Caterpillar Unveils First UTVs

Caterpillar has announced it is entering the UTV business with a vehicle that is tough and designed for work. "Customers have asked for this. Dealers have asked for this," says Norma Aldinger of Caterpillar as she explains the features of the new gas CUV82 and diesel CUV102D.

Although these are the first UTVs Caterpillar has brought to the market, the unique design has the same look and feel as other yellow products customers are familiar with.

Comfortable Operation

The two models feature a standard cab with a roomy operator station. A quiet ride makes it easy for passengers to converse. Two adjustable bucket seats make for a comfortable fit for farmers and ranchers of many sizes.

"We know the core CAT customer is going to be getting in and out of the operation station a lot throughout the course of the day, so we recognize the need to make it easy for that to happen," says Campbell Lowman, UTV project engineering team lead, noting the 62-inch-wide machine has ample head and leg space. See the video below for more details.

A stowable passenger seat and a behind-seat storage offer the ability to keep tools close at hand. Within the cab, additional storage is available in the locking glovebox, below-dash cubbies, and a document storage compartment between seats. Four cupholders are also standard. Center console and under-seat storage add-ons are available.

Built to Work

Designed specifically for work application, the steel bed fits most pallets. Openings for tie-downs and 2×4s allow customers to easily secure loads. Both the gas and diesel models have a 2,000-pound towing capacity. Cargo capacity is 1,000 pounds.

A truck-style column shifter and an adjustable steering wheel make the vehicle more intuitive for first-time users. The transaxle controls shifting between drive, reverse, neutral, high, and low. A belt-driven CVT takes over once the vehicle is in the appropriate gear. While it must be stationary to shift into gear, toggles make it easy to switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive lock at any speed.

Power steering and engine breaking also make the UTVs easy to drive. A standard front sway bar contributes to handling. The optional rear sway bar may be helpful when hauling more than 500 pounds.

The CUV82 has a three-cylinder, .8-liter gas engine made by Chery. Delivering 50 hp., the UTV will go 45 mph and allows drivers to lock the top speed down to 25 mph. The reduced speed limit can be set on the instrument panel and locked with a PIN number. Lowman says this feature may be attractive for owners who have less-experienced operators or rental fleets.

A three-cylinder, 25-hp. Kohler engine powers the CUV102D. This diesel model will go 25 mph.

Maintenance is designed to be simple with easy access to the drive belt and filters. A trap door between the passenger seats allows users to reach the oil filter. The cooling system sits under the hood along with a handy tool pack. The engine is below the bed. The 8.5-gallon gas tank allows aggressive all-day use without refueling interruption.

Safety is a priority for the design of these machines. Both feature a three-point seat belt. The CUV82 features a shoulder bar and knee door appropriate for its top speed. The CUV102D has a hip bar instead.

Availability and Price

Both vehicles are manufactured through a partnership with Textron in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Textron is an experienced company in the space, already manufacturing several UTVs, Arctic Cat snowmobiles, and E-Z-Go golf carts.

Expect to pay at least $14,999 for the CUV82 gas model. The CUV102D starts out with an MSRP of $16,299. More than 50 cab, roof, windshield, and door options are available as upgrades. Lighting, dump assist, grille guard, heat, and Bluetooth radio add-ons may be useful on the farm or ranch, as well.

Both the CUV82 and CUV102D will be available spring 2018 through CAT dealerships. A crew version of both vehicles will be released fall 2018.

Take a closer look at some of the features in this slideshow.