Equipment Focus:
Keep your vehicleteam in top sha e
Your utility vehicles take on alot of responsibility. Whetheryou have one UV that does it
all, or you have a fleet taking care ofyour towing, hauling, and transportneeds, chances are you depend onUVs more than you realize. Withthat in mind, think about wheretheir upkeep falls on your list ofpri-orities. Is it an afterthought? Aonce-a-season effort? A regular,proactive maintenance program foryour utility vehicle can not onlykeep your operation running moresmoothly, but also save money inthe long run-in both maintenancecosts and lost work time.
Regularly maintaining your utili-ty vehicle begins with the one compo-nent most often ignored--the opera-tor's manual. Each manufacturer andmodel of vehicle needs specializedcare that is detailed in the manual,ranging from the recommended fueltype to the air filter replacementschedule. Most importantly, the man-uals contain safety information thatis essential to keeping your team ofoperators safe and productive.
After becoming familiar with theoperator's manual, set up a regularmaintenance log to record your effortsfor each specific vehicle. By doing so,you can keep track of the maintenanceschedules as well as log any problemsthat may occur during the season.
While performing maintenance,pay attention to several key areas.First on that list should be the engine.It needs to be clean and free of debristo operate at maximum efficiency.Also, it is the one part of the vehiclethat all other systems depend on.
The next few items--oil, coolant,and the air filter--should be placed ona schedule and monitored accordingto the operator's recommendations ..Be sure not to overfill or underfill,which can reduce power and causefuel pump and breather problems.Look for warning signs like contami-
32 August 2001
nants or a burnt smell that couldindicate overheating.
If your UV has a liquid-cooled engine, check the manu-al to be sure that you are usingthe correct antifreeze and flush-ing the radiator at proper inter-vals. If you have an air-cooledengine, check the prescreen andcooling fins to make sure they arefree of debris and dirt.
Try to check the air filter only asoften as your operator's manualrecommends. When it is time toopen the system, wipe down thearea around the intake hose andfilter canister to prevent contami-nants from entering the system.If the filter appears dirty, replacethe filter rather than cleaning it.
Check DailyThere are a few things that can
be done every day. Checking forleaks below the parked equipmentand inspecting the electrical systemare things that should become ahabit each day before the machine isturned on. Make sure the wiring isneither worn nor frayed. Check thespark plugs to make sure that theelectrodes have brown or gray/tandeposits on them. Darker depositsindicate that the engine is usingmore oil than necessary, and lighterdeposits show an air fuel mixturethat is too lean.
It seems obvious to check the fuel,but keep in mind that new, clean fuelkeeps the vehicle running smoothly.Fuel breaks down in about 30 days, sobe sure to drain any fuel that is leftsitting over time. In addition, checkthe lubricants in the drive trainbecause they act as cleaners withinthe machine.
Every so often, check the belts inthe vehicles for wear and fraying. Ifthey are not in excellent condition,change them and inspect further forrubbing or pulleys that are out of
I
,I
I align-ment.Some util-
ity vehicles onthe market run on
batteries. Caring for this energy sys-tem is essential to extending its life.Be sure to charge batteries after eachuse, but do not charge the batteries ifthe utility vehicle has not been usedthat day. Also, be sure the batteriesare fully charged before using thevehicle each day. The typical chargetime is 10 to 12 hours, but as much asfour additional hours of chargingmay be required when they are morethan 80 percent discharged.
Finally, have your dealer serviceyour utility vehicle once a year for agood bill of health. It's the last step inthe process that keeps your most ver-satile piece of equipment in top shapefor the season.
This article was contributed byBob Laveau, marketing manager,John Deere Vehicle Group.
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Yamaha's G21AThis utility vehicle sports a 357 cc engine with increased hp of 11.4, which
allows you to haul up to 800 lbs. in its cargo box. Users benefit ergonomicallyfrom a redesigned seat, 6-ply tires, and a heavy-duty rear suspension thatsmooths out the ride.
The G21-A also features a low gear ratio transmission for hill-climbing aswell as front and rear mechanical brakes.
Yamaha Golf-Car Co.1-866-747-4027www.yamahagolfcar.comFor more information, circle 142
E-Z-GO's Workhorse 1200 LXThe Workhorse 1200 LX is a multi-purpose utility vehicle designed to handle
a wide variety of grounds maintenance tasks reliably. A gasoline-powered unit,the Workhorse LX features a 13-cubic-ft. cargo bed, a 1,200-lb. payload capaci-ty and an 11-hp, 350-cc overhead cam engine. Other features include a cargobed liner, a truck-like cowl made of unbreakable RIM plastic with steel rearbody panels, differential scuff guards, tubular front bumpers, and Halogenheadlights.
E-Z-GO1-800-241-5855www.ezgo.comFor more information, circle 143
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34 August 2001
John Deere's Turf GatorThe John Deere Turf Gator is designed for
quiet operation, a larger cargo bed and fasterspeeds (maximum speed 18 mph). It isequipped with a 44- x 49- x 9-in. cargo bed witha 500-lb. payload capacity. Noise levels on theTurf Gator have been reduced through: anengine and exhaust system that are isolatedfrom the frame and chassis; a new large vol-ume muffler designed to reduce noise; newbarriers and sound absorbers; and the groundspeed governor and starter generator. Andmarks on turf are minimized due to the vehi-cle's low ground pressure and a low center ofgravity.
John Deere1-800-537-8233www.johndeere.comFor more information, circle 144
Toro's Workman® 1100The Toro Co.'s new Workman 1100 (12 hp)
offers improved traction and ride provided by aunique Active In-Frame" suspension, whichallows all vehicle tires to remain on the groundand to twist easier over rough terrain. TheWorkman 1100 is the second of Toro's mid-dutyvehicles and combined with the Workman 2100(16 hp) the duo are the most powerful mid-dutyvehicles in their class, says Toro.
Additional features include corrosion anddent resistant hood and bed, multiple integrat-ed storage areas, and a 12-hp pedal startKohler® Command Pro" engine. Floatationtires come standard on the Workman and itoffers the highest payload capacity of its class.
The Toro Company1-952-888-8801www.toro.comFor more information, circle 146
Club Car's Carryall 2 PlusThis unit sports a 351cc, 11-hp gasoline,
key-start engine that can do 18 mph and haulsup to 1.200 lbs. total vehicle load. Durability.Versatility. Power. Club Car vehicles make awide range of chores easier to perform in lesstime because of their durability, versatility,and power, says the manufacturer. They canhaul practically anything, from lumber andpiping to plants and shrubs. The lightweightaluminum construction enables users to workin rugged sites while not damaging turf.
Club Car, Inc.1-800-258-2227www.clubcar.comFor more information, circle 145
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Smithco's Red RiderThe Smithco Red Rider is ideal for
transporting mowers, equipment, andpeople, says the manufacturer. It canaccommodate up to six workers, andthat space is low to the ground andaccessible via an "easy load" tailgatedesign, says Smithco. The Red Ridercan hit 10 mph with its 8-hp Kohlerelectric start engine, offers a choice ofhitch options, and has a 1,000-lb. loadcapacity.
Smithco1-610-688-4009www.smithco.comFor more information, circle 147
Kawasakl's Mule 520'The Mule" 520 utility vehicle is larger
than a full-sized ATV but smaller than a com-pact pickup truck; it has a bench seat for twoand a tilting rear cargo bed. The vehicle ispowered by an air-cooled 286cc OHV four-stroke single-cylinder engine and features adual-mode differential. Kawasaki's continu-ously variable belt-drive automatic transmis-sion transmits power to the rear wheels,which simplifies driver operation and increas-es both engine and powertrain life, says theman ufacturer.
With a cargo capacity of 350 lbs. and a tow-ing capacity of 900 lbs., the Mule 520 rides onbroad, smooth-tread tires to minimize damageto delicate surfaces.
Kawasaki1-877-529-6853www.kawasaki.comFor more information, circle 148
Circle 115 on Inquiry Card
STMA • http://www.sporfsturfmanager.com August 2001 35
