fbpx
Print this page
Wednesday, 05 June 2019 16:26

Side by side set to prove popular

Written by  Mark Daniel
Landboss U550. 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.

More like this

Junket?

OPINION: The Hound notes that the Taxpayers’ Union recently revealed that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent more than $125,000 for its presence at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays.

St Paul's cracks it again!

Once again, the sharp minds at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton were the 2023 Young Innovators of the Year Winners at this year’s Fieldays.

Lip balm wins gong

Once again, the sharp minds at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton were the 2023 Young Innovator of the Year Winner at Fieldays.

Engines roar, mud flies for charity

The recent presentation of a cheque for $4,500 to the Rural Support Trust, was the result of the Fieldays’ inaugural Tractor Racing Experience that replaced the usual tractor pulling competition.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…