Farmers Weekly Puts the Budget UTV to the Test
Aodes WorkCross 650: Farmers Weekly Puts the Budget UTV to the Test
1 June 2026 | Machinery News
Summary: Farmers Weekly has reviewed the Aodes WorkCross 650, finding it to be a strong performer for the price — particularly for farms and estates looking for a practical, enclosed utility vehicle without the premium cost of the big-name brands.
What Is the WorkCross 650?
The Aodes WorkCross 650 is a side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) from Chinese manufacturer Aodes, which has over 30 years of experience building ATVs and UTVs for international markets. The brand is relatively new to the UK, with Staffordshire-based importer Boss ORV now making the range available here.
The WorkCross 650 sits at the more accessible end of the market, with a starting price of £10,999 for the half-cab version and £12,199 for the fully enclosed cab model — a figure that includes a heater as standard.
How Did It Perform?
Farmers Weekly found the machine to be well suited to typical farm and estate duties. The 649cc V-twin petrol engine produces around 52hp, which the review noted is well-matched to the vehicle's size — enough to handle towing and moving loads without feeling underpowered, but without the excess that can make larger-engine machines harder to manage.
The ride was described as smooth and comfortable, with the suspension doing a decent job on uneven ground. The enclosed cab was considered practical and fit for purpose — simple controls, a working heater, good storage, and reasonable noise and moisture sealing for the price point.
The load bed can carry up to 454kg of cargo and features a tipping function with well-positioned handles, making it a usable day-to-day workhorse.
What Are the Drawbacks?
The review highlighted a few areas worth considering before purchasing:
- Steering lock is limited, making tight turns more difficult than on some rivals
- Door catches on the test model were prone to releasing on rough ground, though Aodes has reportedly addressed this on updated units
- Engine braking on steep descents is poor, meaning drivers need to rely more heavily on the foot brake
These are genuine points to weigh up, particularly on farms with steep gradients or a lot of close-quarters manoeuvring.
Is It Worth Considering?
Based on the Farmers Weekly findings, the WorkCross 650 offers a compelling package for buyers who want an enclosed, capable UTV at a price well below the established names. The trade-off is that Aodes is still building its reputation in the UK, so there is less track record to draw on compared with brands like Polaris or Can-Am.
For farms and estates looking for a practical daily vehicle on a tighter budget, it appears to be a solid option — with a few things to be aware of.
Talk to Us About Utility Vehicles
If you're considering a UTV for your farm or estate and would like to discuss what might suit your needs, get in touch with the team at Farm and Fleet Services.
01566 788344
info@farmandfleetservices.co.uk
Unit 6E Corse View, Kennards House, Launceston, PL15 8QE
Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 5.00pm | Saturday: 8.00am – 12.30pm
Review source: Farmers Weekly, August 2025.
