Kawasaki Unveils New Brute Force ATV
Kawasaki's New Brute Force 450 ATV Is Designed for Work on Farm and Ranch
The off-road farm and ranch world has drifted toward utility vehicles (UTV) of all shapes and uses. Some now come with hard sides and tops, heating and air conditioning, advanced mapping and communications, and can carry and tow big loads. Heck, some UTVs even have power windows.
Utility vehicles -- even at high and getting higher costs -- have captured more than half the value earned by manufacturers of off-road vehicles.
So, when Kawasaki invited DTN/Progressive Farmer out to the 4,000-acre RFD-TV "The Ranch" at Serafina, New Mexico, to ride its new Brute Force 450 4x4 ATV, it was intriguing.
The short review? Say want you want about the air conditioning and power windows of UTVs, the Brute Force 450 proves to have the power, capacity and nimbleness to tackle the hills and rocky ledges of this ranch, which in case you might be wondering, includes a piece of the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Even without power steering -- Kawasaki says that was a cost decision -- the midsize Brute Force 450 with 9.3 inches of ground clearance worked up and around rocks and gulleys without ever feeling like the steering was insufficiently responsive to the chore. The machine sports independent, four-wheel suspension (7.6 inches of front suspension travel, 7.9 inches of rear travel), and has a responsive, steady throttle when four-wheeling up a dry creek bottom is the only way out.
It is comfortable to ride. The urethane foam seat is wide, wrapping around and down to support not only your butt, but also give nice comfort and support to your thighs. The seat sits just shy of 35 inches above the ground.
Kawasaki produces a line of Brute Force machines. The 750 (749 cc v-twin, four-stroke) and the Brute Force 300 (271 cc, four-stroke), are joined by the newly minted Brute Force 450. For good value and trail running mass, the 450 4x4 mounts a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 443 cc, four-value engine with a continuously variable transmission. It goes a long way across country with 4.2 gallons of gas. The air filter duct is located high on the chassis to prevent the ingress of mud and water while you're out there.
If you're thinking less-costly, cross-country transport for your crew, this Kawasaki would seem to be a fair choice. Kawasaki offers the 450 4x4 for $6,699 through the end of the year, a $300 discount that evaporates in 2025. The Brute Force 300 retails for $5,199 and the 750 for $9,999.
Front and rear steel tube cargo racks (7/8-inch pipe) carry a reasonable amount of weight. That could include fencing and livestock supplies, tools, game and refreshments -- 75 pounds strapped to the front and 150 pounds on the back. The Brute Force 450 tows 1,050 pounds by way of a 2-inch hitch. There are a couple of optional 2,500-pound WARN winches to choose from.
LED lamps light up work in dark and stormy conditions. A third LED mounted to the handlebar points light in the direction the rider is going. It is high enough, too, to produce light over the top of attachments, such as a snowplow.
The Brute Force 450 is easy to use with everything laid out comfortably in front of the operator. The start/stop, lights and a single button for four- or two-wheel drive are all within easy reach. The backlit instrument panel shows speedometer, tach, gear position, fuel, clock, odometer, hours and other functions.
The Brute Force 450 offers easy maintenance access for the battery, oil filter, dip stick and air cleaner. The 450 4x4 includes a 12-volt DC socket and has a mini tray with cup folder formed into the right-side fender. Under the seat is 1.3 gallons of storage accessible by removing a screw.
Not to second guess Kawasaki engineers, but another storage space not under the seat would be a nice add.
So, there it is: Kawasaki's newest family member. Yeah, you're going to eat dust navigating the Brute Force 450 cross country. But that's true with any ATV. So do the cowboys out here in the "Land of Enchantment." Sometimes it's just nice to take in the fresh air and the view.
To watch a video highlighting the new Brute Force 450's features, visit https://www.dtnpf.com/….
Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com
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