Taiwan Golden Bee is a longstanding campaigner in the ATV market, and the recently launched Landmax represents its first foray into the side-by-side sector.

Plenty of the components are tried and tested, including the decade-old engine proven in the sit-astride Blade 1000.

Farmers Weekly’s machinery editor, Oliver Mark, tests the TGB Landmax 1000 and gives his verdict.

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TGB fits the Landmax 1000 with its own pokey 997cc V-twin engine, which nails both acoustics and performance.

Delivery of the two cylinders’ 83 horses was a little all-or-nothing on our fresh-off-the-boat test model, though it’s fair to assume that jumpiness will be quelled by a few hours on the clock.

It’ll rip its way up to the 67kph speed limiter in spritely fashion but needs sensible piloting down steep fields, particularly as we failed to get the hill descent control system working.

Added traction comes from the lockable rear differential that can also be left fully open in “turf mode” to avoid any scuffing on sixpence turns.

And low range is easy to locate through a satisfyingly weighted and cleanly gated long-throw drivestick that nestles neatly in each range at the first time of asking.

With park position found without trouble, the electric park brake – which works actuators to clamp both rear discs – is seldom required.

What’s the cab like?

TGB takes a fuss-free approach to cab fit-out. And for the first batch of UK-bound models, that means going without a windscreen or doors.

Half-height nets protect occupants’ legs, held in place by pairs of plastic buckles that, albeit simple, get a bit tedious to open and close a dozen times daily.

The lack of a windscreen will, quite reasonably, be a red line for most potential buyers; donning a set of Dick Dastardly goggles won’t be for everyone, even if it saves the £3,500 cost of a cab.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Compared with other budget brands such as CF Moto and Aodes, the rain-proof interior of the Landmax is rudimentary.

The sole whiff of largely undesirable technology comes in the form of a 4.3in digital display behind the steering wheel.

The ignition barrel certainly isn’t sophisticated; any key should get it started.

Good points include robust A-pillar grab handles, abundant storage – four cup holders, removable central bits-and-bobs tray, twin sealed gloveboxes – and a fold-up bench that will swing to vertical to accommodate odds, sods and dogs.

Less appealing are the relatively short seat bases – though they do at least have fore/aft adjustment, combined with up/down on the steering column – a slippery plastic steering wheel, and an irritatingly unreliable fuel gauge.

Then there’s the one major benefit of going cabless: visibility is largely unrestricted, but for the middle headrest that sits in the driver’s line of sight during reversing manoeuvres.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Is it a workhorse?

Our demo model stood taller than a pickup, the extra lift the result of a set of aftermarket Kenda Klever X/T 30×10 R14 tyres fitted for the UTV’s Lamma launch.

Though they might look the part, these big balloons were counterproductive to both the handling and, surprisingly, grip.

How much they contributed to the pogo-like ride is difficult to quantify, as the suspension also rebounds wildly off bumps and the lightweight backend has a habit of kicking out around corners.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

It makes the steering a little wayward at speed, although, on the flip side, competent drivers will find it seriously fun to razz around.

As for proper work, the blown plastic load bed is rated to carry a respectable 454kg but is short of guarding to avoid the handles of the manually operated tipping mechanism getting plastered in crud.

A nearside mudguard in front of the rear wheel would be a useful addition.

Lash points are limited to four internal metal rings and good-for-nothing plastic lips on the bed exterior, and it comes with a detachable tailgate that’s a tad too easy to yank off with an overzealous closing slam.

There’s also a fairly tight tolerance on the shutting mechanism, which won’t take kindly to any outward bowing of the side walls caused by overloading the tub.

Fortunately, the load bed isn’t overly high given the size of the tyres, and the electric wiring underneath is generally far tidier than the likes of Segway’s scaled-down UT6.

It’s also well specced, with a front bull bar and winch as standard.