Buying a farm quad bike is a big decision. The right machine will do hundreds of jobs a year, from checking stock to towing feed and spraying, so it pays to match the quad to the work. This guide walks through the choices that matter most: engine size, 2WD or 4WD, power steering, towing and payload, and whether you need the machine on the road.
1. Start with the work, not the engine
Before comparing models, list what the quad will actually do most days:
- Light duties such as checking stock, fencing runs and moving small loads around the yard.
- General farm work such as pulling a feed trailer, topping, spraying or carrying a dog box.
- Heavy or hill work such as towing loaded trailers, working steep ground or deep mud, and long days in the seat.
The heavier and hillier the work, the more you will value engine size, 4WD and power steering.
2. Engine size: how many cc do you need?
As a rough guide for UK farm use:
- Around 200 to 300cc: fine for light work on flatter ground and for less experienced riders. The XWolf 200 (196cc) and XWolf 300 (271cc) sit here.
- Around 500cc: the sweet spot for most livestock and mixed farms. Enough power to tow and climb without being heavy on fuel. The XWolf 550 and XWolf 550 AGRI use a 499.5cc EFI engine producing 34kW (45hp).
- Around 700cc: for bigger loads, steep hill ground and long working days. The XWolf 700 (686cc, 35kW) and XWolf 700L fit here.
- 1000cc V-twin: maximum pulling power for the toughest conditions. The XWolf 1000 produces 75kW (101hp).
Bigger is not always better. A larger quad is heavier and costs more, so choose the smallest engine that comfortably handles your heaviest regular job.
Compare power, not just cc
Engine size on its own does not tell you how hard a quad will pull, because two engines of similar cc can produce very different power. CFMOTO’s new CFORCE C5 (498.6cc) quotes 39hp, while the LONCIN XWolf 550 (499.5cc) produces 45hp and 53Nm. To match the 550’s power, CFMOTO’s range steps up to the 580cc CFORCE 625 (CFMOTO UK published specs, October 2026). When you compare quads, check the kW or hp figure on the spec sheet, not just the cc. Power is only one factor alongside weight, gearing, steering and dealer support, so see our side-by-side comparisons of 300cc, budget 4×4, 500cc, 700cc and 1000cc quads.
3. 2WD or 4WD?
2WD quads are lighter, simpler and cheaper, and they are perfectly adequate on dry, flat ground. The XWolf 200 (chain drive) and XWolf 300 (shaft drive) are 2WD.
Selectable 2WD/4WD with a diff lock is the better choice if you work on hills, wet ground or mud, or if you tow regularly. You can run in 2WD on the yard and switch to 4WD when you need the grip. Every LONCIN from the XWolf 550 upwards has selectable 2WD, 4WD and diff lock.
4. Is power steering worth it?
Electronic power steering (EPS) makes a quad much lighter to steer, especially in 4WD, on rough ground and with a load on. It reduces fatigue over a long day and makes the machine easier to control on slopes. If you or your staff spend hours a day on the quad, EPS is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can choose.
On the LONCIN range, the XWolf 550, 700, 700 MUD, 1000 and 1000 MUD have EPS, with three-mode EPS on the 1000 models. The XWolf 550 AGRI is the more basic, manual-steering version of the 550 at a lower price.
5. Towing and payload
Check the towing capacity against the heaviest trailer, sprayer or feeder you will pull, and the payload against what you carry on the racks.
| Model | Engine | Drive | Towing | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XWolf 200 | 196cc | 2WD | 200kg | 125kg |
| XWolf 300 | 271cc | 2WD | 227kg | 163kg |
| XWolf 550 / 550 AGRI | 499.5cc | 2WD/4WD/diff lock | 800kg | 230kg |
| XWolf 700 / 700L | 686cc | 2WD/4WD/diff lock | 1,000kg | 240kg |
| XWolf 700 MUD | 686cc | 2WD/4WD/diff lock | 800kg | 230kg |
| XWolf 1000 | 976cc V-twin | 2WD/4WD/diff lock | 1,000kg | 300kg |
Always stay within the manufacturer’s limits and allow extra margin on steep ground.
6. Will you use it on the road?
Many farms need to move between fields on public roads. Every LONCIN XWolf and UWolf sold in the UK is road legal, type-approved in the T (agricultural tractor) category. LONCIN XWolf quads are approved as T3b, which limits road speed to 60km/h (about 37mph). That is plenty for moving between fields, and if your quad will be used off-road only, your dealer can remove the limit. UWolf UTVs are approved as T1b. Ask your dealer about registration and number plates when you buy.
7. One seat or two?
Most farm quads are single-seat. If you regularly need to carry a passenger or want that extra stability, choose a long wheelbase model approved for two, such as the XWolf 700L or XWolf 1000. Just remember you will have a slightly larger turning circle, which is important to remember if you’re regularly in tight spots. However if you often carry people and loads together, a UTV may suit you better. See our guide Quad bike or UTV: which is right for your farm?
8. Comfort and kit for long days
Small features make a big difference over a year: heated grips and seat in winter, a winch, front and rear bull bars, LED lights and a tow hitch. The XWolf 550 and 700 come with heated grips and seat, bull bars, winch and tow hitch as standard.
9. Warranty and dealer support
A quad is a working tool, so local servicing and parts matter as much as the price. Every new LONCIN XWolf and UWolf comes with a 2-year unlimited-mileage warranty covering parts and labour, supported by independent LONCIN dealers across the UK and Ireland. Find your nearest dealer to arrange a test ride.
Quick recommendations
- Light work, smaller budget: XWolf 200 or XWolf 300.
- Most livestock and mixed farms: XWolf 550, or the XWolf 550 AGRI if you want to keep the price down.
- Hill farms and heavy towing: XWolf 700 or XWolf 700L (two-seat).
- Deep mud and the toughest ground: XWolf 700 MUD or XWolf 1000 MUD.
Frequently asked questions
What size quad bike do I need for a farm?
For most livestock and mixed farms, a 500cc 4WD quad with power steering is the best all-rounder. Choose 700cc or more heavy towing, and 200 to 300cc for light work on flat ground.
Is 4WD necessary on a farm quad?
Not on dry, flat ground, but selectable 4WD with a diff lock is strongly recommended for hills, wet ground, mud and regular towing.
Are LONCIN quad bikes road legal?
Yes. All LONCIN XWolf and UWolf models sold in the UK are road legal, type-approved in the T (agricultural tractor) category. XWolf quads are T3b approved, with a 60km/h road speed limit that your dealer can remove if the quad will be used off-road only.
Where can I try a LONCIN quad?
Use the dealer finder to find your nearest LONCIN dealer for a test ride.