Polaris Industries is introducing “Brutus,” its first commercial vehicle and the first side-by-side utility vehicle to deliver front-end power take-off capability for a variety of property and facility maintenance duties.
Polaris’ commercial utility vehicle lineup includes Brutus, Brutus HD and Brutus HDPTO. Depending on the model, the optional attachments include an angle broom, finishing mower, snow blower, snow blade, pallet fork and materials bucket.
“This is an exciting initiative for Polaris, the industry leader in off-road vehicles and power sports, to make a major step to take care of a new set of customers in a bigger, broader way than we’ve ever had before,” says Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer.
The Brutus line is one outcome of the strategic alliance formed between Polaris and Bobcat in 2009. The co-developed vehicles leverage Polaris’ expertise in utility vehicles and power sports and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.
“There are over 100,000 utility vehicles sold every year in the category,” says David Longren, vice president and chief technical officer. “We want to be able to grow our share and be an industry leader as we are in the rest of our markets. The market is growing at 8-10% per year, so it’s a big growth opportunity for our dealers and for us.”
The company already offers its Ranger and RZR series of side-by-sides, Sportsman all-terrain vehicles and the Gem line of compact electric vehicles. Other product lines include snowmobiles and the Victory and Indian brands of motorcycles.
Dealers can order Brutus now with shipments starting in April.
Brutus Offers 3 Models, 6 Attachments
Aaron Stegemann is a Polaris business development manager.
Aaron Stegemann, business development manager for off-road vehicles division, says Brutus gives dealers a versatile product to win new commercial business.
“Brutus gives dealers a full solution to offer operators a high value,” Stegemann says. “Brutus allows an operator to move cargo more effectively than they can do with other solutions and provides a high amount of comfort.”
The new commercial line includes three models, the base Brutus model, Brutus HD and Brutus HDPTO. The vehicle offers a 24-horsepower diesel engine, hydrostatic transmission, 2,000 pound towing capacity and 1,250-pound rear dump box capability. Brutus also is the first utility vehicle to use multi-link coil over a De Dion rear suspension. De Dion is a kind of non-independent suspension engineered to assist with ride quality and traction.
The Brutus HDPTO model offers an integrated front-end mechanical power take-off with these optional attachments: finishing mower with 66-inch cut; 70-inch angle broom in in-cab hydraulic angling; and two-stage snow blower with 62-inch width and auxiliary in-cab snow shoot adjustment.
The HD model offers optional hydraulically controlled attachments: commercial-grade 69-inch snow blade; adjustable width pallet forks with 450-pound capacity; and 62-inch materials bucket with 500-pound capacity.
The HDPTO model adds the integrated, front-end mechanical PTO with these optional attachments: finishing mower with 66-inch cut; 70-inch angle broom with in-cab hydraulic angling; and two-stage snow blower with 62-inch width and auxiliary in-cab snow shoot adjustment.
The HDPTO comes standard with a fully enclosed, factory-installed cab with heat, defrost and air conditioning. Polaris’ “Lock & Ride Pro-Fit” cab components are available for Brutus and Brutus HD and include windshield, roof, rear panel and doors. Optional cab accessories include audio system, rearview mirror, windshield wipers and heater kit. Other accessories include bed extender/divider, cargo box, rear cab rack with tool holder, winch, and front and rear brush guards.
Manufacturer suggested retail prices are $15,199 for Brutus; $17,999 for Brutus HD and $23,999 for HDPTO.
Bennett Morgan is president and chief operating officer for Polaris.
Dealer Support & Expectations
Morgan says Polaris is looking for dealers that are ready to serve the needs of the commercial market.
“We’re looking for higher levels of commitment, so that we can service these customers in a way they need to be serviced,” Morgan says. “I can tell you that Polaris is ready to work and we’re looking for partners that feel the same way.”
Longren says Polaris’ Brutus support program will help dealers succeed by offering training, extended warranty and in-field support. “We will provide them with a very successful business model to allow them to go after this market,” he says.
Longren does say dealers will need to establish a dedicated external sales team to support the product.
Dave Longren is vice president and chief technical officer for Polaris.
Brutus Supports Polaris Growth Initiatives
With 1,700 dealers in its North American network and another 1,000 dealers internationally, Polaris had sales in 2012 of $3.2 billion. Morgan says the company’s goal is to hit $5 billion by 2017 with these four main initiatives:
1. Be number one in the market for power sports
2. Grow in adjacent markets, such as the commercial market
3. Increase its presence globally
4. Use its operations to its competitive advantage
He says Polaris can introduce new products 25% faster than the competition because of its engineering team and research and development facility and processes. “We keep refining our products at a rate that frustrates our competitors and delights our customers,” he says.
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