Muscle up
1 Oct, 2001 By: Landscape Management Staff Landscape ManagementManufacturers of utility vehicles keep making them stronger, more versatile and more efficient
Vehicles with more horsepower and greater payload capacity are what contractors are looking for, and manufacturers are responding by putting more muscle in their products. We asked several manufacturers what the driving force was in their design of these products, and here's what they had to say:
ASV, INC.,
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
218/327-3434
Brad Lemke, director of new product development
Utility vehicle: RC30 all -surface loader
Key trends: "We'd been building larger rubber-track vehicles for a number of years, then heardmore people talk about smaller machines. In response, we developed the RC30."
 ASV RC30 |
Best features: "Our rubber-track technology allows our machines to go anywhere."
On the horizon: "I think there will be multiple models of rubber-track machines to choose from, and more choices in size and horsepower."
JOHN DEERE,
TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.
800/537-8233
Collis R. Jones, product marketing manager, vehicle group
Utility vehicles: Gators
Key trends: "Landscape professionals need a versatile vehicle that will allow them to efficiently haul and tow needed supplies."
Best features: "John Deere Gators are popular because of the engine options and varying payload capacities."
Finance/purchasing decisions: "Most landscape professionals own their units, but for large jobs and immediate needs, Gators have become a popular item with rental companies.
THE TORO COMPANY,
BLOOMINGTON, MN
612/888-8801
Jody Hinkle, marketing communications manager
Utility vehicle: Toro Twister, Toro Workman 2100 and 1100 mid-duty vehicles
Key trends: "Utility vehicles are becoming more popular within the landscape marketplace. The new breed of vehicles have greater power, payload and traction abilities."
Best features: "Toro utility vehicles offer the highest horsepower and payload available, and the Toro Active In-Frame suspension and traction system allows for the vehicles to easily and comfortably get to a work site."
Finance/purchasing decisions: "Vehicles are typically owned. Landscape professionals will primarily shop their local dealers. Larger, national landscape companies are more likely to have a distributor relationship."
On the horizon: "More vehicles in this class will offer more power. which means more advancements in attachments."
OTHER MANUFACTURERS
Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA
949/770-0400
Broyhill
800/228-1003
Club Car
800/258-2227
Kent Mfg. of Venice, Inc.
800/330-5368
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc.
877/202-9650
MTD Products, Inc.
330/225-2600
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