February 15th, 2025.



John Powell, a sheep and beef farmer from Llandrindod Wells, relies on his Yamaha Kodiak 700 to tend to his 800 sheep and 120 heard of beef.

High up in the picturesque Powys hills, John, his wife, and their son manage their farming operations between two farms, requiring efficiency and proactive work habits. A crucial tool in their daily routine is their Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS, purchased in 2023 from local dealer RVW Pugh Ltd.

"We've had three Yamaha ATVs so far, changing them every couple of years," John explains. "We've tried competitive ATVs in the past, but now, we don't even look at other brands. We feel Yamahas are the best we've ever ridden."

Powered by a high-torque MK II 686cc engine and featuring a smooth Ultramatic® CVT transmission, the Kodiak 700 EPS is perfectly suited to John's farming operations. The need for ample power to tackle the steep hillsides was a top priority when choosing their latest ATV. "We initially had Kodiak 450s, which were great, but we felt we needed a bit more power, hence the 700 model," John says.

While offering a larger engine than the 450, the Kodiak 700 EPS retains a compact chassis, easily navigating the Welsh gateways and narrow lanes. "The bike has incredible strength; no job is too big for it," John comments. "Even with the upgrade to the 700, we haven't noticed any change in fuel consumption. It's very efficient, which is always a bonus!"

Stability is another key factor for John. "I particularly like how stable the bike feels. We carry a lot of feed around the hillsides, and there are areas where we simply wouldn't feel safe taking a truck or a side-by-side. The ATV allows us to access all our farmland. We haven't encountered a situation it can't handle yet."

Yamaha's industry-leading Ultramatic® automatic transmission is a standout feature. "I love the CVT Ultramatic® transmission," John enthuses. "With a competitive machine we had years ago, getting it into gear was a hassle. This automatic transmission is a dream and combined with the electric power steering, it's a pleasure to drive, taking the hard work out of it all, especially during long hours."

The electric power steering on John's Kodiak 700 makes for lighter steering and more precise handling, a popular option for those seeking reduced physical effort and greater comfort. "I wouldn't say the ATV has one main job because it does so many," John explains. "It's used all day, every day, clocking up 900-1000 hours a year. Whether we're moving cattle, transporting ewes and lambs, weed wiping, or feeding sheep, it's instrumental to getting our jobs done. We also appreciate the front-mounted winch—a great tool for fencing or tricky situations." (A front-mounted winch is standard on all Yamaha Utility ATVs, a feature often lacking in competitors' models.)

With impressive payload and towing capacities up to 600kg, the Kodiak 700 EPS truly shines during lambing season, which begins in early March for the Powells. The ability to move stock easily, with plenty of power and stability, is a major advantage. The Kodiak's selectable 2WD/4WD diff-lock system ensures control in any situation.

"It's a brilliant bike, built strong, and it gets the job done with little effort!" John concludes. "I haven't got a bad word to say about it."


Explore the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS HERE.

Find your local dealer HERE.