A Salvation Army volunteer unloads supplies from a Polaris Brutus UTV equipped with non-pneumatic tires.Photo: Polaris
Polaris Industries has donated four utility task vehicles to the Salvation Army – and not for the first time – to help the organization assist people in the wake of natural disasters. The latest donation includes a combination of Ranger, Hippo, Brutus and M1400 vehicles, a variety of front attachments, as well as a set of TerrainArmor non-pneumatic tires.
“Following earlier donations to the Salvation Army, we’ve learned more about their mission and charter,” said Tate Johnson, director of work vehicles for Polaris. “We have gained an appreciation for the impact Polaris vehicles and work technologies can have in helping the Salvation Army provide food, water and support to those in need.”
Johnson said the Salvation Army informed Polaris after earlier donations that its off-road vehicles “have enabled their personnel to service disaster victims they would not otherwise have reached.”
The Brutus units are equipped with various attachments, including a bucket, grapple and pallet fork. Polaris said the Brutus “Pro-Tach” system makes it quick and easy to change attachments. One Brutus also is equipped with the TerrainArmor tires.
The Hippo has an integrated power system that is driven by the vehicle’s diesel engine. This allows the UTV to travel to sites with no available power sources and run a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and welding equipment, eliminating the need for generators and other bulky equipment usually needed for these jobs.
The Polaris M1400 unit is a gas-powered utility vehicle capable of hauling 1,400 pounds and towing 1,500 pounds.
“This year marked the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the Salvation Army’s largest disaster relief responses,” said Col. Robert Thomson, commander of the Salvation Army in Minnesota and North Dakota. “Our challenge is to go where we are needed most – wherever there is suffering and crisis. Having these vehicles from Polaris puts us in a position to take on that challenge.”
The Salvation Army is an international organization represented in 126 countries.
