22 minute read
PROTECTING YOUR POLARIS • Keep your Polaris at peak performance. 10
By Reed Boettcher & Tommy Goodman Protecting Your Polaris
Preventative Maintenance in Extreme Conditions
Polaris is one of the world’s leaders in extreme machine manufacturing, offering consumers all terrain vehicles such as the Polaris Sportsman 850 and the RZR XP 4 900. Extreme is even in their trademark names. The “XP” behind some of their models stands for extreme performance. So it goes without saying, even though I’m saying it now, their vehicles are made for extreme conditions. After all Polaris got its start in the arctic regions making snow machines. Even though Polaris machines are designed for harsh environments operator misuse can still cause damage . Our summer months are notoriously sweltering hot so depending on how long and where you’re going to ride you should consider extra maintenance before and after riding. One of our Polaris Technicians, Tommy Goodman, says, “Maintenance is key to these machines. They will last a long time even if you ride hard, but you have to keep them up. If something breaks it’s not going to get better. Small problems seem to turn into big problems.” There are several easy things you can do when riding this summer that could prevent issues. Washing and cleaning your machine after every ride is simple to do yet if not done could lead to complex problems. For example, if mud were left around a seal, it could possibly tear open, exposing a gearbox to water and other detrimental elements. Another practice you might do is to service your machine before its scheduled maintenance.
Every machine has its own maintenance schedule. It is important to know when to service your machine. Consider early service as way to prevent a forgotten service, especially if you ride for long periods of time in extreme conditions. “There are certain little things I like to do when caring for my bike. Of course these are not mentioned or recommended by our manufacturers. I put a little bit of grease around most seals to prevent any particles that might try to break through. I also use electric contact grease around the spark plug. Again these are just things I do,” Goodman says. Obvious things a rider should do during the summer months include checking the air filter often, and making sure radiator fins aren’t getting closed by anything. Fluids should be checked more often, making sure they are at the appropriate levels. One technique Goodman uses is shining a light behind the radiator to check the clarity and amount of fluid. Another important part to keep your eye on is the CV axle boots. Make sure they don’t get torn or ripped. Safety can not be overstated. Most importantly know your machine. Understand it’s mechanics and limits. Polaris ATV and SXS’s are built to push the limits, but with speeds reaching 80 mph the role bars can only do so much when multiple flips are involved. If you practice safe and preventative riding your Polaris will bring you years of fun in the 100 degree sun.
Above Top: High and dry temperatures cause dust, especially in sandy conditions. The RZRs was designed for this but maintenance goes along way. Photo Courtesy of: Polaris Industries Above Bottom: Tommy Goodman, Great Plains Polaris Tech. covers several check points. Photo By: Reed Boettcher
XTREME PERFORMANCE ON THE HUNT
FEATURES:
• Powerful 77 HP 850 Twin Cylinder EFI in a Sportsman to the RANGER XP 800 Twin Cylinder EFI • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) • Electronic power steering (EPS) available in both models • Customized details with hundreds of rugged reliable Pure Polaris accessories
NEW! 2012 SPORTSMAN XP 850 H.O. -Most Power in it’s Class
2012 RANGER XP 800 -Class-leading 50 HP
Great Plains Polaris
Ride with the Brand
1212 North Broadway Ada / 3445 N. Hwy 81 Duncan 855-4POLARIS www.greatplainspolaris.com
Vehicles shown with optional accessories. Avoid operating Polaris RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license. Warning: ATV's can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATV's on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should wearer helmets, eye protection, protective clothing and seat belts. Polaris adult ATV models are for riders aged 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. In Canada, see your local dealer. 2011 Polaris Industries Inc.
Kubota NewsKubota News The Impressively Bigger Grand X Cab Kubota’s Growing In All Aspects
By Reed Boettcher
Kubota’s new Grand X, M Series tractors may give insight to consumers on the what directions Kubota is taking. At Great Plains we “Ride With The Brand”, but Kubota is growing their brand. Kubota is well known as a leading manufacturer of compact tractors. Through new marketing techniques they are using their existing notoriety to position themselves in the larger horsepower market. In all, they are increasing their marketing, tractor size, and brand. The new Grand X Series is a perfect example of Kubota’s aggressive growth. As always Kubota keeps ergonomics as a staple in their design. To prove the new cab’s spacious size, you can barely reach for the door from the driver’s seat, but all controls are still accessible. The cab looks as if it was designed for humans that have 360 degree eye sight. There is almost nothing obstructing the driver’s view. Even the ROPS creatively hide the exhaust system. Highlighting the features of the new cab gives a better perspective on how much it has improved. The interior has grown 13% taller and 19% wider than previous models, giving it the largest interior of its class. The improved instructor’s seat is now outfitted with a retractable backrest. The unobstructed field of view is due to the four pillar design and wide tinted panes of glass along with a sloping hood for added forward visibility. The air conditioner unit is located under the seat to increase serviceability and overall headroom. In fact the seat has been raised four inches making it easier to check surrounding conditions. The roof hatch with ventilation comes standard, which enables operators to stay seated while checking roof clearance during indoor work. Other aspects that add operational comfort and functionality are the tilt and telescopic steering wheel with hydraulic shuttle lever and turn signal. The steering wheel features both up and down tilt function as well as an in and out telescopic function.
Overall Height (indoor) Overall Width (indoor) Overall Length (indoor) Height X Width X Length in. in. in. ft3
Kubota Grand X Series John Deere 7530
New Holland T6080www.kubota.com
61.4 65.6 63.4 148.3
60.8 Optional equipment may be shown. 59.8 © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2012
60.8 127.1 59.8 65.8 62.2 141.3
TAKE NOTE THAT...
• Kubota is increasing their marketing, and positioning themselves in the larger tractor market • The new Grand X, M series tractors are a hint of the larger things to come • Kubota offers Competitive Power at a
Competitive Price
• The new cab system is bigger, but still ergonomically designed for the driver
Above: The new cabs offer high visibility and more room with convenient controlling. Photo Courtesy of: Kubota Tractor Corp.
Above: Service Manager, Michael Palmer, demonstrates Kubota’s easy maintenance. Photo By: Reed Boettcher
Located within easy reach, the shuttle lever can be operated without ever letting go of the steering wheel giving loader operations enhanced precision and ease. Another standard feature is the air suspension seat that swivels both left and right. The innovative and multifunctional design of the right armrest incorporates all the major operating switches giving the operator functionality at his or her finger tips. As a result the appropriate switch can be operated even when undertaking jobs that require swivelling the seat to check conditions to the rear or the sides. Kubota has always taken serviceability into consideration in their design concepts. As mentioned earlier the air conditioning system of the cab is located through the floor space making it easily maintained. Keeping a cab clean of debris and dust is essential for optimal performance. Other designs with service in mind that put Kubota at the front of the pack include an up-front battery, slide out coolers for oil, air conditioning and hydraulic heat exchangers. As a whole the new design of the Grand X cab incorporates spaciousness, comfort, a wide range of interior features, superior all-around visibility, convenient layout, a wider door for easier access and an easy serviceable layout making it the finest cab available in its class. It doesn’t take much to see that Kubota is taking the steps to put the company ahead of the rest in the tractor models currently offered.
Above: Filthy cab conditions can destroy an A/C condenser. Photo By: Cole Harwood
CONTROL TECHNOLOGY New Intelli-shift 8 with Auto-mode Mulit-Stage Gearshift F24/R24
The main shift retains the eight speed powershift, which is the largest number of speeds in its class. However, the range shift has been increased to three, Lo/Mid/Hi. The result is an easier to use, multi-speed transmission. In addition the travel speed is finely adjusted and thereby contributes to the enhancement of operational efficiency, lower fuel consumption and smoother shifting.
Main Gears Range Shift Total Speed* Auto-Mode
8 3 F24/R24 Standard
4 6 F24/R24
Kubota Grand X Series
John Deere 6430 + Power Quad Plus
OPT. (Auto Quad Plus) New Holland T6070 Plus
Case Maxxum 140 Pro 4 4 4 4
F16/R16 F16/R16 COMPARE StandardOptional MODELS
have always loved the Arbuckle
Mountains. Even though they are mere foothills when compared to their Rocky and Appalachian cousins, I find them just as captivating. Their rustic beauty defined the landscapes where I went hunting and fishing while growing up. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to them. The Arbuckles have always provided a quick escape from daily life simply because they are so close to home. It wasn’t until I traveled to the Crossbar Ranch, ATV and RV Park to try out their trails that I became aware of how close to home the Arbuckles really were. My mother used to talk about growing up on “The Ranch”, located a few miles west of Davis, OK in the heart of the Arbuckles. As I prepared for this story, I did not, at first, realize that “The Ranch” and the Crossbar Ranch were one and the same. I also learned the Crossbar was formerly the Butterly Ranch. My grandfather, Buddy Mulkey, started working for the Butterlys after he graduated high school, earning $80 a month plus room and board. He eventually leased the Butterly Ranch for his own cattle operation. During the mid sixties, he moved my grandmother and their three children to reside on the ranch property in the main house. This was their home for the next half decade. Things look different now. There is a camp ground with restroom facilities and RV hookups along with a small gift shop that offers concessions. There
The Crossbar RanchHappy Trails On I isn’t much cattle to be found, and there are no horses to be shoed only the occasional flat from one of their ATV rentals. The ranch house where my mother lived for a memorable period of her childhood still remains. Gone are the maids house, bunk house, and corrals that my grandfather used. Today the house serves as lodging for Gary Taylor, Ranch Foreman for the last four years. He maintains the trails, tends to the property and probably knows the trails better than anyone. He was gracious enough to show me some of the trails even though the temperature was in the triple digits.
Opposite Page: A cactus bakes in the sun at the northern overlook on the Red Trail. The Red Trail is the longest and most difficult of the two trails currently offered. Left: Riders face dramatic changes throughout the trails but frequently encounter the ups and downs of rocky hillsides. Photos By: Reed Boettcher
As I first entered the park and crossed a low water bridge , I didn’t really know what was going to be waiting at the end of the two mile drive up the mountain. The information I had gathered along with my personal connection to the Crossbar was making this trip more exciting. I topped a hill and saw the main building, but I wasn’t really sure if the place was open. Turns out I was the only person foolish enough to go ATV riding that day. Summer is the park’s slow season, with only four or five riders on a good day. The obvious cause is Oklahoma’s unforgivable heat. However, during the spring and autumn months, the park may have 90 plus riders a day. Taylor commented on the park’s typical rider. “There are a few big groups that regularly come to ride. We get a lot of traffic from Texas. In fact most of the riders that come here are not locals. What we are seeing more and more are side by side vehicles and those are mostly Polaris RZRs. Side by sides seem to handle the terrain and trail widths just fine, but with the growing popularity and variety of SXS’s I will probably start widening the trails.” The Crossbar Ranch has a variety of terrain to both skilled and novice riders. There are two trails from which to choose, the blue and red. The blue trail is easier and is mostly flat but the rider still knows they’re in the Arbuckle Mountains. I experienced some of the Red trail which offers the best views and provides riders more of a challenge. I realize challenge can be a subjective word for seasoned riders, but there was one descent that put me on edge. I basically had to ride the brake and negotiate the ATV to keep as much tire contact with the rocks as possible hoping to not topple forward. To call me seasoned or even a frequent ATV rider would be stretching it, but I spent three days riding in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming as well as riding trails in Alaska and Arkansas. I would say the Crossbar’s trails were just as intense. Taylor made the comment that some riders say the Red Trail is harder than trails they ride in Colorado. The Crossbar’s trails are a great alternative to the sandy bottoms of the Washita and Canadian Rivers
which seem to be a favorite destination for local off road enthusiasts. Riders will enjoy both scenery and trail variety different from than long flat endurance rides of the nearby river bottoms. One minute you could be climbing a steep rock incline and the next you could be bogging through a creek into a soft packed timber trail. The Crossbar Ranch was bought by the city of Davis in 1996 for campground expansion of the Turner Falls Park. The conversion of the 6,800 acre property to an ATV and RV park didn’t begin until 2004. It now features over 52 miles of riding trails and spacious campgrounds with 28 electrical hookups for RV camping. There are also a few events hosted every year including a race held by the Oklahoma Cross Country Racing Association. With so much beautiful acreage, the park would like to offer other attractions. Tom Graham, Turner Falls and Crossbar Park Manger, commented on the possibility of adding more attractions in the future. “Some things we would like to add are horseback riding. However this would be difficult because we don’t have a great water source. We would need a better water supply for this to be a reality. There is also talk of organized hunts where hunters could draw in by lottery. This is a challenge too because the ranch is in Davis city limits. There could even be package deals where consumers could enjoy attractions at both parks. Again, none of this is certain, and we are really just throwing the ideas around.” With or without these ideas, the Crossbar Ranch and the Arbuckles in general are a great way to spend free time. They might not be the mountains they once were, but for some, a small adventure can be found around every bend in the trail. For me I am glad to know the Arbuckles are always close to home.
Pictured: The main entrance of the park gives riders an idea of the terrain they will encounter. Photo By: Reed Boettcher Pictured: Rolling hills and dense cedar are found throughout the park. Photo By: Reed Boettcher
Pictured: The trails are designed for ATV’s but most side by sides will fit. Photo By: Reed Boettcher
Startdealermessagehere... ADA DUNCAN
Dealername1212 N. Broadway 3445 N. Hwy. 81
Dealername Dealername StreetAddress,City,State,Zip StreetAddress,City,State,Zip PhoneNumber www.greatplainspolaris.com StreetAddress,City,State,Zip PhoneNumber PhoneNumber Visitusonlineat... Visitusonlineat...855-4POLARIS
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EXTREME EXTREME PERFORMANCE FOR 4.
EXTREME PERFORMANCE FOR 4. The NEW 2012 RZR XP™ 4 900 delivers PERFORMANCE FOR 4. The NEW 2012 RZR XP™ 4 900 delivers the ultimate combination of power, The NEW 2012 RZR XP™ 4 900 delivers the ultimate combination of power, suspension and agility. It totally dominates the ultimate combination of power, suspension and agility. It totally dominates in the dunes, desert and wide open spaces suspension and agility. It totally dominates in the dunes, desert and wide open spaces with the perfect blend of the industry’s in the dunes, desert and wide open spaces with the perfect blend of the industry’s most powerful engine—the 88-HP DOHC with the perfect blend of the industry’s most powerful engine—the 88-HP DOHC Polaris® ProStar™ 900—a 3-Link Trailingmost powerful engine—the 88-HP DOHC Polaris® ProStar™ 900—a 3-Link TrailingArm Suspension with 14 inches of travel EXTREME PERFORMANCE FOR 4. Polaris® ProStar™ 900—a 3-Link TrailingArm Suspension with 14 inches of travel and industry-first 2.5" Walker Evans™ rear shocks, a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity. Available with Electronic Power Arm Suspension with 14 inches of travel and industry-first 2.5" Walker Evans™ rear shocks, a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity. Available with Electronic Power Steering. This is the ultimate Side x Side thrill and industry-first 2.5" Walker Evans™ rear shocks, a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity. Available with Electronic Power Steering. This is the ultimate Side x Side thrill ride, leaving all other 4-seaters in its dust. The NEW 2012 RZR XP™ 4 900 delivers the ultimate combination of power, suspension and agility. It totally dominates in the dunes, desert and wide open spaces with the perfect blend of the industry’s Steering. This is the ultimate Side x Side thrill ride, leaving all other 4-seaters in its dust. most powerful engine—the 88-HP DOHC SEE THE COMPLETE LINE OF VEHICLES THAT DELIVER RAZOR SHARP PERFORMANCE® AT POLARIS.COM ride, leaving all other 4-seaters in its dust. Adult models—16 and older. Be sure to get safety training. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. The Polaris® RANGER RZR sport vehicle is not intended for and may not be registered for on-road use. Driver SEE THE COMPLETE LINE OF VEHICLES THAT DELIVER RAZOR SHARP PERFORMANCE® AT POLARIS.COMAdult models—16 and older. Be sure to get safety training. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. The Polaris® RANGER RZR sport vehicle is not intended for and may not be registered for on-road use. Driver must be 16 years or older with valid driver’s license. Passenger must be 12 years old, tall enough to grasp hand holds and plant feet firmly on floor. Always use cab nets, wear seatbelt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry more than the appropriate number of passengers. Do not allow operation on public roads (unless designated for off-highway vehicle use)—collision with cars and trucks can occur. Avoid excessive speeds/sharp turns, being particularly careful on difficult SEE THE COMPLETE LINE OF VEHICLES THAT DELIVER RAZOR SHARP PERFORMANCE® AT POLARIS.COM Polaris® ProStar™ 900—a 3-Link TrailingArm Suspension with 14 inches of travel and industry-first 2.5" Walker Evans™ rear shocks, a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity. Available with Electronic Power Steering. This is the ultimate Side x Side thrill StreetAddress,City,State,Zip Adult models—16 and older. Be sure to get safety training. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. The Polaris® RANGER RZR sport vehicle is not intended for and may not be registered for on-road use. Driver must be 16 years or older with valid driver’s license. Passenger must be 12 years old, tall enough to grasp hand holds and plant feet firmly on floor. Always use cab nets, wear seatbelt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry more than the appropriate number of passengers. Do not allow operation on public roads (unless designated for off-highway vehicle use)—collision with cars and trucks can occur. Avoid excessive speeds/sharp turns, being particularly careful on difficult must be 16 years or older with valid driver’s license. Passenger must be 12 years old, tall enough to grasp hand holds and plant feet firmly on floor. Always use cab nets, wear seatbelt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry more than the appropriate number of passengers. Do not allow operation on public roads (unless designated for off-highway vehicle use)—collision with cars and trucks can occur. Avoid excessive speeds/sharp turns, being particularly careful on difficult terrain. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Follow all warnings/instructions in owner’s manuals and on product. Walker Evans™ is a trademark of Walker Evans Enterprises Corp. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc. *Message & Data Rates May Apply. terrain. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Follow all warnings/instructions in owner’s manuals and on product. Walker Evans™ is a trademark of Walker Evans Enterprises Corp. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc. *Message & Data Rates May Apply. ride, leaving all other 4-seaters in its dust.PhoneNumber terrain. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Follow all warnings/instructions in owner’s manuals and on product. Walker Evans™ is a trademark of Walker Evans Enterprises Corp. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc. *Message & Data Rates May Apply. SEE THE COMPLETE LINE OF VEHICLES Visitusonlineat...
