggie models as well as Onslaught 550 gas powered ATV models.

The Bad Boy Buggie line has had limited success, as electric powered hunting vehicles are more of a niche market and face competition from lower priced modified golf cars. The new Bad Boy Off Road platform should provide ample opportunities for the company to branch into a range of off-road market segments. However, these markets are increasingly competitive as many manufacturers with strength in certain market segments look to attack other segments.

The Stampede line launches with three different 2-passenger models:  the base 900 model, the 900 EPS and the 900 EPS +. The Stampede 900 EPS adds electronic power steering, a selectable locking rear differential, a Jet Black color option and high beam headlights. In addition to these features, the Stampede 900 EPS+ adds 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires with aluminum alloy wheels, a platinum color option and color accented contoured bench seats. Both EPS models feature a USB port. The following are key features across all models unless noted:

  • 80 hp, 846cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, twin cylinder, SOHC gas engine
  • 59 ft-lb of torque
  • Electronic fuel injection
  • CVT
  • Double A-Arm suspension with performance shocks and front and rear sway bars
  • 9.5″/10.5″ front/rear suspension travel
  • 11.25″ of ground clearance
  • 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
  • 26″ Kenda off-road performance tires with steel wheels (Except for 900 EPS+ model)
  • Extended cab
  • 24-cu-ft of storage
  • 600 lb. capacity tilt cargo bed
  • 2,000 lb. towing capacity
  • LCD Display
  • Contoured bench seat
  • Doors
  • 3-point seat belts
  • Front steel brush guard
  • Steel tube ROPS

The MSRPs for the models are $13,799 for the Stampede 900, $14,799 for the Stampede 900 EPS and $15,599 for the Stampede 900 EPS+. There are over 70 accessories available as well as a Workman’s package and a Hunter’s package. Learn more:  Badboyoffroad.com

Comment:  The Stampede line with the 80 hp engine and other features is clearly a crossover vehicle that can be used for work or recreation. The price points are in the mid-range of the market. The question is how will this new market entrant fair in a highly competitive market. Textron will likely have to expand their dealer network, which has traditionally been golf car dealers and material handling equipment dealers. The existing network is considerably smaller than the dealer networks of other powersports companies. In addition, the network’s existing customer base and geographic locations may not match up well with the target market.

Polaris Reports Q1 2016 Earnings

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2015-RZR-XP-4-1000-eps

One of the Polaris RZR models involved in the large first quarter vehicle recall.

Polaris reported earnings for the first quarter 2016 fiscal year with sales and earning declining for the second consecutive quarter. Revenue was down 5% to $983 million driven by inventory management and currency impacts. Earnings per share was down a significant 45% with currency, volume and mix and considerable legal and warranty costs more than offsetting leaner operations. The following are some of the highlights related to the small, task-oriented vehicle market.

  • Polaris is recalling more than 160,000 RZR vehicles to address fire and other thermal risks. This figure appears to include vehicles outside the US as the CPSC reported a figure of 133,000.
  • Management expects to “…address all of the recalled vehicles within the quarter…” and emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue quickly.
  • Side-by-side dealer inventory declined upper single digit percent in the quarter.
  • Year-over-year (YOY) North American side-by-side retail decreased slightly in an industry up mid to high single digits, so some market share was lost.
  • Management is positive about the performance of the new GENERAL product line and reports cannibalization of Ranger and RZR lines is not significant.
  • Side-by-side market remains weak in oil producing states but overall management is optimistic about the ORV (ATV & side-b-side) industry.
  • Management reports higher variability from month to month and regionally in the ORV market.
  • The Global Adjacent Markets business unit saw a 8% decrease in revenue with strength in Aixam, national accounts and GEM offset by weakness in Bobcat and Brutus. Defense business (MRZR and Dagor) declined “significantly” due to tough comparables but the order backlog is up.
  • The European ORV industry grew low single digits in the first quarter, with Polaris retail outperforming, up mid-single digits.
  • Multix retail and distribution, while still relatively small, are on plan through the first quarter. Multix is a small multi-purpose vehicle for the Indian market.
  • Ranger production will begin in the second quarter at the new Huntsville, AL plant, which should provide significantly better operating efficiencies and better inventory and retail flow management.
  • Management expects  Global Adjacent Markets to be up in the high single digits percent range, reflecting the recent acquisition of Taylor-Dunn and ORV/Snowmobile sales to be down low to mid single digits.

Learn more:  Seekingalpha.com (earnings call transcript)

Polaris Recalls 133,000 RZR 900 and 1000 Vehicles

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2015-RZR-XP-4-1000-eps 2014-rzr-xp-1000 2013_rzr_xp_900_epsPolaris announced a massive recall of approximately 133,000 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 side-by-side vehicles covering model years 2013 to 2016 because of a potential fire and burn hazards to drivers and passengers. The recall covers a wide range of RZR 900 and RZR 1000 model variations (a few are pictured above). The following information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recall Summary

Name of product:  Polaris RZR recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)

Hazard:  The recalled ROVs can catch fire while consumers are driving, posing fire and burn hazards to drivers and passengers.

Consumer Contact:  Polaris at 800-POLARIS or 800-765-2747 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” on the main page of the Polaris website.

 
Recall Details

Description:   The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is announcing a recall for about 133,000 Polaris Model Year 2013-2016 RZR 900 and RZR 1000 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).

CPSC and Polaris warn consumers to stop using these recreational vehicles immediately and contact their Polaris dealer for a free repair. Polaris has agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of all recalled vehicles until they are repaired.

Polaris has received more than 160 reports of fires with the recalled RZR ROVs, resulting in one death of a 15 year old passenger from a rollover that resulted in a fire and 19 reports of injuries, including first, second and third degree burns.

Visit www.polaris.com to determine if your RZR ROVs VIN number is included in this recall.

2013/2014 RZR XP 900
3NSJT9EAXEF364144 – 3NSJT9EA4EF385345
4XAJT87A0DP456738 – 4XAJT87A8EF366714

2014/2015/2016 RZR XP 1000 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVDE992FF361215 – 3NSVDE998GF784060
4XAST1EA0EB165962 – 4XAVFE992GB344924

2015/2016 RZR 900 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVAE871FF366883 – 3NSVAE874GH861374
4XAVAA878FB926614 – 4XAVAE873GB673176

2015/2016 RZR S 900 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com.
3NSVBE870FF361395 – 3NSVBA876GH860331
4XAVBE879FP340592 – 4XAVBE876GB673749

2016 RZR S 1000 *additional VIN numbers included. Visit Polaris.com
3NSVBE994GH102740 – 3NSVBE99XGH108171
4XAVBE995GP340655 – 4XAVBE997GB673744

The VIN is normally located on the driver’s side rear frame rail, above the PVT cover. Check your Owner’s Manual if you have any difficulty locating the VIN. VINs are not sequential and not all VINs in the ranges above are included in this recall. To determine if a specific ROV is included in this recall visit www.Polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” under the “Rider Community” heading on the main page of the Polaris website.

The ROVs were sold at Polaris dealers nationwide from July 2012 through April 2016 for between $16,000 and $26,000. The ROVs were manufactured in the United States and Mexico and imported and distributed by Polaris.

Due to the serious risk of injury, owners and riders should stop using these recalled vehicles immediately. Repairs will start April 22, 2016. To schedule a free repair, consumers should call their local Polaris dealer. Contact Polaris at 800-POLARIS or 800-765-2747 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday or online at www.polaris.com and click on “Off-Road Safety Recalls” on the main page of the Polaris website.

In a company press release Polaris CEO Scott W. Wine stated,

“One of our foremost guiding principles is Safety and Ethics Always…We know that the foundation of a good ride is a safe ride, and we have been proactive, aggressive and thorough in putting forth a plan to get our vehicles repaired and give us – and our customers – confidence in the safety of our RZR vehicles. We are working day and night to inform our customers and dealers and to obtain the parts needed for the repairs we identified in our comprehensive analysis. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers as we work to ensure all the systemic thermal risks we identified are eliminated from our vehicles.”

Polaris is instructing riders not to carry fuel or other flammable liquids in their vehicles.

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  I believe this is the largest recall by far of any side-by-side vehicle. The most recent very large side-by-side recall was from Kawasaki last year that involved about 20,000 vehicles. With 133,000 vehicles involved, the cost of repairing the vehicles could be substantial. Although Polaris has more than enough financial resources to absorb the costs, they are likely concerned to the hit their brand image may take. Not only are they the market leader but the company emphasizes their engineering excellence and innovation.

Can-Am Launches 6-Passenger Defender Max Models

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The new 2017 Defender MAX DPS HD8 from Can-Am in Mossy Oak Break-up Camo.

The new 2017 Defender MAX DPS HD8 from Can-Am in Mossy Oak Break-up Camo.

The new 2017 Defender MAX XT HD10 from Can-Am in Intense Red.

The new 2017 Defender MAX XT HD10 from Can-Am in Intense Red.

Can-Am has expanded their line of Defender utility-recreational side-by-side vehicles with the addition of four 2017 Can-Am Defender Max models. The six passenger Defender Max model is available with either a 72-hp HD10 or 50 hp HD8 Rotax V-twin engine and as an XT version with factory installed accessories. Key standard features for all Defender MAX models include:

  • PRO-TORQ transmission with Quick-Response System
  • Three driving modes and a four-mode traction system with Visco-Lok QE front differential
  • 1,750 lb. payload capacity
  • 2,000 lb. towing capacity
  • 1,000 lb. dumpable cargo bed
  • Cargo bed tie-down points and recesses for five gallon buckets
  • Removable toolbox
  • Dynamic Power Steering (DPS)
  • 10″ of front and rear suspension travel
  • 10″ of ground clearance
  • Integrated front steel bumper
  • Central skid plate
  • 2″ hitch receiver
  • Adjustable tilt steering

The four models introduced by Can-Am include the Defender MAX DPS HD8, Defender MAX DPS HD10, Defender MAX XT HD8 and Defender MAX XT HD10. The XT versions add the following:

  • 14″ rather than 12″ aluminum wheels
  • 27″ Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires instead of 26″ Maxxis M923/924 tires
  • 4,500-lb. winch with roller fairlead
  • Full skid plate
  • Full hard roof
  • Adjustable driver seat
  • XT seat skin

The MSRPs for the new models are as follows:

  • Defender MAX DPS HD8 – $14,399
  • Defender MAX DPS HD10 – $16,299

These models are available in Green, Yellow or for $800 more Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo.

  • Defender MAX XT HD8 – $17,199
  • Defender MAX XT HD10 – $19,099

The XT models are available in Pure Magnesium Metallic, Intense Red or for $100 more Mossy Oak Break-up Country Camo. BRP is targeting “global tradesman, hunters and farmers” with these new models.  Learn more:  Can-am.brp.com

Yamaha Recalls YXZ1000R Side-by-Sides

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The YXZ1000R in red and white.

The 2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R in red and white is being recalled as well as the following 2016 model year versions.

The YXZ1000R in orange.

The YXZ1000R in orange.

The special edition YXZ1000R-SE in yellow.

The special edition YXZ1000R-SE in yellow.

The 2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R in blue and white being recalled.

The YXZ1000R in blue and white being recalled.

Yamaha is recalling approximately 7,000 2016 YXZ 1000R and 1000R SE side-by-side utility vehicles due to the potential of water freezing in the throttle cable and posing a crash hazard. No injuries or incidents have been reported related to the potential hazard. The following is the recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Hazard:  Water can get into the throttle cable and if it freezes during cold weather, the ice can prevent the throttle from returning to idle. This can cause the rider to lose control, posing crash and injury hazards.

Units:  About 7,000

Description:  This recall involves model year 2016 YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SE Side-by-Side utility vehicles sold in four colors: orange and black, blue and white, silver and red, and yellow and white. The model name (YXZ…) and “1000” is displayed in a graphic on both the left and right side of the vehicle. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is stamped on the frame near the driver’s side rear wheel. The letter G in the 10th position of the VIN number indicates that the unit was made in the 2016 model year.

Incidents/Injuries:  None reported

Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact their local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

Sold at:  Yamaha side-by-side dealers nationwide from September 2015 to February 2016 for between $19,800 and $21,600.

Distributor(s):  Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, of Cypress, Calif.

Manufactured in:  USA

Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Comment:  This recall is relative large in size but more importantly for Yamaha it involves their newest entry into the high-end recreational segment. After their problems with the Rhino, Yamaha had not been active in that market segment for a number of years before the introduction of the 2016 YXZ1000. While in the long run the recall should not be detrimental to their efforts, they would have preferred a recall free re-entry into the recreational side-by-side market.

Club Car Accessory Packages for Carryall Models

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Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other vehicles.

Club Car is targeting the commercial market with the Carryall 700 and other Carryall models.

Club Car continues their targeting of commercial markets with the launching of commercial accessory packages for their Carryall utility vehicles. They are offering model specific packages for the Carryall 300, 500, 550 and 700. The packages are available for gas or electric models. The package for Carryall 300 utility vehicles includes:

  • A cargo box
  • Tailgate tethers
  • Heavy-duty trailer hitch
  • Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn

The package for the Carryall 500 utility vehicle includes:

  • A cargo box
  • Tailgate tethers
  • Improved ride quality
  • Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn

The package for the Carryall 550 utility vehicle includes:

  • A cargo box
  • Tailgate tethers
  • Heavy-duty trailer hitch
  • Tail lights, brake lights, turn signal and horn
  • Heavy-duty brush guard
  • Improved ride quality

The package for the Carryall 700 utility vehicle includes:

  • A flat bed
  • Heavy-duty brush guards
  • Tail lights, brake lights and horn

According to Club Car the packages are less expensive compared to purchasing each accessory separately. The accesory packages for each model are “…based on a detailed analysis of buying patterns of commercial companies, so it includes the accessories most commonly ordered for that vehicle by customers…”. Learn more:  Clubcar.com

Comment:  Club Car has been rolling out a number of products and services over the past year or so specifically targeting commercial segments. They have launched the new Carryall vehicles, new accessories, fleet management and maintenance services and now these accessory packages. With the decline and now stagnation in the golf car fleet market, the golf car manufacturers are looking to commercial and other non-fleet markets to boost sales of vehicles as well as parts, accessories and related services. Club Car is marketing to specific verticals, which they have defined as Resorts, Education, Non-Industrial Rentals, Industrial Rentals and Government.

Buying a Vehicle for Campus Use

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The new GEMs for model year 2016.

GEMs are popular for use on campuses for people moving and general utility work applications.

I recently interviewed Andy Kaplan of Dominion Utility Vehicles in Bedford, Virginia about buying a small, task-oriented vehicle for use on a college or university campus. Some common uses for these vehicles include people transport, campus security, general maintenance, grounds keeping and other heavier duty work. He sells the GEM, Polaris Brutus and Gravely Atlas JSV four-wheel drive utility vehicles.

In this and other commercial segments many dealers will bring vehicles to the customer to try out for several hours, a full day or even a few days if their interest is high. If you are in the market for a vehicle, it is wise to do so as it affords you the opportunity to drive and use the vehicle just as if you owned it. The best approach according to Kaplan is to use the vehicle just as you would during a typical work day. You can see how the vehicle handles the terrain, the various tasks, maneuvers in tight spaces and, if exploring electric vehicles, what type of range and charging time you will need on a daily basis.

Another consideration is what are all the tasks for which you will be using the vehicle on campus. If you are hauling material or equipment, how much cargo box and vehicle capacity do you need, how large a cargo box do you need in terms of dimensions and do you need a covered cargo area. If you are carrying tools do you need one or more toolboxes or a ladder rack. One of the advantages of these utility vehicles is that they can be customized to a great degree with many different options and accessories to perform a specific task or set of tasks. By investing the time up front thinking about how you will use the vehicle, you can purchase a vehicle that can be highly versatile, productive and cost-efficient.

Other important considerations include:

  • Campus terrain:  Do you need 4WD for hills, off-road capabilities, turf sensitive tires and handling capabilities, LSV features for public road use, etc.
  • Weather protection:  Do you need protection from the sun or rain, harsh winter weather, allergy issues when mowing, etc
  • People moving:  How much seating capacity do you need? What about creature comforts? If you will be transporting clients or customers, what image and branding reinforcement do you want to convey with the vehicle?

For the complete interview visit our buying guide section.

Cub Cadet Adds Challenger 750 Crew UTV

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Cub Cadet expands their Challenger UTV line with the 750 Crew, which seats four.

Cub Cadet expands their Challenger UTV line with the 750 Crew, which seats four.

Cub Cadet has introduced a crew version to their Challenger utility vehicle product line with the new Challenger 750 Crew. The model seats four and features a 735cc, 4-stroke EFI engine, on-demand 4WD, CVT transmission and power steering. Outfitted with 26″ offroad Carlisle tires with aluminum alloy wheels, the Challenger 750 Crew offers 11″ of ground clearance, a 350 lb. cargo box, 1,200 lbs of towing capacity and a front mounted 3,500 lb. winch standard. As with the rest of the Challenger series, which is targeting the value segment, the 750 Crew includes additional standard features including a roof, a quick release two-piece windshield, bumper guard, bucket seats, headrests, mirrors, turn signals and a digital dashboard. The Challenger 750 Crew is available in Red, Yellow, Blue or Camo and has an MSRP of $10,999. Learn More: Cubcadet.com

Comment:  The new addition shows the ongoing commitment of Cub Cadet to their utility vehicle offerings. The utility vehicle market has become so competitive in both the work and recreation segments that it requires a continuing investment in new product development and new models. A crew version in a product line is almost a necessity in order to maintain a solid presence in the market. The amount of resources needed to maintain a sufficient level of product development and new product introductions can be substantial for smaller volume manufacturers.

NFMT Trade Show

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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.

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.

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.

The recessed bed in the new 2016 GEM eL XD.

A shot of the interior of the 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.

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.

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.

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.