Thursday, 05 November 2020 10:29

All smiles tackling hill country

Written by  Staff Reporters
Kevin Barrett is happy how his Kubota RTV-X1140 handles the steep country on his farm. Kevin Barrett is happy how his Kubota RTV-X1140 handles the steep country on his farm.

A Kubota RTV-X1140, the highest horsepower RTV in its class, has been tried and tested by Taranaki farmer Kevin (Smiley) Barrett – who also happens to be the father of three well-known All Blacks.

Barrett, an organic dairy farmer, farms in a rolling coastal environment in Taranaki.

“The X1140 performed exceptionally well,” he says. “I tested it out on a few hills, activated the diff-lock control, took my foot off the accelerator and was surprised at how well it held on the hills – no slippage at all.”

Designed around a longer wheelbase and utilising a hydrostatic transmission, the RTV is particularly stable on rolling country. The tractor also offers good accessibility, making it a breeze to get in and out of the vehicle. 

“If you’re struggling to get your leg over a bike these days then this little beauty is for you,” Barrett claims.

The four-seater option has proven ideal for taking staff or the grandchildren out onto the farm, with four seatbelts making sure that everyone is secure. While the dual seat arrangement makes engine access easy, another unique feature is the ability to fold the seats up and extend the tray capacity, offering a payload of up to 700kg. Barrett says it has got a very spacious tray with the tipping option.

“This proves ideal for loading up with standards, reels or bales of hay,” he adds. 

“I also worked out you can get nine kegs of Guinness on there – if you really want to get serious!”

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