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Whether it's tilling the lower forty, hauling hay, clearing brush, mowing the lawn, plowing snow or turning the compost into the backyard garden, today's ATVs and UTVs can do the job and dealers are answering the call with a variety of accessories only dreamed of in years gone by. ATV-Industry magazine's annual survey of what's new for the ATV and UTV turned workhorse on the farm, in the garden, around the lawn, or prowling the ranch provides a snapshot of how the pros believe you can translate their expertise into dealership profits.

The 44-inch Rough Cut mower from Cycle Country is new for 2007 and the company reports it is packed with features and benefits, including: it tracks behind tow vehicles and offsets to left or right; has a fully floating deck with four wheels; is made of heavy-duty 12-gauge steel; has a 44-inch cutting width and the cutting height adjusts between 2 and 6 inches and is available with a 10 hp Tecumseh engine. Brad Danbom, Vice President of sales and marketing, notes the trend in farm/ranch/lawn/garden products is from ATVs to UTVs. Sales of the products are about the same, Danbom reports, “but they are switching to UTV, rather than ATV accessories.” The tip for selling that Danbom offers is for dealers to display accessories mounted on ATVs and UTVs.

New from Kimpex are the Quadpak 2500 winch and Electric Winch Bumper, according to the company. The winch is said to have a pulling capacity of 2,500 lbs (1134 kg), a permanent magnet motor 12V DC 0.9 hp, a cable length of 50 feet (15m) with a 3/16-inch (5mm) diameter and comes with a roller fairlead included, plus a one-year warranty. Kimpex states its Electric Winch Bumper stops the hook before it reaches the roller fairlead, has smooth stopping action that prevents damage to the cable assembly, is easy to install, performs with no more rattles and is made of high impact-absorbing rubber. Regional Sales Director Gary Boulerice states, “More than ever, the equipment must be very efficient, maneuverable, quickly installed and attractive. The customers are very demanding. They know the market. They have lots of choices and when they want something, they want it now.” Regarding sales, he notes, “Our sales of farm/ranch/lawn/garden products are up compared to last year at this time because we have good quality products and we are very close to our customers needs, constantly.” When selling these products, he advises dealers, “It is important that they have a good relationship with their distributor, are aware about the trends, have good follow-up with the customer service, warranty, etc.” He also alerts dealers to the ability to place orders and check on them 24/7 at the firm's Web site.

The newest farm/ranch/ lawn/garden product from Kolpin Powersports is the DirtWorks Series. Kolpin spokesman Tom Lutes reports the new features include “a category '0' 3-Point Hitch System with an electric actuator providing adjustable lift and incredible downforce. Kolpin has a growing line of implements that easily mount in seconds to the 3-point hitch so you can trick your ATV or UTV into thinking it's a tractor. No other system provides you with the versatility and ease of the Kolpin DirtWorks Series and mounts which require only a 2-inch receiver mount and no tools.” For trends in the farm/ranch/lawn/garden market, the firm states, “The UTV market is significantly growing and replacing traditional garden, farm and utility tractors.” Further, Kolpin notes growth in the business: “Sales of UTVs and ATVs for farm/ranch use have increased every year for the past few, as well as sales of ATV/UTV accessories that complement the farm/ranch industry.” To better sell products, Tom Lutes advises, “Dealers need to be aware that many products are much more user-friendly and accessible to a wider range of consumers.”

Kunz Engineering (pictured in header) added a new pull-behind rough-cut mower model in late spring 2006: the AcrEase Model MR55B Rough Cut Mower, plus a new product to its line of tillage equipment in late spring 2006 called the Till-Ease Model 2148 Cultipacker (pictured on top of opposite page). Kunz lists the benefits of these products as follows: “The AcrEase Model MR55B Rough Cut Mower features a large 22 hp Briggs & Stratton electric-start engine and rugged 57-inch wide deck. This model provides the highest horsepower and widest cut in the pull-behind rough-cut market. Our heavy-duty blade spindles with 30 mm (1 3/16-inch) shafts are strong enough to handle 2-inch-diameter saplings. Our heavy-duty deck is built of heavy 10 gauge steel and is reinforced in the blade spindle area with two .25-inch steel plates for added support. The AcrEase also features a two-blade design that helps to reduce discharge bunching and provides mulching action. The cutting height of the AcrEase is easily adjustable from 2 to 8 inches and the deck is carried on four tires for added support. Our four-tire design also places the tires within the width of the deck to allow for trimming close to objects.” As for the Till-Ease Model 2148 Cultipacker: “It is a great tool for generating the proper seed-to-soil contact when planting wildlife food plots or new lawns. That translates to faster, more dependable seed germination. The model 2148 is 48 inches wide and features a flip-over design for easy transport, with tires positioned on the top for when the tool is flipped over. The model 2148 also features 21 individual agricultural-quality packer wheels made of cast iron, a solid steel packer wheel shaft and grease-able agricultural-quality bearings. If added weight is desired the frame acts as a weight rack as well.” Every year something new comes out for ATVs, the firm notes, saying ATVs get outfitted with larger engines, become more tractor-like and expand the possibilities for attachments. “We have seen an increase in customers that are actually replacing small tractors with ATVs and ATV attachments,” notes Matt Kunz, Vice President for engineering, adding, “Many consumers are starting to realize that some of the ATV attachments are serious equipment and can be used in many areas that tractors can not.” He reports sales are “looking very good for this year.” As for bettering sales of farm/ranch/lawn/garden products, Kunz advises: “This is a growing market that should not be overlooked. If you are not offering ATV attachments you may be missing out on a number of opportunities. The bottom line is that ATV attachments are being recognized as useful tools and that in turn can help increase your overall sales.”

The Beaver Pro Modular Deck is new from L.B. Manufacturing, Inc./ Beaver Pro. According to Marketing Manager Luc Babineau, “The Rhino vehicle can be fully utilized as a work vehicle with the modular deck. Several options including lockable toolboxes, utility racks and dump boxes can be added to the deck to meet the needs of the hunter hauling his canoe, the field worker or the electrician that needs to make a remote area repair. The deck installs in minutes with no modifications to your Rhino vehicle. Custom fabricated options are also available.” Babineau sees new uses for offroad vehicles as a rising trend: “Many of our customers are using the Rhino vehicle for work and play. This deck will allow the customer to put hay bails, a generator, tools or any other custom application they should need on the deck. When the work is completed they can go play.” Because the product is new, he has no sales record to call upon, but he is optimistic, noting, “This is a new product launching at Dealer Expo at Indianapolis. We anticipate a positive market response.” As for selling tips, Babineau offers the following regarding farm/ranch/lawn/garden products: “A versatile product goes a long way in selling accessories.”

The Super X ST and SR Trailers are new from Otter Outdoors, according to the company, boasting 1500-pound load capacity, high speed tapered roller bearings, a tough durable polyethylene body, latch for dumping, side pivot capability, wide flotation tires and black powder-coated tongue and axle. Otter Outdoors Vice President Kevin Ziebarth, states simply, “There is a need for high quality durable products. Sales are up due to the high quality and ruggedness of the trailer.” With regard to better selling of farm/ranch/lawn/garden products, he states, “Farmers and ranchers need a trailer that has a high load capacity and can withstand abuse and extreme conditions day in and day out.”

Pac Power Products has introduced an affordable hydraulic powered plow blade angling kit for Cycle Country plow blades used on ATV vehicles, the company informs us. The angling kit allows the ATV rider to position the plow blade - swing left or right - from the ATV seat using a handlebar-mounted rocker switch so the rider no longer will have to get off and on the vehicle, unlocking and physically changing the plow angle, Pac Power states. Because the operator does not have to leave his/her seat, this saves time, eases operation whether moving dirt, gravel, or removing snow and the task becomes safer, Pac Power asserts. Product Marketing Manager Michael Walsh cites the ability to do many jobs as a trend in farm/ranch/lawn/garden products, stating, “Multi-tasking of equipment with add-on accessories - from 2-cycle trimmers that can be modified to edge, vac and till - to an ATV that can transport people and materials, seed, till and move materials with a plow blade, now from the seat of your pants.” Regarding past performance, Walsh observes, “This product, just launched in the fall of 2006, is Pac Power's first entry into this market. We do not have enough experience in this market to add any significant information.” For the same reason, he defers on any selling tips.

Polar Trailer has introduced the HD 1500 Tandem Axle utility trailer, the company states, noting, “The new model combines the rugged hauling strength (an impressive 1,500-pounds and 22-cubic-foot load capacity) with Polar's Tandem Walking Arm for unmatched towing stability. Heavy-duty welded steel brackets straddle each end of the axle to distribute weight evenly over all four wheels for incredible towing smoothness, even on top-capacity loads.” Marketing Vice President Noel Vick says of trends in farm/ranch/lawn/garden products: “Other than the augmentation of the overall market, I'd say specifically, as it relates to Polar Trailer, we're watching increased usage of ATVs and subsequent demand for related accessories, utility trailers included. Moreover, consumers are looking for quality and feature-oriented products, not just the inexpensive, entry-level versions that currently flood the marketplace.” Vick also tells us, “Polar Trailer continues to experience growth, trending with expansion in the marketplace, as well as significant improvements in our distribution.” And Vick advises stores “not to focus on the low-end. Our current dealers and retailers are pleasantly surprised by the volume of sales in upper-echelon products. Name brands are powerful, as are function, quality and fair-market pricing. And these are hallmarks of Polar Trailer.”

The new QuadBoss tow-behind mower, distributed by Tucker Rocky, is actually an upgrade of an existing model. Among the new features, Quadboss has added one horsepower to both the 44-inch rough cut and the 60-inch finish cut, which now have 12.5 hp and 18.5 hp respectfully. The firm notes its representatives report more dealers stocking and displaying accessories for lawn and farm use and that sales in both categories are up. To better sell farm/ranch/lawn/garden products, Tucker Rocky's Glen Urquhart, director of its ATV segment, advises displaying the accessories mounted on ATVs in the store, as well as out in front so drive-by customers can see what you have in stock. He also encourages consumer demo days on these items, saying they work very well.

New from Team Joyner USA is the Joyner 650cc Commando, which the company says is packed with performance: 4x4, hydraulic-assisted dump bed, CD/MP3 stereo and winch. “The powersports industry seems to moving toward fulfilling a utility need in the farming/garden industry with more robust and durable 4x4 side-by-sides,” asserts Team Joyner, which notes sales are up, “since there is no real small vehicle industry to speak of in the utility category.” For those with an eye to increased sales, the company advises, “From our perspective, a dealer or retailer should really understand the versatility of our product and how adaptable it is to so many different facets of the farm and ranch arena, as well as lawn and garden.”

York Modern is showcasing its Model TA2 rake, stating it is available in a 5-foot or 6-foot version. Available with optional fold down grader blade, York claims the TA2 can be towed by virtually any ATV or UTV and a ball hitch is optional. The TA2 is reportedly an effective and efficient way to maintain riding trails, driveways, hiking trails, etc. The company cites add-ons as the big trend, stating, “There are more implements available for ATV and UTV owners, making what was a recreational vehicle now something that can be utilitarian as well.” President Mark G. Roberts reports sales are, “Up! More ATVs and UTVs are in use.” To keep those sales up, Roberts obliges, “They need to recognize that having implements to sell can sell ATVs and UTVs. Why would someone buy their ATV or UTV in one place and their implements in another?”

The various products discussed here have as their common thread the need to sell ATV and UTV owners on the real and vital idea there so much more to their units than recreation. Perhaps they never thought of their ATV as their ride mower. Maybe they hook up a cumbersome plow to the F-250 just to keep the driveway clear and then are saddled with the plow for the rest of the winter. Maybe... Well, maybe all they need to do is look at this farm, ranch, lawn and garden report work in a way that makes their work smooth and enjoyable and keeps your cash register jingling. There's nothing wrong with a mutually beneficial relationship.

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