Oct 2006 UTV Models Review

The Utility Vehicle market is clearly growing and many manufacturers are producing more models, giving consumers a broader range to choose from when shopping for a UTV. To learn more about these new units, read on for our look at the new UTVs in this month's Market Report.

Arctic Cat is releasing two versions of the 2007 Prowler UTV, a standard version and an XT model, reports Media Relations Specialist Kale Wainer. The new Prowlers come with the 641cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine, CVT transmission, dual bucket seats, dual 12 volt plug-ins, 12 1/2 inches of ground clearance, 10 inches of suspension travel, disc brakes, 600 pound rated cargo box, 25 pound under hood storage area, 1,500 pound towing capacity and 14 inch cast aluminum wheels, he adds. The company notes they see a trend in older buyers purchasing UTVs, who usually have a higher income than ATV consumers. UTV sales for Artic Cat reportedly continue to increase with the introduction of the Prowler last year. “Right now, the Prowler is selling itself. I can only assume consumers would have questions that would compare it to the competition who has been in the market longer. Learn the specs and, better yet, experience the Prowler first hand,” Wainer said.

The Frontier 6x6 and the Avenger 8x8 EFI are the latest UTVs from Argo, according to spokesperson Amy Becker. She says the multi-wheel amphibious vehicles are designed for hunting, fishing, family fun, utility, construction, maintenance, resource exploration, agriculture, forestry, fire fighting and more. The Argo Frontier 6x6 reportedly features an innovative body design, all-wheel drive, 4-stroke overhead valve air cooled Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine, passenger space for four, 700 pound load capacity, one-piece handle bar steering system, cup holders, 12 volt plug-in and a longer wheel base. Becker notes the Argo Avenger 8x8 EFI features a 31 horsepower 748cc electronic fuel injected Kohler LH 775 engine, improved throttle response, better fuel economy, 25 inch Rawhide III tires and automatic adjustment to high altitudes. The company reportedly wants dealers to know, aside from the unique styling of both UTVs, they come in six colors including Mossy Oak camouflage.

The Bobcat Company introduces their newest utility vehicle the 2300, which features the industry's first Rapidlink attachment arm, according to Utility Vehicle Product Manager Brad Claus. He tells us the arm can lift up to 500 pounds as high as two feet off the ground. Optional tools for use with the arm include a bucket, mower, pallet fork, snow blade and whisker push broom, according to the company. Claus says he sees a trend in people turning to utility vehicles as an economic and more maneuverable alternative to a pickup truck. “The utility vehicle market appears to be growing in both the commercial and personal use industries. Since the utility vehicles can be used for work and recreational purposes, the visibility and popularity of utility vehicles continues to rise,” he extolled. The Bobcat Company suggests dealers work to sell the additional arm attachments with the sale of the vehicle.

The CW-11 2-wheel drive and the CW-413 4-wheel drive models are the latest UTVs from Brister's Design & Manufacturing, informs company spokesperson Larry Schwall. The models include a Honda engine, Dana Transaxle's oil filled gear box, plus a full suspension system for comfort and good ground contact, he tells us. Brister's entry level UTVs are doing well and he has noticed the average retail accessory sale is around $600-$700. He recommends dealers keep informed of their state and local laws regarding the sale of UTVs. Also keep a good supply in stock and keep your sales at a fair margin, the customer is very aware of your competitor's pricing, Schwall states.

“The trends we are seeing in the UTV market is that the potential owner is finding out they can ask for a unit more specific to their application today … they are willing to pay more for exactly what they want,” states David Donaldson, President of Coot2, Inc. The company has received a Homeland Security grant to develop a diesel engine and a remote control system for the newest versions of the Coot2, he tells us. The diesel engine will have a longer life, require less fuel and provide better torque, informs Donaldson. The remote control system will allow many organizations like the military, search and rescue and fire departments, to use the vehicles efficiently, he adds. Coot2 sales are up over last year's, he states. Donaldson advises retailers to make sure both you and your customers know exactly what they are planning to use their vehicles for. “Too many owners are ending up with units that don't fill their expected needs,” he explains.

Club Car introduces their new series of Utility Vehicles, the XRT1550. According to company spokesperson Mike Read, the vehicles feature a stylized grill, rounded hood and heavy-duty side panels for a unique look. The XRT1550 series also features the exclusive IntelliTrak technology, which automatically engages and disengages all-wheel-drive without requiring the driver to stop, shift gears, push buttons or lock differentials, he explains. The XRT1550 series is offered in both 2-seater or 4-seater options and with choices of bench or bucket seats, standard or heavy duty suspension, mud or all terrain tires, Honda gas or Kubota diesel engines, consumers can pick what's right for them, states Read.

“More and more consumers are embracing a rural lifestyle and this is fueling ongoing opportunities to provide a 4x4 solution that meets their needs for work and recreation,” states Cub Cadet Brand Manager Dan Lamb. He tells us the company offers the new Cub Cadet 4x4 UV through their Cub Cadet independent retailer network. The vehicle features on-demand 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel fully independent dual A-arm suspension with eight inches of suspension travel, 4-wheel hydraulic eight inch disc brakes, 20hp Kohler gas engine or 20hp Caterpillar diesel engine, heavy duty differential with selectable lockout, ISO-mounted engine and 33 optional accessories to equip the unit to meet any need, Lamb explains. Cub Cadet's sales are up based on many ATV owners wanting to switch to a side by side configuration, he divulged. Lamb suggests retailers let the potential buyer test drive the vehicle. “Get the customer in the seat and the unit will sell itself,” he advises.

“The North American Utility Vehicle market is growing and the trend is for continued growth and expansion,” reports Greg Lasiewski, media relations coordinator for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. The company's Mule UTV sales are expected to outperform those of last year, he tells us. One of the company's upcoming Utility Vehicles is the 2007 Mule 610 4x4 Camo. The vehicle reportedly features a single-cylinder engine matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a dual-mode rear differential, independent front suspension, swing-frame rear suspension, plus sealed hydraulic brakes. The Mule 610 4x4 also includes a spacious cab with curved body panels and a large-diameter steel tube frame, for a clean, modern look, explains Kawasaki.

Kubota Tractor Corp. has added two purpose-built models to its line of RTV900 utility vehicles. The Turf Utility and Worksite Utility units feature a hydraulic utility valve powerful enough to drive tools like a salt and sand spreader, sprayer, concrete cutter, chainsaw and posthole digger, states the company. The Turf Utility model includes 25 inch turf tires, while the Worksite Utility model comes with heavy-duty worksite tires, adds Kubota. Operator comfort and controls reportedly include a new seat with deeper cushioning and a revised backrest shape, retractable seatbelts that are easier to fasten, a speedometer so the driver can monitor speed for precision work and the tailgate features a sturdier, smoother operating latching mechanism.

The Ranger XP features 50 mph top speed, multifunctional speedometer, independent rear suspension, true all-wheel-drive, electronic fuel injection (EFI), class leading payload of 1,500 pounds, highest towing capacity at 1,750 pounds and high ground clearance at 11.2 inches, reports Polaris spokesperson Donna Beadle. She tells us the company has noticed a trend in consumers not just buying the vehicles for heavy applications, instead they are being bought by multi-acreage homeowners as well. The UTV market is growing and Polaris' sales have increased, informs Beadle. Dealer/retailers need to understand the work applications the unit is made for, as well as the benefits and features each unit offers, she advises.

Yamaha Motor Corp. introduces the new Rhino 660 4x4 and the Rhino 450 4x4. These models include the Yamaha Ultramatic automatic transmission, Yamaha On Command pushbutton 4-wheel drive with differential lock, 4-wheel independent suspension, bucket seats, cargo bed, steel roof support system and three-point seatbelts, reports ATV & SxS Public Relations Manager Steve Nessl. He tells us Yamaha has noticed 4-wheel drive vehicles are increasing their offroad capabilities. The demand for Yamaha's line of Rhino UTVs is strong and sales are up from last year, he explains. “They [UTVs] are often perfect for the evolving ATV buyer … as they get up in years or their needs change to include the necessity for multi-passenger capacity and/or dump bed cargo requirements,” said Nessl.

With the dramatic growth in the UTV market, dealers need to be aware of the benefits and features these vehicles have to offer. We hope this report on the newer UTV models is insightful and be sure to check out our look into the growing markets for UTV accessories and ATV specific oils and lubricant products elsewhere in this issue.