Bigger but not numb
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.
A NEW quad from US manufacturer Polaris represents a “complete redesign” of the preceding model.
The 2015 Ranger 570 comes in ‘heavy duty’ specification, chief of which is an engine braking system with four-wheel descent control (4WDC) “to provide optimum control and traction when descending slopes”. The 4WDC system is already “tried and true” in New Zealand, the maker says; it is used on the Polaris UTE released early this year.
The new model has a heavy duty sway bar, upgraded rear driveshaft and grease fittings as standard – aiding durability and easier for maintenance.
Power comes from a 567cc, fuel-injected ProStar engine (44hp) driving through the maker’s on-demand AWD including ‘turf mode’.
Further upgrades for 2015 over the previous Ranger 570 model include standard electronic power steering (EPS), 10% more engine power, improved styling, increased lock-and-ride accessory storage, and greater suspension travel and cab comfort, including tilt steering as standard.
Macpherson strut front and independent rear suspension have 22.9cm and 25.4cm travel respectively, and 25.4cm ground clearance.
The new model has a seatbelt interlock that limits top speed to 24km/h when the seatbelt is not worn. And an optional ‘speed key’ separate from the starter key can be used to limit top speed to 40km/h.
Polaris says the new machine, reflecting its mantra ‘Hardest working, smoothest riding”, is a class leader in its 680kg towing capacity, 227kg rear dump box capacity and 34.1L fuel capacity.
Price is $17,995 incl. GST plus dealer charges where applicable.
www.polarisindustries.com.au
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
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.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…
OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…