Thursday, 05 March 2020 10:57

Hisun makes ground in NZ

Written by  Mark Daniel
Petrol or diesel? Hisun offers both. Petrol or diesel? Hisun offers both.

Although it's not a well-recognised name in New Zealand ATV or UTV circles, Hisun NZ has been gaining traction.

The Chinese brand has a very competent range of machines, particularly for those who might be on a tight budget.

With a main factory in Changshou in China, the business has a history that dates back around 25 years and is reported to be the sixth largest supplier of UTV’s in the United States.

Dairy News recently got to try a couple of machines from Hisun NZ on a dairy farm in the Waikato, in the shape of a Sector 500 and the Sector E1. With both machines built around the same chassis, the 500 uses Hisun’s own 470cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine, while the E1 is an all-electric, 48V with an AC induction motor said to deliver 38hp.

On first impression, both models look to be put together well, with no signs of typically Chinese-made machinery of the past, that tends to display poor quality welding and low quality, rusty fasteners. Well fitting body panels and a well thought out rear tray, give the machines a modern look, combining with oversize tyre equipment housed under extended wheel arches.

Looking at the E1 first, four dry cell batteries, located under the bench seat in the middle of the machine, combine to deliver the 48V output and a top speed of around 26kph. While this felt a little slow on the road, it was more than enough out on the farm, ideal for following cows walking the central race and supremely quiet moving through mobs of “skittish” calves.

Said to offer a range of 70kms, the machine proved capable of doing a day’s work before requiring recharging when in the “high” setting of the low-medium-high selection. We suspect that pulling heavy loads in the lower ranges will reduce this range, but the reality is, we never encountered the problem. Charging is easy, with a self-contained unit- just plug into the mains and recharge in around 7 hours. Plus points are the silent operation, only spoiled by an annoying reversing beeper that is likely to fall foul of a heavy hammer, then exceptionally low running costs. On the minus side of the see-saw, a foot operated parking brake located under the left side of the dashboard needs a double-jointed knee, while anyone with a “sunken” six-pack will find it a tight fit behind the steering wheel. Additionally, those oversized tyres packed into narrow wheel arches, lead to plenty of mud flying around, despite the wheel arch extensions.

Taking a closer look at the petrol 500, the same negatives apply, sans the reversing beeper, but the engine started easily, settled to steady tick-over and show plenty of power off the mark and up to cruising speed. Towing an 80-teat calfeteria loaded with 500 litres of milk proved no problem and easily travelled through muddy gateways, with the 4WD on-demand system selected.

Both machines offer a towing capacity of around 500kgs, come standard with a 3500lb, front-mounted winch and benefited from a combination of halogen and LED lights. Ground clearance of 30cms coped with muddy areas well, although in extreme conditions, we suspect the heavier all-electric unit would come to grief first.

Ride was comfortable, particularly so at higher speeds and over rough areas, no doubt helped by nitrogen over oil dampers at each corner, complimented by discs all round to bring the units to a prompt, controlled stop.

In summary, Hisun appears to have shrugged the image of poorly manufactured Chinese machines and offer an alternative to the mainstream brands, especially with starting points of $12,500 (petrol) and $16,500 (electric).

www.hisun.co.nz 

More like this

Quad safety promoted as part of the product

It's hard to believe that quad bikes or ATVs have been around for about 50 years – even longer if you add in the balloon-tyred trikes that first appeared in the Bond movie Moonraker.

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand why we need the designations truck and ute.

A real NZ safety story

Back in 1990, Malcolm Gray was an importer and distributor of conventional motorcycle helmets.

Featured

Carrfields invests in new Ashburton R&D hub

The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

National

Machinery & Products

New pick-up for Reiter R10 merger

Building on experience gained during 10 years of making mergers/ windrowers, Austrian company Reiter has announced the secondgeneration pick-up on…

Krone EasyCut B1250 fold

In 2024, German manufacturer Krone introduced the F400 Fold, a 4m wide disc front mower, featuring end modules that hinge…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Microplastics problem

OPINION: Microplastics are turning up just about everywhere in the global food supply, including in fish, cups of tea, and…

Job cuts

OPINION: At a time when dairy prices are at record highs, no one was expecting the world's second largest dairy…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter