Get behind the wheel at Dowerin

Farmers are being encouraged to get involved and test out 10 models of UTVs at this year's Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days.

UTVs, or Utility Terrain Vehicles, are sometimes known as side-by-side vehicles in which a driver and a passenger sitting side by side. They also have a large carrying capacity and often have a tipping rear tray.

Official program and field day guide in the COUNTRYMAN newspaper, August 22, 2013

Kondinin Group is behind the project which is testing the UTV models for a report in the December edition of Farming Ahead.

Kondinin Group research manager Ben White said they wanted farmers to be involved in the testing to provide a farmer perspective on how the UTVs performed in combination with the opinion of the Kondinin Group engineers testing the vehicles.

The test track will include some undulating hills, slopes, different surfaces as well as an area to test speed, suspension and performance.

Mr White said there was no need to book ahead and they would be looking for as many farmers as possible to help with the test driving at the Dowerin field days.

"We really want farmers to come and get involved, those that do will be in the running to win a Silvan portable sprayer valued at $1200, " Mr White said.

Some of the makes of ATVs being tested include John Deere, Kubota, Kawasaki, CF Moto, Yamaha, Polaris and Can-Am.

The test trials will be carried out at the Demonstration Area on the second day of the field days.