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An increase in ATV sales is being welcomed by Federated Farmers.
Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills says a 10.8% increase in the sale of new ATVs reported by the Motor Industry Association "is strong indication that farmers are focusing on productive investment".
But he points out not all bikes are destined for the farm.
"Quad bikes take a pounding so is one asset we need to plan for periodic replacement. That explains why 6,570 were sold in 2011. Let me put it this way, when compared to tractors, there's very few 'vintage' quad bikes around.
"Quad bikes are the farmer's Swiss army knife but aren't cheap. Without options, a new quad bike represents a five-figure investment. Any increase in sales, such as 645 more sold in 2011 over 2010, indicates that farmers are focused on productive investment.
"A strong increase in sales may indicate greater confidence from the non-dairy sector especially. It's a similar picture that saw fertiliser imports leap in the latest Statistics NZ release.
"Better returns are seeing farmers tackle deferred maintenance and that's good."
Wills says it's also interesting to read that ATV sales were some 70% higher than the sales of road-going bikes over 50CC.
"While there are more quad bikes, users need to understand that they are unforgiving if abused. Federated Farmers, FarmSafe, ACC and the Department of Labour all stress the need for users to be competent and trained.
"That's a message that the sizeable recreational market needs to heed. Casual and recreational users need to understand that quad bikes aren't toys and training is essential."
Confirming a move signalled over a year ago, in response to a directive by the Australian federal government that all quad bikes must be fitted with operator protection devices, Honda will stop selling quad bikes in Australia on October 10.
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