POLARIS has boosted its Ranger series of quad bikes with the release of the Ranger 400 side-by-side vehicle.

Side-by-side vehicles have two forward-facing seats, located next to each other compared with quad bikes which either have a single seat or pillion passenger seat behind the driver.

The 2010 Ranger 400 model makes an ideal, compact, all round farm vehicle, according to Polaris Industry's Neil Anderson.

"With the 400, you get all the performance of an ATV with the added bonus of creature comforts such as two upright seats in a cabin setting," Neil said.

Surrounding the driver area of the 400 is a roll-over protection structure, which, according to Neil, is a feature when it comes to safety.

"More and more we are seeing an increase in the demand for ROPS and the ability to provide the driver and/or passenger with protection from the elements.

"I can't imagine rounding up a herd of dairy cows early in the morning in the middle of winter would be that pleasant when you are exposed to the elements," Neil said.

When it comes to cabins, there are several optional extras for the Ranger 400.

A relatively simple frame with canvas is available or the vehicle can be fitted with a fully-enclosed steel cabin with windows.

Another optional safety feature is the Polaris Speedkey system.

It allows the owner to limit the top speed of the side-by-side to 37km/h, simply by the choice of key.

Without the Speedkey, the 400's top speed is 64km/h.

In the pay load department, the 400 has a rear tilting tray capacity of 228kg and a towing capacity of 567kg.

A tow bar and tow ball are optional extras and the tipping tray is manually operated and supported by gas-charged struts.

A fully-powered lifting system for the rear tray is also an optional extra.

The 400 is powered by a 455cc petrol engine which generates 21.6kW.

The power is delivered to the wheels via an on-demand, all-wheel drive system.

The rear end of the bike has independent suspension with 22.9cm of travel while at the front, the Ranger has Macpherson struts with a suspension travel of 20.3cm of travel.

In Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and NSW, the Polaris Ranger 400 is priced at $13,995 drive away.