Magazine - HPX Gator wins ATV of the Year Award

By Steve Mitchell in Industry on 29th Mar 2007 11:00

John Deere's new HPX Diesel 4x4 Gator utility vehicle has won 4x4 Magazine's Pick-up of the Year 2007 Award for Best ATV.

Organised annually by Britain's best-selling 4x4 magazine, the award was based on a week's test drive in the challenging environment of a Welsh forest in Bala, Snowdonia. The HPX Gator was the only one of the four commercial utility vehicles tested to be given a five-star review by the magazine's experienced team.

The judges' verdict concluded: "The Gator's detailing and hydroformed steel frame put it out in front of the sector. High build quality, ease of use and a reassuring stability off-road count for a lot; put to the test on off-road terrain, the actual operating experience enabled us to determine the subtle nuances between a good working vehicle and a truly top-class machine. The finished article more than matched the professional image."

The new HPX 4x4 Gator is ruggedly designed for a range of transporting and general materials handling duties in any environment, but is especially suitable for farming, rough terrain, heavy duty haulage and commercial applications.

Powered by a 20hp Tier 2 diesel engine, this two-seater vehicle is now available with true on-demand four wheel drive. A simple dash-mounted electronic rocker switch controls an auto-locking front differential for extra traction when needed in challenging conditions, or to maintain two wheel drive for lighter turf operations, for example.

Additional standard features include improved all wheel suspension and steering, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, rear diff lock, two speed high-low continuously variable transmission and an integrated four post ROPS canopy, which can be fitted up to a full deluxe glass cab if required.

The vehicle is based on a heavy duty hydroformed steel frame for increased durability, and is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 25mph. It also features a 409kg steel cargo box, a payload/towing capacity of 590kg and a 12V DC outlet.

Optional attachments for the HPX Gator include a wide range of tyres, a road homologation kit, rear hitch, utility trailer, front and rear blades and a winch. An optional heavy-duty front suspension kit is also available for use with the full cab and/or front blade options.

Website: www.johndeere.co.uk

Read more articles in Industry, by Steve Mitchell or from March 2007.