ATV, Quad Bikes, Reviews

TGB Trayback tempts rural operators

The Taiwanese are renowned for their ship-building prowess but apparently they know a thing or two about the lighter side of industrial manufacture; designing and building solid and reliable working ATVS.

NewFarmMachinery tested TGB’s 550AR model recently and found that although it isn’t intended for hard core off-road operation it can be effective on varying terrain.

The only negative in its performance was steering that became heavy when four-wheel drive was engaged on ground that offered traction sufficient to exacerbate the problem.

In other respects the TGB performed very well and was not left behind by much more expensive equipment.

It looked solid and nicely finished too, with neatly fitting body panels, clean frame welding, handsome instrumentation, and a 200kg capacity tray-back that will surely prove useful for light delivery chores around the property.

A full-length skid-plate offered underbody components plenty of protection. A neat but tough looking bullbar helped defend the front of the machine and above that was a carry rack with a capacity of 40kg.

Similar in general specification to the CFMOTO X5, but larger in engine displacement, the TGB has a 503cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine that drives through a dual-range CVT auto transmission with switchable four-wheel drive.

The T-bar shifter was a little notchy on the test machine but that’s to be expected in an engine that was barely run-in.

Fuel tank capacity is 18 litres, which should be enough to last a day or two, and top speed comes in at 70kph.

TGB wages war in a very congested market here but the local distributor has managed to nail the 550AR’s retail price to $10,000. That’s about $1,700 dearer than the Chinese CFMOTO X5, tested in the next issue of NewFarmMachinery.

To read the full test of the TGB Trayback 550AR, pick up a copy of NewFarmMachinery magazine issue 2 on sale September 12; or click here to subscribe to the magazine.

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