Rodeo Drive

Oct 1, 2007 10:16 AM, By Karen McMahon

On a sunny summer day, Team FIN farmers gathered to test-drive nine utility vehicles in our third UV Rodeo. Once again, the UV field improved and our test-drivers encountered several surprises

Low-speed handling
UVs are wider and heavier than most ATVs, but farmers still want them nimble enough to maneuver around livestock and into tight spots. Our drivers tested the UVs’ handling capabilities by weaving them through barrels, forward and backward.

“Steering was a big thing here,” reported Peter Bakken, Garretson, SD. “Some vehicles had power assist or power steering and some steered really hard. The true test of steering was doing the barrels. On some you could one-hand it around and the next you would need two hands.”

The John Deere XUV again took the top spot in this category, with the Polaris Ranger close behind. The Land Pride Treker earned the third spot and Arctic Cat the fourth.

Four-wheelin’
The four-wheelin’ test really brought out a difference of opinion among our test drivers. Some drivers wanted a work vehicle only and did not want a fast ride, which they suspected may be less safe with children and employees. Other drivers wanted a faster, sportier vehicle that could do hard work.

In this event, the drivers took the vehicles out on a gravel road and into a wooded area where they tested braking, handling and 4-wd performance. They also checked mud and water protection by driving through a stream.

The final tallies in this category show most of the vehicles scored within a half point of each other. The drivers repeatedly said most of the vehicles could handle a four-wheel course including a stream crossing and still keep the driver clean and comfortable.

The Polaris Ranger took the top spot, and the John Deere XUV was in second place. The Land Pride Treker was third, and the fourth spot went to the Kawasaki Mule.

Overall comfort
Finally, the drivers evaulated each vehicle’s comfort, styling and accessories. They were asked to check the ergonomics of the seat, foot pedals and steering wheel; the convenience of the controls; the styling; and how well accessories would work with the vehicle.

The results of this category show that farmers do care how a vehicle looks. The stylish Arctic Cat Prowler pulled the highest score with its sleek design and aluminum rims. Drivers also noted it had a comfortable seat and two electrical outlets. Second in this category was the John Deere XUV, third the Polaris Ranger and fourth the Land Pride Treker.

Driver Kent Lock measured step-in height to the driver’s seat and lifting height for the cargo box. The step-in height of all the vehicles ranged from 13 to 19 in. and lifting height ranged from 41 to 46 in. The Land Pride, PUG and Cub Cadet had the lowest step-in heights, which the drivers preferred. The John Deere XUV and Kawasaki Mule had the lowest heights on the cargo bed.

Next page: Individual Ratings - John Deere, Polaris, Land Pride