The linhai range of quads is one of SA’s best selling rands. It is easy to nderstand why – they might be fairly basic, but they have proved to be reliable, reasonably priced and they have good parts and service backup. The 300cc 2×4 is their latest offering. Sean took a short ride and shares his thoughts…
What started out as a well priced entry level ATV many, many years ago with a 260cc 4 stroke engine and somewhat plain looks has become the stalwart of the market, particularly in the agriculture and entry level leisure sector. It is known for its “Kannie Dood Nie!” reliability, easy cheap maintenance and sensible fuel consumption. The earlier models were okay as far as suspension and comfort were concerned, but the new model we rode recently is significantly, much better.
Smith Power Equipment has introduced a three-model range comprising of an electric quad bike and two side-by-sides from its principal, Linhai. With no diesel nor fumes, it is ideally suited for noise- and environmentally-sensitive areas.
Rustler eATV
Latest from Smith Power Equipment (SPE) is a range of electric utility vehicles from Linhai. The range includes the Linhai Rustler e-ATV 2×4 quad bike and two side-by-sides, the Linhai T-Boss e-UTV 2×4 and the Linhai T-Boss e-UTVX 2×4.
As part of its drive to better serve its customers across all regions, Smith Power Equipment, an importer and distributor of leading global agricultural machinery, turf equipment and off-road vehicles, has appointed Jetsport as the new dealer for its Linhai and Polaris ranges of off-road vehicles in Bloemfontein.
Leander Pienaar on new Sportsman from Polaris
Effective July 1 this year, Jet Sport is now the authorised dealer of the Linhai and Polaris ranges of off-road vehicles in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State province in South Africa. The company, which also offers trail rides and day outrides, will supply the full range of both Polaris and Linhai all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and sides-by-sides.
T-Boss 410: This is Linhai’s replacement for the venerable Rebel of which hundreds have been sold into the South African market. Experience has taught that Linhai is a pretty decent, well-established brand with a strong presence in SA and excellent parts and service backup. We took one for a trundle.
Linhai T-Boss 410 Backview
“Guys, this unit is sold – please take it easy!” . That was the directive from Smith mining, the importers of this brand. So we did and we used it for its intended purpose with a lil ride from our offices into the surrounding farmlands.
After experiencing the ride quality of three pre-owned Linhai quad bikes it initially bought, Adventure Zone Cullinan has since standardised its fleet with 10 newLinhai Rustler 260 XL units from local importer, Smith Power Equipment.
Adventure Zone and Linhai South Africa
A fleet of 10 Linhai Rustlers 260 XL quad bikes is providing adrenaline-stirring experiences to nature lovers who also happen to enjoy pulse-racing action and quad safari activities at Adventure Zone Cullinan. Having previously run three pre-owned units, owner Hanro Davel was pleased with the ride quality and the overall performance of the range so much so that in September 2018, Adventure Zone Cullinan took delivery of 10 new Rustler 260 XL units.
Linhai is one of those “Alternative” brands that has a credible track record in South Africa. There must be zillions of those little Rustler Quads still operating on farms and mines all over South Africa – and lets not exclude the social scene where people were looking for reliable, economical fun.
T-Boss Petrol 550 4×4
Over the years, we’ve watched this brand progress. Sure – they do copy quite a few of the innovations found on the mainstream brands – but that’s how technology improves.
Tautona Safaris GM, Moses Mokone, says that his recent purchase of 10 Linhai quad bikes has helped to boost his business. “We now have 12 of these machines and so many of our guests love to experience our wonderful natural environment while driving these exhilarating, powerful machines,” he says.
Moses Mokone with his Linhai’s
Tautona has standardised on the Linhai Rustler 260 XL 2X4 Quad Bikes, which are sold and maintained by Maubra Utility and imported and distributed in South Africa by Smith Power Equipment (SPE).
Owing to the improved gearboxes and motors in the new Linhai and Polaris ranges of quad bikes and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) Rangers, engine and gearbox services for both are required only after 100 hrs of use as opposed to the run in time service of 50 hrs.
Being distributed in South Africa through equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment (SPE), the quads and the ATV rangers are used for robust tasks, such as working in off-road conditions that can be muddy, uneven or traversing up and down hills, explains SPE Polaris and Linhai product range national sales manager Mark Chittenden.
So quiet and efficient are her Linhai ATV Rustler 260 quad bikes, iconic horsewoman, Michelle Mazurkiewicz, uses them side-by-side with the horses on her trails. “We have many situations where some members of a family want to go on our beautiful trails but for one reason or another do not want to do them on horseback. So instead of being left out they join the ride on a Linhai quad,” she says.
Linhai Rustler 260XL
Michelle adds that the Linhai machines are perfectly suited for this activity. “They are easy to handle, they run quietly and are powerful enough to handle any terrain. Of course, our horses have got used to moving alongside these machines and we have never had any trouble,” she says.
The continued economic growth of agricultural exhibition Nampo Harvest Day, in the Free State, reflects the importance of agriculture to the economic growth of South Africa, says equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment (SPE) Polaris and Linhai product range national sales manager Mark Chittenden.
Mark Chittenden – National Sales Manager for Polaris and Linhai
Having attended the show for the past 16 years, he notes that every year, SPE showcases new products at the show in order to reach a broader customer base. “This year, we will be relaunching the Linhai range as some of the products have been revised. We will also have new models on our Polaris stand as well as have a new tractor from equipment manufacturer Kubota and the 8 t KX080-3 Kubota excavator.”
