Category Archives: utility vehicles

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.

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

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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

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.

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

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

What’s Cooking on the STOV: Ordinance Enforcement & Off-Road Emergency Response

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

One of the GEMs being used by local police for ordinance enforcement.

One of the GEMs being used by local police for ordinance enforcement.  Photo:  Kendra Peek

Ordinance Enforcement:  In Lancaster, KY the local police department received a donation of two military surplus GEM vehicles from the US Defense Department. They are putting the vehicles to use to patrol for ordinance violations and for use at community events. While not appropriate for instances where they need to transport someone who has been arrested, the vehicles have so far been a good fit for their current tasks. The police chief finds the GEM vehicles make officers more approachable when interacting with the public. Other positives include less pollution and lower fuel costs. The chief estimates that fuel savings for the year will be about $3,000 when compared to a full-size patrol vehicle. The vehicle’s low traveling speed is not an issue since most of the small town’s roads have speed limits of 30 mph or less. They will assess the vehicles after a year but are already looking for a larger electric vehicle to pilot test, one that is more truck like and could haul barricades, signs and other items. Learn more:  Centralkynews.com

The recently acquired Polaris Ranger for use in off-road emergency response.

The recently acquired Polaris Ranger for use in off-road emergency response.

Off-Road Emergency  Response:   In Mokena, IL the local fire department used a grant to purchase a Polaris Ranger for emergency response in difficult to access areas. The Mokena Fire Protection District includes 2,000 acres of forest preserves as well as some trails and 15 parks. The six-wheeled Ranger will now provide them with a greater ability to respond to emergencies in these areas. Learn more:  Mokenamessenger.com

Comment:  These are great examples of how STOVs can be used in very specific applications that are more effective and cost efficient than traditional vehicles. The six-wheeled Ranger vehicles have been used by the US Forest Service for many years. The use of LSVs for specific aspects of local police enforcement represents a potentially very large market for these vehicles.