Utility vehicles

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

Following 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

K9 has half ton load capacity

What’s on your UTV ‘wants’ list?

Side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs), with their full load bed, conventional seating for more than just the driver, and either cab frame or full cab, have become indispensable tools for many landscape, amenity and groundscare businesses. Selecting a machine to best suit an operation can, though, be a difficult task. Separating out the models with design features clearly built to withstand the rigours of such operations is a worthwhile exercise.

A diesel engine that offers both power and economy is a given on most lists of ‘wants’, providing the torque needed for serious work. With Kioti’s K9, the successor to the popular Mechron, a three-cylinder powerplant built in-house provides energy and efficiency in equal measure, along with the reliability for which South Korean engineering has become synonymous. The 1.0-litre powerplant produces 24hp, more than enough to shift the machine and any load with ease, while a 37-litre tank means long spells between refuelling.

Surefooted traction and a decent turn of speed come courtesy of a twin-range CVT transmission that provides smooth take-off and slow-down. There is also quickly-selectable 2/4wd and a locking rear diff, while ride comfort is taken care of by a helical spring/stabiliser arm suspension arrangement. The K9’s top speed is a rapid 40km/hr (25mph).

The 0.5-tonne load capacity means the K9 is capable of handling bags, bulk loads and other materials with ease. A urethane coating ensures long-term bed protection, while options include hydraulic tipping – mechanical tipping is standard. For additional items there’s an optional storage box under the hood.

With two full seats plus an optional smaller mid-seat, all with safety belts, and a standard full roll-over frame with roof, the K9 is a safe and competent people carrier. Options include a windscreen, half-doors and a full cab package with heating. Full road lighting, mirrors and bull-bar are standard.

Optional rear fitments include a galvanised canopy for secure covered transport. Hitch hooks front and rear make it possible to not only pull trailed implements, but also manoeuvre equipment around the yard. Options include an external hydraulic outlet, for even greater versatility – powering a tipping trailer, for example. Maximum towing load is 590kg, helping more than double the K9’s carrying capacity.

With a width of 1,590mm, the K9 can squeeze through tight gateways, while ground clearance of 304mm ensures it rides over rough terrain with ease, whilst the machine is also fully homologated for road use.

Kioti UK, which has an 80-branch dealer network, now provides a two-year warranty for the K9, with unlimited hours.

Yamaha updates range

The Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV has been updated with diff lock as standard on all electric power steering (EPS) models and includes a safer, utility focussed rear braking system throughout the range.

“This machine is nimble, easy to handle and now offers greater off-road traction, stability and safety,” explained Yamaha ATV Manager, William Kay.

The addition of diff lock to the Kodiak will enable the operator to lock in power to all four wheels for better off road traction.

“This is especially advantageous in wet and muddy conditions. The locking differential forces all wheels to spin at the same speed, regardless of traction, helping the ATV to maintain drive momentum,” said William.

All Kodiak models are specified with Ultramatic® transmission which maintains tension on the drive belt to provide a consistent throttle response.

“The constantly variable transmission (CVT) provides the correct gear ratio as the ATV speeds up and also acts to provide engine breaking when the ATV is going downhill,” he said.

The rider is also able to automatically switch between 2WD, 4WD and diff lock settings with the push of a button.

Yamaha also offers the more powerful Kodiak 700 EPS and the range topping Grizzly 700. All Grizzly models are fitted with Warn VRX 25 winches as standard. The 15-metre winch has a 1,134-kilo pulling capacity and a rocker switch mounted to the handlebar. “Our multidisc wet rear brake is designed for challenging work. The sealed, oil cooled brake cannot be inhibited by dirt and debris that can get stuck in conventional disc brakes. This makes the ATV better suited to year-round use,” said William.

Yamaha ATVs’ unique compact design offers operators machines that are easier to manoeuvre in, and through, tight spaces.

Polaris Ranger – the gentle UTV

Fitted with 12-inch turf tyres as standard, the Polaris Ranger EV pairs the off-road capabilities of the world’s bestselling UTV, with the clean and gentle operation of an electric vehicle.

Being completely electric, the Ranger EV gives a clean ride with zero exhaust emissions. Propelled by a single 48-volt, high-efficiency AC-induction motor, it needs little maintenance due to its direct drive system with low-noise transmission. Charging from a standard domestic plug, the Ranger EV offers a usable and practical driving range in any environment.

Designed with a small 72-inch wheelbase and nimble handling, the Ranger EV is the perfect size for fitting through tight gates and can easily be stored in a garage or barn. It also features a useful cargo bed with a quick and easy tilt function via a one-click lever.

The EV boasts an impressive 1,000lb or 454kg payload capacity in addition to its 1,500lb or 680kg towing capacity, making it the most capable battery electric side-by-side in its class.

With 9-inches of suspension travel, paired with 10-inches of ground clearance for a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain, the Macpherson Strut front suspension offers a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain. When riding on rough ground, the Ranger EV has on-demand all-wheel drive, so all four wheels engage automatically when the vehicle needs more forward traction, reverting back to two-wheel drive when it doesn’t for ultimate range and power management.

The Ranger Diesel is made to perform to the highest standards for years to come. The three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine is the most powerful engine in its class, delivering 24.8 horsepower and 40.8 ft.lbs. of torque. Paired with both more consistent power and better torque distribution for a better ride, the engine offers a lower cost ownership due to over 200 hours between service intervals, and it also features a long-life filter and less oil consumption.

Boasting an aggressive style with its one-piece chassis, the Ranger Diesel is more robust than ever before. The wide chassis seats three people with plush seats, large internal storage capacity and more leg room to provide all day comfort.

Built for the job at hand, the Ranger Diesel has a 1134 KG towing capacity and a 720 KG payload capacity.

Featuring on-demand all-wheel drive the Ranger Diesel engages all four wheels automatically when the vehicle needs more traction and reverts back to two-wheel drive when it doesn’t. The Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control controls downhill braking for smooth, controlled descents on steep declines with or without a load.

It’s not just the Ranger EV that can be gentle on turf; the entire lineup of Polaris vehicles can all be fitted with turf-friendly tyres designed with a rounded profile and special tread pattern to limit footprint and minimise the impact on the ground below.