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.
By day he uses the vehicle in a busy driver training business, helping corporate and individual clients to safely use this type of machine in a safe and organised way, then he throws on his gear for recreational riding after hours.
For the last four years, his SxS of choice has been a Polaris Ranger XP900, which he describes as “having a very good power range, amazing suspension, a fantastic drive system to meet all challenges and the ability to tackle any obstacles easily”.
Recently upgrading to the new 2017 Polaris Ranger XP 1000, he enjoys its 80hp Prostar engine with four wheel descent control and a three-mode throttle control system. It also has true all-wheel-drive, turf mode for tight turns without ground damage, electronic power steering and an industry leading suspension system.
Simpson says “the machine has to be the best of its type in the market”.
The introduction of the engine descent control (ADC) gives positive hold-back on steep gradients, and it works progressively rather than causing the sudden retardation found with some other brands, which can lead to wheel lock-up on slippery descents.
The transmission has both electrical and mechanical componentry; a one-way needle bearing on the driver clutch maintains PVT belt tension, and an electrically enabled coil provides loading to the front Hilliard cage and rollers, allowing load to be placed evenly on both hubs for a true four-wheel-descent control system.
The three-mode throttle control system allows the driver to select ‘performance’, ‘standard’ or ‘work’ throttle modes, tailoring power delivery to best suit terrain.
The Polaris Ranger XP1000 is available in NZ in the Hunter Edition with a camouflage finish, a useful winch and lock-and-ride twin gun holders on the rear deck.
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