54 | AUGUST^2019 4x4
Kubota diesel developing 24.8hp and a crucial
40.8lbf.ft of torque. When the engine is idling,
there are a number of vibrations coming through
into the cabin, although these dissipate once
you’re up and running. This is designed to be a
very utilitarian vehicle, however, so you have to
consider where it will be used.
Around a farmyard, the engine will work just
fi ne. Its top speed may only be 0mph, but it’s
the highest in its class and it will do that speed
across virtually any terrain. Only on the steepest
inclines would the Diesel’s momentum start to
waver, but otherwise just point, squirt and watch
as it clambers to your destination regardless of
obstacles in its way.
Besides, with the new, larger 43.5-litre fuel
tank and improved intervals between services
now standing at 200 hours – twice as long as
before – Polaris is making sure you can keep
going for longer.
And the Ranger Diesel will keep going, because
it’s a robust and extremely capable machine. It
uses a heavy-duty one-piece chassis, combined
with equally tough bushes, bearings and steering
rack, while the drivelines are all sealed for
maximum protection.
There’s further protection in the way of a full-
length skid plate running underneath the vehicle’s
body, along with a huge new front bumper
that now features an integrated winch mount.
Thanks to the harness and wiring already being
assembled, it’s more plug-and-play than ever.
*ilters like the new (onaldson air fi lter haZe
been moved ahead of the cabin out of the way
of debris. The new automatic transmission has
a 55% larger belt and gearing that’s 26% lower
than on the most closely comparable model,
resulting in a machine that seemingly never gets
¾ ustered by what lies ahead.
When you’re in the rough, it’s not just the
gearing that aids your progress. The 27” Maxxis
tyres fi nd traction anywhere, while the cmof ground clearance and 27.9cm of travel really
come into action when hobbling over ruts and
other obstructions. Perhaps the only downside
to the driving experience is that the accelerator
pedal is positioned deep into the footwell, which
can make full-throttle inputs – a necessity most
of the time ̄ diffi cult to achieZe without paying
considerable attention to your foot placement.
Despite this, however, the Ranger Diesel
never feels anything other than stable while on
the moZe. Its low centre of graZity and adept
suspension keep it nice and level, leaving the