WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2014
17
RURAL WHEELS
Built to tackle tough terrain by Andy Bryenton
Over the years the words ‘Honda’ and ‘tough’ have become somewhat synonymous to Kiwi farmers. The nation’s most popular rural quad bike brand only attained the pinnacle of popularity because of nononsense performance, and the challenge for Honda’s engineers is not to re-invent the wheel with each new model, but to carefully improve on a formula which is already reaping great rewards. Enter, therefore, the new TRX420 — the latest incarnation of a quad that will be familiar to most farmers and their families. Sitting in the ‘sweet spot’ of the power range between light and nimble agility and big-bore grunt, the 420cc machine in Honda’s stable has always been seen as a smart choice, providing a winning mix of fuel economy, load capacity, terrain-busting power and ground clearance. The new model seeks to capitalise on these strengths while also adding a new strand to the mix — even greater toughness and durability. It’s an intelligent move by the backroom brains trust at Honda. After all, what farmer doesn’t want the peace of mind afforded by beefier chassis construction, more durable components and ‘bulletproof’ suspension? A new double-cradle steel frame adds stiffness not just for taking the hard knocks, but for added handling performance too. A low centre of gravity was demanded by the developers of this latest TRX, and they got it — meaning a more stable ride, especially pleasing for novice riders and for traversing truly rugged terrain. While rival brands make much of their electronically assisted technology,
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0800 38 44 50 incorporating push-button this and electronically actuated that, the Honda TRX420 is still available with chunky, foolproof (and waterproof) levers to manually shift up from two to four wheel drive. A double-clutch automatic is included in the model range, but many farmers will still favour a proper shifter in their hand — though by now, even the crustiest traditionalists are coming round to the benefits of Honda’s clever power steering system! When one fully expects to traverse streams, wallow in axle-deep mud, bounce over rocks and grind across gravel, simplicity and toughness are a hard combo to beat. And that really sums up the TRX420 as the model passes 1.5 million sold worldwide. A new look which takes the best of the old and combines it with extra durability, listening to what farm workers want out of a quad bike. This improvement on a classic has a good shot at continuing the dominance of the big red machines on Kiwi farms for another generation.
Are you feeding hay to your stock to eat or for them to sleep on? Time and again we hear NZ farmers tell us they are frustrated with the amount of feed going to waste. Here are five ways a Wilco stock feeder can offer you the solution to this problem and other common frustrations. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Reduces wastage—saving you time and money Completely mobile—you can move it around the farm as needed, without a hassle Comes in a range of different sizes—this means there is one to suit your requirements Made in New Zealand from fully galvanised steel so you can be assured of quality Removable meal bin (optional extra) converts hay feeder to accommodate hay & meal.
For our complete range please visit www.wilcoengineering.co.nz
WILCO 2003 LTD P: 0508 4 WILCO (0508 494526) E wilco2003ltd@xtra.co.nz
Meal Feeders • Hay Feeders • Troughs • ATV Trailers • Motorcycle Trailers Quality guaranteed
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