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There have been many minor model changes but underneath the Trojan is still the farm workhorse its predecessors were.
The DR200 Trojan farm two-wheeler motorcycle was introduced over 28 years ago, when the engineering team at Suzuki New Zealand Ltd first set about making a purpose-built farm bike for our unique conditions.
Starting with the already robust DR200 trail bike, and listening to the needs of farmers, Suzuki NZ custom built a list of accessories then packaged the bike and returned it to Japan for manufacture.
Since that introduction, the Trojan – now called the DR 200SE – has had several colour changes. Today it’s a simple black or white. There have been many minor model changes but underneath the Trojan is still the farm workhorse its predecessors were.
Down to on-farm practicalities, one key feature on the “DR 2Hundy” as it’s affectionately known, is the large halogen headlight, a real bonus for dairy farmers with an early morning start. It also features the popular aluminium handlebar protectors, which protect the controls if the bike is dropped or pushed over by stock, but has also saved a few knuckles along the way.
Being built in Japan means a quality construction and the use of components that ensure a long service life. For instance, the exhaust header pipe is stainless steel, while the four-stoke motor has an oil cooler and oil filter, meaning engine problems are a rare occurrence. Dual side stands make parking up a breeze when its soft underfoot, and surefooted traction is delivered by Bridgestone knobbly tyres front and rear.
Looking at general specifications, the four stroke, single-overhead cam engine is 200cc, fuelled by a 13-litre tank and mated to a 5-speed transmission that is operated via a quick action rack and pinion clutch for light, yet positive actuation.
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Being built in Japan means a quality construction and the use of components that ensure a long service life. |
Tipping the scales at 132kg, the set up sees twin telescopic forks up front and a single rear shock, complemented by 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels to deliver an 850mm seat height.
Practical considerations include extended front and rear mudflaps, a large rear carrier that is complemented by a dual-purpose headlamp protector and small carrier frame.
Low gearing makes the DR200 very controllable at low speeds, avoiding stalling or heavy clutch use, while maintenance is kept to a minimum by using a quality “O” ring chain carried in a fully enclosed, sealed chaincase.
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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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