Gator's home in the country
John Deere's award-winning XUV Gator 4x4 utility vehicle has found the perfect home on the Baker family's hill farm in the Durham Dales. Matt Baker, co-presenter of BBC TV's popular Countryfile programme, loves driving the Gator around the farm's 100 acres of pasture and ancient woodland.
His parents Janice and Mike bought the farm in 1991 and now raise pedigree Hampshire Down sheep, mostly for breeding purposes and organic meat, as well as a few Hebredians.
"The Gator's perfect for general use around our farm, and everyone loves driving it," says Matt. "It's ideal as a replacement for our larger tractor, as it doesn't rip up the ground, and it can go absolutely anywhere on the fields and hills or around the woods, with or without loads in the back.
"Having both seats fitted with seatbelts as standard means it's safe for all the family to use and ride in. We've got an ATV as well, but the Gator's fully enclosed cab is much better for the weather conditions up here, particularly in winter. I just think it's a great management tool, and the ultimate vehicle for all-round use, from carrying logs and feed to hay bales for the animals."
