Bobcat Utility Vehicles: New and Improved

I’m typing this from the media center inside of Bobcat of Atlanta dealership in Georgia. Bobcat invited members of the off-road, trade, farming and construction industry in to get a closer look and test its latest line of Utility Vehicles (UTVs). I’m here for ATV Magazine as a complete test and overview story about the Bobcat Utility Vehicles will run in an upcoming issue.

Here are some key points you need to know about this all-new line of Bobcat Utility Products (Which was acquired by Doosan Infracore in 2007):

The Bobcat 3400 4x4 Utility Vehicle has a rated vehicle capacity of 1,600 pounds. By Jerrod Kelley

Four Bobcat Utility Vehicle Models:

• Third generation Bobcat Utility Vehicles
• 3200 (4×2), 3400 (4×4), 3400 XL (Up to 6 riders; 4×4) and 3450 (4×4)
• Diesel engine is available in all but the 3200
• All models featured increased horsepower: Diesel from 20 to 24 HP; 3200 from 13 to 29 hp; 3400 from 23  to 32 hp.
• Top speed has increased to 30 mph. That’s up by 5 mph on the 4x4s.
• High (30 mph max) and low-speed gearing (15 mph max)
• Increased payload capacity (up to 33% more)
• Electronic fuel injected gas engines
• Four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson struts, front; 5-way preload adjustable rear shocks with two optional mounting positions for load carrying)
• 3450 includes Bobcat’s exclusive RapidLink attachment mounting system
• Came from an 18-month shared engineering and design effort with Polaris Industries and designed according to Bobcat specifications and demands. Part of the 1 1/2-year strategic alliance between the two companies.
• All-new frame
• Only carryover from old UTV models is headlights.

The Bobcat 3400 XL machines has optional bench seating. By Jerrod Kelley

For more information, visit Bobcat online. Bobcat videos!

Polaris Awarded Contract With Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing

In a recent press release, Polaris Industries announced it has been awarded a new “competitively solicited contract” with Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing (E&I). This means Polaris vehicles can be used by all E&I Cooperative members, which is made up of more than 1,700 colleges, schools and other educational institutions. E&I, which Polaris deemed the largest member-owned buying cooperative for higher education, manages a diverse portfolio of these types of contracts and supplies value-added services to these learning centers. Polaris said it “sees benefit of being part of that portfolio due to the increasing demand for its products by colleges, universities and schools.”

Polaris’ Dave Huguelet, director of Business Development, called the contract “an efficient and effective way to showcase its product.”

“Polaris offers a broad range of work utility vehicles that will enable enhanced productivity and value for school groundskeepers, security and event management,” Huguelet said in the press release.

Effective March 1, 2010, the contract includes “a full catalog of ATVs, Rangers, snowmobiles, the new Polaris EV LSV (Electric Vehicle) and parts and accessories.”

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage.

Thanks for the coverage, I think?

The Sunday, March 7 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune had a story about the new Polaris EV. The story entitled, “Can Green Be Gold?” ran as an “exclusive” in the Sunday edition. I enjoyed some of the off-road-focused article and thought the author – David Phelps – did a good job of interviewing multiple sources and gaining feedback from Polaris about its new electric vehicle, but thought it was still too unbalanced.

Before I go on, I must say the Star Tribune has been less than kind to ATVs in recent years and has featured many one-sided stories (at least that’s my take) against the operation of OHVs. Many articles have focused on their alleged destruction of the environment, noise and even injuries and death. I was pleased to see the paper see the new EV as a positive business story, but displeased with so much focus on noise and the environment. And yet nothing concrete was mentioned about electric vehicles and their impact on our future environment. Nor how much of the environment it takes to build one/dispose of one compared to a normal gas-powered machine. In addition, what about the EV’s potential for indoor use (as one of my trusted colleagues pointed out)? No mention.

Even the story’s pull quote (which is in bold and as large as the subhead) featured Matthew Norton of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy and not someone from the U.S. Military, Polaris or its defense team. He said, “The Quiet is a huge benefit. It will alleviate a lot of the discord that happens when people are forced to live near lots of noisy machines. But it will not alleviate soil disturbance and damage to vegetation.” (Source: Star Tribune)

A better quote would have been from Matt Homan, vice president of the Polaris off-road division, when he said, “You’re saving money on gas and you’re paying for the benefits of stealth and being green.” (Source: Star Tribune)

Here are the other hidden verbal attacks on our current OHVs/ATVs.

The story describes current ATVs as:

Noisy, disruptive to the environment, scary for wildlife (so is man!) and disruptive to herds and multi-acre neighborhoods.

Here’s the most opinionated and unnecessary portion of the story, “Norton added that quiet machines might also allow riders to go places they shouldn’t be, such as private property, without alerting others to their presence.” (Source: Star Tribune)

Action Alert! CPSC to develop rules for SxS's

Action Alert!  Side by Side owners and enthusiasts need to stand up and be heard.  Now I don’t have a huge interest in (ROVs) Side by Sides but here is a link to a preformed response that will be sent to the Office of the Secretary, CPSC. Personalize the message all you want. The Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) have made it easy to take just a minute or two to voice your opinion.  Follow this link to the Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) Link to personalize your message

SxS debate, CPSC to Regulate ROV Utility Vehicles

ROV (Recreational Offroad Vehicle), Side by Side, SxS – how ever you want to say it you know what I am talking about.  The CPSC is at it again, conjuring up rules and regulations concerning these machines.  I have read the entire CPSC memo and here are my opinions on the bullet points presented in the memo.  The regulations center primarily around the “questionable” stability of these machines, as tested using two tests used to evaluate stability and handling characteristics of automobiles and trucks.lateral stability tests (SSF) static stability factor, vehicle handling test (SAE J266, dealing with under steering and over steering).  The CPSC also made recommendations on passenger retention systems and  as well as  technology to encourage use,  I am assuming they mean starter interlock devices and 4 point harnesses. [Read more]

DragonFire Racing Black Magic Long Travel Suspension System

DragonFire Racing Black Magic System

Introducing Black Magic by DragonFire Racing. DragonFire Racing says it offers the “most state-of-the-art suspension systems in the SxS market.

Black Magic suspension systems feature lightweight chromoly-plated boxed A-arms, 300M axles, and Fox and Elka coil-over shocks. Suspension travel is in excess of 13 inches per kit. This is a direct replacement kit, often utilizing remote rear and front shock towers to provide the proper shock ratios and structural support necessary for the increased travel. [Read more]

Mickey Thompson/KalGard Lubricants SXS Stadium Series

After a successful 2008, The Mickey Thompson/KalGard Lubricants SXS Stadium Series presented by Skin Industries is set to start the first round of the series February 21st at Perris Auto Raceway.
The racing will be headlined with the Stadium Truck class and will also include Side-x-Sides, Prerunners and many more off-road vehicles.

In 2008 action sports stars including Kyle Leduc, Brian Deegan, Mike Metzger, Dan Henderson, Nate Adams, Jeff Matiasevich, Todd Arthur, Chad George, Trenton Briley, Austin Reed and tons more attended and competed in the SXS Stadium Series/Dirt Alliance events. Several of these icons and many others are scheduled to be at the first round. [Read more]