increase font size
The newly released C Force 400 and 520 quads are said to be bigger and bolder than previous models.
While Chinese motor vehicle brands are becoming more commonplace on the roads of New Zealand, the same can’t be said about Chinese quad bike and side-by- sides on farms.
These can struggle to beat the stranglehold of the big Japanese brands. However, one brand seems to be making headway. CF Moto was only established in 1989, before moving into quads and side-by-sides in 2005. The company now generates revenues of US$1.2bn from sales in over 100 countries via 3,000-plus dealers.
CF Moto is based in Hangzhou China with more than 4,500 employees. It claims the number one position in more than 17 countries including Italy, Spain, Sweden and Germany.
Introduced into NZ in 2014, the late entrant has been making progress. The half-year result for Jan-June 2022 suggests the company now has a market share of around 14%, delivered by 30 dealers that cover around 65% of the country.
One would expect this number to rise with the newly released C Force 400 and 520 models. These proved popular in a previous incarnation selling over 160,000 units globally. Offered in CF400 Basic, CF400 EPS and 520 EPS variants, the new models typically arrive on farm at half the price of their high-end Japanese rivals.
Featuring new aggressive styling, said to be bigger and bolder, the machines feature 260mm ground clearance and a turning circle, at 5.2 metres. This is 25% reduced over previous models. The machine also offer a 26% increase in suspension travel to give more rider comfort. Other design detail sees the air intake raised by 120mm to a position under the speedo housing.
On the chassis side, specifically ‘sculpted’ A-arm assemblies help avoid impact with rocks or foreign objects. Meanwhile, the brakes and CV joints are protected by dedicated shields. The machines are also said to be more versatile over rough terrain, thanks to increased approach and departure angles.
In the engine department, both machines use a single cylinder, Bosch fuel-injected engine. This puts out 31 and 34hp, by the 400 and 520 respectively.
Much of the redesign is centred around airflow in the engine area, with airflows achieved through new high-level intakes on each side of the machine, through integral ducting, beneath close-fitting side panels. The layout is said to make the machines much more comfortable to operate, by eliminating the traditional roasting of a leg as the exhaust generates heat.
Other detail includes a narrower fuel tank with a capacity increase to 17 litres. There is around 40% more foam padding in the seat squabs and a new, more durable rubberised outer seat cover.
In addition, all key electrical components have been moved to a position high under the front cover, while the battery is mounted in a clever sling to make it easier to lift out of its housing.
The CVT transmission is configured to offer High/Low/Neutral/ Reverse and Park positions. There is an additional park lock on the brake lever, which is said to be preferable when the vehicle is parked on slopes – meaning the Park lever is more difficult to release.
Weighing in at 332 and 351kg, both the 400 and 520 models offer a 612kg towing capacity.
The machines come with 30kg and 60kg capacities on the front and rear racks.
Wheel equipment sees 24-inch, 6-ply tyres mounted on 12-inch wheels. Changing ground conditions are taken care of by 2WD/4WD and locking front differential functions.
Standard equipment includes rego kit that features indicators, lights, horn, mirrors and daytime running lights. In addition, a trailer plug, power socket, USB plug and front winch are included. The 520 comes with hand guards, while both models are covered by a 2-year warranty.
Tough Country
CF Moto studies have confirmed that conditions and typical use in NZ is much harder than other countries.
For example, in its largest market of North America, where a total of 650,000 units sold in 2021, usage is typically 10 hours per annum at an average speed of 20km/h. By contrast, usage in Australia is around 250 hours per annum, with an average speed of 10km/h.
However, in NZ usage climbs to 450 hours each year at an average speed of 25km/h – with very little attention paid to servicing.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
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
Farmlands has reported higher operating earnings and a profit before income tax of $4.5 million, up 118.9%, for the year ended 30 June 2026.
AgriZeroNZ has invested a further NZ$17.7 million in methane vaccine developer ArkeaBio and NZ$5.1 million in BioLumic, a New Zealand-founded company that uses ultraviolet light to develop low-emissions pasture..
Good news for Fonterra farmers. The co-op has raised this season’s farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $9.75/kgMS.
OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
