Editor’s note: The Farm Progress Show is Aug. 27-29 in Boone, Iowa. Visit FarmProgressShow.com.

By Andy Castillo

In this digital era, machinery changes hands with a mouse click. Farmers often make purchases sight unseen. While manufacturers’ booths at farm shows are a convenient way to check out equipment before buying, Farm Progress Show’s Ride and Drive areas take it a step further.

“It is an opportunity to get behind the wheel of everything and anything from a side-by-side, including a pickup truck, a tractor or a sprayer,” says Matt Jungmann, national events director at Farm Progress. “We know we will have Chevrolet, John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Kawasaki and Polaris. All will have a Ride and Drive featuring something new.”

Some Ride and Drive areas will be at exhibitor booths. Others will be at tram loading on the east side of the showgrounds, near the field and autonomy demonstration areas. Some will have obstacles that operators can maneuver over and around to test the machine’s capabilities. Each track is designed to maximize the driver’s experience and highlight machine features.

“In 1953, when the Farm Progress Show started, the technological advancement of a four-bottom plow to a five-bottom plow was straightforward,” Jungmann says. “Now, technological improvements take a lot more education — and conversation and questioning. That’s where the value of the Ride and Drive is.”

Polaris Ranger XD 1500

Jungmann says a variety of utility vehicles will be available to test-drive, such as Polaris’ 2025 Ranger lineup, which includes the extreme-duty Ranger XD 1500 utility side-by-side. The Ranger XD 1500 was engineered with a 1500-cc, three-cylinder engine that provides 110 hp, an automatic transmission and more than 70 accessories that can be customized.

“We have more side-by-sides than we’ve ever had before,” Jungmann says. “It’s the year of the side-by-side. It will be a fantastic shopping opportunity. If you’re in the market for a side-by-side, you do not want to miss the Farm Progress Show this year. You’ll be able to drive just about anything you’re interested in.”

John Deere Gator XUV

John Deere’s new gas-powered Gator XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles will also be available to drive. The vehicles are designed to help farmers and ranchers improve productivity by assisting with a variety of jobs around the farm.

Precision agriculture upgrades include integration with John Deere’s Operations Center, which lets operators geo-map boundaries.

An added switch bank features on/offs for the AutoTrac Resume, ISO implement connector and the display. The switches provide more control of implements such as sprayers and displays.

Kawasaki Ridge XR

Kawasaki’s new Ridge XR side-by-side will also be available.

The Ridge XR has a 999-cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine. It has a wide-track chassis, long-travel suspension and high ground clearance. A redesigned cab features a D-shaped steering wheel, an automotive-inspired dashboard, and a 7-inch color instrument panel. Three versatile model variations include an option for a factory-standard full cab with heating and cooling.

Interested showgoers should check the Farm Progress Show mobile app for more details and exact test-drive locations.