Friday, 11 March 2022 09:55

Bigfoot comes up trumps

Written by  Mark Daniel
Kawasaki reports that its Mule SX-XC Bigfoot is finding favour with many dairy operations around the country for its no-nonsense specifications, ease of use and low running costs. Kawasaki reports that its Mule SX-XC Bigfoot is finding favour with many dairy operations around the country for its no-nonsense specifications, ease of use and low running costs.

Call them what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.

With a range of engine sizes from 400 to 1,000cc and a myriad of specifications, many farmers are finding the genre much more useful than a basic quad or ATV.

Kawasaki reports that its Mule SX-XC Bigfoot is finding favour with many dairy operations around the country for its no-nonsense specifications, ease of use and low running costs.

Taking much of its design detail from the larger Pro Series, the SX centres around a tubular, ladder-style chassis which offers rigidity and a comfortable ride.

That ride quality has also been improved by increasing the pre-load on the springs up front for a more level ride, with a softening of the rear to improve user comfort. At the rear of the machine, the swingarm carries the engine and rear wheels on a separate subframe/cradle, pivoted centrally to remove vibration.

Power comes from a 400cc single cylinder, air-cooled unit with standard carburetion and whilst not offering stunning power delivery, it is certainly enough for the normal fetch, carry and move on a typical dairy farm.

In use, the engine starts and comes to a constant idle quickly, before selecting the choice of high, low, neutral or reverse via the central dash-mounted lever. Drive is taken from the engine by the belt-driven automatic unit, with a heavy-duty transfer case taking care of 2 or 4-wheel drive selection. Maximum speed is limited to 40km/h and it’s interesting to note that the machine can be started in-gear, if the brake pedal is depressed.

The front axle incorporates a limited slip differential, while the rear utilises a lock-up unit activated by the dashboard control and aimed at pushing through tough conditions.

 Bigfoot is easy to live with, offering good access because of a slightly higher stance, delivered by the 26-inch rubber mounted on 12-inch rims. This set-up also helps deliver a big tyre footprint, offering improved stability, greater traction and increased ground clearance.

The machines can tow up to 500kg at the trailer hitch, while the well laid out cargo tray has a capacity of 180kg. Equipped with a drop-down tailgate, the tipping tray incorporates a 1.5mm diamond plate floor for strength and a 25mm tie-down rail around its upper edge.

Dual seats with inertia reel seat belts offer comfort and safety, while ahead of the driver the dashboard offers comprehensive information, accompanied by easily understood controls for gearshift, 4WD and diff-lock selection.

Rack and pinion steering delivers precision with low effort, with good manoeuvrability with a tight, 3.6 metre turning radius. Bringing things to a stop is the job of drum units on all four wheels, each protected from ingress of water and mud by triple lipped labyrinth seals.

Creature comforts include a glovebox, radio mounting position, halogen headlights, DC power socket and not forgetting a pair of cup-holders. Add to that the current special offer of a glass windscreen, with wiper and a moulded roof, then Bigfoot offers good value.

More like this

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.

Featured

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.

Top Māori sheep and beef farms showcase excellence in Ahuwhenua Trophy field days

Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

A true Kiwi ingenuity

The King Cobra raingun continues to have a huge following in the New Zealand market and is also exported to…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Greenpeace a charity?

OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter