| ATV
Honda ATV
Pioneer’ s versatility proves popular for farm shoots
Combining the needs of the farm with additional enterprises such as a farm shoot has become much easier thanks to the introduction last year of Honda’ s Pioneer.
T he Pioneer is capable of almost any application which can be carried out by an ATV but it can also transport up to 386kg on its tipping load bed. Wet spring ground conditions provide challenges for any farm vehicle and the Pioneer’ s ability to carry materials or equipment on board can be an advantage, avoiding the need for a trailer. Where larger loads are needed and conditions allow, the Pioneer’ s optional hitch allows trailed loads up to 680kg to be added.
Being able to travel over soft ground makes it easy to start spring weed and grass control early. Mounted or trailed sprayers make headland and farm woodland weed control easier and quicker than by knapsack sprayer and allow large areas to be treated efficiently. For the farm shoot, mowing around game rearing pens early allows their condition to be checked and repairs to be carried out easily before birds are introduced, and shorter vegetation allows easy monitoring of potential predator activity.
Most rearing pens are located well away from public roads, making access for people and materials difficult. The Pioneer, available with two or four seats, can save considerable time spent walking to prepare pens for the season. Transporting pen materials is efficient too, and low pressure flotation tyres avoid unnecessary rutting which could make access difficult for other vehicles later in the season.
As well as its superb goanywhere ability, a major benefit reported by Pioneer users last year was its low operating noise. In contrast with noisier diesel alternatives, the 675cc, liquidcooled petrol engine is more comfortable for the operator and passengers. The low-revving power unit drives through a mechanical torque converter
transmission, and the efficient engine and lack of inefficient drive belts to regulate speed means fuel use is low while performance and pulling ability are superb.
Feedback from gamekeepers who moved to the Pioneer from diesel models is that reduced operating noise is a big advantage allowing work without drawing attention to their activities and enabling them to get closer to predators and pests when lamping at night.
Remote pen locations also make feeding and water supply difficult so ATVs and trailers are often the favourite tool for the task. With its increased capacity a
Pioneer can combine feed and water transport carrying sacks on its load bed and water in a trailed tanker, potentially saving a journey and increasing time available for other tasks during this busy spring period.
All Honda ATVs and utility vehicles( UTVs) come with free EASI operator training, two-year warranty and back-up from Honda’ s network of carefully selected dealers. Whether your interest is in an ATV or UTV for your livestock or arable farm or a farm shoot it is well worth visiting your local Honda dealer or honda. co. uk / atv for further information.
www. farmingmonthly. co. uk May 2018 | Farming Monthly | 49