Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
CF Moto, based in Hangzhou China with more than 4,500 employees, claims the number one position for sales of UTV and ATV’s in more than 17 countries, including Italy, Spain, Sweden and Germany, generating global revenues in excess of US$1.2bn.
Introduced into NZ in 2014, the late entrant has been making steady progress, with a half year result to June 2022, showing a market share of 14% from 30 dealers covering 65% of the country.
The newly released C Force 400 and 520 ATV models had already proved popular in their previous incarnation, selling over 160,000 units globally. Now offered in CF400 Basic, CF400 EPS and 520 EPS variants, the new models will typically arrive on-farm at half the price of their Japanese rivals.
Featuring bigger and bolder styling, the machines offer 260mm ground clearance and a turning circle, at 5.2 metres – a reduction of 25% over previous models. Detail changes include a 26% increase in suspension travel for improved rider comfort, and the air intake is raised by 120mm to a position under the speedo housing.
On the chassis side, specifically “sculpted” A-arm assemblies help avoid impact with rocks or foreign objects, while the brakes and CV joints are protected by dedicated shields. The machines are also said to be more versatile over rough terrain, by virtue of increased approach and departure angles.
Both machines use a single-cylinder, Bosch fuel-injected powerplant, putting out 31 and 34hp, from the 400 and 520 respectively. Much of the re-design is centred around increased airflow in the engine area, achieved via new highlevel intakes on each side of the machine and integral ducting beneath close-fitting side panels. The revision is said to make the machines more comfortable to operate by eliminating the traditional roasting of a leg next to the underlying exhaust pipe.
Other detail includes a narrower fuel tank with a capacity increase to 17 litres, 40% more foam padding in the seat squabs and a new durable rubberised outer seat cover. In addition, all key electrical components have been moved to a position high under the front cover.
The transmission is configured to offer High/ Low/Neutral/Reverse and Park positions, with an additional park lock on the brake lever, said to be preferable when the vehicle is parked on slopes, with the Park lever being more difficult to release.
Weighing in at 332 and 351kg, both models offer a 612kg towing capacity, with 30 and 60kg capacities on the front and rear racks.
Wheel equipment sees 24-inch, 6-ply tyres mounted on 12-inch wheels, while changing conditions are taken care of by 2WD/4WD and locking front differential functions.
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CF Moto's ATVs feature bigger and bolder styling. |
Standard equipment includes indicators, lights, horn, mirrors and daytime running lights. A trailer plug, power socket, USB plug and front winch are also included, plus hand guards on the 520 model, while both models are covered by a 2-year warranty.
Higher Usage
Studies have confirmed that conditions and typical use of ATV’s and UTV’s in New Zealand is much tougher than many other countries.
In the largest market of North America, with total sales of 650,000 units in 2021, usage is typically 100 hours per annum at an average speed of 20km/h.
In Australia, use climbs to 250 hours per annum, with an average speed of 10km/h. By contrast, in NZ usage climbs to 450 hours each year and an average speed of 25km/h, with very little attention paid to servicing.
