MachineryLink

In this Equipment Roundup, DTN/Progressive Farmer looks at Polaris recalling some of its RZR vehicles, LiDAR-powered precision spray technology maker Smart Apply expanding its presence in the U.S., ASV introducing a new loader, and manufacturers creating a new interoperability network.

**

POLARIS EXPANDS RZR GENERAL RECALL

Polaris is recalling some of its 2020-2022 RZR XP 1000, RZR XP Turbo, and RZR Turbo S Velocity and 2020-2022 GENERAL 1000 and GENERAL XP 1000 vehicles that may have steering wheels that can separate and result in a loss of control, posing a crash hazard, resulting in serious injury.

Polaris issued a "Stop Sale, Stop Ride" order on Oct. 27, 2021, following notification of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). On Dec. 23, 2021, Polaris announced the voluntary recall in cooperation with CPSC. On July 19, 2022, Polaris expanded the affected vehicle population and notified dealers and affected registered owners.

More information on the recall is available on the CPSC website: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Polaris-Recalls-Recreational-Off-Road-Vehicles-Due-to-Crash-Hazard-Recall-Alert.

The number of affected vehicles is about 38,900 globally. Polaris has identified 48 reports of broken or cracked steering wheel spokes, including nine reports of rollovers and five reports of injuries.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair, including the installation of a new steering wheel. Polaris urges owners to not attempt repairs themselves.

To search off-road recalls by model or vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your vehicle is affected by any recalls, visit the Polaris Off-Road Safety Recalls page: www.polaris.com, click on "Off Road Safety Recalls" or www.polaris.com/en-us/off-road-recalls/.

You also can call Polaris at 800-765-2747 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

**

SMART APPLY EXPANDS IN U.S., AUSTRALIA

Smart Apply, makers of a LiDAR-powered precision spray technology that reduces chemical and water usage in fruit and nut orchards and vineyards by an average of 50% and minimizes airborne drift by up to 87%, is expanding its dealer network with the additions of Pape Machinery (U.S.) and RDO Equipment in Australia. The two John Deere-certified dealers have 78 locations between them.

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. It is a remote-sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances.

Sold as a kit, Smart Apply is compatible with most air-blast sprayers. The system is operated using an Android tablet and applies chemicals based on the density of individual trees or vines.

Smart Apply Inc. created the laser-guided, density-based, precision sprayer technology in conjunction with USDA. The Smart Apply system is proven to reduce chemical and water use by more than half, with less waste, less drift and less labor. The spray system was the winner of the 2021 World Ag Expo Top 10 Award, 2021 SIMA Paris Gold Award and 2020 ASABE AE50 Outstanding Innovation Award. Smart Apply's dealer network includes the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, and South Africa.

**

ASV INTRODUCES NEW YANMAR-POWERED RT-50

ASV Holdings Inc. is introducing its newest RT-50 Posi-Track loader. The repowered RT-50 features a 53.8-horsepower Tier 4, three-cylinder turbo-charged Yanmar engine. The machine has a high tractive effort and high pushing and digging power with ASV's Posi-Power system. The compact track loader allows operators to be more productive with its 58.5-inch width, a 9.1-foot lift height, a 1,400-pound rated operating capacity and 7.1 mph top speed. Posi-Track features a flexible track and an open-rail and internal positive drive-sprocket undercarriage, allowing for greater traction, longer wear life and faster, more convenient undercarriage cleaning.

Variable auxiliary hydraulic flow comes standard and the machine can operate efficiently at a high auxiliary circuit flow rate, powered by 13.3 gpm of pump capacity and 3,000 psi of system pressure.

ASV backs the RT-50 with a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.

For more information, see www.asvi.com.

**

RAVEN FILMS IS NOW VIAFLEX

Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Raven Engineered Films announced the company will move forward as Viaflex. The new name and corporate identity follow its April 2022 acquisition by Industrial Opportunity Partners from Raven Industries.

The company develops and manufactures thinner, lighter, stronger polymer film and sheeting solutions for applications in the agriculture (feed, grain and silage covers; containment liners and fumigation films), construction and energy fields.

**

AG ELECTRONICS FOUNDATION FORMING INTEROPERABILITY NETWORK

The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) has formed a project team to develop the new Agriculture Interoperability Network (AgIN). The network will provide data management for reporting, analysis, and insights for future operations benefitting end users, growers and operators.

AEF was founded in 2008 and is now comprised of more than 250 agriculture equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and trade associations. Volunteers collaborate to improve cross-manufacturer compatibility of electronic and electric components in agricultural equipment and work together to resolve farmers' incompatibility issues. Hundreds of products are certified and able to work seamlessly with one another, no matter the color of the paint.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @DMillerPF

(c) Copyright 2022 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.