MACHINERY manufacturer Case IH has thrown its hat into the utility vehicle ring with the launch of the Scout four-wheeler range.

Announced at a national dealer meeting in Sydney last week, the Scout will be available in Australia later this year.

With three models in the Scout range, it will be competing with other established brands such as Kubota's RTV, John Deere's Gator and Honda's recently released MUV.

There are three Scout models to choose from. The range starts at the 10.5kW, two-seater Scout petrol model and there are two diesel versions, branded Scout XL, available as either two or four-passenger vehicles. The diesel Scout XLs are powered by 15kW engines.

Top speed on the Scout range is 40km/h and other features include MacPherson strut front suspension, a CVT transmission and hydraulic four-wheel-disk brakes.

The rear tray in its standard form has a load capacity of 363kg.

The Scout is not lacking when it comes to accessories. Optional extras include a windshield, winch, front blade, rear tray liner, reversing alarm and premium lighting such as fog lamps and turn signals.

Other products to look out for from Case IH this year include a new tractor range, the Maxxfarm series.

The Maxxfarm tractors are mostly under 75kW in engine power and suitable for horticulture, vegetable production and livestock enterprises.

There are six models in the Maxxfarm range, from the Maxxfarm 25 to the Maxxfarm 60 and they are available with a series of optional accessories such as mower decks and Case IH's Maxx-Lift front-end loader with four-in-one bucket.

The front-end loaders have been manufactured specifically for the Maxxfarm tractors

The new Maxx-lift loaders are compatible with each Maxxfarm model and are available with both standard and 4-in-1 buckets. They feature quick-release buckets with Euro couplers.

They are also easily released from the tractor, so a variety of tasks can be performed with and without the loader very quickly.