While there’s something distinctly ‘stateside’ about pick-ups, the benefits of this year’s new models include combining hard graft with a little added luxury to provide an all rounder for farmers and their families.
The managing director of one of the motor industry’s specialist pick-up suppliers has confirmed the once thought to be general workhorses for heavy duty jobs are also now being fine tuned with some extras and a spot of added luxury - so businesses which need the power of these new pick-ups can double up on more leisurely uses.
Richard Bunn of Bedfordshire-based White Hot Vans, said: “The new models we are seeing in the form of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak are made for both work and play. Yes, they can tow a load of up to three and a half tonnes – so perfect for heavy lifting and transportation of farming equipment or even livestock - but now at the same time they are more high end with add-ons such as touch screen Sat Nav, rear view cameras and cruise control to name a few.”
He added: “At the same time without being overly ostentatious, they are luxurious workhorses which are both practical and versatile.
“The age old ‘white van man’ and the most down to earth farmers wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in one and at the same time you are starting to see more parents use them on the school run as family vehicles, which can then be used for towing and the more ‘hands on’ type of work as well.
“The models that we can provide right now would be perfect for example for farming families which can use them for the daily grind as well as family transport and trips.”
Andy and Lyndsey Hooper, who run Windridge Farm in St Albans, Herts, said there were indeed many positives of having the vans for their business and own two Ford Wildtraks.
“The double cab is really useful for the security of our tools & equipment. They are good workers and great at towing the heavy gear for all aspects of farming, but at the same time very comfortable so we also use them for family activities.
“For the farm they are perfect for delivery of hay and straw, transporting fuel and parts, attending agricultural events, going into the field to check crops and pest control work.
“On the more leisurely side we use them for active days out with the bikes, and camping trips with all the equipment.
“The tax benefits of having them make additionally them a very desirable vehicle to own for us,” said Lyndsey.
Richard went to explain that another part of their appeal was to do with tax. He said they may not be dirt cheap to buy but they can save owners money when it comes to both personal ‘Benefit in Kind’ tax as well as road tax. Self-employed farmers can run pick-ups as commercial vehicles, as well as a family car, and be taxed purely as a commercial. The annual road tax is also the standard commercial vehicle tax of £225 per annum rather than based on emissions as the cars are.
"If you have a diesel pick-up you can actually buy it for business use, reclaim 100% of the VAT and pay less road tax than a comparable car" said Bunn.
