By Mabuyane Mabuza
One of the most underrated decisions, when one starts a farming operation, is choosing the right bakkie as your trusted workhorse. Someone might argue that it’s a no-brainer to choose a Toyota. Yes, the Toyota brand has a reputation for reliability that we all know well. However, as a new entrant to farming, your budget may not allow you to afford to buy into the Toyota family, but you can still find something equally reliable and trustworthy.
I recently tested a few different bakkies back-to-back to help you, my fellow farmer,
make that tough decision. Let me clear this, our farm bakkies are a Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 and an older Ford Ranger 2.2 manual. The latter was mainly bought as a run around our local area to get spares and other supplies while the former is aimed mainly for heavy-duty type of work.
After weeks of driving different bakkies, from what is known as the traditional brands and new entrants, I have realised that there is no longer such a thing as a bad bakkie in the market.
To be fair, I’ve decided to separate the traditional brands from the new ones. Look out for my article in the coming weeks on the Chinese bakkies that have made their way onto SA roads.
Jumping between the Hilux, D-Max X-Rider, and Amarok 2.0 TDi was great fun, but choosing the perfect farm workhorse wasn’t easy. I should add that all these bakkies were double cabs. Remember, a double cab can double as a family vehicle, easing financial pressure by reducing the need for a second family vehicle.
One thing became as certain as day and night, these three vehicles – the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6, Isuzu D-Max X-Rider, and Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDi – stood ready for duty. Each bakkie embodies hard work and resilience, competing to be the ultimate farm companion. Their unique features showcase a blend of functionality and reliability.
The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6
The name is synonymous with toughness and dependability, earning its place as a
robust workhorse on farms everywhere. With a powerful 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, the Hilux offers impressive pulling power, towing up to 3500 kg, making it a reliable partner for transporting goods and machinery.
For loading, the Hilux features a spacious cargo bed that handles heavy loads with
ease. Farmers appreciate its ruggedness and the bed is built to withstand the rigours
of farm life – think muddy boots, feed bags, and well-used tools. With a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs, the Toyota Hilux stands as a trusty steed that starts and goes every morning, ready to tackle each day’s challenges.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Rider
Isuzu likely designed the X-Rider with rugged farmers in mind. The D-Max, powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, matches the Hilux’s towing capacity and delivers strong torque for hauling heavy loads over rough terrain.
Farmers appreciate the D-Max for its reliable workhorse capabilities, with a towing capacity of up to 3500 kg, making it a strong contender in the heavy-duty category.
The D-Max X-Rider offers a practical and spacious load bay, striking a great balance
between utility and style. While it’s designed to carry heavy loads, its rugged
appearance ensures it looks the part while working hard. Don’t expect quick acceleration; it’s not built for speed. It has plenty of torque, which is exactly what you need for farm work.
The Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDi
Introducing European engineering, the Amarok may be the least popular of the three, but it offers impressive performance and Volkswagen’s renowned reliability. It
delivers a surprising amount of torque and has a towing capacity of around 3000 kg,
making it more than capable of handling all types of heavy-duty farm work you might throw at it.
The Amarok is lauded for its stylish interior and easy-to-use technology, blending luxury with practicality. Its load area is a little smaller than its rivals, but still offers
plenty of storage and useful cargo management features. With comfort and efficiency at the forefront, it’s a great option for farmers who also need to navigate
the city after a long day in the fields.
Verdict
Each vehicle offers its own strengths to the agricultural arena. The Hilux is known for
its reliable performance, the D-Max excels in rugged practicality, and the Amarok
combines elegance with utility. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the farm’s
needs and the farmer’s lifestyle. In this tale of three workhorses, each farmer’s heart aligns with the bakkie that best suits their workload and way of life.
Pricing
Expect to pay anything from R550 000 right up to R800 000, but one thing is for sure, you will find your farm companion without breaking the bank.
Happy farming
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