New generation Defender HD11
The all-new 2026 Can-Am Defender HD11 looks likely to raise the bar in the highly competitive side-by-side category.
Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance with its Outlander line-up of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the launch of the new 850 and 1000R models, said to offer industry-leading horsepower, increased suspension travel and refined handling.
The 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000R are equipped with a new double-overhead camshaft, 999cc V-twin Rotax engine, making the Outlander 1000R the first ATV with triple-digit horsepower, at 101hp, while the Outlander 850 also offers impressive power at 82hp. Both models include Work, Standard and Sport ride modes, optimising power delivery and performance for the task at hand.
Both models feature an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth power to the ground, consistent shifts, improves torque and reduces maintenance requirements. The latest pDrive primary clutch is paired with a new, dual-roller-driven pulley, offering instant response and excellent reliability.
The Outlander features a new suspension configuration with wide, arched A-arms front and rear, allowing for enhanced vehicle dynamics, including an improved attack angle for smooth obstacle and ditch crossing. Front suspension travel has increased by 1.6 inches to 10.8 inches, while rear suspension has increased by 2.1 to 12 inches of travel, said to offer superior performance and comfort, along with additional ground clearance.
Complementing the updated suspension, the steering geometry is also revised, increasing highspeed stability, steering precision and turning radius, while a highstrength steel frame enhances durability and rigidity while decreasing weight, with a full-length skid-plate providing protection to the underside of the machine.
The 1000R also features a new four-disc system for improved braking control, using new metallic brake pads and a new front brake lever with optimised ergonomics.
When it comes to work, the Outlander continues to impress with a class-leading towing capacity of 1830 pounds and a heavy-duty, two-inch hitch receiver.
Meanwhile, restyled components include front and rear LED lights with a four-point design, a centralised exhaust with an aluminium muffler tip, new wheel designs and integrated front and rear bumpers.
A new 10 litre rear LinQ removable storage box and 30 litres of front dropdown storage offer plenty of room for tools and supplies while some packages feature a cell phone storage compartment.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
Grace Su, a recent optometry graduate from the University of Auckland, is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in the university's Rural Health Interprofessional Programme (RHIP).
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according…
Seen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads?