Go to any farming event or visit a livestock mart and you’ll quickly see why 4x4s are the vehicle of choice for thousands of Irish farmers. The farmers of Ireland use their 4x4 for towing, herding, collecting machinery parts and lubrication oil, as well as occasionally for animal ambulance services where off-road ability is the key to a successful outcome.

Modern farmers are cost-conscious business managers; to them the running costs of their 4x4 choices are as important as the vehicles’ off-road and towing abilities. Their reliability is as important as their spaciousness and their comfort is paramount.

In this Irish Farmers Journal Focus on 4x4s, we look at the latest models on the market. We look at the advantages of choosing a lower VRT version with commercial designation and five seats when searching out a farming 4x4 choice that can be useful for all of the farm family.

Pick-ups with 4x4 ability are a further farming choice. We outline the growing range of pick-ups available with strengths in load carrying, field work and towing trailers.

We outline the most popular 4x4s for 2014 and give advice on selecting a 4x4 for your farm.