PGA & GCSAA HIGHLIGHTS THE 4X4  UTILITY VEHICLE MARKET
 

As the market for traditional golf cars continues to be flat, several golf cars manufacturers have developed new products for new markets. One of these is a four wheel- drive vehicle. These side by side, two-passenger vehicles are more miniature 4x4 pickup than golf car. As such they are at home traveling over rugged terrain whether it be a construction site, farm or carrying hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. They are ideal where 4x4 capability is required, but there is not enough space for a conventional 4x4 truck to maneuver. They can carry a couple of passengers and a respectable payload in their dump-type cargo boxes. They join somewhat similar vehicles like the Polaris Ranger, John Deere Gator and Kawasaki Mule. However, at least a couple have more performance rather than utility character. All use internal combustion engines rather than electric propulsion.

E-Z-GO ST 4x4 Trail Utility Vehicle E-Z-GO s 4-Wheel-Drive Trail Utility Vehicle is powered by an 18- horsepower, 614 cc, V-twin, air cooled Honda engine. For duty in tough terrain, the center-mounted, heavy-duty, single-ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has its driven clutches protected by a cover. Easy-grip, dash-mounted control knobs are used to select two- or four-wheel- rive via electrically activated on-the-fly front or rear differential locks. For further protection of the drive train the short drive shaft does not protrude below the frame. Rugged frame members surround the front differential, and wiring harnesses are protected within the frame.

The heavy- duty frame is made of hot-dipped, galvanized channel and tubular steel for superior strength and corrosion protection. The ST 4x4 has many car-like features like hydraulic brakes (disc in front and drum in rear), dual-circuit master cylinder, McPherson strut front suspension, rack and pinion steering and dual halogen headlights. Self cleaning, unidirectional 25-inch tires provide excellent traction on muddy, rocky, or loose surfaces while dual rate rear leaf springs and thickly padded bench seat for a comfortable ride for two. Ground clearance is a respectable 9.5-inches and top speed is 25-mph. The manual, gas-lift assisted dump bed has a removable, fold-down tailgate.

The Rotomolded poly bed has no exposed hardware to rust or corrode. It measures a 45x36x13.75-inches and has 31-inch high load bed for easy loading. The ST 4x4 has a 1,100 pound bed load capacity and a 1,500 pound vehicle load capacity. The two-inch front receiver can handle a wide variety of hitches, winches, and other aftermarket implements. A hinged front cowl provides easy access to the battery, brake, master cylinder and fuses. The fuel tank holds 6.5 gallons. The ST 4x4 comes in low profile Recon Green with body color pigment molded-in and topped with a long-lasting, automotive quality, high-gloss coating.

The direct rear shaft drive eliminates the U-joint for greater durability and more efficient power transfer at all rpms. An automatic centrifugal clutch helps ensure constant belt tension for no-slip performance. A sealed drive case keeps out water and dirt. Smaller (72.9-inch wheelbase and 113.5-inches long) and lighter (1049 pounds dry) than the competition and performance-oriented means the Rhino 660 has a smaller payload capacity - 400 pounds - carried in the steel-composite, hydraulically-operated dump bed with a pick-up style tailgate. The smaller payload results from a trade off for the Rhino 660 s exceptional agility and maneuverability. There is also a 2-inch heavy-duty trailer hitch and winch mounting tabs. A 3,000-pound winch is available as an option.

The Rhino 660 can tow 1,200 and the 8.5-gallon fuel tank features a fuel level gauge. The Rhino 660 has more than 12 inches of ground clearance and the four-wheel, fully independent suspension provides a long 7.3 inches of front and rear suspension travel for a very comfortable ride even when traveling over the roughest terrain. Also helping here are the plush seats fitted with seat belts. The rear suspension uses a large sway bar. The Rhino 660 uses dual hydraulic disc brakes with large diameter ventilated hydraulic front disc brakes and shaft-mounted hydraulic rear disc. These plus all wheel braking mean the Rhino 660 can safely handle the steepest hills. Rack and pinion steering with a fully sealed steering column and double U-jointed steering linkage provide for smooth operation and a best-in-class turning radius.There is plenty of protection for serious off-roading. This includes a full under-belly skid plate, tough roll-cage, very tough front bumper and CV guards for extra protection. The huge front and rear fenders provide mud protection with inner mudguards. Specially designed drive system air intake vent prevents overheating and keeps water and mud from entering drive case. The Rhino 660 is priced at $8,499 with Hunter Green finish and $8,889 for the Realtree Hardwood, High Definition Camouflage version. Accessories available include a camo sun top, gun boot kit, overfenders, windshield, bumpers, bed net, and cover.

The Club Car Carryall 294 is almost a miniature 4x4 pickup with a dump cargo bed. Club Car Carryall 294 4x4 The newest addition to the side by side, four-wheel-drive utility vehicle market is Club Car's Carryall 294 4x4. It is part of Club Car s Carryall Turf line of utility vehicles that includes the Turf 1, Turf 2, Turf 6 and Turf 272 models. Unlike the E-Z-GO and Yamaha 4x4s that are aimed more for the hunter and outdoors crowd who want to travel in the toughest terrain. Club Car is pitching its new 4x4 for those who need 4x4 capability in maintaining golf courses, not to say the Carryall 294 cannot be used for other jobs that require maximum traction.

The Carryall 294 offers two power plant choices, both providing 20-horsepower. These include Honda's V-twin gasoline engine or Kubota s three-cylinder diesel engine. Both are industrial grade engines and give the Carryall 294 a top speed of 25 mph. Either engine is mated to a fully automatic, on demand four-wheel drive system. Like the latest all-wheel-drive (AWD) automobiles, the IntelliTrak 4x4 System continually senses driving conditions and automatically engages and disengages four-wheel drive without the driver having to stop and shift gears or lock differentials. The fully mechanical, no computers or electronic sensors, system also eliminates steering feedback and reduces tire wear and turf damage. The Carryall 294 features a rustproof and corrosion- resistant tubular aluminum frame, chassis and cargo bed floor. There are two bedload capacity options - 800-pounds is standard and 1,100-pounds is optional. These correspond to 1,200- or 1,500-pound total vehicle capacity.