Farmers are currently demanding safer vehicles on their premises and that explains the huge sway in interest towards UTV vehicles at the moment.
There are quite a few models to choose from when considering such a vehicle but one that seems to tick all the boxes is the Road Legal Quadix Trooper 800 model. Worth noting is the Trooper has T1 tractor classification so it can be taxed for the road cheaply.
With increased stability due to its low centre of gravity, this UTV helps keep the operator safe with the certified steel cage as extra protection.
Not only does it look the part, the Trooper 800 model comes packed with a host of extras as standard and at a price that compares very favourable to other UTVs and quads.
This model, being sold in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by Wolfhound Vehicles based near Dungannon, is powered by a quiet Perkins three cylinder 800cc diesel engine.
The vehicle weighs 700kgs unladen and has plenty of pulling power with over 20 horsepower coming from the engine generating a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
This UTV is recommended to pull 800kgs and has a payload in the cargo box of 400kgs, plenty of room for those bales of hay.
With a ground clearance of 11 inches and 26 inch agri tyres this tough utility vehicle will go anywhere, especially as it has select four wheel drive and lockable front and rear differentials when the going gets really tough. If the operator gets stuck then there is always the 3000lbs winch to pull them out (including a remote control).
The CVT transmission is made by CVTech in Canada and is really straight forward to use, changing smoothly from low to high and to reverse when the engine is idle.
A test drive on the vehicle proved it is very steady on the road and handles corners with ease. The all around independent suspension makes for a comfortable ride and the hydraulic disc brakes perform well giving confidence. A turning circle of 4.2m makes manoeuvres easy.
The cargo box tips extremely easy by hand thanks to the clever balanced engineering that connects the box to the vehicle. Release levers are conveniently positioned on both sides of the cargo bed.
There is plenty of room in the cab for two and one special attraction on this model is that it is right hand drive, something very unusual within UTVs.
A host of extras come standard on this vehicle including; a hard plastic roof (with in-built speakers), winch, bull bar, tow hitches front and rear, daytime running lights, and glass windscreen with wiper. Power steering, a bench seat and a full cabin enclosure are available as options.
The only potentially negative feature of this machine was the ‘safety door’ which is fitted at the bottom of the entrance to the vehicle. This is a small fold up/fold down door which is there really only to prevent the operators foot from sliding out when driving. It is another safety feature nevertheless.
A two year parts and labour warranty should convince potential buyers to get their chequebooks out at a reasonable price for the specification of £9,995 plus VAT (12,995 euro plus VAT).
It really is worth having a chat with the guys at Wolfhound at 126 Tamnamore Road, Dungannon on 07851 356487 or 07799 775778 to set up a demo or discuss where your nearest dealer is located. Alternatively visit the company website at www.wolfhound.biz.
