Rural lifestylers love working and playing on their properties. They are turning to utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) — in record numbers — to help them do both. Retail sales of UTVs in North America reached their highest level in 2011, with more than 280,000 units sold, according to Power Products Marketing. The trend is higher for 2012, with sales expected to climb another 12-15%.

Bad Boy Mowers entered the UTV business in 2009 and we've learned a lot over the last three years. For instance, the UTV market is more competitive than the mower market. We've found that our traditional mower dealers aren't always the best fit for our side-by-sides, so now we have 50-75 dealers who strictly handle UTV sales.

Bobcat is a global brand with more than 550 UTV dealers in North America. We are the leader in compact equipment and the industry's original innovator, beginning more than 50 years ago with the first compact machine and predecessor to the skid steer loader.

Kubota's heavy-duty, high performance RTV series utility vehicles have a strong reputation for durability, reliability and work. Additionally, our reputation with dealers is consistently among the best in the industry. Our dealer programs helped us earn the highest dealer satisfaction score on the recent North American Equipment Dealers Assn. survey. And, this year, Kubota USA celebrates 40 years.

Polaris is the undisputed leader in power sports. For the first half of 2012, Polaris has sold more than a billion dollars in all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides, and our overall off-road vehicle sales are up 25% vs. the first half of 2011.

Excel Industries introduced five new products for its Hustler brand of zero-turn radius mowers at its annual Hustler Days dealer meeting. The big news: the new Raptor, the company's first zero-turn mower that will sell for under $3,000 MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price). Excel says more than half of the residential zero turns sold are at this price point.

A new company, Avant Tecno USA, opened its doors in Elk Grove Village, Ill., in May 2012.

Featuring new airflow technology that provides homeowners with more flexible placement options, GE Generator Systems announces next-generation 17- and 20-kilowatt1 standby generators.

Toro'S Z Master Commercial 2000 Series mowers provide unmatched durability, industry leading performance and professional results at an outstanding value for part-time landscape contractors and large acreage owners alike. Commercial 2000 Series mowers come equipped with Kawasaki FX engines, ranging from 20.5 to 23.5 hp, complete with a heavy-duty air cleaner for long engine life. The commercial-grade hydros feature integrated pump and wheels motors and use proven commercial hydraulic components, eliminating hoses and other potential leak points, to deliver an incredibly responsive and reliable machine.