Whether it’s changing to electric, the prevalence of road-legal ATVs, or the market as a whole, there’s plenty to discuss in the vehicle side of forestry. We sat down with Richard Gregg and did just that. 

HAVING the right set of wheels is crucial for any forestry professional. From SUVs to ATVs (and everything in between), there’s a wide range of choice on offer to get you from A to B. 

We recently sat down with Richard Gregg, BRP district commercial manager UK – North, to find out about Can Am’s offering – and what’s driving demand. 

What kind of customers in the forestry and arb market are using road-legal Can Am SSVs and ATVs? What kind of work are they doing?

This one is difficult to answer because some dealers favour different models for their own reasons. The fact is that having a road-legal ATV or SSV is simply more practical for some customers and dealers, especially because, since Brexit, T-category ATVs do not attract import duty.

Fencing contractors are big users of our vehicles and the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 is a particular favourite. Gamekeepers and estate managers are also regular customers and the 6x6 works for them as well. The reason they go for this model is because it is practical for difficult-to-reach areas, where the light ground pressure due to floatation tyres means they do not get stuck easily, and in conservation areas they will not disturb the ground or cause ruts to develop where using a tractor or pickup would do.

Why would they opt for road-legal models as opposed to non-road-legal models? What are the benefits of road-legal for someone who works in the forestry and arb market?

It is similar to the answer above, because if the customer has to frequently travel along public highways, then something which is ready to go straight from the crate offers a significant time advantage in terms of machine preparation. 

It also provides peace of mind, knowing that the machine was designed to be homologated for that specific usage and has the correct specification tyres fitted as standard. 

Do different people in different sections of the industry favour certain Can Am models?

Forestry Journal:

The model from the Can-Am off-road line-up that the industry favours is the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 and there are a number of reasons for this.  The first is the reliability, power and performance provided to the user by the Rotax engine. 

The second is the combination of the vehicle’s six-wheel drive, which makes the ATV more stable out in the field, and the Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) that enables the user to get right up to the side of a tree or fence as well as ride faster and with more stability.

The third is its industry-leading carrying capacity. The rear cargo box has a load capacity of 363 kg, and can easily carry anything from fence posts to logs or heavy equipment. In addition, the front rack on the 6x6 can hold up to 45 kg. This means that users do not need to tow a trailer from job to job, which, in turn, reduces the risks that come with having a loaded trailer on the back of an ATV. 

We understand you recently launched the Traxter line-up – what has the feedback been like? Who has been buying them? 

The Can-Am Traxter line-up has been around for four years, but if you mean new models, we have the HD7, which is a direct replacement for the HD5, and the HD9 that is an improved model replacement for the much-loved HD8. Specifically for forestry purposes, we have seen the Can-Am Traxter Max has really grown in popularity as more people learn of its capabilities, which include being able to transport up to six people safely to, around and from different job sites. The Can-Am Traxter PRO range with its extended load-bed capacity over a standard Traxter model means there are suddenly a whole range of new applications that  the Traxter can offer an advantage over a customer’s current transport solution. 

An example is that the sides can be removed to make it a true ‘flatbed’ vehicle, which further extends its versatility. 

How has the road-legal ATV/SSV market changed in recent years? What have been the major developments? 

We have seen the environmental concerns becoming a factor alongside changes in the legislation of fuels. The fact that red diesel duty has really changed has meant that for many users petrol power no longer has a huge disadvantage. This is highlighted by the fact that according to industry figures diesel SSV sales are declining, while our sales are still growing. Comfort and specification have also become larger factors in  purchasing decision-making, because a customer is happy to pay for quality when the machine fulfils the specification for the job in hand. 

Forestry Journal:

With petrol-powered vehicles, they are also much quieter, faster, more powerful and make it  easier and crucially safer to keep up with modern rural traffic.

What do you see as being the major changes that are coming for ATVs and SSVs? If we assume electric vehicles will become a big push – how long do you think it will take for these to outsell ‘traditional fuel’ ATV and SSVs? 

Improved adaptability and flexibility to make the machine investment more economically viable will become more important and BRP has a proven track record of award-winning innovation and bringing new technology to the market. A prime example of this is our off-road developed ABS system in recent years. 

Forestry Journal: Richard Gregg Richard Gregg (Image: FJ)

BRP has stated publicly that it will invest more than $300 million to bring out an EV in each of its product ranges by the end of 2026. I’m really excited to see what the future brings in EV and when it happens with BRP, you can be sure they will be class leading.

However, no matter how good the EV revolution will be, it will take time for the industry to change and also for some customers to make the change because the old adage of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ will be the case for some time.