increase font size
Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is part of the new extreme heavy duty category.
When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand why we need the designations truck and ute.
Using the same logic, comparing a typical side-by-side with the Polaris Ranger XD 1500 will allow you to understand why the US manufacturer came up with a whole new category - the Extreme Heavy Duty.
Launched in New Zealand in 2024, along with its XD 1500 NorthStar Edition sibling, the XD 1500 is equipped with a 3-cylinder ProStar, fuel-injected 1500cc engine pushing out 110hp and 142Nm of torque. This in turn is married to the SteelDrive transmission, that as the name suggests, uses a fully sealed and liquid cooled, 100% steel constructed drive belt.
Complementing that combination, the drive system offers On-Demand, True All-Wheel Drive, 2WD, Turf and Ultra-Turf drive modes, alongside Comfort, Standard, Sport and Tow/ Haul settings. In addition, drive mode specific functions include engine braking and hill assist, with the latter allowing the vehicle to hold its position and offer improved control when stopping or starting on slopes or hills.
Featuring 29-inch diameter tyres on 14-inch rims, the 1500HD has 38cm of ground clearance and 30.4cm of suspension travel, using a layout that uses dual “A” arms up front and dual arched “A” arms to the rear. A dry weight of 1,122kg spread over a 241cm wheelbase means the vehicle feels very sure-footed laterally, imparting a feeling of stability, while also delivering 680kg load and 1,588kg towing capacities.
In the cabin, increased legroom makes access easier, as does a new bottom mounting system for the door nets that help remove a trip hazard. Adjustable seating and a telescopic steering wheel allow users to get comfortable, while the additional bolstering to the side of the seats inspires confidence, while a flip-down centre seat gives driver and passenger the obligatory cup holders.
During a short test ride on a steep site under the shadows of the central Manawatu’s wind farms, east of Palmerston North, while it’s undoubtedly large, once on the move, it shows no signs of being unwieldy. Indeed, after a brief period, the XD inspired confidence in both its travelling and climbing abilities, crossing deep drains and climbing very steep slopes with ease, while always being in control.
Offering 110hp on tap, power was never an issue, even on the steepest, longest climbs, while throttle response at slow speeds was infinitely controllable and coupled with the silky-smooth power steering, made new acquaintances feel at home quickly. Certainly, more expensive than more “normal” side-by-sides, the XD 1500 certainly makes a lot of sense for those carrying heavy loads or working on terrain that is too much for standard machines. Given that they are less expensive than many utes in the marketplace, they certainly warrant a closer look.
www.polarisnewzealand.com
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
