| ATV
Honda ATV
Not just for winter work
As spring arrives and stock are moved out to the fields, a
Honda ATV or UTV can replace a tractor for many tasks,
saving valuable time and reducing ground damage while
also being much cheaper to own and run.
t this busy time of
year having
machinery capable
of carrying out
required tasks
safely, efficiently
and reliably is essential and the
best-selling Honda range includes
models for every situation. All
Honda ATVs come with rugged
front and rear load racks, allowing
feed and other materials to be
carried around with ease while for
larger loads the new Pioneer UTV
can carry up to 386kg on its
tipping load bed. Towing capacity
up to 600kg on the largest
Foreman ATVs and up to 680kg for
the Pioneer make the machines
ideal for towing stock or general-
purpose trailers.
A
At this time of year an ATV’s
popularity isn’t just down to its
ability to provide efficient farm
transport
Large flotation tyres create less
ground pressure than a person
walking, allowing access to wet
grassland without rutting. Superb
grip, generous ground clearance
and long travel suspension mean
the machines will operate in areas
inaccessible to almost any other
vehicle.
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Fourtrax 420 models tend to be
very popular with livestock farmers
and the range includes versions
with 2wd, or selectable 2- and
4wd. Purpose-designed 420cc 4-
stroke petrol engines are quiet
with plenty of power and capability
for most livestock tasks. Fourtrax
models are light and highly
maneuverable, making them
suitable for operation in confined
yards as well as over undulating
ground and their ability to carry a
shepherd and equipment almost
anywhere makes these a firm
favourite.
Where heavier loads are carried
or towed the larger Foreman 500
models offer mor e torque for
greater lugging capability. All have
selectable 2 or 4wd and, like the
Fourtrax 420, the range includes
versions with manual or automatic
transmission and power steering.
The Pioneer, launched earlier
this year, is available in two
versions; with two seats and a
standard load bed or with two
extra seats at the rear, available by
easily reconfiguring the forward
section of the load bed, to carry up
to four people and a smaller load.
Although Honda’s UTV is new to
the UK the company has
manufactured and supplied similar
machines elsewhere for many
years and since its UK debut,
demand from current Honda ATV
users as well as those new to the
brand has been considerable. It’s
a great option for those who
regularly move loads behind a
conventional ATV by trailer as well
as for efficiently transporting
people wherever needed. Its
powerful 675cc petrol engine has
quickly impressed users who
prefer its smooth and quiet
operation to less refined diesel-
engine powered alternatives.
Driving through a highly efficient
mechanical torque converter
transmission, it offers superb
pulling ability and is as miserly
with its fuel use as Honda’s
conventional ATVs.
At this time of year an ATV’s
popularity isn’t just down to its
ability to provide efficient farm
transport. For sheep feeding,
several manufacturers offer trailed
automatic feeders which drop a
measured amount of feed in piles
at regular intervals, offering a very
attractive alternative for those used
to lugging sacks of feed to field
troughs while being barged by
hungry sheep. Having tried one of
these time-saving machines few
farmers would want to return to
manual feeding and with the
feeder on flotation tyres similar to
the ATV, stock can be fed in field
or hill areas not accessible to
larger farm 4x4 vehicles or
tractors.
Spring is a busy time on most
farms. For those with livestock to
look after an ATV or UTV carries
out routine tasks quickly and
efficiently allowing users to make
the most of their working day. For
arable farms the ability to travel
easily to wherever needed,
including across young growing
crops without creating ruts, makes
field walking quick and easy and
allows field edge and farm
woodland maintenance to be
carried out in ground conditions
too soft for a tractor.
Whatever your situation your
local Honda main dealer will be
delighted to help you identify the
most suitable model for your
needs to maximize your
productivity during this busy
season.
May 2017 | Farming Monthly | 51