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Out on the farm, the Kodiak, despite its weight, is easy to point in the required direction thanks to the electronic steering system.
For those looking for an ATV to take on heavy loads or tough conditions, it would be difficult to come across a more capable machine than the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS.
Shod on heavy-duty, 25-inch diameter Maxxis tyres carried on 12-inch steel wheels, and weighing in a 307kg, the 700 is certainly a large machine, but its physical attributes mean it’s good for 600kg at the tow-bar and a useful 140kg spread between the front and rear racks.
Out on the farm, the Kodiak, despite its weight, is easy to point in the required direction thanks to the electronic steering system that keeps effort light and offers good feedback over changing surfaces or terrain.
The SOHC/4-valve 686cc single cylinder, fuelinjected engine starts easily and quickly settles to a steady tick-over.
Hitting the throttle results in smooth, rapid progress, complemented by Yamaha’s Ultramatic CVT system, which features a toothed drive belt that is kept under constant tension. This serves to impart excellent downhill retardation, with all wheel braking delivered by the one-way sprag clutch set up.
Sitting on the machine, a wide, long seat accommodates all sizes of riders, while full length footboards give a sense of safety and stop seasoned bikers from “putting their feet down” before the vehicle comes to a stop.
Countering the turn of speed, disc brakes allround bring things to a controlled stop, with a configuration that sees the right-hand lever control the twin discs at the front and the left lever or the right foot pedal actuating the rear single disc.
On the farm race, the ride quality feels very pliable, edging towards soft, but certainly leads to a very comfortable ride. A double wishbone, A-arm set up utilises specially designed KYB shock absorbers, offering 180mm of travel at the bow and 230mm at the stern.
Pulling an 80 teat calfeteria loaded with 500 litres of milk along the main farm race and through muddy gateways was certainly taken in its stride, with 4WD only engaged to stop the front tyres “washing out” on turns. The flat contours of the central Waikato meant there was never any need to hit the diff-lock button.
Living with the 700 for a couple of weeks certainly looked to be easy, evidenced by the shaft drive to the rear, a handy access cover at the left heel to get to the engine oil dip stick and a very capable and powerful halogen headlight up front.
Keeping things clean was also easy with smooth panels, especially under the mudguards and plenty of space around the front and rear axle components to let muck fall through, rather than lodge and collect – so no excuses there.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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