Tools to keep you safe
Yamaha’s equipment helps keep the man on the land in safe hands
ALL-TERRAIN vehicles, or quad bikes, are embraced by Australian farmers for their simplicity and versatility – from fencing to mustering, weed spraying and general tasks around the property.
ATVs are both economical to purchase and maintain and leave a small footprint that offers less environmental impact on the land than a ute.
When used in the correct way and for the intended purpose by trained and active riders wearing the correct safety gear, the ATV is also a safe vehicle.
Yamaha Motor Australia has a long history of providing rider training to ensure Yamaha customers stay safe and get the most out of their ATV.
YMA is a Registered Training Office (RTO), and provides accredited ATV rider education courses around Australia for users of ATVs.
To ensure the highest standard of training, YMA was the first to run ATV safety courses with instructors accredited by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA).
Yamaha was also the first company to develop a side-by-side vehicle to give farmers the option of more load carrying capacity with an extra worker – but still with a smaller footprint than a 4WD.
SSV training was immediately added to the curriculum. Now Yamaha’s ATV/SSV Safety Institute (YASSI) has expanded its program to cover all states with experienced operators offering the highest standard of training across the nation.
Research has shown that most serious ATV or SSV injuries can be prevented by wearing a certified helmet. With that in mind, YMA has teamed up with members of the ATV industry to develop a new ATV/SSV farm safe helmet.
Over a period of two years, at field days and agricultural events, farmers in Australia and New Zealand were asked the reasons for not wearing a helmet.
Four areas were identified – helmets were too hot, too heavy, had a cumbersome buckle and farmers were unable to hear what was going on around them while mustering.
Shark Helmets were engaged to develop a product to address all issues.
The Shark ATV Drak is the result – a helmet that’s globally certified road legal, is lightweight, has great ventilation, an easy to operate buckle, and is designed for ease of hearing.
In addition to that, the helmet is also bluetooth ready for phone or rider-to-rider communications. The Shark ATV Drak has a removable inner lining for easy cleaning and the design of the lining means users can easily wear glasses or sunglasses.
Across New Zealand and Australia the climate and conditions vary massively and the Shark ATV Drak has optional packs to adapt to the environment.
The sun pack has a visor extension and a rear neck protector to protect against sun damage.
There is also a dust pack option that protects against wind and dust and insect mesh protection for when those flies just won’t give up.
Finally, the noise pack offers ear pod inserts for users who want extra protection from wind or industrial noise.
As a member of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI), Yamaha supports the ATV/SSV industry code of practice, which is: select a vehicle that is fit for purpose, complete ATV training, wear a helmet and protective gear and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, never carry a passenger and never allow a child to ride an adult size ATV and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The industry has also developed free online training so farmers in remote locations can access vital
safety information and basic techniques before they participate in practical training with an accredited ATV/SSV trainer. Simply go to www.atv safety.snaplearn.com.au.
Yamaha ambassador and country and western singer Lee Kernahgan spends plenty of time on the land and understands the importance of farm safety. His message is simple: “Farm life is great. Let’s keep it that way”.
For more information about skills training, free online training, the Shark ATV helmet and five-star safety go to www.yamaha-motor.com.au/ ownership/atv-ssv-safetyinstitute.
❝Research has shown that most serious ATV or SSV injuries can be prevented by wearing a certified helmet.