Off-road vehicle specialist Polaris has just unveiled its 2015 Ranger Diesel 1000 HD EPS UTV featuring heavy-duty upgrades for the Australian market.
The company says its engineers spent countless hours with dealers and end users in Australia researching the usage of ATVs and side-by-sides in order to develop the right heavy duty specs for the new machine.
The Ranger Diesel is also the company’s 20th model available with Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS).
Upgrades specific to the local market include electronic power steering and engine braking with 4-Wheel Descent Control (4WDC) to manage undulating terrain. Payload capacity is 680kg.
This new model also offers a restyled cockpit, dual A-Arm front suspension, new flip-up seat storage, and a larger 37.6-litre fuel tank.
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The Ranger Diesel 1000 HD EPS is underpinned by the Polaris on-demand true All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system which operates “on the fly” without the need to stop the vehicle.
The system is complete with an unlocking rear diff function “turf mode” designed to enable tighter turns without tearing up grass.
With a 907kg towing capacity and a gas-assist rear dump box, the Ranger Diesel can carry up to 454kg and a full-sized pallet.
For demanding Australian conditions, the 2015 Ranger is fitted with an upgraded rear driveshaft, grease fittings, heavy duty sway bar, driveshaft seals, sealed a-arm bushes and sealed ball joints.
As standard, this EPS has room for three adults with seat belts and boasts 25.4cm of steering adjustment and 30.5cm of ground clearance.
Dual A-Arm suspension travel up front of 25.4cm and 25.4cm of Independent Rear Suspension travel keeps the ride smooth when towing and hauling up to a ton.
Other additions since the 2014 Ranger Diesel 900 HD model include a brand new 3 cylinder overhead cam liquid cooled, Kohler Diesel engine.
The 1028cc engine utilises indirect injection and delivers double the alternator output of the outgoing model, with 110 amps to power more accessories.
It has a compact, heavy-duty design with a cast iron crankcase for durability and an aluminium cylinder head for weight reduction and fast warm-up.
New intake openings on the pillars behind the driver and passenger allow for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems.
Full pressure lubrication provides superior protection and engine life.
The engine itself has been repositioned further back making for easier maintenance and a quieter ride.
A new automotive overhead camshaft design also helps by reducing mechanical drivetrain noise.
Other additions since 2014 include the Ranger’s highly modular ROPS cab frame system designed for the full range of Polaris Lock & Ride Pro-Fit accessories.
Options include robust canvas doors with a poly windshield, premium automotive glass tip-out windshields and power window moulded doors.
The chassis has also received a make-over. It features dedicated component attachment points to allow for extremely efficient cab installation or removal.
To further assist with accessory integration, the Ranger Diesel EPS is fitted standard with a built-in winch mount and buss bar under the hood for easy access and wire routing to aid installation.
The 2015 Ranger Diesel 1000 HD EPS is available in Australia now and retails for $19,995.