Brute Strength
When journalists get invited to press events in February, we always hope they’ll be in tropical climates near white, sandy beaches — not in sub-zero conditions in Minnesota. But my trip to Polaris Industries’ engineering facility in Wyoming, Minn., was a surprisingly pleasant experience, especially when given the chance to test-drive the new BRUTUS utility vehicle in an enclosed cab with the heat cranked up.
Polaris invited industry journalists out to Minnesota to announce the initiative to expand into the commercial vehicle market with its first purpose-built commercial vehicle line since the old Polaris Professional Series, and the first side-by-side utility vehicle in the market to deliver front-end power take-off (PTO) capability. The new BRUTUS models — specifically engineered for individuals and businesses that seek capable, durable task vehicles — were released to the public on March 6.
“The introduction of the BRUTUS product family is part of our commitment to offer the commercial customer innovative and relevant vehicles that best suit their needs,” said David Longren, Polaris vice president of off-road vehicles (ORV) and ORV engineering. “Through our 60 years of engineering experience, strategic alliances with other industry leaders and our incredible network of dealers, we are able to provide the commercial market with the most productive, reliable and versatile vehicles.”
The BRUTUS product line is an outcome of the strategic alliance formed between Polaris and Bobcat in 2009. The co-developed vehicles leverage the strengths of both companies with Polaris’ expertise in utility vehicles and the powersports market, and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.
Manufactured at Polaris’ Spirit Lake, Iowa, facility, the BRUTUS models leverage technology found in the Polaris RANGER line and are comprised of three models — BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO.
The BRUTUS models offer a 24-hp diesel engine with hydrostatic transmission which delivers all the torque and power needed to get the job done. An innovative treadle pedal allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears, providing an ideal setup for commercial applications. The pedal was at first a little awkward to handle, but after a few tries, I got used to it and could definitely understand how much time it will save users.
BRUTUS vehicles have a class-leading 6 in. of suspension travel, which combined with what Polaris calls true on-demand all-wheel drive, allows for safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and cargo over virtually any terrain. The models are the first side-by-side utility vehicles that use a multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension to deliver superior ride quality for commercial work applications. The rear suspension supports a 1,250-lb cargo capacity without sacrificing ground clearance and minimizes suspension sag when fully loaded. The suspension also maintains full class-leading ground clearance when trailering with its 2,000-lb towing capacity. A pallet-sized rear cargo box features Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride cargo system for easy installation and removal of worksite accessories.
The ability to operate several front-end attachments provides commercial customers with new levels of versatility, and ultimately, a cost-effective and more productive work solution. The Pro-Tach attachment system (standard on the BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO) delivers work customers the capability to change from one attachment to the next quickly and easily. Seriously, you just drop one attachment and pick up another in a matter of seconds. Featured in the complete line of attachments are three PTO-powered attachments — angle broom, finishing mower and snowblower — and three hydraulically-powered attachments — snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket — allowing users to sweep, mow, blow, lift, plow and scoop with just one machine.
For optimal use of attachments regardless of weather, the BRUTUS HDPTO comes standard with a fully-enclosed, factory-installed cab with heat, defrost and air conditioning. We were out using the snow blade and snowblower attachments, and I didn’t even need my gloves or scarf. If anything can make working in the cold and snow more enjoyable, it’s definitely an enclosed cab with heat.
Available Lock & Ride PRO-FIT cab components are pre-designed for the BRUTUS and BRUTUS HD frame and lock on tightly for a secure cab system. A full line of cab, storage and vehicle protection accessories also are available for the BRUTUS line to meet each commercial customer’s unique needs.
The BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HDPTO are now available to order through select Polaris dealers with shipments starting immediately. I’ve been working on getting one here at the Compact Equipment office. I’ll plow some snow or move some boxes of magazines around our warehouse, especially if it gets me some free time away from my crazed managing editor Keith Gribbins.
Kelly Pickerel is an associate editor of Compact Equipment, based in Brecksville, Ohio.
