MAKING TURF MATTER
UTILITY VEHICLES
www.turfmatters.co.uk
Air-Rops designed to save lives BOSS ORV has been appointed as the sole UK and Ireland distributor for all Air-Rops products. Air-Rops offer a range of rollover solutions for the outdoor power equipment industry. ROPs on ATVs has always been a contentious issue but BOSS believes that in certain applications, and after a thorough risk assessment, they do offer additional protection for the operator. Air-Rops have the advantage over traditional ROPs of not raising the centre of gravity of the machine as it sits lower than the operator when not deployed. The first Air-Rops product BOSS ORV has introduced is the AR Quad safety bar, for ATVs and agricultural machinery. The AR Quad uses Air-Rops technology in a fully automatic Roll Over Protection System. They base the technology on state-of-the-art automotive components, including safety electronics and proven and reliable airbag gas inflators. The AR Quad electronic control unit continuously monitors the behaviour of the quad and warns the rider with acoustic and visual signals when the vehicle is about to
reach a state where stability is compromised. The system automatically evaluates the rollover condition until a tilting state is reached and, only when the tilt takes place, activates the rollover bar. The electronic control unit operates the inflator, and the gas is fully released, extending the bar and the mechanism locks. The system only operates when the rider enters and cannot avoid the full tilt. The final position after deployment of the ROPS is limited to a maximum 90°, preventing full rollover which not only helps minimise personal injury it also reduces damage to the quad. The universal AR Quad design fits most ATVs with independent suspension using bolts on the luggage carrier and towbar. Installation is easy as the system comes fully assembled and only requires the ATV dealer to perform simple electrical and mechanical actions. It requires no scheduled maintenance and is reusable after a rollover. It just needs inspection and approval by an ATV technician, and the gas generator can be replaced to return the bar to its original condition.
Because it sits low behind the rider and is compact, you don’t notice the AR Quad when you are driving, only when it is needed. The system is SGS Certified and CE marked, adhering to the strictest environmental and regulatory standards. Anyone using a quad should seriously consider having an AR Quad fitted, it could one day save your life. Air-Rops will only be available through specialist approved dealers and regional distributors and unlike other ROPs will not be available online. This is to ensure that every unit is correctly installed and able to be monitored by the supplying dealer. n www.bossorv.co.uk
Plenty of versatility with fully electric ET Lander F
ollowing the celebration of Etesia successfully operating in the UK for 30 years, the company continues to grow with an expanding batterypowered range of products. 2021 has seen the launch of the ET Lander – its fully electric utility vehicle built specifically for use on roads and all types of paths in both the town and countryside. Always attentive to professionals – particularly local authorities and contractors, Etesia has developed a unique vehicle to meet the future needs of their customers. Designed and manufactured at the Etesia factory in France, the 100% electric ET Lander brings together over 60 years of expertise in green space maintenance. Spacious, well-equipped and user-friendly, the ET Lander is built on a robust chassis and has an array of options including a three-way tipper bed with dual control from the fully-fitted two-seater cab or by remote control when outside the vehicle. With a length of just 3.72 meters, the ET Lander is very compact. Thanks to the power steering, the short turning radius of 4.40 meters and 360 ° visibility, it goes anywhere.
Fitted with lead acid batteries the autonomy of the vehicles lasts for a full working day – without noise pollution. A Lithium battery option will also be available in the future. The ET Lander can transport loads of up to 940kgs and can also tow up to 750kgs. With its all-road tires and powerful transmission, it is a real all-terrain vehicle for use in a variety of conditions on slopes and difficult terrain. Another technical feature aimed at making the life easier for its users is the innovative integrated loading ramps. The loading ramps, which double-up as side-fitting panels to the tipper, easily allow the transport of materials, ride-on mowers and other grounds maintenance equipment from site-to-site. The ET Lander also allows the charging of portable battery-powered tools and the use of wired 230v electrical devices such as hedge trimmers. “I’m pleased to report that Etesia has seen significant growth in the last 12 months. Battery products are generally becoming more dominate throughout our product portfolio and nothing shows that more than the recent launch of the ET Lander utility vehicle,” said Etesia
UK Managing Director Les Malin. The launch of the ET Lander is the perfect way to celebrate Etesia UK’s 30th anniversary and there will certainly be more innovations to look forward to according to Les. “This innovative product has been in development way before our 25th celebration year,” he said. “Innovation does not happen overnight, and we will continue to develop products like this – which will help make our next 30 years look outlandishly green.” n www.etlander.co.uk TURF MATTERS | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 | 65
