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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.
While tractors combines and machinery for agriculture and construction is still its key business, John Deere appears to be taking opportunities in the hightech sector via acquisition, with the recent purchase of Sentera, a Minnesota-based company that specialises in equipment for capturing and interpreting aerial images.
John Deere have recently announced upgrades to its round baler offerings, with all models of this latest generation equipped with advanced ISOBUS capabilities, allowing them to be fully integrated into the John Deere Operations Center.
With agriculture in New Zealand coming out of the doldrums over the last few months and the recent announcement of a 20% tax write-off for capital purchases, it likely that farmers will be spending on tractors.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
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