Bigfoot comes up trumps
Call them what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.
Kawasaki's recently introduced Pro-MX UTV sits between the larger, three-seater Mule Pro-FX and the compact Mule-SX.
The new machine’s vital statistics are 2795mm long and 1525mm wide with a wheelbase of 2005mm.
Power is from a single-cylinder engine of 700cc that pumps out 45hp and 58Nm torque, with electronic injection. CVT transmission offers smooth response and predictable engine braking. Electrically selected 2 or 4WD is complemented by a dual-mode rear differential to help in sticky condition or protect turf – dependent on the mode selected.
Its 25-inch tyres are mounted on 12-inch rims offering good ground clearance, with front and rear disc brakes bringing things to a halt.
Electric power steering offers excellent feedback and helps drivers achieve a tight 4.2m turning radius.
A bench seat, with obligatory seat belts, provides ample room and security for the driver and a passenger. Neat half doors keep limbs inside and dirt and mud out of the cabin area.
At the rear of the machine, a large cargo bed carries 317kg and gas struts assist tipping. Also, the Pro-MX offers a useful 680kg of towing capacity via a standard 2-inch receiver.
Watch out for an in-depth review and user opinions in the pre-Christmas issue of Rural News.
Visiting US climate change expert Dr Will Happer says the idea of reducing cow numbers to greatly reduce methane emissions is crazy.
Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for "The Twelve Pests of Christmas" in an effort to highlight the most troublesome farm pests.
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has given farmers in the Tararua District a boost as they rebuild following recent storms.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.

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