Images: Black Rock Studio
The all-terrain capable Linhai T-Archon 550L is the brand’s first foray into the four-seater market
Side By sides can be good fun. They also make for great workhorses – just last week, we spent two days marking the more accessible trails on one of our farmers buddies farms. That was not a Linhai, but we can understand why after his wife, daughter and sausage dog, it is his best friend.
Simply put, it’s all about versatility. Rather than using the bakkie all the time, he hops in and tears off to go and check on a cow that’s having a hard time calving. Then he heads off because a fire has been reported nearby. In less than two years, he has racked up 5000 kms on his machine, just on the farm. In his words “Yes, they can be pricey, but my Side By Side is one of the farms hardest workers.”
Linhai has always had a good selection of affordable ATV’s and Side by Sides, and they have just launched the T-Archon 550L 4-seater Off Road Vehicle. Linhai SA sent us the skinny. As with all things motorcycle, we do recommend that you pop on a helmet.
About Linhai:
LINHAI was founded in 1956 and started out with development and production of small engines and power machinery. LINHAI has successively developed a variety of types of two-stroke and four- stroke gasoline engines and the ancillary power machinery, from little 26 cc’s to 700 cc. Its main products include special vehicles as ATVs and UTVs, motorcycles, motorcycle engines, electric bikes , general-purpose engines, mini gasoline generating sets and the affiliated small power machinery such as pumps, chainsaws, pneumatic extinguishers and bush cutters, involving forestry machinery, gardening equipment and and so on.
The brand is very well established in the SA market.
This is the brand’s first foray into the four-seater market.
Weighing in at 720 KG’s, the T-Archon is powered by a fuel efficient, fuel injected 493cc four stroke engine. The 26 liter fuel tank will get you a long way down the road. It boasts a towing capacity of 680KG’s.
It’s automatic, with selectable front and rear differential drive modes including high and low range, the lightweight Off-Road Vehicle can go just about anywhere – and the ability to lock the rear differential gives more versatility.
Four seats means that you can load up bodies to get on with the job, or take the family out to your favourite picnic spot. The large load bin makes it suitable for lugging anything from tools to outdoor supplies, hunting or even light utility work where your normal bakkie can’t get to.
Independent suspension all round offers a soft ride and the big wheels offer almost 30cms of ground clearance.
“Linhai has grown to become a household name among the adventurous and hard-working offroad riders and the T-Archon 550L is the next logical step for those wanting more. More seats, more space, more power and the ability to carry a substantial load is an appealing proposition that has been out of reach for most due to the hefty price tags commanded by other brands,” says Smith Power Equipment’s Craig Tutton.
Looks mighty impressive. More on this lot soon.
Linhai is distributed by Smith Power Equipment, which also represents the Premium Polaris Off Road Vehicle and Kubota tractor brands among others.
They have been around for a while, so parts and backup are all pretty well established.
For your nearest dealer: linhaisa.co.za
Vital statistics
Engine capacity 493cc
Engine type Four-stroke
Power 24/6500 kw/rpm
Torque 38.8/5500 Nm/rpm
Dry weight 720 kg
Fuel capacity 26L
Drive 2wd/4wd/4wd-Low
Suspension Fully independent front/rear
Start Electric
Optional extras Windscreen/winch
