Bobcat Company, a leader in compact equipment, is breaking new ground in the utility vehicle market with its new 3600 and 3650 hydrostatic drive utility vehicles. The 3650 model will take attachment capabilities to a new level as the industry’s first utility vehicle with the capacity to operate front-mounted PTO attachments.
Not only are the 3600 and 3650 hydrostatic drive utility vehicles designed to handle and haul more materials for grooming commercial buildings and grounds or maintaining personal properties, they are the first utility vehicles in the Bobcat lineup to offer cabs with heating and air conditioning. This will provide more comfort than a typical utility vehicle while transporting passengers and completing multiple work tasks, such as hauling, mowing, sweeping and snow removal.
Two Models Expand Utility Vehicle Lineup
The new 24.8-hp 3600 and 3650 utility vehicles extend the Bobcat line of utility vehicles, which includes the 3200, 3400 and 3400XL utility vehicle models as well as the Toolcat 5600 and 5610 utility work machines. The 3600 meets the need for Bobcat customers who want the benefits of a hydrostatic drive utility vehicle, while the 3650 will take attachment capabilities to a new level.
PTO technology is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to transfer engine horsepower to an attachment for optimum performance. This ability uniquely positions the 3650 to provide users with a highly versatile machine that fills the gap between standard Bobcat utility vehicles and the larger Toolcat utility work machines.
The new Bobcat utility vehicles provide more productivity and performance without compromising other important qualities such as durability, serviceability, comfort, ease of use and versatility.
Durability
More uptime and easy upkeep are important to both homeowners and commercial utility vehicle owners. One of the main drivers behind the 3600 and 3650 was the development of a hydrostatic drive system. The hydrostatic system in the new Bobcat UTVs provides durability and uses a single two-speed motor with fewer moving parts to achieve fast acceleration and maintain top travel speed.
Another key durability feature of the machines is a diesel engine that will automatically shut itself down if it experiences high engine coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, or high hydraulic oil temperature.
Durability is further enhanced with the composite cargo box that resists dents and won’t corrode. Standard features on the Bobcat utility vehicles such as the skid plate and CV boot help protect important components from damage when traveling over rough terrain, logs, rocks and other debris. Options such as a brush guard provide additional protection.
Productivity And Performance
The combination of independent front dual A-arm suspension with rear De Dion suspension tying the two rear wheels together improves the vehicle’s ride comfort and provides improved stability to haul and tow heavy loads. These features allow the 3600 and 3650 utility vehicles to achieve an industry-leading payload capacity for towing and hauling. Cargo box capacity alone is 1,250 lbs. At a top speed of 30 mph, that means hauling more with each load and taking fewer trips to get the job done.
Another characteristic of the hydrostatic system is dynamic braking, which occurs when the operator releases pressure on the travel pedal. As the operator lets up on the travel pedal, a valve in the drive motor closes—blocking the flow of oil—which in turn slows the machine down at a similar rate. This dynamic braking feature also makes the vehicle easier to control when under load. For greater stopping force, the vehicles’ four-wheel disc brakes can be applied.
The 3600 and 3650 UTVs’ hydrostatic transmission system combines smooth drivability and durable suspension. With an adjustable front and rear suspension, the operator can choose a setting that matches the load requirements to achieve optimum comfort and traction without sacrificing durability.
The ability to change directions without shifting has improved operator convenience and maneuverability in the 3600 and 3650 models. Operators can perform direction changes from forward to reverse in the new utility vehicles by using a travel control pedal rather than the typical F-N-R lever. This feature makes changing directions as easy as rocking a toe to go forward and a heel to reverse and is especially beneficial in tight areas around buildings and other structures.
On-the-fly shifting allows the operator to easily adjust to driving conditions, preventing the utility vehicle from getting stuck when terrain turns muddy. These features and others, such as easy-to-see instrumentation, a single-latch tailgate and easy-to-clean composite cargo box, make the Bobcat utility vehicles intuitive to use.
Comfort And Ease Of Use
Along with hauling materials and cargo, transporting passengers in comfort is an added benefit of even the hardest-working utility vehicles. Comfort features on the 3600 and 3650 include tilt steering, ample legroom and foot space and two-passenger bucket front seat standard on the 3650. A dealer-installed bench front seat capable of seating up to three occupants is also available on the 3600.
Customers who need to feed their livestock, clear snow or continue other projects into cold winter days or hot summer afternoons will find shelter from the elements with the optional cab equipped with heat and air conditioning. The cab’s unique modular design can provide customized protection for the operator and passengers. As an added benefit, the entire cab construction can be assembled or disassembled in pieces within 30 minutes.
There’s no need to be cut off from communication because of a dead cell phone battery when working on a jobsite. Two 12-volt accessory outlets allow the operator to conveniently charge a cell phone, iPod or other electrical device.
Versatility
The more tasks that one piece of equipment can handle, the more productive and profitable it can be for an owner. To meet jobsite needs for snow and ice removal, the 3600 has an optional integrated snow blade and a sprayer that can be mounted in the vehicle’s cargo box.
Customers who choose the 3650 utility vehicle will have the same compatibility but with twice as many tools. The 3650’s exclusive Multi-Attachment X-Change (M.A.X.) provides integration and versatility not found on ordinary UTVs. In addition to the sprayer, it also will have the capability of powering front-mounted PTO-driven attachments including a snow blower, mower and angle broom, as well as non-PTO attachments such as a snow blade, pallet fork and bucket. These six attachments, combined with a maximum lift height of 2 feet and rated lift capacity of 500 lbs., allow the 3650 to accomplish tasks from clearing sidewalks of snow and debris to moving dirt or palleted materials.
Another valuable feature for operators of the 3650 is its ability to operate the throttle independent of the travel control pedal. A first for the utility vehicle market, this capability allows the operator to set the engine speed with a throttle rather than having to use the accelerator pedal to increase engine rpm. Separating the two functions gives the operator the freedom to run powered attachments more efficiently with the rpm they require yet at low travel speeds. This feature will also be beneficial when the vehicle is under load and high torque is required but speed is not desired.
Bobcat 3600 Utility Vehicle
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Drive system: 4x4 and AWD
Horsepower: 24.8 hp diesel
Integrated attachment: Bobcat snow blade
Accessories: Sprayer
Multi-Attachment X-Change (M.A.X.)
Total vehicle operating capacity: 2,215 lbs.*
Vehicle towing capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Cargo box load capacity: 1,250 lbs.
Maximum travel speed: 30 mph
Operating weight: 1,955 lbs. without cab
*The total vehicle operating capacity is the combined weight of passengers, cargo box load and gross trailer weight.
Bobcat 3650 Utility Vehicle
Transmission: Hydrostatic, PTO engagement
Drive system: 4x4 and AWD
Horsepower: 24 hp diesel
Front-mounted attachments: Bobcat bucket, pallet fork and push broom, mower, angle broom, snow blower, snow blade
Front-mounted PTO attachments: Snow blower, mower and angle broom
Accessories: Sprayer
Multi-Attachment X-Change (M.A.X.)
Total vehicle operating capacity: 2,215 lbs.*
Lift height: 2 ft.
Lift capacity: 500 lbs.
Vehicle towing capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Cargo box load capacity: 1,250 lbs.
Maximum travel speed: 30 mph
Operating weight: 2,215 lb. (without cab)
*The total vehicle operating capacity is the combined weight of passengers, cargo box load and gross trailer weight.
Polaris Initiative Puts Focus On Commercial Audiences
Company’s first purpose-built commercial vehicle line Brutus leads its work vehicle portfolio
Polaris Industries announced an initiative to expand into the commercial vehicle market last March. As a result of this initiative, Polaris unveiled the Polaris Brutus, the company’s first purpose-built commercial vehicle line and the first side-by-side utility vehicle in the market to deliver front-end power take-off (PTO) capability.
With 2012 sales of $3.2 billion, Polaris applied the company’s utility vehicle expertise to create a diverse product portfolio of commercial-grade vehicles. The new Brutus models are specifically engineered for individuals and businesses that seek capable, durable task vehicles.
“The introduction of the Brutus product family is part of our commitment to offer the commercial customer innovative and relevant vehicles that best suit their needs,” David Longren, Polaris vice president of Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) and ORV engineering, said. “Through our 60 years of engineering experience, strategic alliances with other industry leaders and our incredible network of dealers, we are able to provide the commercial market with the most productive, reliable and versatile vehicles.”
The Brutus product line is an outcome of the strategic alliance formed between Polaris and Bobcat in 2009. The co-developed vehicles leverage the strengths of both companies with Polaris’ expertise in utility vehicles and the powersports market and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.
Manufactured at Polaris’ Spirit Lake, IA, facility, the Brutus models leverage technology found in the Polaris Ranger line and are comprised of three models: Brutus, Brutus HD and Brutus HDPTO. The line was built to be the most versatile, most capable and most
comfortable side-by-side utility vehicles ever created, enabling users to complete more tasks without spending more time and energy.
The Brutus models offer a 24-horsepower diesel engine with hydrostatic transmission, which delivers all the torque and power needed to get the job done. An innovative treadle pedal allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears, providing an ideal setup for commercial applications. Brutus vehicles provide a class-leading six inches of suspension travel, which, combined with On-Demand True all-wheel drive, allows for safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and cargo over virtually any terrain.
Brutus models are the first side-by-side utility vehicles to use a multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension to deliver superior ride quality for commercial work applications. The rear suspension supports a 1,250-pound cargo capacity and minimizes suspension sag when fully loaded. The suspension also maintains class-leading ground clearance when trailering with its best-in-class 2,000-pound towing capacity. A pallet-sized rear cargo box features Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride cargo system for easy installation and removal of worksite accessories.
The ability to operate several front-end attachments provides commercial customers with new levels of versatility and, ultimately, a cost-effective and more productive work solution. The Pro-Tach attachment system, standard on the Brutus HD and Brutus HDPTO, delivers work customers the capability to change from one attachment to the next quickly and easily. Creating levels of productivity never before seen in its class, a revolutionary front-end PTO system on the Brutus HDPTO draws power directly from the vehicle’s engine. The high efficiency mechanical PTO maximizes power to a line of purpose-built, out-front commercial attachments. Featured in the complete line of attachments are three PTO-powered attachments: angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower; and three hydraulically-powered attachments: snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket, that allow users to sweep, mow, blow, lift, plow and scoop with just one machine.
For optimal use of attachments regardless of weather, the Brutus HDPTO comes standard with a fully-enclosed, factory-installed cab with heat, defrost and air conditioning. Available Lock & Ride Pro-Fit cab components are pre-designed for the Brutus and Brutus HD frame and lock on tightly for a secure cab system. A full line of cab, storage and vehicle protection accessories are also available for the Brutus line to meet each commercial customer’s unique needs.
The Brutus, Brutus HD and Brutus HDPTO are now available to order through select Polaris dealers. For more information on BRUTUS and the complete Polaris commercial vehicle offerings, visit www.polaris.com/commercial.
Battery Tender Chargers Achieve CA Listing
Deltran Battery Tender has achieved the first listing in the California Energy Commission Appliance database for small battery chargers for automotive and powersport applications.
A new California law requires all non-commercial battery chargers manufactured after February and sold in California to conform to the new “Appliance Efficiency Program” in coordination with the California Energy Commission.
“Battery Tender has been supplying high-efficiency battery chargers for more than 10 years to the European market with the CE certification,” Mike Prelec Sr., Battery Tender CEO, said. “We have spent the better part of a year redesigning our units to meet the new stringent standards of both California and Europe. The units have also been re-qualified by Underwriters Labs and/or ETL.”
The California regulation is designed to reduce the strain on the power grid caused by inefficient consumer electronics.
For more information, visit www.batterytender.com.
Polaris Introducing Flat-proof “Airless” Tires
It’s happened to all of us.
Whether it’s in the first 100 yards or 30 miles out, none of us is safe from the possibility of a popped tire … until now.
According to a FoxNews.com report by John Brandon, Polaris plans to debut a consumer version of an “airless” non-pneumatic tire (NPT) by early next year.
Made from a proprietary plastic, the NPT replaces the conventional tire carcass with a flexible web.
“The tire works very similar to a bicycle wheel, where the load is carried in tension across the top of the wheel,” Polaris spokesperson Jason Difuccia told FoxNews. “The bottom of the wheel is designed to give in to obstacles like rocks, curbs and other terrain.”
That means no punctures in the wilderness and no need to carry a tire repair kit.
The NPT was originally developed by a small Wisconsin-based startup called Resilient Technologies, which was acquired by Polaris last year.
The tire rolls over sharp rocks, poking tree branches, and harmful tree stumps without a problem, according to the FoxNews.com report. The NPT has three main components: the web structure, an outer rubber tread band and a solid inner steel rim mounted to the axle. Polaris says the open design means dirt, tree branches and gravel will shift and fall out as you ride, rather than getting stuck inside.
Preventing flats isn’t the NPT’s only advantage over conventional rubber. Polaris told FoxNews.com the airless tire absorbs impacts without the typical jarring bounce of a pneumatic tire. That means a safer, more sure-footed ride even over tough, dangerous terrain and quicker response to steering inputs.
To ensure the NPT’s ability to withstand long-term abuse, it was put through military-grade testing. Engineers shot test tires with .50-caliber rounds and then subjected them to 5,000 hours of off-roading. On another outing that involved crossing train tracks, a rail spike punctured the tread band of an NPT, but the rider kept going on it for more than 1,000 miles.
Pricing has not been announced, but Difuccia says the NPTs are all about buying the confidence that they won’t leave you stranded, according to the report.
The NPT is also quieter than a typical tire, which emanates a loud noise when used on pavement, its air-filled cavity acting almost like an amplifying speaker. With the NPT, there is barely any sound.
Polaris has yet to issue a press release on the new airless tire but we'll stay on top of it and give you any updates as soon as we get them.
