Top 4 utility vehicles for forestry work on the market right now

ISUZU TRUCK

Isuzu Truck UK’s range starts at 3.5 tonnes and tops out at 13.5 tonnes. It has a broad spectrum of cabs, wheelbases and body specifications to suit every requirement, excellent parts availability, complete servicing solutions and finance options. All its vehicles comply with Euro 6 emissions, can tow up to 3.5 tonnes (subject to specifications) and come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and Isuzu Assist.

The Grafter, at 3.5-tonne (N35), is a robust and reliable vehicle. It can handle an impressive amount of mileage during the course of its working life, and new customers to Isuzu are often pleasantly surprised at how tough and durable the Grafter proves to be in comparison to other manufacturers’ vehicles. Operators see the three main benefits of the Grafters being their impressive payload capacity, how easy they are to manoeuvre and their ability to tow up to 3.5 tonnes.

The Grafter has received numerous awards, such as Trade Van Driver’s ‘Best Builder’s Truck’ eight years running, and the coveted title of ‘Light Truck of the Year’ at the Great British Fleet Awards 2020.

N35 Grafter range:

• Two engine variants: 120PS (1.9-litre) or 150PS (3.0-litre).
• Available with single and twin rear wheel configurations.
• Manual, semi-automatic or automatic gearbox options.

In terms of specific models that suit arboricultural and forestry firms, the 3.5-tonne Grafter dropsider and tipper are the most popular. The 3.5-tonne Utilitruck is also well suited, as it features a tipper body with a lockable tool pod for storing equipment.

If you have an operator’s licence and are looking for a truck with the same compact cab options as the 3.5-tonne trucks, but more payload capacity, a 5.5-tonne or 6.5-tonne truck could be just the job for you.

At 7.5-tonne (N75), Isuzu’s trucks have long been admired for their impressive payload carrying capacity. Their physical footprint is smaller than the European manufacturers’ 7.5-tonne vehicles, and their compact dimensions are suited to both urban and rural operations.

The N75 range:

• Two engine variants: 150PS (3.0-litre) or 190PS (5.2-litre).
• Suitable for all body configurations.
• Manual or semi-automatic gearboxes.
• Day and crew cab option.

With their compact dimensions, the range’s 150 hp engine is suited to urban and rural operations, while the 190 hp engine is suited for longer distances.

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As well as supplying chassis cab vehicles, which are suitable for bespoke body conversion, Isuzu Truck also sells a range of pre-bodied trucks in its Driveaway range. The Driveaway range of tippers, dropsides and utilitrucks is very popular at 3.5 tonnes GVW. Box, curtainside, tipper and dropside variants are available at 7.5 tonne GVW.

Richard Waterworth, head of sales at Isuzu Truck, commented: “Payload, efficiency and reliability are a must for operators and Isuzu provides this in abundance, with Japanese engineering being at the forefront of our product range.”

For more information, please visit www.isuzutruck.co.uk or call 01707 282944.

KAWASAKI

2021 MULE RANGE

THE 2021 collection comprises of four Mule vehicles, the Mule PRO-DXT, Mule PRO-DX, Mule PRO-MX and Mule SX. The entire range is designed for use by outdoor professionals, such as arborists and tree surgeons, and forest or conservation workers, providing them with the ability to easily transport equipment over various terrains.

The Mule SX 4x4 rides on 24-inch tyres and offers selectable 2WD and 4WD with Hi–Low dual-range transfer case and rear differential lock. The 16-litre fuel tank extends the operational range of the SX with its 401 cc four-stroke, OHV, air-cooled engine, delivering power reliably and economically, with a restricted top speed of 25 mph. The tubular-steel chassis provides the best balance of rigidity, strength and ride comfort for off-road pursuits. Drawing on the design of the PRO Series console, the dashboard puts all controls within easy reach and sight of the operator, adding ease to everyday use. The easy-to-load tilting cargo bed can carry up to 181 kg of tools and materials, and an extra 500 kg can be towed behind by fitting a tow ball to the ever-eager Mule.

The Mule PRO-MX offers the ideal balance between compact and full-size UTVs. With conveniently small dimensions (2,795 mm long x 1,525 mm wide, with a 2,005 mm wheelbase), the carrying and towing capacity does not suffer at 317 kg and 680 kg respectively. Beefy 25-inch tyres on 12-inch rims provide incredible off-road traction and help to ensure ample ground clearance to protect the Mule PRO-MX. This single-cylinder 700 cc petrol-powered Mule is perfectly positioned between the Mule SX and Mule PRO-DX, giving customers even greater choice to find the perfect vehicle for their needs.

Working in tough environments demands durable, reliable machinery that continues to deliver in all conditions. Dirt, terrain and weather won’t stop the ultra-rugged Mule PRO-DX and PRO-DXT, with all essential systems designed to resist water, dust and debris. The three-cylinder diesel engine guarantees the torque needed to carry loads and crew reliably, hour after working hour.

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High-torque diesel power moves cargo and crew quickly, with the safety assurance of the Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS). The class-leading 453 kg capacity of the long and low tipping cargo bed and 907 kg towing potential make light work of the heaviest tasks. And the innovative Mule PRO-DXT quickly changes from four to two seats in a few swift moves that a single operator can manage in less than one minute.

The full range is available now. Visit www.kawasaki.co.uk to locate your local Kawasaki utility dealer.

BOSS ORV

CORVUS TERRAIN RANGE

CORVUS, Europe’s first manufacturer of 4x4 side-by-side vehicles, has the strongest pedigree and states an aim to offer technologically superior and highly capable, pioneering UTVs. British company Boss ORV has been formed to introduce, distribute and support the Corvus brand in the UK.

Boss officially launched three models in 2019: Terrain DX4 EPS, Terrain DX4 PRO EPS and Terrain DX4 CAB EPS.

The main Corvus construction facility is in Murcia, Spain with an area of 25,000 m² dedicated to manufacturing and assembling, using its own parts and components: gearbox, transmission, chassis and technology systems. The Terrain is powered by a normally aspirated, in-line three-cylinder 993 cc Yanmar diesel engine, which gives excellent fuel efficiency and range. The engine is Euro 6-compliant, which puts it right at the forefront of the market, leading the Corvus programme of designing systems for reducing emission levels. All the above-mentioned Terrain models are homologated to T1b tractor regulation and have a top speed of 40 mph.

Corvus is building the Terrain for work primarily in forestry, agriculture, livestock, turf care and construction, but they are highly adaptable vehicles, ready for any demanding off-road workout.

“When you first look at the Terrain, you can see immediately it’s a well-designed and tough, professional UTV,” said Phil Everett, Boss ORV’s managing director. “Look deeper and it stands out for environmental and technological advancement, a powerhouse engine and a great payload capacity. We’re proud to be able to offer the Corvus range in the UK and we have built a small, specialised dealer network throughout the UK to offer customers the highest level of service and support.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range, you can call 01597 810188, email sales@bossorv.co.uk, or visit www.bossorv.co.uk.

CASE STUDY: CAN-AM OUTLANDER 6X6

FORESTRY fencing contractor ScotFast’s business stretches across the UK, but there is one constant on all its sites – its fleet of Can-Am Outlander 6x6 vehicles. These rugged ATVs are built by Can-Am to stand out from the crowd. With six wheels, the vehicle looks very different from the traditional quad bike and makes even the roughest terrain feel like a smooth tarmac road.

Company director Scott Robinson said: “We know each job we undertake will have its own obstacles, whether that be manmade or natural, but we ensure our teams have the right equipment on hand. In the beginning, we started out using the old-school quads and then, where appropriate, we brought in an Argo when required. These vehicles did the job but it was not until one of our quads went in for a service that our eyes were opened to a vehicle that would enhance how we transported goods and generally moved about on site. The ATV that did this was the Can-Am Outlander 6x6, which was loaned to us by Rattray ATV. Prior to using it, we had heard through the fencing forums that the 6x6 was an ATV that meant business – and they were not wrong.”

Contracts manager Jeff Mitchell explained: “We purchased three 6x6 ATVs, which are fitted with winches, and two out of three have dual wheels in the centre. Since the purchase, these vehicles have become our daily drivers on site and we have noticed some subtle efficiencies, but the most obvious is the movement of tools. In the past, tools would have been stored in the ATV’s basket and it’s much the same for fencing. However, travelling across peat or mounded ground would cause the front wheels to drop down into voids and the rider would have to either rev and pop the wheels out and the back wheels would then fall in, rev and pop the back wheels out, or pick up tools, fencing or other items and place them back in the basket.”

He added: “These three steps used to be a regular occurrence but now the 6x6 has completely changed this situation because when travelling at low to medium speeds, the extra axle ensures our drivers don’t drop into the voids, but flow over them like they are not even there.”

In addition, Scott and Jeff also noticed that the 650 cc Rotax engine provides the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 with the ability to climb steep slopes with ease. Its lightweight design means that the fitted winches can de-bog the 6x6 from any predicament a fencer can create, and the powerful engine and the seamless gearbox make towing trailers with heavy loads light work. In addition, the ATVs are low-maintenance machines, which leads to minimal downtime on site.

Scott concluded: “It is the perfect vehicle for our business, and we have recommended the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 to our subcontractors. But what we have also found is that telling anyone about this ATV or explaining the difference between this vehicle and other makes and models is hard to achieve, so we have taken the practical approach. This means we go to visit a site with the Can-Am on a trailer and let them experience how easy crossing bad ground can be with the right equipment. Once they have done this, they can also ask us questions about the ATV, which are the same ones we had at the beginning of our journey.”

Q&A WITH RICHARD GREGG, DISTRICT COMMERCIAL MANAGER FOR BRP

CAN YOU GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF THE CAN-AM OUTLANDER 6X6?

The Can-Am Outlander 6x6 has been designed from the ground up to provide utility users with a workhorse ATV that can handle any situation with ease, whether that be carrying heavy cargo or being able to handle the constantly changing terrain out in the field, in the forest or on the worksite.

WHAT MAKES THIS MODEL PARTICULARLY WELL SUITED TO THE FORESTRY SECTOR? WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT OFFER?

The Can-Am Outlander 6x6 is made for the forestry sector because the Double TTI rear suspension provides precision-engineered handling, comfort and control, while the Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) enables it to get up to the side of a tree or fence as well as ride faster and with more stability without a trailer on the back, reducing the swaying effect.

The user benefits from industry-leading towing (907 kg when using a trailer with brakes and 674 kg when using a trailer without brakes) and rack capacity (45 kg on the front and 318 kg on the rear).

WHEN DESIGNING THE CAN-AM OUTLANDER 6X6, WHAT WAS CONSIDERED TO MEET THE SECTOR’S REQUIREMENTS?

The main consideration was how can we make jobs easier for the user, and this was achieved in a very simple way. The Can-Am off-road design team visits numerous markets including the UK to interview users and get a first-hand look at how the ATVs are being used. This is done because as a brand, we want to find out what the user wants from a vehicle, including what their requirements are now and what they will be in the future. In addition, we also look at the tools they are using, so we can design accessories that are relevant, functional and can stand up to being used day in and day out.

IF A FORESTER OUT THERE HAS AN ATV BUT IT’S A FEW YEARS OLD, IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THEY’VE BOUGHT ONE, WHAT ADVANCES CAN THEY EXPECT?

Users can expect to have access to a selection of ATVs that make the toughest jobs and terrains look easy. They can also expect increased performance, which is provided by Rotax’s liquid-cooled V-twin engines, and an industry-leading towing and rack capacity that makes transporting everything from logs to heavy equipment easy.

WHAT VARIATIONS OR OPTIONAL EXTRAS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE OUTLANDER THAT COULD BE OF AN ADVANTAGE TO FORESTERS?

The innovative and rugged LinQ System enables users to install and remove accessories in seconds and transforms the ATV to suit the job at hand. The system is integrated to the accessories and offers secure, seamless integration with the vehicle. In addition, it is a tool-less system which lets you literally adapt to situations as fast as flipping a lever.

HAVE CUSTOMERS FOUND ANY SURPRISING USES FOR THE VEHICLES, OR HAVE THEY IMPROVED THEIR WORKING DAY IN WAYS THEY DIDN’T EXPECT?

ScotFast on the Isle of Skye – Teangue to Sleat general grazing stock fence: The marsh ground is 6 km in length and it started 2 km off the main road. Once the site was analysed, it was obvious that the terrain was pretty severe and the peat shelves were too deep. This meant that the materials could not be transported by land, so they were taken out to the site by helicopter. Once this choice was made, it was then a question of how to get the tools and manpower on site. After much discussion, it was decided that it would be most efficient to use the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 ATVs because they are designed to tackle this type of terrain, and the power and loading capacity ensured it would be possible to move everything and everyone there and back in one go each day.

IT IS A HEAVY, POWERFUL BIT OF KIT – WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE FOR WOULD-BE USERS?

The Can-Am off-road team recommends users complete training courses run by EASI, LANTRA and other accredited bodies.

can-am.brp.com.

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