A popular farm vehicle is behind a growing number of fires across New South Wales, as farmers warn grass and other debris is getting caught in the mechanics.
NSW Farmers and NSW Rural Fire Service members are backing calls for manufacturers of side-by-sides in Australia to reassess their designs.
The RFS has been called to at least five blazes involving or sparked by side-by-sides in the Southern Tablelands during the past two months, where fuel loads are high and grass has quickly dried off following flooding rains.
The off-road buggies have become common on properties across the country, after multiple major quad bike manufacturers pulled out of the Australian market due to strict safety regulations, including requiring roll bars to be installed.
Matt Crozier manages several mixed-grazing properties around Yass in the state's Central West where they have replaced a fleet of quad bikes with eight side-by-sides.
"Worker safety was front of mind but we're really questioning that decision now," he said.
He estimated there have been about nine small fires in the machines but they were all extinguished before getting out of control.
That is despite having a maintenance plan that involves cleaning out the debris caught in the machinery at least twice a week.
"We haven't had them go on to cause a large bushfire but really only through good luck," Mr Crozier said.
Both designs are flawed
Some people consider the vehicles safer than quad bikes due to their roll cage and low centre of gravity.
"[But] the risk to people and livestock and our assets due to this fire risk is probably far greater than somebody that's well trained to use a quad bike and has a rollover protection device fitted."
Farmers warn grass and other debris are getting caught in the mechanics.
"I think it's an industry problem and I think all the brands need to address how the machines are designed to allow greater clearance around the heat-producing components of the machine," he said.
Mr Crozier wants quad bike manufacturers to consider re-entering the market because the vehicles sit much higher.
He was particularly concerned about drier times ahead.
"The past couple of years have been considerably wetter than normal, and I know the number of side-by-sides that are now operating on Australian farms has increased dramatically through the last couple of years," he said.
"I think going forward with a more normal run of seasons, drier periods and higher summers of bushfire risks it's going to be a massive problem."
User error ruled out
Sam Kelly, the group captain of six RFS brigades in the Southern Tablelands, had one of these vehicles combust on his own farm near Yass.
"I don't think we've ever seen so many side-by-side fires," Mr Kelly said.
The NSW Farmers bushfire committee representative said there was no particular manufacturer that he was concerned about, but he was aware of at least three well-known manufacturers' products catching alight.
"My view is when you look at side-by-sides the motor sits behind the seat; the mufflers are tucked in behind the trays on most of them so they don't get any airflow," he said.
"I think there's an issue with the design."
He warned that grass built up there quickly.
"In particular, for livestock farmers where we predominantly are driving slow around paddocks checking mustering stock, the heat build-up on those areas would be significant," he said.
While user error could play a part, he said, most people have told him they were aware of the need to keep them clean.
"While there could be an argument that people aren't looking after their machines, I don't think that's the case," he said.
The ABC has contacted several major manufacturers for comment.
In a statement, Honda said it was not aware of any specific issues associated with its side-by-sides and fires.
It said all farm vehicles presented some risk for fire, particularly if they were "used incorrectly or around dried vegetation".
Yamaha Motor Australia said it took all product safety issues seriously and investigated them in accordance with internal procedures and the law.
