Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I saw this and sure hope it is available soon. I know others have diesel utility vehicles (John Deere Gator, Kubota RTV, Kawasaki Mule), but I want another ATV similar to my Polaris Sportsman Diesel. The reason is they are lots more versatile because of their size. I use my Polaris for work and play (mostly play usually). When I want it for work, it has killer torque to pull a trailer or skid trees out of the woods for firewood. When I want it for play, it has the torque for hill climbing, mud bogging, etc. This Arctic Cat would be the real deal. If it becomes available, I will get one! By the way, I love my Polaris Diesel, but I want a new ATV, just not willing to sacrifice my diesel engine to get one and not wanting a bulky utility vehicle that can be used for work only. This thing should be good for work and play like my Polaris, but should be a lot stronger with its larger engine. Mine is 445cc.
Roush unveils latest Diesel Quad Bike development
DVD 2004, Millbrook - Stand CC12
Roush Technologies, the South Essex based vehicle design and development engineering group, has unveiled a major new stage in its Diesel Quad Bike programme. At this week’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics Exhibition at the Bedfordshire Millbrook Proving Ground, military users and procurements specialists will have the first opportunity to see Roush’s completely new diesel engine installation.
The new project has arisen out of Roush’s recently established collaborative venture with Arctic Cat, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. The new machine has been designed specifically around military user requirements and is a significant improvement on Roush’s previous, but nevertheless successful installation in another chassis frame.
Roush established its major concept, design and development programme to apply diesel power units to quad bikes nearly two years ago. While its primary focus was then – and remains military and specialist applications, the new design is also expected to rekindle interest throughout civilian sectors including agriculture and forestry.
Recent military operations have highlighted an important role for quad bikes and motorcycles. Specifically, they are an increasingly important part of infantry and special forces equipment, where they can offer improved mobility in demanding terrain – such as mountain and desert environments – and they also provide additional operational flexibility on the ground. They are readily air-portable and, being lightweight, can be deployed, complete with rider and equipment, by heli-lift.
Military strategists have, for some time, sought to standardise on a single battlefield fuel – diesel. Any units operating other than on diesel fuel immediately demand an additional supply and logistics support structure. Currently, most military diesels are designed to run also on AVTUR JP-8 (Kerosene) - and Roush’s new installation will meet the same requirement.
The new diesel quad boasts a significantly bigger payload and better performance than the previous development machine. Roush has also included a large 6. 5 gallon rear mounted fuel tank to give an extended range. Other benefits include larger wheels and tyres – giving improved mobility on soft ground – and the ability to tow a loaded trailer of approaching half a ton.
Already, Roush’s prototype on the new Arctic Cat machine has been equipped with full camouflage equipment and a self-contained shelter, gun racks and a man-pack radio – allowing a special forces rider to operate both solo and self-contained. Given the advantageous payload capability of the new design, equipment options could also include ground-to-air missiles.
Roush have also put together a range of options such as winches and communications equipment, combat lighting and auxiliary power supplies. To maintain stability and mobility in the event of tyre damage, the unit can be fitted with a specially developed run-flat system. The engine can also be fitted with a stealth exhaust system, to reduce the heat signature emitted by the unit.
The Arctic Cat chassis offers a number of best-in-class features. These include 330mm of ground clearance and 254mm of suspension travel. In addition, spring pre-load adjustment (five positions on both front and rear) allows the rider to select optimum settings to suit the prevailing conditions or load. The quad bike can carry 45. 3 kg on the front rack, including a weapon – and 90. 7 kg on the rear rack.
The twin cylinder in-line 686cc engine develops 18hp – and a massive 39 Nm of torque. The engine is water cooled and naturally aspirated. Transmission is via an automatic gearbox, with both a high and low range, which provides responsive acceleration and effective engine braking. Final drive is through sealed drive shafts, front and rear and constant velocity (cv) joints. The underside of the drive train is protected by a high density skid plate to prevent damage when manoeuvring over stumps, rocks and other obstructions.
Roush Special Vehicles Business Development Manager, Darren Harvey says, "The new Roush/Arctic Cat diesel engined quad bike represents a quantum leap in our development programme. Our close understanding of the military operating environment means that we have been able to design in a significant number of features which will directly meet the requirement. Of course, a machine which delivers operational solutions for special forces will readily adapt to a whole range of civilian applications. Our experience is that there are major benefits to be gained by bringing a quad bike to the civilian market which has a military development pedigree – as opposed to the more challenging task of preparing a civilian or leisure market derived product to suit the military environment".
Roush unveils latest Diesel Quad Bike development
DVD 2004, Millbrook - Stand CC12
Roush Technologies, the South Essex based vehicle design and development engineering group, has unveiled a major new stage in its Diesel Quad Bike programme. At this week’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics Exhibition at the Bedfordshire Millbrook Proving Ground, military users and procurements specialists will have the first opportunity to see Roush’s completely new diesel engine installation.
The new project has arisen out of Roush’s recently established collaborative venture with Arctic Cat, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. The new machine has been designed specifically around military user requirements and is a significant improvement on Roush’s previous, but nevertheless successful installation in another chassis frame.
Roush established its major concept, design and development programme to apply diesel power units to quad bikes nearly two years ago. While its primary focus was then – and remains military and specialist applications, the new design is also expected to rekindle interest throughout civilian sectors including agriculture and forestry.
Recent military operations have highlighted an important role for quad bikes and motorcycles. Specifically, they are an increasingly important part of infantry and special forces equipment, where they can offer improved mobility in demanding terrain – such as mountain and desert environments – and they also provide additional operational flexibility on the ground. They are readily air-portable and, being lightweight, can be deployed, complete with rider and equipment, by heli-lift.
Military strategists have, for some time, sought to standardise on a single battlefield fuel – diesel. Any units operating other than on diesel fuel immediately demand an additional supply and logistics support structure. Currently, most military diesels are designed to run also on AVTUR JP-8 (Kerosene) - and Roush’s new installation will meet the same requirement.
The new diesel quad boasts a significantly bigger payload and better performance than the previous development machine. Roush has also included a large 6. 5 gallon rear mounted fuel tank to give an extended range. Other benefits include larger wheels and tyres – giving improved mobility on soft ground – and the ability to tow a loaded trailer of approaching half a ton.
Already, Roush’s prototype on the new Arctic Cat machine has been equipped with full camouflage equipment and a self-contained shelter, gun racks and a man-pack radio – allowing a special forces rider to operate both solo and self-contained. Given the advantageous payload capability of the new design, equipment options could also include ground-to-air missiles.
Roush have also put together a range of options such as winches and communications equipment, combat lighting and auxiliary power supplies. To maintain stability and mobility in the event of tyre damage, the unit can be fitted with a specially developed run-flat system. The engine can also be fitted with a stealth exhaust system, to reduce the heat signature emitted by the unit.
The Arctic Cat chassis offers a number of best-in-class features. These include 330mm of ground clearance and 254mm of suspension travel. In addition, spring pre-load adjustment (five positions on both front and rear) allows the rider to select optimum settings to suit the prevailing conditions or load. The quad bike can carry 45. 3 kg on the front rack, including a weapon – and 90. 7 kg on the rear rack.
The twin cylinder in-line 686cc engine develops 18hp – and a massive 39 Nm of torque. The engine is water cooled and naturally aspirated. Transmission is via an automatic gearbox, with both a high and low range, which provides responsive acceleration and effective engine braking. Final drive is through sealed drive shafts, front and rear and constant velocity (cv) joints. The underside of the drive train is protected by a high density skid plate to prevent damage when manoeuvring over stumps, rocks and other obstructions.
Roush Special Vehicles Business Development Manager, Darren Harvey says, "The new Roush/Arctic Cat diesel engined quad bike represents a quantum leap in our development programme. Our close understanding of the military operating environment means that we have been able to design in a significant number of features which will directly meet the requirement. Of course, a machine which delivers operational solutions for special forces will readily adapt to a whole range of civilian applications. Our experience is that there are major benefits to be gained by bringing a quad bike to the civilian market which has a military development pedigree – as opposed to the more challenging task of preparing a civilian or leisure market derived product to suit the military environment".
It is a pain to work on and if you stop and start frequently you can wear the batteries down pretty quick. If you have the opportunity to get one I would go for it.
