UTV Farm Segment in the UK

I came across a story about the use of UTVs on farms in the UK.  This segment includes both farmers and gamekeepers.  According to the story, much like the US market, diesel powered UTVs are often the vehicle of choice for the torque they can deliver.  There are a few brands in the UK market that you do not see as much in the US market including Kioti, Ausa, and JCB, but there are familiar brands as well like John Deere, Kubota, Polaris, Kawasaki and Cub Cadet.  One interesting aspect of the market is that kits to make the UTVs street legal are commonly available options, if not a standard feature already.  Typically the kits cost about 1,000 USD and includes turn signals, rear lights, horn, seat belts, registration holder and tax disc holder.  Learn more:  Farmers Weekly

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

 

 

Road Use Regulations Roundup – November, 2011

Some trends in this latest regulation roundup:

• A lot of action the past few months on ordinances allowing ATVs, UTVs, mini-trucks and modified and sometimes un-modified golf cars on public roads.  While some concerns about safety still persist, we may be looking at an expansion of the type of small, task-oriented vehicles that are allowed on public roads.
• With Nebraska passing a LSV law and Pennsylvania in the process of passing one, only Connecticut, Mississippi and Montana (no LSV but an MSV law) have not passed an LSV law.
• Higher ordinance activity areas:  Minnesota which is usually active and Ohio which is a relative newcomer
• Some more activity at the county level in the past few months

State Level Regulations

Pennsylvania - State House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that

“…authorizes travel in NEVs on roadways with a posted speed limit of no more than 25 mph and allows NEVs to cross roadways posted with a higher maximum speed. They can only be operated during daylight hours. NEVs will be required to be equipped with most basic safety equipment, such as brakes, mirrors, seatbelts, windshield and wipers, speedometer, odometer, headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals and reflectors, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. In addition, NEV drivers must possess a valid license certificate of title, registration and insurance.”

The state is one of only a few that have not passed a LSV law yet.

Nebraska - The governor signed a law allowing NEVs/LSVs on low speed roads.  LSV owners will be required to have a valid operator’s license and liability insurance coverage. The vehicles will be subject to titling requirements, a registration fee of $15 and a new alternative fuel fee of $75 for vehicles using a source of energy not taxed under the motor fuel laws. The alternative fuel fee will replace the alternative fuel tax.

Louisiana - State legislature is debating allowing mini-trucks on public roads.

 Municipality Level Regulations

Wapello, IA – City council is discussing allowing golf cars and utility vehicles on city streets and receiving a mixed reaction from residents.

Sunman, IN – City council will allow golf cars on city streets. Vehicles need to be inspected and have safety features like turn signals, safety belts, reflectors and slow moving vehicle emblems.

Marathon, FL – City allows modified golf cars on low speed streets.  Under the auspicies of the state statue, any golf car meeting the safety and speed requirements will be able to use streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.  A city ordinance with different requirements would of required the city to do their own licensing and other onerous administrative duties regarding the vehicles.

Dundee, IL – Village Trustee is pushing the town to revisit the idea of allowing NEVs and LSVs on low speed village roads.

Lauderdale-by-the-sea, FL – The town is creating four parking spaces in their commercial area specifically for use by NEVs.

Augusta County, VA – Supervisors passed an ordinance allowing golf cars and utility vehicles on country roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less.

Bryan City, OH – Initiated ordinance that allows “neighborhood electric vehicles, urban electric vehicles and golf cars/carts” which have been modified to meet certain criteria to use roads with speed limits up to 25 mph.   Driving hours on public roads for the vehicles is limited to daylight hours.

Findlay, OH – City is considering allowing modified golf cars on low speed city streets.

Tecumseh, NE - Town council allows the use of ATVs and UTVs on city streets.  The ordinance allows ATVs and utility vehicles during daylight hours for licensed drivers with liability insurance. Vehicles must be equipped with a bicycle safety flag and not exceed 30 mph.

Riverside County, CA – The governor of California signed legislation that lets Riverside County open up more low speed roads for low speed vehicles.

Mankato, MN – City passed an ordinance that allowed UTVs and mini-trucks on city streets.  Lower speed golf cars were removed from the ordinance.

Canyon Lake, CA – LSVs/NEVs will not be allowed to use Railroad Canyon Road because of safety concerns related to the vehicles mixing with faster traffic.

Polk County, MN – County commissioners passed an ordinance that authorizes the use of four-wheel ATVs, mini trucks and golf carts on county roads.

Morris, MN – City council is considering an ordinance that allows ATVs, UTVs, mini-trucks and golf cars on city streets.

Reedsburg, WI – City council amended an ordinance to now allow gas as well as electric LSVs on public roads.

John Deere Gator 825i Review

Farm Industry News recently published a generally favorable review of the new John Deere Gator 825i.  Not surprisingly, the review is based on the vehicle’s performance in an agriculture setting.  What I like about the review is that it evaluates the vehicle based on application specific performance e.g. straddling 30 in. corn rows.  The author suggested the vehicle would be a good alternative to a used pickup truck.  Here is a quick summary of the review.

Some of the good:

• Engine
• Instrumentation/gauges
• Underside protection
• Build, Ride & Handling
• Cargo box & organizer
• Winch
• Lighting

Needs improvement:

• No power steering
• Position of steering wheel
• Position of shift and parking brake levers
• Operation of parking brake
• Air intake for clutch
• Downhill braking

Learn more:  Farmindustrynews.com

JCB Launches New Workmax UTV

JCB Workmax 800 D

UK based JCB has added a new 4×4 utility vehicle to their Workmax product line, the Workmax 800 D.  Targeting the UK and European markets, the 800 D features a 600 kg payload and a 784cc Yanmar diesel engine.  The 4×4 drive plus locking differential is electronic.  Management believes that the utility vehicle market in Europe is still developing and offers plenty of opportunity for growth.  Accordingly, this year JCB has put more emphasis on UTVs rather than ATVs as the former is becoming the preferred work vehicle in many applications.  They have also expanded their dealer network beyond their traditional construction equipment dealers to include specialist ATV and agricultural equipment dealers.  Learn more:  MHWMaagazine.co.uk

UTV Shelter For Outdoorsmen

Northlander Utility Vehicle Shelter from Canvas Craft

Canvas Craft of Minnesota offers their Northlander utility vehicle shelter that attaches to a Polaris Ranger.  The shelter is designed for a range of outdoor uses including ice fishing, hunting and camping.

Its quick flip/lock and ride anchor system is designed for simple folding and mobility. The ultra lite frame stores in a boot behind the cab, leaving space in the bed for additional gear and equipment. Currently available in 5′W x 9.5′L.

Learn more:  Canvascraftinc.com

UTV-Based Ocean Rescue Unit For US Navy

Ocean Rescue Unit for US Navy

Kimtek Corporation has developed an ocean rescue unit for the US Navy based on a Polaris Ranger Crew UTV.  Kimtek added their Emergency Utility Vehicle (EUV) conversion and the KIMTEK MEDLITE Transport MTD-10 mounted in the cargo area.  Key features include:

…an all aluminum skid chassis with bright diamond plate, storage area with tailgate, rescue area to secure long board or stokes basket (not included) for patient transport, two ambulance grade stainless steel rescue grab bars, 3-position guide lock seat with seat belt, slide out tray in storage area, oxygen bottle holder, retractable IV pole, third attendant rail, and a quick disconnect mounting system. The special Ocean Rescue unit also features a WHELEN lighting/siren/PA package with exterior mounted speaker, full function control head, remote siren; two red LED body mounted strobes, a ROPS mounted Red LED strobe; three ROPS mounted scene lights (2 front and 1 rear facing); NFPA style reflective body stripe package with customized lettering package; two portable radio holders; and a mounted five pound ABC fire extinguisher.

Late last year Kimtek also introduced the MEDLITE™ Transport EV, a custom skid unit designed for the new Polaris Ranger EV.  The unit allows emergency personnel to more easily operate in crowds and not expose patients and others to exhaust fumes.

Learn more:  sxsnews.com and Kimtekresearch.com

KYMCO To Launch 700cc UTV In The US

Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO), the largest powered two-wheeler manufacturer in Taiwan recently announced major 2011 marketing initiatives including the introduction of a 700cc UTV in the US market.  The company which took over the remaining share of KYMCO US in 2010 expects to sell 1,000 UTVs in the US this year.  Management expects UTVs to eventually replace ATVs in the market.  Total revenue for the company is about $1 billion a year.  Learn more:  News.cens.com

Cub Cadet Recalls Utility Vehicles

Cub Cadet voluntarily recalled approximately 200 Cub Cadet Volunteer utility vehicles because the front lower ball joint can detach and cause a loss of steering control. No injuries relating to the problem have been reported.  The vehicles were sold between April and September 2010.  Customers should stop using the vehicles and schedule a free repair.  Cub Cadet can be contacted toll-free at (888) 848-6038  or at  www.cubcadet.com .  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Road Use Regulations Roundup – November, 2010

Some themes in this latest regulation roundup:

• More municipalities pass ordinances allowing the use of LSVs on public low speed roads.
• Some municipalities rejecting the use of golf cars and mini-trucks on public roads because of safety concerns while another moves ahead on allowing the vehicles.
• Expanded access on-road and off-road for UTVs

Fresno, CA – A bill passed by the Senate and was later signed by the governor that would allow Fresno to develop a neighborhood electric vehicle plan. A similar bill was signed that would authorize the County of Amador and the cities of Jackson, Sutter Creek, and Amador City, jointly or individually, to establish a similar neighborhood electric vehicle transportation plan.

Sicamous, British Columbia – City council voted not to allow LSVs on roads with speed limits greater than 40km/hr stating liability issues and the fact that the province has not endorsed LSVs yet.

Manitoba, CA – The provincial transportation department will be testing an LSV for performance in cold weather conditions as a precursor to potentially allowing LSVs on low speed provincial streets.

Platteville, IA – City council approved the use of LSVs on city streets.

Hudson, WI – City passes ordinance to allow NEVs on certain streets.

Columbia, IL – City council voted to allow the use of LSVs on local roads despite the police chief’s concern over safety.

New Westminster, Canada – The city is amending their laws to allow LSVs on low speed streets.

Madison, GA – City council decided not to allow golf cars on city streets.  the council previously passed an ordinance allowing LSVs on the streets.

Southern Shores, TX – Town council decided against allowing golf cars to be driven on city streets with the police chief citing accident statistics regarding golf cars and the lack of safety features.  The town does allow LSVs.

Faribault, MN – City council is looking to ease restrictions on driving golf cars and mini-trucks on city streets.

Chadron, SD – City council voted to allow UTVs on city streets under the same rules that currently apply to ATVs.

Duluth, MN – City council voted to not allow mini-trucks on public roads.

Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is opening three of their eight off-highway vehicle parks to utility vehicles.