New XUVs Provide Off-Road Performance, Comfort, and Multi-Passenger Capability

New XUVs Provide Off-Road Performance, Comfort, and Multi-Passenger Capability

John Deere Expands Its Line-Up of Gator™ Crossover Utility Vehicles
(courtesy of www.atvsource.com http://www.atvsource.com/articles/press-releases/2011/112811-john-deere-new-xuvs-provide-off-road-performance-comfort-multi-passenger-capability.htm)

John Deere GatorTM Mid-Duty XUV 550 S4






John Deere GatorTM Mid-Duty XUV 550
CARY, NC — Now it’s easier than ever to conquer tough terrain and bring your buddies and gear along for the ride. The new John Deere GatorTM Mid-Duty XUV 550 and 550 S4 crossover utility vehicles offer off-road performance, improved comfort, cargo versatility, and the ability to transport up to 4 people across the most challenging landscapes.

"These new vehicles provide an unparalleled balance of off-road performance and work capability at a very affordable price," said David Gigandet, tactical marketing manager, Gator utility vehicles. "The new John Deere Gator XUV 550 and 550 S4 are a great compliment to our popular line-up of XUVs, and offer the most comfortable way to get you, your crew, and all your supplies to those hard-to-reach destinations."

With best-in-class, fully independent, double wishbone suspension, the Gator XUV 550 and 550 S4 provide 9-inches of wheel travel, and up to 10.5-inches of ground clearance to smooth out the ride. In addition, for the 550, you can choose from either standard high back bucket seats or bench seats. The 550 S4 comes standard with 2 rows of bench seats.

“Operators will not only appreciate the smooth ride, they’ll love the all new ergonomically designed operator station,” continued Gigandet. “The development of these new Gators started in the operator’s station, so they offer ample leg room, storage and dash mounted, automotive-type, controls.”

The Gator XUV 550 and 550 S4 deliver mid-duty work capability with speed and ease. Both vehicles have a top speed of 28 mph, and 4-wheel drive to quickly traverse all types of terrain. The 16-hp, 570 cc, air-cooled, v-twin gas engine provides greater speed and horsepower than most vehicles in its class, and the cargo box can carry up to 400 lbs of gear. In addition, the 550 is small enough to fit in the bed of a standard pick-up truck.

For a larger crew and cargo versatility, the 550 S4 provides rear seat flexibility.

Two additional passengers can be transported in the rear seat, or if more cargo capacity is needed, the rear seat flips down to become a cargo rack.

“The rear seat flexibility in the Gator XUV 550 S4 is truly innovative,” said Gigandet. “The S4 can transport up to 4 people, but for the times when you need to carry more gear, the back seat can become more useful in seconds and increase your cargo space by 32 percent.”

The new Gator XUV 550 models are available in Realtree Hardwoods™ HD Camo or traditional John Deere green and yellow.

There are also over 75 available attachments and accessories to customize all Gator XUV models, such as, cabs, brush guards, and custom alloy wheels.

In addition to the XUV 550 and 550 S4, John Deere also offers the 625i, 825i and the 855D to round out its full line of crossover utility vehicles.

Visit your local John Deere dealer or www.JohnDeere.com/Gator to learn more.

This or That? Which UTV Windshield is right for you?

Have you been looking for a UTV windshield? Are you confused with all the choices - full, half, tilting, folding, vented, flexible? What material should a UTV windshield be made from, Lexan, acrylic, polycarbonate -what does it all mean? Read on as we explain the different types of UTV windshield materials and functions to help you decide which style is best for you.

First things first, what is the best windshield material? There are many options available including acrylic, polycarbonate, Plexiglas, even actual glass … but which is the best? Glass such as the automotive industry uses would be the best, as it offers the cleanest vision and easiest maintenance, but the drawback is expense and weight. The next best choice for windshield material is Lexan polycarbonate. Lexan is light weight, strong and has a proven track record of durability in high vibration applications, as well as superior impact resistance as it is used in Nascar. Other less expensive choices include Acrylics, Plexiglas and thinner polycarbonates, but these products easily scratch and may shatter upon impact-not a desirable trait when on the trail. These materials are more brittle and have been known to crack at the mounting points, so many of these types of shields must be removed for trailering. Easily scratched, these products are much more difficult to clean, as you must take extreme care as not to scratch or swirl the windshield surface. You may have seen such an a windshield on a UTV that has become so scratched and hazy that it cannot even be seen through.
 

Now that we know that Lexan is the material of choice for UTV windshield applications, the next choice is the material’s thickness. Kolpin UTV windshields are constructed of a full .250” (1/4”) Lexan while many other UTV windshield options use a thinner .177” (3/16”) material. The thicker material provides more stability, less vibration and better protection from damaging branches and rocks. Preparation of Lexan is critical for maximum durability, and Kolpin’s UTV windshields use an MR-10 hard coating on both sides of the shield for protection and scratch resistance. The coating makes cleaning much easier without fear of damage.
 

Now that we have defined the best material for a UTV windshield, let’s take a look at the many styles of Lexan polycarbonate UTV windshields available from Kolpin.

Full-Vented Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood to the top of the cab frame, with included air vents to provide additional airflow

      #2007 Polaris RZR Full-Vented Windshield

* Back draft is present with all windshield applications, but is intensified when a full shield is used. A rear shield is suggested to reduce back draft.

Pros -
• Protection in colder weather and plowing conditions
• Best protection from limbs, branches, debris on the trail
• Venting regulates air flow and back draft effect
• All benefits of a Full Windshield with more airflow
• Inexpensive and easy to install
• No need to removed for trailering
 

Cons -
• May retain too much in cab heat in warm temperatures.
• Visibility may be a problem in muddy conditions.

Half-Fixed Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood ¼ - ½ the distance to the top of cab frame

 

#1470 Yamaha Rhino Half-Fixed Windshield

Pros -
• Provides more air flow , great for warm weather riding
• Lip on upper side of shield deflects airflow over operator and passenger
• Increased airflow reduces back draft for less dust in the cab
• Better visibility in mud, rain, or snow
• No need to remove during trailering
 

Cons -
• Less protection from wind, branches or flying debris.
• Cold in winter weather
• No adjustability

Half-Folding Windshield – definition: Extends from top of dash/hood to ¼ to ½ the distance to the top of the cab frame with convenient fold down, military-style design

 #2632 Polaris Ranger (mid-size & mid-size crew) Half-Folding Windshield

Pros -
• Provides more air flow which may be cooler in warm weather
• Versatile system allows you to simply lower the top half of shield on a warm day for maximum airflow. The upper shield stays securely in place – no tools needed
• Lip on upper side of shield deflects airflow over operator and passenger
• Increased airflow reduces back draft for less dust in the cab.
• Better visibility in mud, rain, or snow
• No need to remove for trailering
 

Cons –
• Less protection from wind, branches and debris than a full shield
• More moving parts, installation time is greater than a half-fixed shield

Full Tilting Windshield – definition: Versatile design allows for use as full windshield, half windshield, or extended (half or full) – it is like having 3 windshields in one!

 

#2621 Polaris Ranger XP (full size and Crew) Full Tilt Windshield

* Back draft is present with all windshield applications, but is intensified when a full shield is used. A rear shield is suggested to reduce back draft.

Pros -
• Can be utilized as full or half windshield
• Top section can be tilted to regulate air flow and back draft
• Either section can be easily removed.
• Offers the most options over the broadest range of conditions.
 

Cons -
• Slightly more expensive than standard windshield design

Rear Shield or Back Panel Combo – definition: Effective barrier to keep debris from entering the cab, as well as safely separating passengers and cargo

 

#2009 Polaris RZR Rear Shield            Rear Shield with full windshield

Pros -
• Cuts down on backdraft caused by windshield and reduces chance of dirt/debris entering the cab
• Safely separates cargo loads from passengers
 

Cons -
• Does not allow easy attachment of accessories to the rear cab frame, such as the Kolpin Utility Gear Rail System

Kolpin offers a many styles of windshields to fit the most popular models such as the Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Teryx, Kawasaki Mule, Arctic Cat Prowler, John Deere Gator, Can Am Commander and more! Visit www.kolpin.com or call Kolpin at 877.9KOLPIN for more information.

GOING GREEN - KOLPIN REVEALS A REFRESHED BRAND IDENTITY

 Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. is announcing a refreshed brand identity showcased through its new packaging, innovative video short film and enhanced website with a renewed emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’ The refreshed brand messaging communicates to the consumer that Kolpin provides an honest value in rugged dependability and is the ultimate source for ATV accessories and UTV accessories.

“Kolpin’s refreshed visual identity was designed to strengthen brand messaging, enhance shelf prominence, and establish consistency across multiple distribution channels. The updated brand look and elements reflect Kolpin’s strategy of communicating with powersports and outdoor enthusiasts via modern marketing channels while maintaining Kolpin’s reputation as an industry leader,” said Sarah Hudzinski, Manager of Marketing Services for Kolpin.

The new packaging is just one avenue that Kolpin is utilizing to convey the emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’  Also prominent in the brand refresh is the completion of a Kolpin branded short film that visually communicates Kolpin’s extensive offering and high quality standards. This “shortie” illustrates Kolpin’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of today’s marketplace and consumer needs. Watch the Kolpin Brand short film here.

In concert with the brand refresh efforts, Kolpin has committed to more effectively build brand health and awareness while taking advantage of direct consumer communications through a socially minded and prominent social media campaign that includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube enhanced blog content, QR codes and a completely redesigned website which will launch in September, 2011.

Implementation of the refreshed brand identity will continue throughout the remainder of 2011.

Kolpin® Outdoors Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV accessories and UTV accessories. As The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation Kolpin sets the standard for quality, innovation and design.  Kolpin continues to redefine the industry with

patented innovations such as our world-renowned Kolpin Expansion System (KXP), Gun Boot® cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks™ System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories. To learn about the latest products, news and topics follow us on www.kolpin.com

USING AN ATV ON YOUR NEXT HUNTING ADVENTURE

ATV's & UTV's are very useful when hunting

 
By Kolpin

Using ATV’s for hunting is becoming more and more popular for many reasons. Hunting ATVs provide easy access to locations that are hard to get to by using trails that are impassable for a truck. ATVs are also used to haul materials and supplies, such as tree stands, into isolated areas. Another good use for hunting ATVs when hunting is transporting harvested game back to your vehicle after a hunt. One of the most  important factors to consider when hunting with an ATV or Side x Side is safety. 

For personal protection, wearing a helmet provides full coverage for you head and will protect you against injury in addition to blocking wind, noise, cold and any flying objects. Goggles should be worn outside your helmet to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust you encounter when riding. Wearing a long sleeve shirt or jacket and long pants will protect you from abrasions, sunburns, windburn and hypothermia. Specially designed ATV gloves are made to protect your hands from any flying debris, but they also help create a more secure grip on the ATV. The last important piece of personal protection is proper boots, which will provide you with the best grip on footrests and protect your feet and ankles from injuries.

Proper protection for your valuable hunting equipment includes hard or soft storage solutions to safely store your binoculars, GPS, range finder, extra hunting clothes, and other gear and keep it out of the elements.  In addition, it is critical to safely transport your firearm or bow while traversing over rough terrain. There are several options available such as Rhino Grips, gun mounts, and the Kolpin Gun Boot, which is a hardsided case designed specifically to attach securely to your ATV or UTV.

Proper protection and ATV gear is critical when riding a hunting ATV to protect yourself and your equipment while enjoying your hunt. 

Good luck this season!