| ATV
Polaris Sportsman
in Norway
Much of the 385,000 square kilometres of land of Norway is dominated by mountainous, high terrain with fjords and
deep grooves cut into the land – challenging ground for some, but not the Polaris Sportsman, which is why it’s the
vehicle of choice for many of the country’s inhabitants for their utility and recreational uses.
he Sportsman 6×6 is by far the
most popular model in our range
here – as well as the standard
570 – and we see a wide variety
of very different customers for
each with diverse needs.”,
Polaris Norway and Sweden’s, Martin Haglev,
explained.
In Norway the standard Sportsman 570 can be
ridden by 16-year-olds – if it’s registered as a
tractor and limited to 40kmph – and for those
aged 18-years plus, it is restricted to 60kmph,
which means that it’s often used by youngsters
for sport and leisure reasons.
“As well as selling to individuals, we find that
the government and large corporate
organisations use the Sportsman machines on
their sites in remote areas. For example, when
there is a power line down, the Sportsman is able
to access areas that it would be very difficult to
get to otherwise.”
The powerful Polaris ProStar® 44HP engine of
the Sportsman 570 features fuel injection and
T
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
Dual Overhead Cams with four valves per
cylinder, it starts flawlessly and runs smoothly. It
features integrated front storage – with a 29.5 litre
(6.5 gallon) capacity so that users can stow away
their belongings. A full 11” of obstacle-clearing
ground clearance lets you tackle tough terrain.
“It’s the versatility of the standard 570 which
means it’s so popular as it can be used for so
many different tasks – even by the same family.
The older children could use it for recreation and
the parents for work around the grounds.”
It’s not just the land which offers a challenge,
with snow not uncommon, the on-demand true
all-wheel drive (AWD) featured on the standard
570 and the 6×6 as standard. The system
engages all four tyres when the rear wheels slip
and you need more forward traction, reverting
back to 2WD when you don’t.
“The ability of the Sportsman to go anywhere
and handle all terrains and master all weathers,
makes it a fantastic choice. It has strong brakes,
strong engine and it can travel anywhere with
seriously heavy loads. The 6×6 is a real beast, it’
been a market leader for many years.”
As well as being a capable base machine –
with electronic power steering as standard – the
availability of such fantastic parts and
accessories mean that customers can make it
their own.
“It’s more of a case of what customers don’t
put on it from the P&A catalogue, than what they
do. Everything from windshields, big boxes,
weapon holders – it’s one of the strengths of the
Polaris machine that there are so many options
for owners.”
Moose hunting is a popular pastime in Norway
– with some adults measuring up to 2.m (6.9ft)
high at the shoulder and with males typically
weighing 380-700kg, the large cargo bed on the
6×6 is useful. The 6×6 features the industry’s
largest cargo system.
“Those who buy the 6×6 for hunting see it as
a tool – they fit the hunting parts and accessories
and utilise it as part of their hunting equipment
and gear, just as they do their gun.”
August 2017 | Farming Monthly | 51