EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
details about how you plan on using the vehicle , including the types of terrain you ’ ll be driving on , how much cargo and passenger load capacity you ’ ll need , what you need to accomplish with your UTV and whether you plan to use the vehicle for trailering .”
Also consider whether the tasks you ’ ll be performing will be helped or hindered by a cab , Hicks added .
“ While cabs provide added comfort and safety , they do increase the vehicle ’ s price tag and aren ’ t always ideal for work in tight spaces ,” said Hicks .
According to Wahl , there ’ s no one-size-fits-all UTV .
“ With so many types on the market , sports field and grounds managers can tailor their fleet by assessing their application requirements and using those factors to identify the best vehicle for their needs ,” he said .
Wahl added that although application will determine the exact type of vehicle needed , always keep in mind operating cost , operator comfort and ease of maintenance .
“ Also remember to consider the width of the vehicle as you make your selection ,” said Wahl . “ Will you be navigating college campuses or park areas that use bollards or other vehicle barriers ? If so , ensure you select a vehicle that can physically operate within those barrier parameters .”
Added Hicks , “ With manufacturers challenging one another on feature and accessory options to meet marketplace demands , it ’ ll be exciting to be part of this industry in the years ahead .” SFM
John Kmitta is associate publisher and editorial brand director of SportsField Management magazine .
UTV PRODUCT ROUND-UP
JOHN DEERE PROGATOR 2020A AND 2030A The John Deere ProGator 2020A and 2030A utility vehicles boast 34 hp . and 22.1 hp ., respectively , and have a max speed of 19.1 mph and bed capacity of 5,400 pounds . The 2020A is equipped with a four-cylinder liquid-cooled gas engine , while the 2030A features a three-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine . The 2020A and 2030A models can be equipped with a variety of attachments and implements . Both models can be used with the John Deere SelectSpray series sprayers , offering spraying flexibility and control .
KIOTI MECHRON The Kioti Mechron UTV Series offers a diverse range of models and features . With standard four-wheel-drive and a 22-hp ., three-cylinder Daedong engine , all Mechron utility vehicles combine power and agility . More than 55 inches of cargo bed space allow for more than 1,100 pounds of bed capacity . The 12 inches of ground clearance offer precise maneuverability in most environments . With field cab add-ons available for the Mechron 2200 and two-row bench seating on the Mechron 2240 , operators can choose the level of comfort and convenience that best suits their needs .
KUBOTA RTV520 Kubota Tractor Corporation launched the gas-powered RTV520 with a new look and updated features . The new RTV520 features a more powerful 2-cylinder Kubota liquid-cooled EFI engine that provides more than 17 horsepower , and gives instant power with greater throttle control . Equipped with a Variable Hydrostatic Transmission , the RTV520 offers a smooth driving experience at low speeds . Dynamic braking allows for one-pedal operation , making jobs that require frequent stops easier . Offered in general purpose and deluxe configurations , the RTV520 is available at Kubota dealerships now .
POLARIS UTILITY VEHICLES Polaris offers a broad portfolio of utility vehicles . Highlights include :
Four Pro XD models with available gas or diesel powertrain and two- and four-seat configurations . Designed with daily work in mind , it has safety features , heavy-duty tires , puncture-resistant seat , and increased payload capacity .
The Polaris Taylor-Dunn line-up has nine different models of all-electric utility vehicles . The Bigfoot is the most common for sports field managers because of its wide operator ’ s compartment , low deck height , load capacity of up to 3,000 pounds , and towing of up to 10,000 lbs .
The Polaris GEM el XD is all-electric , street legal , and has a 1,400-lb . payload capacity .
TORO WORKMAN GTX LITHIUM-ION MODEL Toro recently introduced its new Workman GTX Lithium-Ion model . A key benefit of the lithium-ion power packs is that they ’ re maintenance free , so the machine is always ready to get to work , and has a long lifespan . The high-efficiency lithium-ion battery packs offer consistent runtime , and , because the packs are nearly 26 % lighter than lead-acid batteries , it makes a big impression on productivity without leaving a big impression on fine turf . SFM
40 SportsField Management | June 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com