When you hop behind the wheel of CFMoto's newly released UForce 600 utility task vehicle, it's easy to understand why it is described as "light years ahead" of its predecessor.
Feedback from Australian farmers has been taken into consideration and the 600 includes a variety of features as standard to increase driver and passenger comfort.
Mojo Motorcycles is the Australian importer of Chinese manufacturer CFMoto's line-up of products.
According to Mojo Motorcycles Queensland and Northern Territory area manager Gary Ridden, the UForce 600 had been in development for several years before its release.
"This is the latest and greatest from CFMoto; we've been waiting for this product for a number of years now," he said.
"This is a big leap forward for us in this mid-size segment. When we say mid-size it's not so much about the size of the engine, it's about the physical size of what we can do."
Mr Ridden said CFMoto had come up with a "sensational unit" and the market has "gone insane looking for it".
Like everyone else in the automotive and machinery game, supply has been an issue but stock is currently available across the country.
Under the bonnet the 600 has a 580cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine capable of producing a maximum power of 31 kilowatts.
Read more:
The 600 has selectable two- and four-wheel drive as well as two drive modes, work and normal.
The electronic power steering makes manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze and the electronic hill descent control takes the stress out of navigating sloping country.
One of the major new features is an automatic limited slip rear differential so the UTV isn't ripping or tearing up ground, while a lockable front differential is at hand for wet weather or more difficult terrain.
Metrics are easy to keep track of thanks to the digital dashboard while the steering column is able to be adjusted up or down.
The 600 has a certified rollover protection frame with a roof as standard.
Also included as standard are six-ply tyres, 12-inch aluminium wheels, a 1587kg winch, side nets, indicators and side mirrors.
In the cab is a two-person bench seat with three-point seatbelts and an ample 96 litres of storage space, including a removable storage box under the driver's seat.
Quick access for servicing and cleaning has also been taken into consideration.
The front panel tilts 120 degrees to check coolant levels and easily remove dust or grass seeds from the radiator.
The rear tray has a cargo capacity of 250kg and tilts smoothly to 50 degrees with a gas strut to remove loads. This also opens up access to the engine should the driver need to check anything out in the field.
The 600 has good ground clearance and big internal wheel arches to help prevent mud from reaching the engine bay.
When hosing out the floor of the cab, plugs can be removed to drain away water.
A towing package is standard, including a seven-pin round connection, and the 600 has a towing capacity of 680kg.
Popular additional accessories include the twin snorkel kit, with a snorkel dedicated to both the engine and transmission areas.
This is a big leap forward for us in this mid-size segment.
- Gary Ridden
Mr Ridden said this was one of their most popular accessories sold in Queensland.
He said in dusty climates air filters need to be checked regularly but often this does not happen. The snorkel kit ensures the UTV is breathing clean air and increases the lifespan of the air filters.
Front and rear protector bars and sidesteps can also be fitted as extras.
"I love this machine; this is head and shoulders my personal favourite because it does everything you want it to do," Mr Ridden said.
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture! Sign up below to receive our daily FarmOnline newsletter.
