Safer Farms Champions Promote Quad Bike Crush Protection Devices
Safer Farms Regional Champions are putting Crush Protection Devices (CPDs) through their paces and sharing their first-hand experiences with other farmers.
INDUSTRY BENCHMARKS set repeatedly by Polaris quads in ride quality show these machines to be “getting better and better,” says maker Polaris Industries.
Since the launch of the Sportsman nameplate in 1996, each new model has raised the bar, such as with the new Sportsman XP, the company says.
With a 4-stroke, electronic fuel injected engine, and choice of a 550cc or 850cc, the Sportsman XP has been engineered for extreme off-road performance. “We took the engineering know-how of an entire category and turned it upside down,” says Polaris.
“Well, technically, sideways, by rotating the engine 90 degrees. This gives the rider superior ergonomics with 33% wider floorboards and a narrower space at the knees and ankles. Besides delivering a sporty, nimble feel, the positioning reduces leg fatigue and increases rider comfort.”
Polaris says it offers the best electronic power steering (EPS) on the market. It has 30% more power assist than the leading competitor, plus variable assist for easier steering effort at lower speeds and more responsiveness at higher speeds, it adds.
“EPS delivers a safer and more enjoyable ride, as it minimises the distraction of bumps, letting you focus more on the terrain. Plus our 2011 styling means you get a 16% larger fuel tank capacity on XP EPS models. EPS is optional on XP550.”
Sportsman XP has the biggest rack capacity at 55kg in the front and 110kg in the rear.
And there’s enough power to haul trailers and sprayers with a 680.4 kg pulling and towing capacity.
The Sportsman was the world’s first ATV with IRS. Now it leads again with Rolled IRS with 26 cm of travel, which is angled rearward for that legendary Polaris smooth ride and less rear-end squat during acceleration.
A common problem for ATV riders is fatigue, says Polaris. “Longer dual A-arm front suspension with 22.9 cm of travel and preload adjustability decreases kickback, reducing rider fatigue. Sportsman XP models have the highest ground clearance at 30.5 cm.”
www.polarisindustries.co.nz
0800 440 290.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

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