Off-Road Utility

There's a lot to choose from in the off-road utility vehicle category: 3 or 4-wheelers; 2 and 4-wheel drive; electric, gas or diesel; light, medium or heavy duty. This feature looks at a few utility vehicles, but is in no way a complete or exhaustive look at this category.

Only four vehicles have been selected, one from each of the four manufacturers. They are all four wheel vehicles, but one is electric; one is gas driven; one has four-wheel drive; and one has a diesel engine. A brief explanation of the vehicles and some of their attributes and specifications are given. The fact is, each of these companies, and other manufacturers, have a complete line of utility vehicles to match your work needs.

That said, these are really nice vehicles, and so practical and useful that the head spins thinking of all the possible uses for these mighty mites.

The E-Z-GO MPT 1000E operates on eight 6 volt batteries that are good for nearly two hours of operation on a single charge.

E-Z-GO MPT 1000E

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The company makes a line of turf maintenance vehicles, what it calls the MPT?EUR??,,????'?????<

Among the MPT line is the 1000E, which has a 48 volt DC high efficiency shunt wound motor.

The vehicle operates on eight 6 volt deep cycle batteries (115 minute, 225 amp-hour), and comes with a fully automatic Lester charger. It attains a speed of 13.5 mph, has rack and pinion steering, and has a cargo capacity of 600 lbs.

Contact E-Z-GO at 800 241-5855 or via www.ezgo.com.

The Toro Workman 3200 has a 31 hp, 3-cylinder, 4-cycle, liquid-cooled, overhead camshaft Daihatsu gasoline engine. The vehicle is available with an optional remote tailgate that allows for precise placement of material loads.

Toro 3200

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For safety, these vehicles have a roll bar and integrated shoulder and hip restraints. Additional safety features include twin halogen headlights, safety interlock system, optional signal light package and a standard supervisor switch that limits the speed of the vehicle. Comfortable bucket seats are also a new feature on each Workman vehicle.

For more information, contact a Toro distributor at 800-803-8676, or visit Toro at www.toro.com

The new Expediter?EUR??,,????'?????????????? four-wheel model (EX21-F) is available in the standard series motor-based drive system or the high-performance ACEplus?EUR??,,????'?????????????? power system.

Columbia EX21-F

Columbia ParCar Corp. has announced its popular Expediter?EUR??,,????'?????????????? model (EX21-F) is now available in a four-wheel version with an efficient turning circle of 168 inches. The rear portion of the vehicle has been raised two inches, which ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The 4-wheel Expediter also features front wheel guards; integrated front bumper and chamfered corners; and optional automotive style steering wheel. The front body design assists in preventing mud and water from splashing on the operator or passenger. As with all Columbia Expediter models, the Expediter has a reverse warning alarm; console-mounted safety directional key switch; brake light and horn; deck height; ground clearance; rated capacity and speed characteristics identical to the three wheel version.

The four-wheel model is available in the standard series motor-based drive system or the high-performance ACEplus?EUR??,,????'?????????????? power system, which includes regenerative braking and pedal proportional speed control. A cab enclosure is also available on the three and four wheel versions of this narrow-aisle personnel carrier.

Columbia ParCar Corp. is a member of the Nordic Group of Companies (www.nordicgroup.com). (800) 222-4653.

The MULE 3010 Diesel powerplant is a liquid-cooled, 953cc three-cylinder diesel engine that produces high torque at low engine rpm.

MULE 3100D

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The MULE 3010 Diesel powerplant is a liquid-cooled, 953cc three-cylinder diesel engine that produces high torque at low engine rpm. The diesel engine is matched to the Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS) that features a 2 mm-thicker drive belt and revised cog shape for improved durability. When four-wheel drive operation is selected, a two-speed transfer case gives the operator the option of a lower gear ratio for extra pulling power.

The chassis is a ladder-type frame that rides on a De Dion rear leaf-spring suspension designed to carry heavy loads yet provide a smooth ride when the cargo bed is empty. MacPherson struts handle front suspension duties, while rack and pinion makes steering light and maneuverable over rough terrain. Four hydraulically operated, self-adjusting drum brakes that are sealed to protect from water, mud and other debris provide stopping power, and 23-inch tires provide a comfortable ride as well as maximum traction over a variety of surfaces.

The MULE 3010 Diesel carries up to 1,100 pounds in its steel cargo bed and can tow up to 1,200 pounds. Other standard features include a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, spin-on oil filter and a United States Forest Service-approved spark arrestor in its muffler.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A: (949) 770-0400; www.kawasaki.com.