Farming Monthly National July 2017 | Page 49

| ATV

Honda ATV

Farm safety

Safe ATV and UTV operation starts with making sure the machine is suitable for the situation and intended task. Your local Honda main dealer has the knowledge and experience to help you decide which of the market leading Honda range will best suit your needs.

W ork or utility models start with the Fourtrax 250 2wd which is ideal for lighter tasks, but for more pulling power the versatile Fourtrax 420 is available with 2wd or selectable 2 / 4wd and is a firm favourite with livestock and hill farming users. The larger Foreman 500 models have more power to carry and tow heavier loads while the top of the range Rincon 680 provides effortless transport at higher speeds over the most demanding terrain. For younger users Honda offers its entry level Sportrax 90, powered by a dependable electric-start, 4-stroke 86cc engine and supplied with the same full 2-year warranty as bigger models in the range.

For those with larger loads or passengers to move around the farm or estate Honda’ s latest Pioneer side-by-side utility vehicle incorporates many design features from the ATV range for reliability and superb off-road performance, making it an immediate success for farm, gamekeeping and forestry use.
ATVs and UTVs are capable of travelling across terrain which would be impassable for most other farm vehicles, but to ensure tasks are carried out safely thorough machine maintenance, approved operator training and use of appropriate protective clothing are essential.
All new Honda ATVs and UTVs come with free of charge operator training through the industryrecognised European ATV Safety Institute( EASI) scheme, which caters for riders of all abilities and experience levels. Training includes basic maintenance and pre-riding safety checks, awareness of the operator handbook, selection of suitable safety clothing and safe operation. The same course is available to those buying used ATVs for a small charge, and full information is available from your Honda main dealer.
Honda’ s ATV range is the world’ s best selling and accounts for more than half the machines sold in the UK. In 2016 the company joined forces with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs as its exclusive safety partner, connecting younger farm users with their local Honda main dealers to ensure they had access to advice regarding safe operation and responsible riding, whatever brand of ATV they use.
National Farm Safety Week, in late July, aims to remind those working on farms of the potential dangers. For advice regarding any aspect of ATV or UTV use from selection of an appropriate machine to protective clothing, operator training or implements, your Honda main dealer will be delighted to assist.
www. farmingmonthly. co. uk July 2017 | Farming Monthly | 49