Federated Farmers: Farming sector failing to tackle quad bike safety
Federated Farmers says the farming sector has been unable to effectively address quad bike safety.
Larger quads have become increasingly popular with operators looking to tow heavy loads, be it feed or animals.
So it was great to throw a leg over the range topper from Yamaha, the Grizzly 700 Special Edition, which builds on the success of the standard model with a number of ‘sporty’ refinements.
Featuring the well proven single cylinder 686cc engine, mated to Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission, it would be fair to say that this combination never feels short of grunt, is prompt off the mark and quickly hits maximum velocity. Indeed, during an afternoon’s logging, when an 8x5 trailer was loaded just a little too ambitiously and the route to the woodshed included a steep slope, the SE might have scratched for grip, but it never looked like failing.
Momentum was maintained by selecting 4WD at the handlebar button, then using the same system to choose limited slip or fully locked diff; in this case the former sufficed. On the return trip, this time with slightly smaller load in mind, the transmission took care of engine braking going back down the slope, using the integral sprag clutch to keep things under control.
A choice of ratios includes high, low, neutral, reverse and park, all easily selected by lever to the left of the 18-litre fuel tank. For those looking to do a little work, steel front and rear racks offer 50kg and 90kg capacities respectively, while the towbar, featuring a standard 2-inch receiver, offers a 590kg rating.
Fitted with 14-inch alloys and shod with 27-inch Maxxis Zilla mud tyres, the SE travels well on all types of terrain, although this tester thinks that a little less air in the tyres may have helped them clean a little better. Although sitting a little higher than the standard models, the SE was extremely comfortable, with the long travel suspension soaking up the bumps, making the most of its 193mm and 231mm suspension travel at the front and rear respectively. Add to that, easily adjusted 5-way preload settings, then the machine can be tweaked to individual tastes.
Heading out onto rougher country, the underside of the machine is protected by heavy-duty plastic skid plates with recessed fittings to stop the machine hooking up in hidden objects. Pointing things in the right direction is made easy with a speed sensitive electric power steering system, while bringing things to a safe and controlled stop is made easy with disc brakes on all wheels.
Ample storage is delivered by three dedicated compartments, while information is relayed to the operator via a centrally mounted LCD display that monitors all key functions. A 12v power socket keeps the mobile device charged during the day and a high output headlight/work-light does the job on early or late shifts. Meanwhile, for those looking to tackle particularly gnarly stuff, the machine is pre-wired to take an optional Warn 2500 winch set-up.
All in all, a great workhorse: with plenty of power, plenty of grip and importantly, plenty of control.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
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