Exmark Adds Utility Vehicles to Product Lineup

The new 700S utility vehicle from Exmark.

The new 700S utility vehicle from Exmark.

Exmark, a manufacturer of commercial mowers and lawn care equipment, recently announced the addition of two gas-powered utility vehicles to their product line, the Exmark 500S and 700S. Both vehicles feature electronic fuel injection for their 4-stroke SOHC engines. Exmark is a Toro owned brand and the new utility vehicles appear to be the same new utility vehicles offered under the Toro brand. Additional vehicle features include:

  • Automatic CVT
  • Dynamic engine braking
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • 2WD/4WD selection
  • Tilting rear cargo box convertible to a flatbed
  • Cargo box capacity of 600 lb. for the 500S and 1,000 lb. for the 700S
  • Fully independent suspension with dual A-arms front and rear
  • 10 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of front and rear suspension travel
  • Standard brush guard an adjustable CAM-style shocks
  • Integrated front and rear two-inch receivers

The vehicles will be available March 2015.

Learn more:  Agprofessional.com

Comment:  SVR believes Arctic Cat is producing these utility vehicles for both Toro and Exmark. It’s an example of the different methods companies are using to expand their distribution channels in the UTV market. Arctic Cat can reach the work UTV segment by manufacturing for Toro and Exmark while those companies can concentrate on their strengths, developing lawn care equipment, but still have a presence in the growing UTV market. In addition these vehicles offer more recreational crossover appeal then the traditional work vehicles Toro has and continues to offer. By selling under the Exmark brand as well, Toro further expands their UTV distribution.

John Deere Offers Security Option for Gators in the UK

John Deere is now offering the CESAR security option for Gators in the UK. The CESAR system started in the construction and then the agricultural markets and is supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and the Construction Equipment Association (CEA).

The system works by giving each piece of equipment a unique and permanent identity using state of the art Datatag security marking technology. This cannot be removed by thieves, and is linked to a secure, 24/7 dedicated call centre. Since 2007, CESAR has reduced overall equipment theft in the UK by 46 per cent, increased the rate of recovery of stolen equipment by a factor of six, and also helped reduce insurance premiums.

The security system is being offered as a factory added option for Gator utility vehicles. Learn more:  Pitchcare.com

Comment:  Anecdotal evidence I’ve seen from tracking news stories appears to indicate that theft of utility vehicles has been on the rise. This is not surprising given their growing popularity. While this security system seems to be more targeted towards commercial users, it could be an appealing option for consumers, especially those with more expensive recreational vehicles or higher end work vehicles.

Ashok Leyland Plans for Electric Version of Dost Mini-truck

The current ICE powered Dost from Ashok Leyland may get an electric brethren.

The current ICE powered Dost from Ashok Leyland may get an electric brethren.

India-based Ashok Leyland is working on an electric version of their Dost light commercial vehicle. A prototype was recently revealed along with electric versions of a larger truck and a bus. The Dost will be undergoing testing by the company to validate the concept. There is no timetable for when the vehicle will be commercially available. Learn more:  Thehindu.com