Sunday, 31 July 2016 09:54

Gator has bite

Written by  Mark Daniel

Industry giant John Deere has added three new models to its well established Gator 4x4 utility crossover range.

The 590i and 590i-S4 four person vehicle provides performance and comfort, and the ability to be customised to suit individual taste or specific tasks.

A new 586cc 2-cylinder petrol engine has electronic injection and develops 32hp at 5600rpm; it will take the vehicle to around 72km/h. Also new is an 875W, 65A alternator which takes account of the need to power work lights, sprayers and winches without flattening the battery.

Both units have independent suspension at each corner, the base machine having 10.5 inches of ground clearance and the S4 version slightly less at 9.3 inches; cargo capacity is 181kg, overall payload 363kg and towing capacity 499kg.

Attention to detail includes isolation of the powertrain to reduce vibration, and extensive use of sound deadening materials around the engine and CVT unit to reduce noise.

Other upgrades are a 28L fuel tank, a back-lit instrument cluster giving readout of engine details, and warning indicators for seat belts, power steering function and maintenance reminders.

Joining the 590i models is a new mid-sized XUV 560, with the same load carrying and towing capacities, and the same ground clearance, but running a slightly different engine. Here a 570cc V-twin delivers 16hp and a top speed of around 50km/h.

A ROPS structure provides safety and easy access and exit, plus 3-point seat belts for operator security.

A sealed under-hood area provides a place for knick-knacks, and a one piece composite cargo bed offers in-built tie down points and a rear tailgate said to be operated singlehanded for access and oversize objects.

www.johndeere.com.au 

More like this

John Deere launches next-generation round balers

John Deere has released details of its next generation of fixed and variable chamber round balers, offering advanced automation for increased productivity, along with user-friendly features, including new endless belts that ensure reliable net feeding, particularly in sticky conditions, and an optional integral bale weighing system.

John Deere technician's record hat trick

Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.

John Deere acquires GUSS Automation

John Deere has announced the full acquisition of GUSS Automation, LLC, a globally recognised leader in supervised high-value crop autonomy, headquartered in Kingsburg, California.

Featured

Nichol is new PGW chair

A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.

Fieldays to rebuild Mystery Creek services building

The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Fonterra vote

OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.

Follow the police beat

OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter