When it comes to working the land, choosing the right machine makes all the difference. Farmers across New Zealand rely on ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) every day — but how do you know which one is best for your farm?
Let’s break it down.
The Case for ATVs 🏍️
ATVs — often called quad bikes — have long been a Kiwi farm staple. They’re compact, nimble, and can get into tight paddocks or rough terrain that bigger machines might struggle with.
Strengths of ATVs:
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Agility: Easy to maneuver in tight spaces, hills, and tricky terrain.
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Speed: Quicker to cover ground on larger properties.
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Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to purchase and maintain than UTVs.
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Versatility: Great for stock work, light towing, and day-to-day farm jobs.
Popular Yamaha ATVs for Farming:
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Kodiak 450: Perfect balance of size and power for everyday farm use.
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Kodiak 700 EPS: Extra muscle and comfort for heavier jobs and longer days.
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Grizzly 700: Built tough for rugged terrain and serious pulling power.
The Case for UTVs 🚜
UTVs, sometimes known as side-by-sides, are becoming increasingly popular on New Zealand farms. With bigger frames and more load capacity, they’re built for comfort and heavy work.
Strengths of UTVs:
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Carrying capacity: Larger trays for gear, feed, or fencing supplies.
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Passenger comfort: Side-by-side seating, with roofs and windscreens available.
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Safety features: Roll cages and seatbelts provide extra protection.
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Power: Great for towing and hauling heavier loads.
Popular Yamaha UTVs for Farming:
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Viking EPS: A reliable workhorse with seating for three and a spacious tray.
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Wolverine RMAX 2 1000: Power and versatility with serious off-road capability.
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Wolverine X2: Compact, agile, and perfect for both farm and recreational use.
Key Factors to Consider ✅
When deciding between an ATV and a UTV, think about:
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Terrain: Steep, uneven land often suits an ATV, while flat or rolling paddocks work well with a UTV.
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Workload: For heavy hauling, a UTV is ideal. For quick stock checks or light tasks, an ATV is often enough.
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Budget: ATVs are generally cheaper upfront, but UTVs offer more versatility for certain operations.
Yamaha Has You Covered
Whether your farm needs the agility of an ATV like the Yamaha Kodiak or Grizzly, or the heavy-duty practicality of a UTV such as the Yamaha Viking or Wolverine, Motoland Napier has the right fit for your work.
👉 Come chat with us at Motoland and take one for a test ride — the best way to know what’s right for you is to get behind the wheel (or handlebars) yourself!
Motoland Napier – Proudly keeping Hawke’s Bay moving for 7 years.