Vapormatic joins JD's parts range
John Deere has expanded its repair and replacement part offerings, with the Vapormatic brand officially added to its range of ‘Alternative Parts’ in New Zealand.
The increasingly popular UTV/side-by-side sector offers a wide range of choices for farm or rural mobility, which has been made even broader with a new machine from Yamaha.
The RMax 2 is what the manufacturer describes as being “truly dual-purpose”… “equipped for the toughest of on-farm duties” but just as capable of a high-voltage “blast” on the weekend.
Featuring subdued green paintwork, broken up by camouflage inserts, the look gives little indication of the machine’s capability. However, the large wheel arch openings and wheel and tyre equipment might just give a clue. Cranking things up leads to a grunty, burbling exhaust note – a further clue to this potential.
At its heart, a 1000cc, DOHC parallel twin revs freely to an 8,500rpm redline – with a smooth, linear action that delivers more than enough power for any job. Housed in a solid, durable frame, its power is directed through Yamaha’s well-known Ultramatic transmission, with a sprag-clutch layout that offers controlled engine braking in downhill terrain.
In use, the ease of selection of the High, Low, Neutral, Reverse and Park positions, via a stubby lever on the centre tunnel is noteworthy. Meanwhile, the handbrake – located in the same position – also falls easily to hand.
The final part of the transmission sees the option of choosing On-Command 2WD, 4WD with Limited Slip Diff or 4WD with a locked front diff. The latter combines with the locked rear assembly to give go-anywhere capability. Choices are made by a simple rotary dial to the left of the steering column, with a selection of driving modes on a similar dial to the right.
Sport Mode offers maximum acceleration, fast engine response and smooth engine braking. A flick to the right engages Trail Mode, offering a more relaxed driving style – with smoother acceleration and full engine braking. Crawl Mode delivers smooth throttle control, with slower more controllable response.
Although the latter suggests it is for extreme terrain, our test found it ideally suited to on-farm duties. It keeps the machine more restrained in places like muddy gateways, steep inclines or on lateral traverses.
Also deserving of a special mention is the heavy-duty suspension system. This is set up to offer maximum articulation at low speeds, with good balance as speed increases, leading to a predictable ride in all types of terrain. At its heart, wide A-arm components are combined with long-travel Fox-2 shocks for impressive damping, with the choice of three settings, easily adjusted by hand.
In the cabin, a tilt steering column makes access easy through the saloon-style lower doors. This also serves to keep the leg area clean and within the vehicle perimeters. A bucket style seat offers firm support, with the extra security of a diagonal seat belt, which also combines an engine output inhibitor function if not engaged.
At the business end, the tilting cargo bed incorporates hydraulic assistance, a drop-down tailgate and 270kg capacity, while the rear 2-inch receiver offers a very useful 907kg towing capacity.
The shoulder guards are a little intrusive for wider shouldered drivers and the lack of a gutter around the roof assembly leads to a wet left leg if it’s raining. Well thought out, the Rmax2 doesn’t throw up much not to like.
Nine lucky school leavers passionate about farming will join Pamu for a two-year journey into agriculture, living and working at Pamu farm, Aratiatia near Taupo.
Nutritionists are urging Kiwis to kickstart their day with a piece of fresh fruit to help improve their health and wellbeing this autumn.
Under its innovation strategy, Craigmore Sustainables says it is collaborating with new innovators of technology across sustainability, people, animals and business management to enhance New Zealand's dairy sector.
Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant breach of international trade law in refusing to open its market to New Zealand dairy exports.
This week the winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori Dairy farm will be announced at a gala dinner in Hamilton.
Once-a-day milking (OAD) can increase or lower the amounts of proteins in milk, according to a new study published in the journal Dairy.