Wolverine X2 - a tough beast built for NZ farmers

Designed exclusively for New Zealand farms, with an emphasis on work rather than recreation, the machine takes details from the successful R-Max and adds a rear load tray from the existing 3-seater Viking series. That rear deck is wider, deeper and able to take a pallet, so with its 272kg load capacity, alongside a 907kg towing capability, the X2 Utility is certainly equipped for work.

We took the opportunity to live with the X2 for a couple of weeks to see what it performs like on a day-to-day basis.

First impressions are a solid stance and a sizeable vehicle, tipping the scales at around 800kg. Just like the Henry Ford mantra, the X2 is available in any colour, so long as it’s Yamaha blue. The easyaccess half saloon doors have internal-only release levers so there’s no exterior fittings to get caught in obstacles.

A comfortable seating position is achieved by an adjustable steering column and a sliding seat base, with bucket-style, high-backed seats offering plenty of support.

The engine fires up instantly before immediately settling to tick-over. Gear selection is via a centrally mounted, gated shift lever, offering high/ low/neutral and reverse, which each slot into place smoothly with a dab of the brake pedal. A rotary knob to the left of the steering wheel offers the choice of 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with locked differential.

Moving off, the X2 accelerates smoothly and builds speed in a controlled, linear manner, utilising the ample power provided by the Yamaha twin cylinder, 847cc, fuelinjected and dry sump motor that is isolated via rubber mounts to reduce vibration and limit noise. As part of the control package, a management key located under the front hood allows owners to limit maximum speed to 40km/h to suit user or operating conditions.

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On rural roads, farm tracks or any type of rough ground, the KYBequipped suspension system simply soaks up undulations or sidling land, making the most of the independent wishbone layouts front and rear, with 221mm and 236mm of travel respectively.

Aluminium wheels with 27-inch tyres offer excellent stability in all types of terrain. Dual disc set-ups all round pull the vehicle up safely and smoothly, even when the vehicle is loaded to its maximum operating weight. Of note is the Ultramatic Drive system that uses a sprag clutch assembly to provide downhill engine braking and retardation, meaning the operator is always in control, allowing descents without the need to overuse the brake pedal.

Well-weighted electronic power steering makes it easy to steer the machine at all speeds and ground conditions, even when fully loaded. In the cab, machine status is readily available on the central information display.

A central cubby between the seats offers large capacity for all the tools needed out on the farm, complemented by a passenger glove box and numerous cubby holes and shelves.

What’s not to like?

Thankfully, not too much and it’s largely down to personal preferences. In its shortest position, the clearance between the silencer guard and trailer couplings is a bit tight for large hands, the lateral shoulder bolsters restrict rearward vision when reversing, so the X2 needs some rear view mirrors, and by far the biggest gripe, the operator footwells need some drain plugs to allow an easy clean out from muddy boots.