Machines

The Gator™ RSX High-Performance Series Utility Vehicles are equipped with rack and pinion steering with power steering and a dual A-arm front suspension. These automotive-type systems exhibit excellent handling characteristics, as well as responsive steering and low steering effort.

Automotive-type rack and pinion steering features include:

• Electronic power-steering assist system (EPAS). Features of EPAS include:
  • Anti-kickback feature reduces the amount of steering unwinding when traversing difficult terrain.
  • The system is speed sensing and adjusts steering effort as the speed of the vehicle changes.
    • As speed increases there is less steering assist for improved road feel.
    • As speed decreases steering assist increases to give lower steering efforts for improved maneuverability.
  • A warning/functional light on the instrument panel provides self-diagnostics and a warning light in the situation of no assist.
  • Torque sensor measures steering wheel input so the on-board computer can provide the appropriate output for various driving situations.
• Steel ball-bearings secure the steering shaft and delivers smooth, responsive operation
• Tight turn radius of 3.7 m (12.3 ft) for excellent maneuverability
• Completely sealed rack-and-pinion for long life
• Low steering ratio (lock-to-lock steering wheel rotations) provides more responsive steering and less operator input
• Shaft U-joints are phased for a smooth, uninterrupted motion of the steering wheel
• Ackerman steering design provides more responsive steering, decreases tire wear when used on hard surfaces and is turf friendly (see description below)
• Minimal bump steer eliminates unintended vehicle direction changes when traversing terrain and permits less feedback to the steering wheel (see description below)

 

The tire scrubbing, which also creates unwanted heat and wear in the tire, can be eliminated by turning the inside wheel at a greater angle than the outside one (Ackerman steering).

 

NOTE: Some competitors use parallel steering instead of Ackerman steering.

 

Bump steering defines the change in the forward steering angle (thus wheel position) as the suspension travels through its full motion. A large amount of angular change (5 degrees to 7 degrees) will alter the vehicle's direction and excessively move the steering wheel.

Having the utility vehicles come pre-wired for a winch from the factory greatly reduces the winch install time. Two of the RSX860M chassis come from the factory prewired for a winch: all power steering models and the winch-ready chassis.

 

Components included in the winch-ready chassis factory installed:

• Winch wiring harness
• Negative winch battery cable
• Winch disconnect wiring harness

A dealer-installed version of the WARN® ProVantage 1587.6-kg (3500-lb) winch for these chassis is available through Parts. Please reference the Price Pages/Configurator for the attachment number.

 

WARN is a trademark of WARN Industries, Inc.

Engine, fuel, exhaust, and intake

The RSX860 is powered by an 839-cc (51.2-cu in.), V-twin, four-cycle motorcycle gasoline engine. It produces 46.2 kW (62 hp*) and 80.6 Nm (59.5 lb-ft) of torque. The advanced electronic controls and fuel-injection systems deliver superb starting, idling, and throttle response during operation.

 

The engine offers the following performance and reliability features:

• Delivers exhilarating acceleration for excellent performance
• 97-km/h (60-mph) top speed
• Mounted transversely under the seats for a low center of gravity and more equal weight distribution between the front and rear axles
• Closed-loop electronic fuel injection for superb performance, instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, and hassle-free cold-weather starting (tested to -20°F, or -29°C)
  • Dual oxygen sensors provide a more accurate air-to-fuel ratio balance between cylinders, increasing ability to start and overall engine performance
• Engine control unit (ECU) cutout to protect critical drive components when the wheel speed far exceeds the vehicle speed
• Liquid cooled for quieter operation and optimal performance
• Four-valve-per-cylinder design provides greater efficiency and fuel economy
• Dry sump oiling system
  • More efficiently lubricates the engine resulting in more available horsepower over a conventional wet sump design
  • Oil tank is more easily accessible for checking and filling the oil
  • Allows for the engine to be mounted low in the vehicle to lower the center of gravity
  • Oil cooler in front of the radiator to help keep engine oil at lower operating temperatures
• Full-pressure lubrication system
• Spin-on oil filter with drain bracket and oil drain valve enable easy servicing
• High-flow air filter
  • Utilizes nano-fiber technology to increase the efficiency of the filtration without sacrificing horsepower
• See-through coolant recovery tank permits the operator to check the coolant level without having to remove the radiator cap
  • Sealed radiator compartment keeps trash and debris on the outside of the grille
• 450 W maximum magneto charging system
• Auto-start electronic ignition system optimizes ECU inputs for easy starting
• Electronic ignition is continuously variable for optimum engine power and provides fast, reliable starts
• Exhaust system design
• Large-diameter header pipes optimized for maximum horsepower output collect in high-volume muffler
• Full stainless steel for longevity under severe loading and heat
• Additional heat wrap ensures heat dissipation through the tail pipe
• Spark-arresting muffler is United Stated Forest Service (USFS) approved
• Large 28-L (7.4-gal.) fuel tank
• An engine isolation system dramatically reduces engine vibration and noise. Engine vibration will be reduced by 67-83 percent on the floor, and the noise will be reduced by 2-4 dB(A)

 

*Engine horsepower is provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information.

The cargo box consists of a high-density polyethylene copolymer composite material that eliminates rust, dents, and reduces noise. This large, one-piece design has rounded inside corners to ensure material removal when tilted. The composite box is highly ribbed and supported with a welded steel-ladder structure to ensure hard-driving performance and longevity. The three highly styled exterior pieces are made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) for extra durability.

Cargo box tailgate

The tailgate can be opened or removed for easier cleanout and to carry longer items. It features truck-like performance and can be operated with one hand.
 
The tailgate’s pivot point is made of hardened steel for durability and designed for tool-less removal.  The standard lanyards can also be disconnected without tools to remove the tailgate for convenient loading and unloading tasks.

Cargo box tilt and removal

The cargo box ease of use is critical to performing tasks quickly and efficiently. Starting with the truck-style tailgate, the removal of content in this cargo box is much easier. The manual release functions as the lift lever as well, done in a smooth, one step motion. It can even be tilted from both sides of the vehicle. To reduce the overall effort of lift, the pivot point of the cargo box is closer to the center. The combination of easy-to-use attributes makes this cargo box best in class.

 

With the removal of two bolts, the cargo box can easily be detached from the vehicle frame for ease of servicing.

Integrated tie-down points

The cargo box offers integrated tie-down points for increased versatility. Tie-down points are located in the following areas:

•  Flip-up D-shaped rings in all four corners inside the cargo-box bed
•  Multiple points along the edge of the cargo box side walls
•  Tie-down bars on either side of the cargo box with optional cargo box rail kit. This kit also provides a mounting system using accessories that possess the 25.4-mm (1-in.) quick clamp.

Optional accessories

Optional accessories for the cargo box include:

• Factory-installed cargo box rail system
• Cargo box bed mat
• Cargo box wall extensions

Specifications

Length	82 cm (32.3 in.)
Width	120.9 cm (47.6 in.)
Depth	29.6 cm (11.7 in.)
Volume	0.25 m3 (8.9 cu ft)
Weight capacity	227 kg (500 lb)
Dump angle Bed height (from ground)	45 degrees 76.3 cm (30 in.)

 

CAUTION: Carrying extra-long cargo that extends beyond the box can adversely affect stability.

To complement the capable powertrain on the RSX860E and RSX860M, the RSX is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension. This unique suspension setup provides an unparalleled ride over challenging terrain and excellent handling through corners.

 

The engineering team in collaboration with engineering firms that consult with Formula 1®, NASCAR®, and INDYCAR® teams, built a sport-tuned suspension system for class-leading operator comfort, no matter the terrain, and handling that makes one think they are on rails.

Dual A-arm front suspension features include:

• Dual, wide-arch A-arm design provides maximum front-wheel control, precise steering, and maximum ground clearance out to the wheel
• 23 cm (9 in.) of travel provides ample compression and wheel extension, which keep all four wheels on the ground for superior traction and vehicle control
• Exclusive aluminum-body, high-pressure monotube shocks or piggyback shocks, both provided by FOX Racing Shox® company (see more details below)
• Solid anti-roll bar, with fully rubber isolated connecting links and pivots, is tuned to provide the most agile and predictable handling
• Camber during compression to compensate for body roll and to maintain an optimal tire contact patch for improved cornering grip
• Increasing vehicle width during compression for additional stability.
• High-strength ASTM 80-55-06 ductile cast-iron knuckle and upper A-arm to support the high stresses of the shocks, constant-velocity (CV) shaft, and wheels
• Automotive-style fully boxed and welded-steel lower A-arms to minimize unsprung mass and maximize strength
• Maintenance-free rubber torsional A-arm pivots for long life and quiet operation
• CV shaft protection from sticks that may puncture the rubber boot
• Anti-dive front suspension geometry provides a solid platform for confident braking

Multi-link IRS rear suspension features include:

• Exclusive multi-link, semi-trailing arm rear suspension moves wheels rearward and outward in compression
• 23 cm (9 in.) (23 cm) of travel provides ample compression and wheel extension, which keep all four wheels on the ground for superior traction and vehicle control
• Exclusive aluminum-body, high-pressure monotube shocks or piggyback shocks; both provided by FOX Racing Shox (see more details below)
• Solid anti-roll bar, with fully rubber isolated connecting links and pivots, is tuned to provide the most agile and predictable handling
• Camber during compression to compensate for body roll and to maintain an optimal tire contact patch for improved cornering grip
• Increasing vehicle width during compression for additional stability.
• High-strength ASTM 80-55-06 ductile cast-iron knuckle and lower A-arm to support the high stresses of the shocks, CV shaft, and wheels with the toughness to survive impacts from boulders
• Heat-treated, aluminum-cast, upper A-arms to minimize unsprung mass
• Maintenance-free, rubber-torsional A-arm pivots for long life and quiet operation

Standard equipment shocks on the base model– front and rear suspension

• Exclusive aluminum-body, high-pressure monotube FOX racing shocks
  • Fully adjustable spring preload for different driving styles
  • High-pressure nitrogen gas is separated from the damping oil by an internal floating piston (IFP). The separation prevents aeration (frothing) and viscosity degradation of the oil which improves damping consistency and performance fade.
  • Pressure and heat generation in the monotube is less than a traditional twin-tube shock, allowing for better vehicle control in aggressive conditions.
  • The single aluminum shell of the monotube design allows for more efficient heat rejection and lower overall unsprung mass.
  • Mounting the shaft end of the shock to the suspension arm lowers the unsprung mass of the suspension system, leading to improved suspension response.

 

FOX Racing Shox is a trademark of Fox Factory, Inc. NASCAR is a trademark of NASCAR. INDYCAR is a trademark of Brickyard Trademarks Incorporated. Formula 1 is a trademark of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula One Group Company.

John Deere’s utility vehicle warranty gives the operator confidence from bumper to bumper. The model year 2018 Gator ™ RSX860 joins the rest of the current utility vehicle lineup with a 12-month or 1000-hour warranty. This gives assurance the RSX860 will be ready when it is needed the most.