YAMAHA’s new Viking on initial looks comes across as a rugged, powerful workhorse that could be useful on a whole range of farming scenarios. And the test drive certainly didn’t disappoint.

The Viking drove well for us all day and seemed to be comfortable at cruising speed. It really came in to its own when three of us had to chase and round up a packet of stray sheep in a steep highly wooded area.

It handled well, powered up the steep undulating slopes like a dream, where its almost one foot clearance was most useful. Oh, and it is nippy too!

It comes equipped with On-Command® drive system with 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with Diff Lock, plus selectable Hi or Lo ratios and powered by a high-torque 686cc engine.

This new workhorse is a product of strong-back towing and cargo handling along with the spacious seating for three co-workers. This machine has optional electronic power steering (difficult to imagine driving one without it). Serviceability is easy with the rear-engine-mounted design.

It features a rugged ROPS-certified chassis which should make for a tough, reliable and long lasting machine. Power steering has been proven through hours of testing to get the strain of turning the steering off of the driver and allowing better control in tight or technical situations. This is most evident when the Viking is loaded as well as when the 4WD or 4WD differential lock is engaged.

Four-wheel independent suspension also allows the machine to flex its muscles over a wide variety of terrain.

With a working payload capacity in the steel cargo bed of 600 lbs, the Viking is built to handle many years of abuse. The Viking also tows an astounding 1500 lbs via a two-inch receiver hitch on the rear of the machine.

The engine in the Yamaha Viking is actually facing rearward and mounted just behind the cab. The engine is claimed by Yamaha to be its most powerful ever at 686cc. The engine features a single overhead cam fed by fuel injection. Four valves get fuel in and exhaust out with a custom tuned head pipe and muffler.

While we didn’t measure fuel economy in our week long trial, we all remarked at how frugal it was for what you were getting.

Delivering the power of the four-stroke engine to the rear wheels is Yamaha’s trademarked Ultramatic transmission, which utilizes a dual action system to keep positive pressure on the V-belt. This also keeps the belt from slipping and prematurely wearing. Engine braking across the entire rpm range is a standard feature, helping to slow the vehicle on steep descents or any time when the driver lets off the gas.

Seating for all three is relatively plush and comfy – our on-farm experience proved it worked well. The floor is smooth and a pass-through design allows you get out on either side.

Anybody taking a cursory look at the 2014 Yamaha Viking 700 can see it is a real working machine. The bonus is that it is reasonably comfortable and affordable.

The Viking drove well for us all day and seemed to be comfortable at cruising speed. It really came in to its own when three of us had to chase and round up a packet of stray sheep in a steep highly wooded area.

It handled well, powered up the steep undulating slopes like a dream, where its almost one foot clearance was most useful.