News Briefs

Teryx Tire Mount – Kawasaki recently made available a spare tire mount for their 2008-2012 Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4models.  The tubular steel mount bolts onto the back portion of the rollover cage.  Learn more:  UTVGuide.net

Whitewter River Green Parkway – Interested groups continue to push for the Whitewater River Greenway near Palm Springs which would feature space for LSVs.  There is hope that the $80 million project will attract $53 million in air quality funds distributed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.  Learn more:  Mydesert.com

UTV Maintenance Best Practices – A brief article on some basic maintenance practices for UTVs.  Government-fleet.com

Kawasaki Recalls Teryx Vehicles Over Labels

Kawasaki in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling approximately 2,ooo Teryx side-by-side vehicles because they are “…incorrectly labeled as having a higher occupant capacity than is safe.”  The vehicles were sold between August 2011 and March 2012 and include the Teryx 750 FI 4×4, Teryx 750 FI 4×4 LE, Teryx 750 FI 750 4×4 LE SGE and Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport models.  Consumers will be mailed a replacement glove compartment with a correct label. They can install it themselves or a Kawasaki dealer will install it for free.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Kawasaki Teryx4 Developed in the US

Kawasaki Teryx4: First vehicle designed and developed primarily in Lincoln, NE

Kawasaki’s Teryx4 which hit dealer showrooms earlier this year was the first vehicle to be designed and developed primarily at the Lincoln, NE manufacturing facility.  The Lincoln R&D team developed the vehicle from the ground up concentrating on the vehicle’s frame and chassis while their counterparts in Japan worked on the engine and styling.  It was a two to three year process.  The Lincoln facility currently produces nearly the full range of Kawasaki’s consumer products with most of production destined for the US market.  Management reports that more full product re-designs are in the future for the Lincoln R&D team.  Learn more:  Journalstar.com

 

Kawasaki Recalls UTVs

In voluntary cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Kawasaki is recalling approximately 3,900 Mules because a ”…fuel tube can scrape against the air cleaner housing and develop holes, posing a fire hazard.”  The recall covers the following 2012 Mule models:

MULE 600	KAF400BCF	Green
MULE 610 4×4	KAF400ACF	Red or Green
MULE 610 4×4 XC	KAF400DCF or KAF400ECF	Black or Camouflage

There have been no injuries or incidents reported regarding the issue but owners should stop using the vehicles and contact their local Kawasaki dealer for a free inspection and repair.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Cushman Hauler UTV Line Launched in UK

As part of a recent overhaul of their product lines in the UTV market, Textron, through it’s Ransomes Jacobsen subsidiary, recently launched their new Cushman Hauler line in the UK.  The line features four models:  Hauler 800, Hauler 1000, Hauler 1200 and Hauler 1200x.  The Hauler 800 comes in electric or gas versions with a vehicle payload capacity of 363 kg.  The Hauler 1000 is electric powered with a 465 kg payload capacity.  The Hauler 1200 is gas driven with a 544 kg capacity.  For rougher terrain the Hauler 1200x is offered in gas or electric versions with 15.2 cm and 13.5 cm of ground clearance and 454 kg and 363 kg payloads respectively.  All but the Hauler 800 offer a larger volume cargo bed as an option.  The electric powered models feature 48 volt systems and the gas models have 13 hp Kawasaki engines.  Common standard features include:

• Limited slip differential
•  Brush guard and integrated front bumper
• Large integrated headlights

Other accessories are available for customizing.  Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

2012 Teryx4 Review

Motorcycle-USA editors take the 2012 Teryx4 for a test drive

Motorcycle-USA.com recently took a look at the 2012 Teryx4 which targets the recreational market.  As the name would suggest the UTV seats four and it comes in three versions.

The base model ($13,399) has black doors and no electronic power steering. A mid-level EPS model ($14,399) adds upgraded suspension, two-tone seats, matching colors for doors and body panels, A-pillar covers and over fenders. Kawasaki also builds a luxury model for buyers looking for top-end components. The Teryx4 LE ($15,199) comes in special colors with the same benefits of the EPS models as well as a plastic roof and cast aluminum wheels. 

Other features include in a 749cc V-twin engine with 85 x 66mm bore and stroke cylinders with a 9.3:1 compression ratio, larger air filter and radiator, CVT transmission with centrifugal clutch, an engine braking feature, a new chassis (compared to the Teryx 2 seaters) and electronic power steering.  The Motorcycle-USA editors gave it a favorable review.

Overall the Teryx4 is a great side-by-side. Kawasaki already impressed us with the standard Teryx, but we actually prefer the ride quality of the Teryx4 all around. Unlike a RZR 4, which is completely different from a Polaris two-seater, the Teryx4 doesn’t give up much to its little brother. With such good handling it more than makes up for any weakness with added stability and comfort. Adding an improved user interface, beefier engine, EPS, quieter ride and the ability to carry two extra people easily makes this our favorite Kawasaki RUV.

Learn more:  Motorcycle-usa.com

 

 

People On The Move

Polaris CEO joins Terex Board:  Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries has joined the Board of Directors of Terex Corporation which manufactures equipment for the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, energy and utility industries.  Learn more:  SXSNews.com

Brenan takes new position at Kawasaki:  Russ Brenan has changed positions at Kawasaki, moving from advertising supervisor to senior advisor for government relations and public affairs.  He will represent all the companies product categories including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and personal watercraft.  Learn more:  UTVGuide.net

 

 

 

 

News Briefs

e-ride Industries – A Clean Cities Success Story video overs the use of alternative fuel vehicles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including an e-ride Industries electric utility vehicle.  Learn more:  AFDC.energy.gov

Kawasaki & Kubota Reviews – The UK based magazine Horticulture Week just published a review of the Kawasaki Mule 4010 Diesel 4×4 and the Kubota RTV900 which they put to the test at Charlecote Park in Warwickshire.  The park includes formal and informal gardens and general parkland.  Learn more:  Hortweek.com

Kawasaki Mule History

I came across a posting last week that provided some history about the Kawasaki Mule product line.  The name Mule is an acronym for multi-use lightweight equipment vehicle.  The first model grew out of a need identified in the farm and ranch market segment.  Of course, the versatility of the Mule and other UTVs now satisfy the needs of customers in a whole range of market segments.

I thought it would be illuminating to highlight some of the key vehicle changes as the Mule models progressed to shed some light on how the work segment of the UTV market developed.  Over time features, models and new model lines are added to address new segments and specific application needs.  In the later years the influences of automotive styling, comfort and performance features are evident.

1989

• Selectable 2WD and 4WD and larger engine

1990

• Turf segment features – Dual-mode differential to maximize traction or minimize ground disturbance and turf-type tires

1991

• Industrial segment features – flatbed, hard-surface tires, fuel and electrical systems for industrial standards
• Personal use segment – compact in size and could fit into pickup truck

1992

• Heady duty segment – larger engine, 4WD, more hauling capacity, tilt bed and self-adjusting hydraulic brakes
• Heavy duty turf segment – larger engine with noise dampening features and turf tires

1993

• 2WD fully automatic version

1996

• New compact model with better suspension and ride qualities and  fan-cooled engine with internal engine balancer

1999

• Compact model with turf features like turf tires and dual mode differential

• Diesel model added for heavy duty work in agriculture, mining and other segments already using diesel fuel at work sites

2000

• Continuously variable transmission, ergonomic features, automotive design features and pickup truck styling signal a move towards comfort features

2003

• Diesel version added with beefed up components for heavy duty work
• First camouflage design targets the hunting segment

2005

• New compact models target work and recreation segments and feature more power and better acceleration.  Once again styling is emphasized, automotive features are added and luxury features such as cup holders and passenger side glove box .

2006

• Transformable model debuts that allows user to switch between two or four passenger configuration and exemplifies the flexibility of utility vehicles to meet a wide range of usage applications. A diesel version is added as well.

2008

• Some models see electronic power steering added

2009

• New model line focuses on the heavy duty industrial segment – digital fuel injection and related features improve engine performance.
• Usability is also emphasized through improved placement of controls, better instrumentation, features to facilitate maintenance and other small convenience features that speak of automotive and pickup design influences.
• Truck-like body styling is emphasized.

2010

• New compact Mule model features larger off-road tires, larger wheels, skid plates and suspension changes to facilitate aggressive off-road use.  Sportiness is added with graphics, sport steering wheel and new seating.

Learn more:  SxSNews.com

Company News Briefs

Carrus BV buys golf cars and parts – Carrus BV of the Netherlands signed an agreement with a European supplier to purchase 3,300 used golf cars as well as thousands of parts and accessories.  Carrus is a brand-independent supplier of top brand cars, parts and accessories, and serves various European markets, including the leisure sector, golf courses and industry.  Learn more:  Golfcarnews.com

ZAP truck & van qualify for tax credit – ZAP recently announced that their electric truck and van have qualified for a ten percent federal tax credit, up to a maximum of $2,500, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Vehicles purchased through 2011 will be eligible for the tax credit.  Learn more:  Autorevolution.com

Kawasaki announces new consumer credit program – This month, Kawasaki, in partnership with GE Money, is rolling out a new consumer credit program for purchasing Kawasaki’s motorcycles, ATVs, utility vehicles and watercrafts.  Learn more:  Marketwatch.com

RMD Technologies selects seat supplier for electric vehicles – RMD Technologies of San Marcos, CA has chosen PRP Seats of Murrieta, CA to provide seats for their small electric vehicles.  RMDT’s core business is providing electronics recycling services to businesses, state and federal agencies.  However in 2007 they decided to branch out into developing an  alternative energy vehicle using a large percentage of materials recycled from electronic waste.  Their electric utility vehicle is expected to hit the market at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011. Learn more:  Cleanenergynews.blogspot.com