Machinery Chatter

Side-by-side manufactures continue to roll out new machines and machine updates. Here are two more.

POLARIS ADDS TWO RANGER DIESELS

Polaris has added two vehicles to its side-by-side line -- the three-passenger Ranger Diesel HST ($15,199) and Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe ($20,999). These Rangers are powered by a 24-horsepower Yanmar diesel motor with a hydrostatic transmission (HST doesn't require a clutch and shifting), an industry-exclusive treadle pedal, multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension and full climate control (standard with deluxe models).

With the Ranger Diesel HST in high or low, the treadle pedal allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears or taking hands off the wheel. Pushing forward on the front pedal moves the Ranger forward; pressing with your heel on the rear pedal has the machine go in reverse.

The multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension gives both models of the Ranger Diesel cargo capacity of 1,250 pounds and maintains ground clearance when trailering. The Rangers tow 2,000 pounds.

The Ranger Diesel HST Deluxe includes a fully enclosed, factory-installed cab with climate control including heat, defrost and air conditioning, and features 180-degree opening doors.

GATOR FEATURES SIDE RETENTION PACKAGE

John Deere's 2014 Gator features the following updates.

-- Operator Side Retention (OSR) is now standard on all Operator Protective Structure (OPS) equipped Gator utility vehicles. The OSR comes either as a net or as a poly door. The net OSR is part of the configuration for the Gator HPX, XUV heavy-duty, and mid-duty models. Poly doors can be ordered for some models. The doors feature automotive-style handles and a 90-degree door opening.

-- A new Warn ProVantage 3,500- or 4,500-pound winch increases pulling capacity by up to 1,500 additional pounds over previous models.

-- The heavy-duty line of XUVs (625i, 825i, 855D) feature digital displays with a glow plug indicator light (diesel), a flashing water temperature icon, and a power steering indicator (if equipped). Illuminated dash switches provide nighttime visibility.

-- An ag management solutions system (AMS) integration kit is available for the heavy-duty models. This kit allows a StarFire receiver and GS display (both sold separately) to be mounted onto the Gator.

Look in DTN Ag News for a related article on safety and helmets.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

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