Market leading side-by-side to be displayed
Can-Am will be using the upcoming Northland Field Days (Stand E6) to give farmers the opportunity to see the Defender HD 10 for themselves.
The Canadian off-road vehicle maker Can-Am, which claims the top spot in the side-by-side sector with its Defender range, went on tour recently to show its machines NZ-wide.
Can-Am’s Outlander, Maverick, Renegade and Commander ranges are good for sport, adventure and work.
For the 2019 season, the farmer-focused Defender range is extended with the HD8 Pro version powered by a 50hp fuel-injected Rotax twin-cylinder engine.
The machine has Can-Am’s safety key system which allows operators to select output and power delivery to suit experience, terrain and use. It has learner, work and unlimited modes.
Building on the Defender Base and DPS versions, the Pro models have a glass windscreen with a wash/wipe system, a polycarbonate roof, soft rear cabin screen and a useful “brake-hold” control. The latter ‘locks’ the brake pedal in the depressed position, making stops to open gates or leave the vehicle much safer. Can-Am says the system is ‘part-time’ and advises using the park function of the transmission for lengthy stops.
As for its work capability, the Defender PRO has 1134kg towing capacity via the standard 2-inch receiver and tow-ball, and a load bed capacity of 454kg.
Its turning capacity is said to be the best in the market, and it has engine braking downhill for greater user safety.
A removeable toolbox is built into the right-hand side of the dashboard and there is seating for three with safety belts, flip-up seats with under seat storage and a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Also of interest at Can-Am’s show events was its Outlander 450 Max Limited DPS, good for carrying passengers -- the big ‘no-no’ on conventional quads.
Powered by a single cylinder Rotax engine pushing out 38hp, the machine has a king-and-queen dual seat set-up that takes a passenger who gets footrests and grab handles for safe riding. The machine has independent rear suspension, stiffened up to carry two people, or it can be converted to single seat use with a larger rear platform.
The model is also available in 570, 650, 850 and 1000cc engine capacities, with the three larger versions having a two-inch wider wheel track for increased stability.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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