EQUIPMENT FOCUS

New 2024 Kubota RTV-X

Jacob Mandoza , senior manager for Kubota ’ s RTV product category , wants the world to know that Kubota is more than a tractor company . The company calls its utility vehicles RTVs , and it has vehicles for both residential and commercial buyers . But why is Kubota Tractor Corporation in the UTV arena ?

“ When Kubota gets into a market ,” said Mandoza , “ they tend to drive the whole market forward . We have competitors like Kawasaki and Deere and Polaris who have been in the UTV market for a long time and that can drive consumer awareness . But for commercial users , our diesel-powered RTVs are making a big impact .”

Mandoza said that farmers and construction customers like diesel power source for dependability and durability and because it ’ s a common fuel source in their fleet . Many of these customers already know Kubota . The company hopes its RTVs help it grow beyond that .

“ The market continues to grow . And outdoor enthusiasts tend to keep spending ,” said Mandoza . “ This outdoor enthusiast space is a key target for a variety of manufacturers and retailers . We ’ re also looking at technologies and advancements in similar industries – ag , powersports , automotive – to think about what consumers are going to expect in a side-by-side .” Kubota is using its design center in Georgia to better understand the customer today and to use data and research to determine where is should be going .

The Polaris Ranger XD1500 Northstar Edition , with its climate-controlled cab , JBL audio system and 110-hp engine has a suggested retail price of $ 40,000 . The 6-seat model retails for $ 50K . That ’ s Ford F150 territory .

The new Kawasaki Ridge ( pictured , p . 17 ) is intended for this work-hard / play-hard buyer too . It features an HVAC system and Garmin navigation , among other comfort features . Like the Polaris , the Ridge is meant for drivers who will spend a lot of time in and around the vehicle , whether for sporting outdoors situations or a day of work .

The Yamaha line of Wolverine UTVs fits well for those wanting more play than work , and more affordability than the ultra-premium Polaris XD models . The Wolverine line features two-seater models with a cargo bed , or four-seaters with seats that fold to expose a small cargo bed . These are trail-focused people movers .

Pure Sport :

UTV racing is increasingly popular , from woods courses in the east and Midwest , to desert racing throughout the southwest . Factory-supported teams even compete in events like the Dakar Rally in Africa and the Middle East . The Polaris RZR , like the 2018 model above , has been a class sales leader , though the Can-Am Maverick and Honda Talon are making advances .

These are not work machines , but powersports dealers know the work they can do to drive big floor traffic and sales of tires and wheels , plus a wide range of accessories .

18 OPE + April 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com