John Deere's new HPX Diesel 4x4 Gator utility vehicle is the overall winner in this year's Royal Show New Equipment Awards, in addition to winning the estate maintenance category. The award was presented at the show to John Deere's national account manager Joedy Ibbotson by HRH Princess Michael of Kent (see photo supplied).
Organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England in association with Farmers Guardian, the award was open to all those exhibiting agricultural, horticultural and forestry equipment offered for sale for the first time during 2006. The judges were Brian Finney, RASE honorary consulting engineer, and Mervyn Bailey, technical editor of Farmers Guardian.
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 Yanmar 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.
