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By: CJ Rena Johnson
Bobcat 3200 2x4
Utility Vehicles: A Crossover to Cross Over For
We have actually been a fan of Bobcats
agricultural products for a while because of all
the rave reviews we have heard for years from
those in the landscaping. Therefore, we
were looking
forward to some first-hand experience on these
UTV
and was excited about this opportunity to learn
more about all of their products, including
their new line of utility vehicles.
Media Event 2010
Bobcat, Doosan, and Two Rivers Marketing
arranged for a very informative and impressive
media event in Atlanta, GA. Bobcat and Doosan
representatives prepared and delivered
presentations on each of their new products
followed by plenty of hands-on time so we could
fully review almost all of the products on
display.
In the presentation, we learned that both Doosan
and Bobcat take pride in providing built-in
longevity for all their machines including
Bobcat’s new UTVs. They accomplish this by
making maintenance areas easy to access as well
as by protecting critical areas of the machine
as in radiator guards that protect the radiator
from damage, CV guards that protect the
half-shaft grease from damaging debris, skid
plates that protect the undercarriage, engine
and transmission and with sealed CVT covers
which protect the drive belt.
We spent some time trying out some of their
agricultural and excavation equipment I had
never had the opportunity to review. However, I
focused the majority of my time on their four
new UTV models including the 3200 4x2, the 3400
4x4, the 3400XL 4x4 and the 3450 4x4. The first
in this line-up of the utility vehicles we
reviewed was the 3200 4x2.
3200 4x2
The 3200 4x2 is the smallest of all the new
Bobcat UTVs. It is also their only gas-only UTV.
With its 29 HP engine, it has enough power to
accomplish all kinds of tasks around personal
acreage or even larger farms or job sites. As we
went through the presentation on this vehicle,
the representative focused on its ability to
haul, tow, and transport. With the bed designed
for hauling, you can carry more than on a
typical ATV, yet you can go places you could not
go with even a small truck.
One example they gave was its use during calving
season. This would be an ideal vehicle to use to
go rescue a calf from a remote area of the farm.
Its 1600 lb. load capacity and 1500 lb. towing
capacity is also very handy in hauling supplies
to areas of the farm that need tending such as
broken fences, falling trees, or rockslides.
The 3200 4x2 comes equipped with a 2-inch
receiver hitch and as a UTV it can pull heavier
loads than a comparable ATV. They are also great
to have on job sites where you need to transport
passengers or packages from one place to
another.
The all four-wheel independent suspension allows
for more comfort and stability over any kind of
terrain. After spending a few hours in the seat
of any UTV, it becomes very clear why this is so
important in a crossover vehicle like this one.
Not only does it reduce soreness due to bouncing
and vibration, it reduces fatigue by reducing
the strain of having to fight against the
terrain as hard when you go from one place to
the next.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how the
3200 4x2 UTV handled a variety of situations
tested at this media event.
Compared with other side-x-sides
This is a great crossover vehicle for those who
want to work and play on the same vehicle. Other
more recreation-focused vehicles such as the
Polaris Ranger, Polaris Ranger RZR, and the
Kawasaki Mule are better suited if you plan to
spend most of your time out on the trail playing
instead of working on the farm. The Honda
Big Red is the closest comparable side-x-side I
have reviewed in comparison to the Bobcat 3200
4x2.
Trail Test
The Bobcat 3200 4x2 tested better than I
expected on the recreational obstacle course set
up, which included hill climbs, a rock crawling
area, mud holes and ruts. It conquered each one
without hesitation. I would certainly take this
vehicle on most of the easier OHV trails I have
been traveled. As far as the work side of it, I
cannot imagine many areas on a farm or job site
where this machine would not exceed
expectations. The 3200 4x2 UTV is the perfect
vehicle for anyone who wants to enjoy some of
both the recreational and agricultural worlds.
Specifications
Vehicle
- Overall Length: 113 inches
- Overall Width: 60 inches
- Overall Weight: 75 inches
- Operating Weight: 1375 lb
- Travel Speed, High: 30 mph
- Travel Speed, Low: 15 mph
- Wheel Base: 76 inches
- Tread Width (Front/Rear): 48 inches, 49
inches
- Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches
- Turning Radius: 122 inches
Engine
- Fuel: Gas
- Horsepower: 29 HP
- Displacement: 27.8 inx3
- Injection: Carburetor
- Cooling: Liquid
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 9 Gallon
Cargo Box Capacity
- Cargo Box Length: 36.5 inches
- Cargo Box Width: 54 inches
- Cargo Box Height: 11.5 inches
- Cargo Box Load Height: 31 inches
- Cargo Box Load (Maximum): 1100 lb
Vehicle Capacity
- Vehicle Rated Capacity (all inclusive):
1600 lb
- Towing Capacity: 1500 lb
Vehicle Features (Standard)
- Steel Frame
- Lockable Rear Differential
- Gear Selector, R-N-L-H
- Front Suspension, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension, Double A-Arm
- Sealed CVT Cover
- 2-inch Rear Receiver
- Headlights
- Tail/Brake Lights
Vehicle Features (Optional)
- Brush Guard
- Cargo Box with Power Lift Assist
- Work Lights/Strobe Lights
- Turn Signals
Operator Area Features (Standard)
- Headrests
- Park Brake
- Beverage Holders
- Storage Compartment with Door
- Dash Mounted Hour Meter
- 3-point Seat Belt with Comfort Strap
- 4-Point ROPS (rollover protective structure)
- Gear Position Indicator Light
- Park Brake Indicator Light
Operator Area Features (Optional)
For more information about the 3200 4x2 or any
of Bobcat’s other UTVs, please visit their
website at
www.bobcat.com/utility_machines/utility_vehicles.
These machines are definitely worth checking out
for work and play.
To check out all of Bobcat’s and Doosan’s
machines, please go to their main webpage at
www.bobcat.com
Remember: No matter where you work or play,
always leave the area better than you found it.
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