By Jon Crowley, www.UTVGuide.net
The multi-passenger or crew UTV segment has really taken off in the last few years right along with the rest of the UTV market. In this utility based arena, people have really found that a UTV that can carry four to six people and have a bed is a much more effective vehicle than a pickup truck.
2011 Polaris RANGER CREW 500
Commercial job sites, farms, ranches, hunting and the military are all big users of UTVs and the second row of seating found in these vehicles makes perfect sense when it comes to moving people and cargo off-road.
Engine options have expanded in the last year as well. Polaris entered the value-priced, multi-passenger vehicle segment with the new RANGER CREW 500. The RANGER 500 EFI engine provides 32 horsepower giving the unit a top speed of 44 mph and the mid-sized chassis has seating for four. This value priced crew is certain to appeal to users that don’t need as much horsepower and carrying capacity as the Ranger Crew 800.
Bobcat 3400 XL is available with a 24.8 HP Diesel engine
The big move for utility side by side vehicles is the addition of diesel engines to manufacturer’s offerings. Diesel fuel is used by so many in the farm, ranch and construction, that normal gas engines add a layer of complexity. When you have diesel fueling on-site for big equipment, it just makes sense to want a diesel UTV as well. In addition, these diesel engines have gobs of torque which make them well suited for hauling lots of people and cargo. Diesel fired multi-passenger side x sides are now available from Bobcat, Club Car, Husqvarna, Kawasaki and Kubota.
2011 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans 4x4
Two of this year’s multi-passenger side x sides feature a bed that converts from small to large and two rows of seats down to one row.
The Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans 4×4 and Kubota RTV 1140 CPX 4×4 both feature transformable beds that quickly convert from one-to-two-row seating, allowing the operator to choose between additional passenger capacity or additional cargo space, depending on the task at hand.
Bennche Bighorn 700X Crew
With all of the bells and whistles of the Bighorn line up, The EFI Bighorn 700x, offers even more options, as you can safely seat up to 4 people to explore your territory. The EFI Bighorn 500 features include; four wheel independent suspension, dual vented hydraulic disc brakes, push button 2WD to 4WD, front differential lock for challenging off road conditions , 3500 lb winch, aluminum wheels, cup holder, cargo dump bed and a large easy to read digital dash Ensure your safety, this Bighorn 700 comes with many extra features including; top, windshield, center console, headlights, taillights, rear view mirrors, blinkers, and a horn. Those features make Bighorn 700X Crew a street legal ready UTV. The Bighorn 700X Crew comes with a 1-year limited fail-safe warranty.
Bobcat 3400XL 4x4 Utility Vehicle (UTV)
The Bobcat 3400XL is best for flexible transportation options. With an extra row of seating, the 3400XL can carry from two to five passengers (or 6 occupants), depending on your seat configuration.
The 3400XL shares the 4×4 capabilities of the Bobcat 3400 and 3450. True four-wheel drive sends torque to every wheel when you start to slip. If the rear wheels start to lose traction, the front wheels engage to power you through the difficult terrain.
With the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, 32-hp gas engine or 24.8-hp diesel engine, and top traveling speed of 30 mph, you achieve top performance. Critical machine components are protected by a CVT cover, skid plate, suspension guard and bash plate. Enjoy quiet operation, seating options, and 3-point shoulder harnesses.
Club Car XRT 1550 SE 4x4
From the desert to rough, mountainous terrain, the XRT1550 SE remains the ultimate 4-passenger 4×4. And there’s no need to reconfigure or compromise the vehicle to fit passengers, with 2 forward-facing rows of seats that offer unbelievable comfort, regardless of the environment.
XRT1550 Series 4x4s feature the exclusive IntelliTrak™ All-Wheel Drive system – no gears to shift or buttons to push.
The XRT 1550 SE is available with a Kawasaki 4 cycle OHV, 675 cc, twin-cylinder gas or Kubota 719 cc, 3-cylinder diesel engine.
Husqvarna HUV4421G XL (Gas)
For over 300 years, Husqvarna has been producing some of the best outdoor power equipment for the world. Loggers, farmers, landscapers, hunters, and large property owners can enjoy the same heritage with one of the best utility vehicles on the market. Tackle any job, go practically anywhere, on the “easiest to drive” utility vehicle available. Husqvarna’s all-wheel drive HUV has the traction, power and payload to take you well beyond your expectations. When getting the entire crew to the jobsite, nothing does it better than the extended length utility vehicle.
Kawasaki Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4
The ultimate in people-moving and cargo-hauling flexibility, the Mule™ 4010 Trans4x4® transforms from a short-bed four-passenger vehicle to a long-bed two-passenger cargo hauler with just a few easy steps.
Two-passenger mode is as easy as folding the rear seat down and extending the cargo bed into the cab. Have extra passengers? The Trans4x4 can be turned back into a four-passenger carrier by reversing those same easy steps.
Its selectable four-wheel drive, electric power steering system and fuel injected engine work in conjunction with a fully automatic transmission and locking rear differential to make the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 an outstanding choice for just about any utility vehicle need.
The Mule 4010 4×4’s liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin features digital fuel injection that provides smooth and consistent engine starting, crisp throttle response and more precise fuel metering, helping reduce fuel consumption. The Mule 4010 Trans4x4 is also available with a liquid-cooled, three-cylinder diesel engine produces incredible torque: 38.3 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm and exceptional fuel economy.
The dual-mode rear differential can be locked to maximize traction, or unlocked to improve handling and minimize ground disturbance when making tight turns. Mule 4010 Trans4x4 drivers can also engage four-wheel drive for extra traction in difficult conditions. Speed-sensitive electric power steering makes the rack-and-pinion steering system even easier to turn. Inputs from vehicle speed and torque sensors help the system determine how much assistance is needed from the system’s electric motor.
The cab, surrounded by a large-diameter steel tube frame structure, also features retractable rear seat belts and padded rear-passenger grab handle. A parking brake, dual sealed glove boxes plus retractable rear seat belts and a padded rear-passenger grab handle round out the cab features.
Maintenance chores are simplified with an air restrictor gauge in the cab that indicates when the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, and the fuse box and oil dipstick are conveniently located under the seat for quick access.
The front hood allows access to a deep storage space that’s equipped with convenient D-rings to help secure cargo. Additionally, two levers make opening and closing the tailgate a secure and easy process. Winch-ready tabs located under the front grille greatly simplify the winch mounting process.
Effective stopping power is provided by four hydraulically operated, self-adjusting, sealed drum brakes.
With the bed extended, the Trans4x4 has an 800-pound cargo capacity, or a 400-pound cargo capacity in four-passenger mode. In addition, the Mule 4010 Trans4x4 can tow up to 1,200 pounds with an optional draw bar.
Kubota RTV 1100 CPX 4x4
The innovative RTV1140CPX features a transformation system that quickly converts from one-to-two-row seating options, allowing the operator to choose between additional passenger capacity or best-in-class cargo space, depending on the task at hand. The innovative rail system is mounted on the OSHA-compliant roll-over protection structure (ROPS) to allow easy and seamless transitions when converting from the one- to-two row seating options. “The RTV1140CPX provides exceptional comfort and safety accommodating four adults, as well as unmatched cargo configurations, capacity and convenience,” says Dan Muramoto, product manager for Kubota. “The RTV1140CPX is much anticipated and has exceptionally broad appeal, from ranchers and farmers to property owners, facility managers and outdoorsmen; this new utility vehicle is a unique solution for a wide variety of applications.
Polaris Ranger 800 Crew
The Polaris RANGER 800 CREW Side-By-Side is built with unmatched traction, hard-working technology, and seating for up to six-people making it the ultimate multi-passenger side-by-side, perfect for farming, ranching, hunting, and construction work.
Key features are:
- 40 HP 760cc Twin Cylinder EFI Engine
- Enlarged Cab With Room For Six People
- Smooth Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
- 1,750 lb. (793.8 kg.) Payload Capacity
- 2,000 lb. (907.2 kg.) Towing Capacity
- Massive Under-Seat Storage (29 Gallon;106 ltr.)
Polaris Ranger 500 Crew
The New 2011 Polaris RANGER CREW 500 EFI is built with unmatched traction and seats up to four. It’s the leader of the mid-size, multi-passenger side-by-side class.
Key features are:
- 498cc EFI Engine
- Smooth Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
- 1,250 lb. (567 kg.) Payload Capacity
- 1,250 lb. (567 kg.) Towing Capacity
Polaris’ legendary Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) with 9″ of travel, coupled with outstanding driver and passenger ergonomics, provides superior comfort for four adults. Extra legroom and easy cab slide-through design make getting in and out quick and easy.
The Ranger 500 Crew has a 500 EFI engine with 32 hp to carry four people. EFI ensures fast, reliable starting in any temperature, plus automatic adjustments for altitude. It’s even powerful enough to tow up to 1,250 lbs. and haul 500 lbs. in the box.