Honda’ s new Pioneer utility vehicles were launched last year, complementing the highly respected Fourtrax, Foreman and Rincon conventional ATVs, but with extra load and towing capacity and able to transport up to four people in comfort.

The Pioneer’ s compact dimensions allow use in confined areas such as farm woodland where alternative machines are often too wide, and generous 270mm ground clearance, superb suspension and 4wd with diff-locks allow travel over uneven and soft or slippery ground.

All Honda’ s ATVs have efficient, low-revving petrol engines and the Pioneer has a similar power unit to the range-topping Rincon 680 ATV. Fully automatic, three-speed torque converter transmission and shafts to the front and rear axles maximise power available at the wheels and the Pioneer offers exceptional performance and the ability to climb steep slopes easily,

even with a full load.

Since its launch the Pioneer has proved very popular with professional users. One of the biggest attractions is its petrol engine which provides quiet operation and much less vibration than diesel-powered alternatives. For users this means long working hours at busy times of the year remain comfortable and less tiring, and for gamekeepers a particular advantage is discreet operation at night for tasks such as vermin control.

A large range of approved accessories is available, including various levels of operator protection from canopies and screens to full cabs with effective heaters.

The Pioneer has a durable, tipping rear load bed capable of carrying up to 386kg, and with an optional tow hitch trailers up to 680kg can be attached. Two seats are standard in the 700-2 model but for those needing to carry additional people the 700-4 includes two more seats at the rear. When not required the‘ QuickFlip’ seats fold away cleverly under the load bed so the full platform is available for transport but when they are needed, one or both seats can be folded out for use. No tools are required and

changing the format between load carrying and passenger seats takes just a few seconds. This means the versatile design is ideal for shoot days when the Pioneer’ s role might alternate frequently between people and goods transport.

Like Honda’ s ATVs the Pioneer boasts superb fuel economy. Its durable design and excellent reliability means demand for used machines is likely to be high, protecting resale values and reducing ownership costs, an important consideration for many shoots.

Ideally timed for the start of the shooting season, Honda’ s low-rate

finance offer allows those investing in a new Pioneer to spread the cost. Only available through main dealers until September 30th, this allows the cost to be spread over 24, 36 or 48 months at an interest rate of just 2.9 per cent APR with only 10 per cent deposit up-front. Alternative payment schedules allow balance payment by regular monthly instalments or by reduced monthly amounts followed by a final balloon payment. Full details are available from Honda UK’ s website or your local dealer who will also be delighted to help you identify the ideal Honda machine for your farm or shoot.