T he compact size of a conventional ATV makes it incredibly versatile; able to access areas where larger 4x4s or golf coursetype UTVs are too wide and heavy. For many gamekeepers the ability to travel off established woodland tracks when needed makes an ATV indispensable, whether it is being used for vermin control or to check the condition of rearing pens and fences and a lot of time can be saved by reducing the amount that has to be done on foot. Sturdy load racks front and rear allow feed and other supplies to be transported on-board, and for larger loads the lugging ability of the low-revving, purpose-designed engines driving through shafts to the front and rear wheels means trailers are pulled with ease.
Honda’ s ATV range includes models to suit any situation with engine sizes from 250 – 680cc. Because much of the transport work on a shoot is during the wetter months, 4wd is usually a requirement so the Fourtrax 420 4x4, Foreman 500 and Rincon 680 series tend to be most popular. Foreman 500 models are ideal for
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heavier work and there are variants with foot or thumb-shift manual transmissions, as well as a fully automatic model with manual override allowing the operator full control of the gears. |
All current Honda 4wd models can be operated in 2wd when the extra traction isn’ t needed, saving tyre wear and fuel, and operator effort. Electric power steering is an increasingly popular option, especially with those spending long hours in the seat, making it easier to steer on undulating ground and rutted tracks.
Professional users will also appreciate the excellent quality of ride provided by all Honda ATVs. Front independent doublewishbone suspension on all models allows the front wheels to maintain ground contact for efficient steering, and rear suspension options include either a rear swing-arm, where the two rear wheels move up and down in parallel, or independent doublewishbone for an even smoother ride. All are designed for working environments and to cope with carrying the operator and rackmounted loads over rough terrain
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and at speeds which would challenge any other farm vehicle.
The powerful charging system, standard on Honda ATVs, is easily capable of running options such as heated handlebar grips, shooting lamps or mounted and trailed game feeders.
Honda’ s range is the best selling, worldwide and across the UK, and the superb UK dealer network means back-up is always quickly available. Running costs are low, with 100-hour service intervals and miserly fuel consumption due to the efficient engine and transmission design.
The brand’ s reputation for reliability and longevity means used machines are always in demand ensuring high resale values and reducing ownership costs, while the ability to quickly become an indispensable part of both the farm and shoot machinery fleets means the www investment. stalhameng takes. co little. ukjustifying.
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