Design features give Pioneer series safety advantages
The Honda Pioneer series of side-bysides is fast becoming a favourite farm workhorse.
The recent release of the Pioneer 1000-3P and Pioneer 1000-5 is being welcomed by farmers for its safety aspects.
There is provision for side-by-side seating – up to three people in the Pioneer 1000-3P and up to five people in the deluxe 1000-5 model.
‘‘With built-in roll cage, hand-hold straps and safety belts for passengers they are much safer prospects than having someone sitting on the carrier of a quad bike,’’ says Steve Metzger, the general manager of Honda Marlborough and Stihl Shop Blenheim.
The Pioneer series has a wider wheelbase than that of a quad bike and therefore offers greater stability on a wide array of terrain conditions.
‘‘They might not be as agile as a quad bike but people have been surprised by their off-road handling,’’ Steve says.
‘‘With their tipping tray that can carry a variety of items needed around the farm, they are almost like a small utility.
‘‘A lot of people also tow a trailer behind them.’’
In New Zealand, they are especially popular on sheep, beef and dairy farms.
The engine of the Pioneer 1000 series shares the Unicam® design like that of Honda’s legendary CRF motocross models, achieving high performance while simultaneously minimising weight and bulk.
The longitudinally mounted engine eliminates unnecessary right angles in the driveline, ensuring an efficient transfer of power to the ground.
A low-range sub-transmission has a 1.42:1 ratio (like a 4WD truck), essentially doubling the number of gears from six to 12.
The chassis was purpose-built and engineered for uncompromising comfort and capability.
Steve says Honda Marlborough will transport its demonstration model to a farming property if a client would like to trial it on their own terrain.
Honda Marlborough and Stihl Shop Blenheim are located at 30 Redwood St, Blenheim, and may be contacted on 03 578 3600