By Ken Fletcher

SAFETY AND practicality feature in the newest Polaris Sportsman ATV.

Launched at LAMMA, recently, the Polaris Sportsman X2 570, has Active Descent Control (ADC) as standard to make working on slopes that much safer, while the option of carrying two people makes it a versatile newcomer.

This looks like a serious contender for anyone wanting a highly versatile working vehicle for steep hill work, while having the facility to re-configure the rear dump box in to a second seat, which could be handy at busy times like lambing.

Power comes from a 567cc, fuel injected engine which has full engine braking as a supplement to the ADC, which automatically engages on all four wheels for optimum traction in tricky downhill slopes.

Electronic power steering and independent rear suspension, with 24.1 cm of rear travel, add to its off-road capabilities. The all-wheel-drive system is 'on demand', which means it adds power to the wheels which have the most grip.

The Sportsman 570 is rated to tow more than half-a-tonne and its rear dump box has a tipping facility for quick unloading.

It also has sealed and greasable ball joints, sealed driveshaft splines and protected suspension bushes to add the 'reliability' factor. It is, though, only available in 'Sage Green' and is available from now.