Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
BUYER'S GUIDE Gator XUV 825i 4x4 (MSRP: $11,199.00) UTVs AND SIDE-BY-SIDE GUIDE RZR 4 800 LE (MSRP: 14,999) ProPickup Editor Bruce Smith was all smiles when he came back from testing the RZR-S. We were already impressed with the RZR 50 in our desert testing, but the wider S model added even more open ground fun with a wider stance and longer suspension travel. The Ranger RZR 4 800 LE is the RZR-S on steroids. With seating for four, this longer wheelbase version has all of the performance capabilities of its two-seater little brother plus room for guests. This is the favorite of many family oriented off-roaders that have occasion to hit the desert, dunes and open grasslands. The 800 twin cranks out 53hp and accelerates from 0 to 35 mph in 4.4 seconds – the very reason for the Fox Podium X 2.0 racing shocks with piggyback reservoirs. Twelve inches of suspension travel – front and rear – can be adjusted for compression and preload to soak up deep ruts and deliver a smooth, precise ride. You've got to drive one to appreciate this outstanding suspension. The new electronic power steering (EPS) provides variable assist for easier steering at lower speeds and greater responsiveness at higher speeds. Bucket sets are adjustable and interchangeable. The front passenger handrail and full rear passenger handrail are also adjustable. A tilt steering wheel features 10 inches of adjustment range. Polaris; polarisindustries.com; (888) 704-5290 Rhino 700 FI Auto 4x4 (MSRP: $11,499) Yamaha's Rhino set the standard for a versatile utilityrecreation side-by-side. From dune riders to sod busters, this machine has a huge following. Automotive style features include centermounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch and 12-volt accessory outlet. The proven 686cc liquid-/oil-cooled, four-stroke engine provides good powerto-weight ratio. A four-valve head with 9.2-to-1 compression bumps power and efficiency. Electronic fuel injection helps cold starts and ensures peak performance in nearly all conditions and elevations. The Ultramatic transmission maintains constant belt tension, which reduces wear and provides excellent all-wheel downhill engine braking. A three-position On-Command In/Out 4WD feature lets you switch between twowheel drive, limited-slip four-wheel drive and fully locked differential four-wheel drive — all with the simple push of a button. Thick bucket seats and a long-travel suspension system work together to provide a smooth ride. Fully independent four-wheel suspension with double wishbones deliver 7.3 inches of wheel travel and 12.1 inches of ground clearance. Five-way preload-adjustable shocks deliver maximum tire contact and good comfort while navigating rough terrain. A sealed drive case keeps out water and debris. A hand-operated side cover drain lets out what little water gets in. A specially designed full stainless-steel exhaust system features aluminum heat shields and a screen-type spark arrestor for superb power characteristics with minimum noise output. The Rhino's large-capacity aluminum radiator and oil cooler are fan-assisted and positioned high in the frame for optimal protection. A drive system air intake vent helps prevent overheating and keeps water and mud from entering the drive case. Light, responsive rack-and-pinion steering features a fully sealed steering column and double U-jointed steering linkage for smooth operation and class-leading turning radius. Direct rear-shaft drive eliminates the U-joint for greater durability and more efficient power transfer at all rpm. Heavy-duty CV joint guards protect against rock and debris damage. The center-mounted, heavy-duty 2-inch receiver-style hitch can tow 1,200 pounds. Tough, rotomolded doors keep mud, water and dirt on the trail where they belong. The stamped steel dump bed is rated to haul 400 pounds of gear, with a latch that opens from either side. Yamaha; yamaha-motor.com/outdoor; (800) 962-7926 ProPickup_2011 Buyer's Guide Part 1.indd 10 John Deere's Gator, of course, comes in John Deere green. But you can also get it in yellow or olive and black or the RealTree Hardwoods HD camo pattern. The XUV's 812cc, three-cylinder, DOHC, EFI 4-cycle automotive-style engine is rated at 50hp and produces excellent low-end torque for towing, hauling and climbing hills. Electronic fuel injection (EFI) provides instant starting in all types of weather and at high altitudes. A two-range CVT transmission requires no shifting and delivers efficient power from low-speed pulling to top speed. A 75-amp alternator generates 1,012 watts of electricity to provide plenty of juice for accessories. The driver can select a completely turf-friendly mode of operation, or press the switch and get on-demand four-wheel drive. The rear differential can also be locked for maximum traction. The Gator's independent double-wishbone long-travel suspension enables 8 inches in front and 9 inches of rear suspension travel while providing 11 inches of ground clearance. A solid core steel sway bar reduces body lean and employs an efficient double-ball drop-link for increased durability. The XUV's stability is aided by a wide-stance, low-center of gravity and long wheelbase. A full clutch enclosure helps the Gator take on water up to 22 inches deep. The Occupant Protection System (OPS) with a passenger-side hand-hold and three-point seat belts is SAE and OSHA ROPS-certified. The cargo box features 16.4 cubic feel of capacity, 20 tiedown points, pickup-style tailgate, steel reinforced load guard, glass-filled polymer sides and gas-assist lifts for easier dumping. The bed converts to a flatbed in minutes. The cargo box can be upgraded with optional factory spray-in bedliner and power lift. John Deere's Quick-Clamp rail-based attaching system works for a number of attachments including gun-boots, tool racks and sidewall extensions. Independent double-wishbone long-travel suspension is designed to offer a superior ride without squatting, whether unloaded or loaded at max capacity. Capacities for the XUV include a 1,000-pound cargo box, 1,500 pounds of towing and a 1,400-pound payload. The XUV is equipped with integrated 2-inch front and rear receiver hitches. The Gator XUV is built with a hydro-formed frame, which keeps it strong even under heavy loads. Steel skid plates guard the underbody against damage from rocks and stumps. John Deere; deere.com; 800-537-8233 Gator TE 4x2 Electric (MSRP $9,449) Powered by a 48-volt system with 8 Trojan T-105 batteries, the Gator TE is equipped with a directional change control feature that slows the machine to a stop before changing directions to prevent whiplash and stress on the drivetrain. Forward speed is up to 15mph and reverse is 9mph. A "separately excited" controller provides over-speed control, dynamic braking, roll-away control and regeneration. Wide flotation tires, specially designed for turf applications, minimize ground compaction but provide good traction in mud and flex over bumps for a smooth ride. Wide wheel stance and low center of gravity offer superb stability. A 16.4-cubic-foot-capacity cargo box hauls up to 500 pounds. John Deere; deere.com; 800-537-8233 3/22/12 10:41 AM