Lekkewaan electric utility vehicles put to work on South African farms

Lekkewaan’s compact electric utility vehicles are gaining popularity among South African farmers, but their real strengths become apparent when they are put to work in demanding farm conditions, writes Jedrie Harmse.

Many farmers will have seen Lekkewaan’s range of electric utility vehicles at Nampo Harvest Day and other agricultural exhibitions. However, it is only when these machines are put to work on a farm that their practical value becomes clear.

Designed for practicality rather than novelty, the Lekkewaan range has built a reputation for versatility, durability and low operating costs.

The Lekke Noddy often attracts the most attention at agricultural shows, largely because of its distinctive appearance and its playful name, inspired by one of the best-known characters in British children’s literature. Despite its unconventional styling, however, the Lekke Noddy – like the rest of the Lekkewaan range – is designed as a serious working vehicle.

Thanks to the Lekkewaan team at its Centurion warehouse and national sales manager Sampie van Schalkwyk, Farmer’s Weekly recently had an opportunity to test two of the company’s roadworthy electric vehicles: the Lekke TailG F55 scooter and the Lekke TailG 1.6 EEC utility vehicle.

Although the experience differed considerably from the motorcycle test rides usually undertaken, it quickly became apparent why these compact electric vehicles are finding an increasing number of applications on South African farms.

Lekke TailG 1.6 EEC

Specifications

• Battery: Lead-acid, 72V, 52Ah
• Motor: 1 000W
• Speed: 15km/h to 30km/h, with three-speed selection
• Load capacity: 350kg to 400kg
• Rear differential: 2 × 4
• Range: 40km to 50km
• Charging time: 6 to 8 hours
• Warranty: Six months

Built for practical farm work

The Lekke TailG 1.6 EEC is designed for a very different role from the F55. It is a compact utility vehicle intended for everyday transport and light-duty hauling.

Because it is approved for road use, the TailG 1.6 EEC can also transport cargo between the farm and town. Its 1,6m-long tipping load bed has drop-down sides, making loading and unloading quick and convenient.

The vehicle is available in red, blue and green.

“Our clients tell us they hardly use their bakkies on the farm once they introduce the TailG into their operations,” says Van Schalkwyk.

The 1 000W electric motor may not be designed for high-speed travel, but it delivers surprisingly useful torque. During testing, the vehicle comfortably carried two adults up a steep, rocky incline while maintaining steady performance.

With a load capacity of up to 400kg, the TailG 1.6 EEC is suited to a variety of agricultural applications, including transporting tools, equipment, produce and supplies around the farm.

Its usefulness extends beyond agriculture. The vehicle can also be used on large estates, in warehouses and factories, on campuses, by municipalities and by maintenance teams.

Battery options

Lekkewaan offers lead-acid and lithium battery options across its range.

The lead-acid battery has an expected lifespan of about two years and approximately 750 charging cycles. The lithium option carries a five-year warranty, with an estimated lifespan of nine years and approximately 4 500 charging cycles.

The choice between the two technologies will ultimately depend on the buyer’s operating requirements, usage patterns and budget.

Lekke TailG F55

The TailG F55 was not specifically developed as a farm vehicle, but its compact size and electric drivetrain give it potential for a range of transport applications on agricultural enterprises.

Lekkewaan positions the F55 as an electric scooter for both work and leisure. It can be used for travelling around a farm or smallholding, moving between buildings on a business or industrial site, commuting, or running errands.

Powered by a 2 000W electric motor and a 72V battery system, the F55 has a top speed of 45km/h and a claimed range of up to 100km on a single charge.

Although the scooter is primarily intended for tarred or paved surfaces, it also handled a steep dirt road with loose gravel and uneven terrain surprisingly well during testing.

The F55 is comfortable to ride and requires little maintenance, making it an economical transport option where short-distance mobility is required. Its compact size also makes it practical for applications such as campus transport or movement around large properties.

Lekke TailG 1.3

The TailG 1.3 is not roadworthy, but it completes Lekkewaan’s current range of three-wheeled utility vehicles and is arguably the model most directly suited to routine farm work.

Designed for demanding day-to-day applications, the TailG 1.3 features a 1,3m-long tipping load bed with drop-down sides for easier loading and unloading. Like the larger model, it is available in red, blue and green.

Citrus producer Hennie de Beer of Vaalbos Trust Boerdery near Marble Hall in Limpopo has first-hand experience of using these vehicles in daily farming operations. His experience is discussed in the accompanying article.

The TailG 1.3’s quiet operation is particularly useful around homesteads and in areas where noise needs to be minimised.

Its fully electric drivetrain also eliminates fuel costs and oil changes while reducing many of the maintenance requirements associated with conventional utility vehicles.

Specifications

• Battery: Lead-acid, 60V, 38Ah
• Motor: 1 000W
• Speed: 15km/h to 30km/h, with two-speed selection
• Load capacity: 250kg to 300kg
• Range: 30km to 40km
• Charging time: 6 to 8 hours
• Climbing angle: 15°
• Warranty: Six months

Support network adds value

Behind the Lekkewaan brand is a growing distribution and support network. Although the vehicles have only been available in South Africa for a relatively short period, adoption is increasing across the agricultural sector.

Over the past eight years, the company has sold 4 000 units.

Lekkewaan operates warehouses in Centurion, Wellington, where its headquarters are located, and Gqeberha. The company has more than 90 dealers and agents across South Africa and Namibia.

“It is our partnership with predominantly tractor and agricultural equipment dealerships across the country and in Namibia that makes our distribution chain fast, reliable and effective,” says Van Schalkwyk.

He regards after-sales support as one of the company’s key strengths.

“We stock virtually every component for every vehicle in our warehouses. Dealers can order parts through our online business portal, which is linked directly to our inventory system. That means through a local dealership, farmers are only a phone call away from getting the parts they need.”

Although agriculture remains Lekkewaan’s primary market, its vehicles are also being used in mining, logistics, warehousing and delivery operations.

Farmers have found some particularly innovative applications. One customer, for example, converted a TailG into a mobile firefighting unit by fitting it with a water tank and pump.

The vehicles’ low noise levels have also made them popular on game farms, where minimising disturbance is important.

Van Schalkwyk says several new products are expected to join the range before the end of the year, although he was not prepared to disclose details ahead of their launch.

From China to South African farms

The Lekkewaan story began when South African fruit farmers visited China and encountered compact electric utility vehicles being used extensively in orchards.

Recognising their potential for South African agriculture, they brought the concept back home. The first shipment was imported for local evaluation, and positive feedback from farmers led to further imports and the eventual development of the local business.

When establishing the South African brand, the company drew inspiration from the monitor lizard, or likkewaan. The name Lekkewaan combines the Afrikaans words “lekker” and “wa”.

Today, the company holds the exclusive rights to import the TailG range into South Africa.

The appeal of the vehicles is ultimately straightforward: they provide a compact, quiet and relatively low-maintenance alternative for the many short-distance transport and light-hauling tasks carried out every day on farms.

For farmers who do not need to use a full-sized bakkie or tractor for these jobs, an electric utility vehicle can offer a practical way to reduce running costs while keeping routine farm transport simple.