History repeats
They say history never repeats, but for Suzuki this is not the case at all. Most farmers and contractors will remember the very successful Farm Worker from the mid 1990’s and whilst the latest offering from Suzuki is not identical, the basic layout and construction are very similar. What is new is a powerful 1300cc fuel injected motor matched to the 5 speed manual transmission and selectable 2WD/4WD and low range 4WD transfer case, giving ample power and traction where needed.
A quick look underneath the new Farm Worker and it’s easy to see why Suzuki has a reputation in the off road world for building robust vehicles. A full chassis supports the cab and well side with leaf spring suspension on all four wheels. This combination has been the mainstay of Suzuki’s iconic SJ series and continues with the new Farm Worker. Equipped standard with Maxxis Trepador tyres, the go-almost-anywhere Farm Worker will make those more demanding on farm jobs a breeze, especially with its fully enclosed cab space which offers true protection from the harsh New Zealand climate.
Versatile Farm Worker
Available in three variations, the Farm Worker starts at just $16,990 for the Versatile edition. Equipped with a canvas roof and lengthwise rear bench seats the name Versatile really says it all. Suzuki expect that this version will find many different uses especially with the fully enclosed rear canvas and extra seating.
Wellside Farm Worker
Slightly more expensive at $18,990, the Wellside model opens another door of opportunity with a double skinned gel-coated roof and rear bulkhead made from durable fibreglass fitted to enclose the cabin and convert the Farm Worker into a mutli-purpose farm tool.
Flatdeck Farm Worker
The third version is the iconic Flat Deck. Designed and built in New Zealand, the Flat deck is made from galvanised steel tubing and super tough plywood Its fold-flat deck can double as a workstation or carry-all surface, making the Farm Worker an irreplaceable tool on the farm. With a price tag of just $22,500 it’s still well below comparative UTV type vehicles whilst offering so much more in all round performance and weather protection.
A solid work vehicle – not a converted ATV
Unlike some competitor side-by-side vehicles this is not a converted ATV, but rather a solid work vehicle with real carrying capacity and the ability to tow larger loads. It boasts the largest deck in class with a 500kg maximum load rating - a real plus when it comes to making one trip count. Towing is easy with the Farm Worker due to the simple design of the towbar, meaning there’s no issue with connecting and disconnecting trailers. To make it really useful to the farmer, towing capacity is up to 500kg. Seat belts are standard for the driver and passenger; along with easy adjust seats which mean the cabin is comfortable for drivers of most sizes. To add to the wearability of the seats, Suzuki offer some hard wearing covers made from a durable canvas that will keep the original vinyl seats in good condition and can easily be removed for cleaning. With long days on the farm normal practice these days the optional fitment CD radio is one accessory we can recommend. With the Wellside and Flat deck there is also a void in the fibreglass roof that can accept a VHF radio or similar.
Simple, rugged functionality the key to Farm Worker
One of the best parts of the Farm Worker is the simple yet functional features like the manual window winders and easy to read analogue Speedo. A graduated fuel gauge keeps an eye on the 40 litre tank, highlighting the economical nature of the fuel-injected 1,300cc engine. Two speed windscreen wipers will keep those squally winter showers at bay and if it’s something completely different that captures your interest then what about the adjustable headlamp beam. With a turn of the dash mounted switch the lights can be raised or lowered depending on requirements, there’s also high and low beam to choose from.
Practical accessories
Suzuki has developed a host of accessories which have been made to enhance the already versatile Farm Worker. Smiths Bullbars for the front and side offer greater protection and strength to the Farm Worker. Also engineered by Smiths is the very handy stock crate for the Wellside, another farmer friendly addition. Recommended for the Wellside and Flat deck version is the optional rear window. Made from reinforced glass the rear facing window allows excellent rearward vision.
Suzuki Farm Worker – the cost effective farm management solution
Weighing in at less than 1,000kg the Farm Worker’s no heavy weight especially when compared to some side-by-side UTV. With the Versatile Farm Worker starting from just $16,990, this is also applicable to cost of ownership. Backed up by a conditional 24 month warranty the off road Farm Worker could be the next big thing on New Zealand farms. Not only does the Suzuki Farm Worker offer value for money, rugged practicality, protection from the elements and a safe way to carry two staff around the farm, it introduces an easier, cost effective way to better manage most on farm projects big or small. Suzuki Farm Worker is not road registerable. Find your participating Suzuki dealer on line at www.suzuki.co.nz or call 0800 SUZUKI for more details.
