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All-New
2009 Polaris Ranger HD |
Stepping aside from the fun that the Rzr line
brings, the new Ranger models had my attention
from the second I learned I would be attending
this event. I am a Ranger owner, and can not imagine
how I would live with out it here at my farm.
I figured that since they threw us a huge bonus
with the Rzr S model, we would be let down with
some slight of hand new gadget on the Ranger line
and dismiss it under the glow of the gleaming
herd of Rzr’s we were fresh from riding.
I was ready for them, having the list of things
I would like changed at the ready. Well, much
like the little man in my head, my list was worthless
as well!
I honestly believe Polaris has bugged my Ranger,
so that since I brought it home they have been
secretly listening as I griped out loud about
the little nuances that we all have about things
we would have done better. Like the seat, it’s
a bench style seat and you feel like you’re
on a bus, or how about the steering? Ever drive
an old truck? And that confounded foot brake;
it was just unnatural to use. So what did they
change?
Well for starters, the seat is now molded and
has a new angled back that feels much better.
Now you feel more in control due to being “in”
the seat a little better. The foot activated
parking brake is a thing of the past and is
now replaced with a hand lever to the left of
the steering wheel, which makes it much easier
to use and added adjustable steering rounded
out my gripe list, or ex-gripe list! Now, with
my changes all made they went further, a lot
further.
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The 2009
Polaris Ranger HD is equipped with adjustable
dual A-Arms front and rear with 9"
of suspension up front and and 9.63"
in the rear. The Ranger also has an
impressive 12" of ground clearance
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The standard Ranger model has all the new features
and way more. New for 2009 on all Ranger models
is their new dual a-arm suspension featuring
new spring rates that allow for increased comfort
and handling both heavier loads with and with
out attachment / accessories mounted. The new
steering design allows for up to a 50% lighter
feel and when this new combo comes together
under the new model, the difference over the
old machine is night and day. If that’s
not enough, the new Ranger HD blows away any
excuse you have for not giving them a look or
replacing your old model (did I say that, please
do not tell the wife it is a surprise!)
Climbing aboard the Ranger HD and grasping the
steering wheel had me angry. I just knew I was
sold on this model and it was going to cost me
more money. Polaris did not invite me to throw
a sales pitch at me, the model sold itself. The
Ranger HD has a ton of new features, like variable
power assist steering which will surely help when
using the model for work or even on a long trail
ride. It really shines when you have one of the
many available attachments hooked to the front
of the unit, more on them later.(I am glad I did
not take my checkbook with me!)
