Bobcat and Polaris Announce Strategic UTV Alliance

Work and play are coming together like never before. In March, Bobcat Co. (the hardworking maker of compact equipment) and Polaris Industries Inc. (the off-road enthusiast’s ATV and UTV pioneer) announced a long-term strategic alliance that will leverage the complementary strengths of both companies to penetrate the work vehicle market.

“We are thrilled about the long-term implications of this alliance,” said Richard Goldsbury, president, of Bobcat America. “Bobcat’s and Polaris’ long traditions of innovation, product passion and similar cultures complement each other very well.”

The alliance will include co-development of work vehicles, supply of highly differentiated work vehicles and technology sharing, with a planned launch by the second half of 2010. Polaris Industries CEO, Scott Wine, said this alliance is consistent with Polaris’ stated goal of diversifying beyond core power sports segments and will enhance efforts to accelerate the growth of their military and international business.

He added: “Initially, Polaris will produce and sell highly differentiated work vehicles to Bobcat for sale through the Bobcat dealer network. The breadth and depth of our cooperative efforts will expand thereafter to include co-developed vehicles for both Polaris and Bobcat, and further technology sharing.”

Bobcat and Polaris are a few of the companies that utilize work-focused attachment systems for their utility vehicles. Bobcat first introduced its RapidLink attachment system in the summer of 2006 as a standard feature on the 2300 utility vehicle. The system features a lift height of 2 ft and a 500-lb capacity. Operators can choose from five attachments to best suit their needs including a bucket, whisker push broom, pallet fork, mower and snow blade. In mid-2008, the BOSS Lift & Carry system from Polaris was introduced with its 2009 RANGER HD. With a 500-lb lift capacity, the electric-powered hydraulic system utilizes a V-plow, bucket and brush grapple — ideal for contractors and other UTV operators working in various applications.

“We are combining the strengths of the No. 1 compact construction equipment manufacturer with those of the No. 1 off-road vehicle manufacturer to deliver innovative product solutions for our customers,” Goldsbury said. “This alliance will enable both companies to extend our customer bases and provide profitable growth.”