1. FIRST DRIVE
BY DERREK SIGLER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SOSEBEE
ATLASJSV
GRAVELY
TheblendedDNAoftheGravelyAtlasJSV
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2. GRAVELY ATLAS JSV
Many people are familiar with the Ariens Corporation. It has been a
family owned business in Brillion, Wisconsin since 1933 that started
out manufacturing agricultural equipment. In 1982, they acquired the
Gravely Corporation, a major manufacturer of lawn care equipment.
Today, under both brands, the company is a leading manufacturer of
power equipment, making snow blowers, lawn mowers and more.
With a reputation for making solid equipment and a very strong
international dealer network, Ariens was very attractive to other
companies for partnership opportunities. In particular, another
Midwest company, Polaris, was very interested in partnering with
Ariens. In short, after a great deal of planning and development, the
end result is the Gravely Atlas JSV – A workhorse utility UTV that is a
combination of DNA from both companies.
WHAT’S A JSV?
JSV stands for Job Site Vehicle, and that should tell you something
about the target market for this machine. During the introduction,
the development team kept referring to landscapers, construction
crews, farmers and land managers as potential buyers for the JSV. Now
I know what you’re thinking- doesn’t Polaris already have a machine
for this market? Well, yes, and no. Polaris does have the Brutus line of
utility machines. What they don’t have is the foothold of the massive
dealer network in these markets that Ariens/Gravely does. It also
makes sense to partner with an established company to spread out
the development costs.
So, does this mean that the Atlas JSV is simply a rebranded
Brutus? No, it isn’t. Ariens/Gravely developed the machine using some
of the technology of the Brutus and other Polaris machines. There are
some other elements that are completely Gravely.
The MX-18 Jobbox bed is has an all-steel construction and
has a 1,250lb. capacity, as well as a 1,900 lb. payload capability. The
Gravely-designed bed has 18 cubic feet of cargo space that will hold a
fully-loaded pallet. Making dumping the box easier is an electric deck
lift that comes standard. The control for the dump box is conveniently
placed on the dash.
The dash and steering wheel are other Gravely-designed
elements. Both were designed to enhance productivity on the job
site. The steering wheel is oversized and actually reminded me of
the steering wheels on my grandfather’s old tractors that we used all
the time while growing up on the family farm. The oversized wheel
helped a little when driving the non-EPS equipped versions of the
JSV. EPS is not a standard option when buying the machine, but after
driving it, I would strongly suggest you opt for EPS.
Another very noticeable feature that is distinct to the Atlas is the
front bumper and grill. The massive front bumper just scream rugged
and everyone remarked at how good it looks. Made from heavy-
duty steel and made winch-ready, the bumper is as functional as it is
stylish.
All of the Atlas JSV components that are distinct to the vehicle
are built by Gravely and then shipped to a Polaris factory for final
assembly.
ABOUT THAT POLARIS DNA
The basic frame and suspension components are from Polaris. The
front suspension is right off the Ranger line, with spring rates set to
match the weight of the various JSV models. The rear suspension
was borrowed from the Brutus line and uses the same multi-link, coil
over De-Dion Suspension with 6-inches of travel. The De-Dion system
reduces sag when the cargo area is fully loaded. It also maintains
ground clearance and suspension travel even when the machine is at
maximum 2,000lbs. towing capacity.
There are four basic variations of the Atlas JSV. The machine
features either a Polaris ProStar 570 DOHC engine, or a Kohler 1028cc
diesel engine. The 570 produces 40 horsepower from a single-cylinder
engine that is pretty common in Polaris machinery right now. The
diesel pumps out 24 horsepower and loads of torque.
Both engines are available in a 3-seat or a 6-seat configuration.
The 3 seat variations weigh 1,575 lbs. for the 570 version and 1,675
for the Kohler. Add the second row of seating and the weight goes
to 1,800 lbs. for the 570 and 1,900 for the diesel. Both engines bring
power to the wheels via a dual range CVT transmission.
Also from Polaris comes the On-Demand AWD system that
Polaris is known for. The transmission also features the VersaTrac Turf
Mode, which unlocks the rear differential. This again aims right at the
target market for the Atlas JSV.
Top speed for the Atlas JSV is limited to 35mph. Bringing the
machine to a stop are four wheel hydraulic disk brakes. A 10-gallon
fuel tank supplies the go-juice for long days on the job. Most Polaris
Lock & Ride accessories fit the Atlas JSV, and Ariens is currently
designing additional attachments that are distinctly designed for the
machine.
DRIVING THE JSV
We got to spend a little time behind the wheel during an introduction
near the Brillion, Wisconsin headquarters. While we didn’t have a“job
site”to run around, but the fields set up as a test area worked for first
impressions.
As stated earlier, the Atlas JSV doesn’t come standard with
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3. FIRST DRIVE 2015 KYMCO UXV 450i LE 4X4
electronic power steering. If you’re in the market for one, especially
the diesel version, opt for the EPS add on. The extra weight of the
diesel engine can make the machine a workout if you have to drive
it much. For basic use around the job site, it may not be much of an
issue, though.
Some of the steering issues come from the tire choice. The Atlas
JSV is outfitted with Carlisle All-Trail tires, an All-Trail I for the front
and an All-Trail II for the rear. The front and rear are both a 25-inch
tire and the tread pattern is best described as an aggressive turf tire.
This means it will get decent traction, but was designed to not tear
up lawns and landscaping. What it isn’t designed for, however, is good
steering manners.
Under load, with the bed loaded to full cargo capacity, the
driving characteristics are unchanged, which came as a pleasant
surprise. The suspension and cargo box do just as advertised and
if you didn’t know the bed was weighed down, you can’t tell when
driving it.
One other thing to keep in mind, however - the bed does stick
a little further back than a standard Brutus/Ranger dump box. This
can affect the ability to tow if your trailer has a short tongue. A hitch
extender is a cheap cure if you’re working with various trailers.
SO, DO YOU WANT ONE?
If you’re business is in landscaping, construction, agriculture, land
management, or some other occupation where a vehicle like this
would be a great addition, then you probably should take a look at
the Gravely Atlas JSV. It’s rugged and purpose-built for work. Another
factor that can make this an attractive option for the market is the
Ariens/Gravely dealer network, which is world-wide and massive. With
the machine and the companies backing it, the folks at Ariens were
very proud of what they are coming to market with, and they have a
right to be.
GRAVELY ATLAS JSV SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: Polaris / Kohler 570 cc Single cylinder, DOHC Gas /
3-Cylinder Diesel
Fuel system: Gas / Diesel EFI / Indirect Injection
Starting system Electric
DRIVETRAIN: Drive system On-Demand True 2WD/4WD/ VersaTrac
Turf Mode
Transmission CVT
SUSPENSION (TYPE): Front IFS Dual A-arm, adjustable pre-load
Rear De Dion, adjustable pre-load
TIRES: Front 25x10 Carlisle All Trail I
Rear 25x11 Carlisle All Trail II
BRAKES: Front / Rear Dual hydraulic disc / Hydraulic Disc
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 72 in.
Ground clearance 10 in.
Length x width x height 128x64x73.5 in.
Fuel capacity 10 gal.
LOAD CAPACITY: Towing capacity 2000 lb.
Cargo Bed and Dimensions 1,250 lb, 48.2”x57”x11.4”= 18 cu ft
Bed Lift Standard, Electric
Hitch Front: Accessory, 2”Receiver; Rear:
Standard, 2”Receiver
Instrumentation Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge,
hour meter, odometer & trip meter, gear
indication, glow plug indicator light*
& engine oil pressure* (*diesel models
only), seat belt reminder light, battery
voltage charge system, engine/coolant
temp, 2 in-dash 12V power outlets
Warranty 1 Year Limited Commercial Warranty
MSRP Starting at $12,999
Website www.gravely.com/en-us/utv
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