Quad bike safety
Last year saw a major shift in the supply of ATVs or quad bikes in the Australian market, with the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 coming into effect on 11 October 2021.
New Zealand buyers of quads and side x sides now have a wider choice with the arrival of the Chinese brand Hisun.
Set up about a year ago, Hisun Motors NZ has organised its distribution and support and is now recruiting dealers in 15 regions.
Hisun Industries, based in Chongqing, China was formed about 30 years ago. Beyond its home base it has a large presence in the US where much of its R&D and engineering is done.
Interestingly, the company will soon release an all-electric machine with a typical range of 80km.
The company makes about 40,000 petrol-powered units each year, some of them known to Kiwis as Massey Ferguson and Cub Cadet.
Under its own banner, Hisun markets 4WD quads and side x sides from 400 to 1000cc.
Predictably the prices are attractive, particularly so given the high levels of equipment offered as standard.
For example, the Vector 500cc four-wheel drive quad is priced at $12,500, powered by Hisun’s own single cylinder engine with Delphi fuel injection and mated to a Canadian CV Tech transmission with good downhill braking.
Standard equipment includes on-demand 4WD, a front locking diff, 26-inch rubber on alloy wheels and air-assisted shock absorbers, the latter giving a very comfortable ride even on tough terrain.
Towing capacity is 580kg and carrying capacity 250kg.
The machine comes fitted with a 3500lb, front-mounted winch, a mix of LED and halogen lighting, roof, windscreen, toolbox and 2-person seating in a bench-style layout.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.