FARMING AHEAD INTELLIGENCE

Research Report: 4WD Utes update 2018

Four of the latest 4WD utes have been put through their paces.

In our first ute test for 2018, Kondinin Group researchers Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Ben White, and writer Chris Warrick took the latest offerings from Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Mazda and Holden on their standard test course from Melbourne to the state forest in Yackandandah.

The changing face of Australian motoring is having an impact on the handiest of farm vehicles - the ute.

Sales of dual cab, four-wheel drive vehicles are at an all time high, and new players are entering the market, such as Mercedes Benz, featured in this report for the first time.

Buyer preference is driving greater levels of comfort and features, but is also pushing up the purchase price of top end vehicles.

What does this mean for farmers? We don’t necessarily have to pay more for a standard cab-chassis ute, but it does become difficult to purchase a vehicle with a medium level of technology and safety features without also getting carpeted floors, a rear tub and extra bling which may not be otherwise wanted.

There is no doubt the desire for luxury features and car-like handling and comfort have driven recent releases, such as the Mercedes Benz X250D, Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Hilux Rugged and Volkswagen Amarok V6.

These vehicles are great on-road, and a few have some impressive off-road credentials (such as the Raptor), but are they any use on farm? And are they at all worth the $75,000-odd price tag?

All utes tested this time around are capable off-road performers and comfortable on-road daily drives, and some of the differences between the vehicles become almost pedantic. But if you are going to shell out over $50,000 on a ute (or almost $70k in the case of the Merc), you want everything to be as suited to your needs as possible.

Kondinin Group recently took four newly-released utes over our test track in the Yackandandah state forest in Victoria. The Mercedes Benz X250D, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok V6 and Holden Colorado were tested on the highway to and from the test location, as well as the rigorous off-road course.

If you are not currently a Farming Ahead subscriber you can Download a free excerpt of this report

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

editions

Research Report: Harvest Weed Seed Mills

The Report includes a round up of commercially-available batching plants as well as farmer-made approaches.

editions

Research Report: Agritechnica 2023

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli went to Agritechnica, Germany. This report covers the key award winners from the event and some of the latest autonomous platforms displayed.

editions

Research Report: Fronting Up

This Research Report looks at harvester fronts including research and expertise from Kondinin Group’s Ben White, with input from harvesting specialists Brett Asphar, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen, Murray Skayman and Martin Reichelt.

editions

Research Report: Liquid Applications At Seeding

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Ben White have rounded up liquid application Case Studies for this Research Report including tips and tricks from experiencd producers.