increase font size
Landboss U550.
One of two machines due for release by Landboss New Zealand at Fieldays is its U550 side by side.
This machine should prove popular with farmers, given its gutsy engine, excellent powertrain and competitive purchase price of $11,990 + GST.
It’s powered by a 500cc, fuel injected, single cylinder engine pushing out 33hp for quick response and good lugging ability.
The power plant mates to a CVT transmission with high, low, neutral and reverse selections.
Most importantly, it has effective engine braking via a sprag clutch -- particularly effective in downhill when carrying a load or towing loaded trailers.
Selecting low range gives maximum braking, meaning tricky inclines can be travelled under control. This is especially so given the U550 has particularly effective disc brakes at both ends.
Traction is chosen by a 2WD or 4WD selector on the dashboard, and a combined button allows diff lock selection in difficult conditions.
Also of interest is a free wheel selection for the rear axle, keeping lawns at home unmarked. Happy wife, happy life, as they say.
Nicely weighted, electric power steering feels good at high speeds and in easy manoeuvring in tight situations.
Ride comfort is aided by an independent dual A-arm suspension set-up and long travel, adjustable pre-loads for spring rates (depending on load) and excellent rebound damping in all conditions.
Black, 12-inch alloys are shod with well sorted, heavy lugged rubber good in poor conditions. And a front fender mounted 3000lb winch will prove useful if things go pear shaped.
An all steel load tray has 250kg capacity, with fold down sides and rear tailgate all easily removeable if a flat platform is preferred. Positive locking is accessed from either side of the machine and loads are easily tipped with the aid of gas struts under the body.
In the cab area, occupants are protected by a substantial ROPS frame fitted with a roof as standard, side nets, rear headrests and inertia reel seat belts. The comfortable bench seat layout has a drop down centre armrest with twin drink holders.
An adjustable steering column carries a clever information display pod that gives details of speed, drive mode, 2WD or 4WD selection and visuals for lights, engine temp, oil pressure, etc.
Completing the package, a HD towbar fitting allows 540kg towing capacity, box steel nerf bars protect the flanks of the vehicle and its cow poo green paint job will hide any knocks or scrapes.
OPINION: The Rural Support Trust ran a dinner and debate at the National Fieldays last month. In tables of 10, over 540 people were wined and dined, including the Prime Minister, supported by ministers from around the country.
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.
Out of more than 80,000 entries, Daniel Neil from Piopio has been announced as the lucky winner of the Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute in this year’s Fieldays Ute giveaway.
OPINION: The inquiry into rural banking practice was welcomed at Fieldays, but Groundswell NZ added a proviso that this must include banks' treatment of agricultural emissions.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
