Working Ranch Magazine January/February 2025

BY DREW LAWLER

The Good Times Keep Rolling with Kawasaki’s 450 Brute Force

right-sized in that it’s not too big for its britches. There are two “musts” in my book that a good ATV should offer. One is a quiet engine and the other is a smooth suspension. I give the Brute Force a 10 out of 10 in both these litmus test areas. The 450 is a family machine that everyone 16 and older will have fun driving. The only item that I could find wanting — for those of us in snow country where the ATV motor pool can sit dormant for several months each winter — was quick access to the battery or a plug in for a trickle charge. Other than that, there are plenty of features to like about 450 Brute Force. Here’s a snapshot of just some: ● Handlebar-mounted third LED headlight to instantly illuminate the way forward when making turns, and mounted high enough to clear the snow plow attachment should you require one. ● Comfortable foam seat because ranchers can spend the better part of the day on it. ● User-friendly LCD instrument panel

hen it comes to ATVs, is bigger always better? I leaned that way when the popular 350 models from

the 1980’s got shoved aside by the 600 and 750 models starting in the late 1990’s. Since then it’s been a race to the top for the ATV manufacturers with Polaris topping out with its Sportsman 1000 model. So when the invitation came into the world headquarters of Working Ranch magazine to join Kawasaki for a press introduction to their new 450 Brute Force ATV, I was intrigued. I rarely go faster than 20 MPH when riding an ATV on our Idaho ranch and I have to say any speed faster than that usually invites wrecks of all kinds from high school and college-age guests when they come to visit. But a new 450? Now that was something that sounded just about right in terms of power and size and Kawasaki’s new Brute Force did not disappoint. Here is an ATV that looks and feels cool. For starters, it has a sense of style to it, starting with the slanted headlights and the logo-ed grill. When you climb aboard, you notice right away that although it appears big, it really is

● Rubber-lined drink holder for your coffee or bottle of water. ● 12v DC power socket to keep your phone charged. ● Front rack extension that will keep the salt block from tumbling out and a rear rack extension that will more than adequately secure 50-pound bags of feed. owned by RFDTV. It proved to be a great testing ground with all kinds of rocky terrain, deep soft sand, steep washes and lots of cactus. Not only is the 450 up for any task, it does so with confidence and pure grit with more than ample speed and power, all the while delivering a very comfortable and quiet ride. And with a MSRP of $6,999, the price point is comfortable too. We got to test the 450 on the former Don Imus ranch in New Mexico, now

that tells you everything except what you’re having for dinner.

BY KATIE (LAWLER) LOWHORN

Tecovas Abby

a fashion-forward profile and hits just below my knee. I’ve already worn these a good amount to make sure my feet will be happy in them when I walk the showrooms. With Tecovas, there’s no need to switch out your boots for tennis shoes when you have to be on

e are gearing up to hit the road in January to Dallas for the big western apparel trade show known as WESA. I attended

last year and I was blown away by how many showrooms they were able to fit inside the Dallas Convention Center. One thing my feet noticed were the amount of steps I put in after three days and how I wish I had brought comfier boots. This year, I want to wear a boot that has style, a little wow factor with comfort and is easy to walk in. With these I’m excited to bring my new Tecovas Abby cowboy boot in olive green suede. The Abby has

your feet all day. There really was no breaking in required as they exuded comfort from the get go. My favorite thing about these boots is the soft green suede material and

the quality workmanship. The Abby really is a beautiful boot and I can’t wait to step out in style with them at the WESA trade show.

18 I JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.