Common Workhorse vs. 12-HP Yamaha Tri-Moto

Common Workhorse vs. 12-HP Yamaha Tri-Moto AG WORLD Ag World 6-2-18 Despite a Yamaha advertisement to the contrary, it has been amply demonstrated in Canada that a Yamaha 12 hp Tri-Moto cannot outpull a single common workhorse. The copy in Yamaha's ad reads: "... more pulling power than the faithful workhorse . . . takes you anywhere a workhorse might not . . . so workhorse move over." Secretary-Treasurer of the Nova Scotia Percheron Horse Association, Ed Belzer, of Shubenacadie, N. S., saw the ad in the Canadian magazine Harrowsmith and wrote the editor, challenging Yamaha to a public test. A Canadian TV producer read the letter and arranged for a "show-down" pulling contest, held at the Halifax County Exhibition, Musquodoboit, N. S. The event was filmed and appeared on the popular Canadian television show, "Live It Up," which regularly challenges advertiser claims and product authenticity. "It was no contest. The horse casually walked away with the Tri-Moto," says Belzer. "At first, the horse just stood there while the Tri-Moto spun its wheels. Then, the horse took off on the run, pulling the Tri-Moto backwards, with its wheels spinning and the dust flying. It was quite a show, and the crowd of about 2,000 roared their approval! "The whole affair took only about 20 min.," adds Belzer. "The Tri-Moto driver was experienced, and the Yamaha dealer actually sent a larger Tri-Moto than was mentioned in the ad." The horse, a 1,500 lb. Clydesdale, had pulling contest experience. After the Tri-Moto lost the first round, shown in the photo, a 20 ft. chain was used to link the two "contestants" to eliminate any advantage the horse might have had due to its height, perhaps lifting the rear of the Tri-Moto. Again, the horse won with ease. Says Belzer: "The Yamaha advertisement was completely misleading and false. A pony, and not a very large pony at that, could easily outpull the Tri-Moto."

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