LONCIN engines: detailed report

Summary

LONCIN is an internationally recognized manufacturer of internal combustion engines, garden machinery, motorcycles and other mechanical equipment.¹ LONCIN engines have earned a reputation in the mechanical industry for their robustness and reliability. They are characterized by technological innovation and competitive prices.¹ They are widely used in various sectors, including gardening machinery, construction equipment, power generators, agricultural machinery and recreational vehicles.¹ LONCIN has a global presence and has established numerous partnerships, including a significant collaboration with BMW.² This report is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of LONCIN engines, with particular emphasis on their availability and distribution in the Polish market.

Introduction to LONCIN

Loncin Motor Co. Ltd. was founded in 1993 in Chongqing, China.¹ Since then, the company has evolved into a large, full-service manufacturing enterprise.³ Strategically, LONCIN aims to be a leader in complete low-emission power systems.³ Its integrated operations include the production of generator sets, agricultural equipment, light drive units and two-wheel motorcycles.⁴ The company has gained recognition in the market for the high quality of its products and technological innovations.¹

Loncin (full name Loncin Holdings, Ltd.) is a large Chinese manufacturer known primarily for its production:

1. Internal combustion engines: These are some of Loncin's most recognizable products. The company manufactures a wide range of engines (single-cylinder, two-cylinder, gasoline) used in a variety of equipment, such as:

   • Lawn mowers
   • Generators
   • Water pumps
   • Soil Compactors
   • Pressure washers
   • Go-karts
   • Agricultural and construction machinery

2. Motorcycles and Scooters: Loncin produces its own line of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, often positioned as more affordable alternatives to Japanese or European brands.

3. ATVs (quads): The company also offers off-road quad vehicles.

4. Generators: Loncin manufactures complete generators, often using its own engines.

Key information about the Loncin brand:

• Origins: China.
• Market Position: One of China's largest exporters of engines and vehicles. Products are available in many global markets, including Poland.
• Cooperation: Loncin has also worked or is working with other well-known brands. An example is the production of engines for certain models of BMW Motorrad motorcycles.
• Opinions: Opinions on Loncin products sometimes vary. The engines are often praised for their good value for money and are a popular choice for many machine manufacturers. The quality of motorcycles and quads is sometimes judged to be adequate for the price (budget/medium segment), although the company continues to develop its products.

In Poland, the Loncin brand is well known mainly for its engines installed in gardening and construction equipment as well as in generators. Motorcycles and quads of the brand are also available.

LONCIN motor product portfolio

Gasoline engines:

LONCIN offers a wide range of gasoline engines, including single- and two-cylinder models of various capacities.¹ They can be divided according to the orientation of the shaft:

• Horizontal Shaft Engines: They are used in equipment such as power generators, water pumps, pressure washers and wood splitters.⁶ LONCIN is the only manufacturer in China offering a full range of horizontal and vertical shaft motors.⁶
• Vertical shaft motors: They are commonly used in lawn mowers, garden tractors and soilers.⁶

There are various series of gasoline engines, such as LC, G and FA, for a variety of applications.²⁶

Diesel (Diesel) engines:

LONCIN also manufactures diesel engines, including single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled, direct-injection engines.¹ They are characterized by high power, easy starting (including an automatic decompression system and an electric glow plug for easy starting at low temperatures), low noise and vibration, and long service life.²⁷ They are used, among other things, in soilers.⁶

Technical specifications and features

LONCIN uses patented LCPower technology to control exhaust emissions inside the engine, meeting EPA Phase III standards.³³ Innovative design of combustion chamber and related components contributes to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.³³ Engines feature new air intake and exhaust ducts, lightweight pistons and piston rings, optimized ignition systems, finely tuned carburetors and optimized compression ratios.³³ Cobalt alloy surfacing technology is being used to manufacture hard alloy intake and exhaust valves for improved wear resistance.⁶ Optimized balancing systems provide more stable operation, polar oil filtration systems extend engine life, and the use of cast iron cylinder liners, metal cams and forged crankshafts increase durability.⁶

Table 1: Specifications of selected LONCIN engine models

Performance, reliability and user reviews

User reviews and discussions on online forums indicate that LONCIN engines are generally considered solid and reliable.¹ In comparisons with Honda engines, some users say that LONCIN engines perform just as well or even better, while offering a lower price.³⁵ It is often mentioned that LONCIN engines are "Honda clones," and some parts are interchangeable.³⁶ However, it is important to be aware of potential quality issues, such as reports of oil reuse during factory testing, which results in a recommendation to change the oil when you receive a new engine.³⁷ Nevertheless, many users have experienced the long-term reliability of LONCIN motors in various applications.³⁵ Compared to Briggs & Stratton engines, some users find LONCIN more reliable than newer Briggs & Stratton models.³⁵ There are also cases where LONCIN engines have successfully replaced engines from other well-known brands.³⁵

Global presence and partnerships

LONCIN products are exported to more than 80-100 countries around the world, including Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa.⁴⁰ The company has a significant presence in regions such as Southeast Asia and Europe.⁴⁰ A key element of LONCIN's strategy is its partnership with BMW Motorrad, for which the company manufactures engines and even complete scooters.² LONCIN is also a supplier of millions of power units to renowned brands such as GGP, E-Mark, Toro and Rover.⁶ It is worth noting that in 2020, LONCIN's share of the global motorcycle market was 0.8%.⁴⁸ The company also participates in the small off-road engine market, which is estimated to be worth $63.2 billion in 2023.⁴⁹

Certifications and compliance with standards

LONCIN motors meet various certifications and standards, including EUII, NOISE, GS, EPA, EMC, CE, CARB and USDA.⁵⁰ The company ensures that its products comply with European emission standards and US emission regulations.³³ However, it is worth mentioning the environmental scandal of 2012, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined LONCIN for violating the Clean Air Act.² Some LONCIN products are EEC certified for safety and quality.⁵⁴ The company has also obtained special executive orders from the California Council on Foreign Relations. Air Resources Board (CARB), certifying LONCIN engines for use in off-road equipment.⁵¹ The wide range of certifications held demonstrates LONCIN's commitment to meeting international regulatory requirements for emissions, safety and quality.

LONCIN engines on the Polish market

Key distributors of LONCIN engines in Poland are:

• EWIMAX: Opalenica-based company offering a wide range of LONCIN engines, generators and other equipment.⁵⁵
  • Address: Jana Kasprowicza 24, 64-330 Opalenica.⁵⁵
  • Phone: +48 692 244 454.⁵⁵
  • Email: ewimax@wp.en.⁵⁵
  • Hours of operation: 9:00 - 15:00.⁵⁵
• Motohill.pl: Online store offering a variety of LONCIN gasoline engines.⁶⁶
  • Address: Kacice 86, 06-100 Pultusk.⁶⁹
• Loncin Polska Sp. featuring.o.: Company located in Przejazdowo near Gdańsk.⁷¹
  • Address: 50 Benzynowa St., 83-021 Przejazdowo.⁷²
  • Phone: +48 509 971 089.⁷²
  • Email: sales@loncinpolska.en.⁷²
  • Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.⁷²

Table 2: Key distributors of LONCIN engines in Poland

Popular LONCIN engine models available in Poland, such as the LC170F-2, G200F and LC2V80FD, can be found on the distributors' websites.⁵⁵ Service and spare parts are available from authorized dealers such as EWIMAX, which claims to sell 100% genuine LONCIN parts.⁸⁰ The presence of many distributors in Poland suggests good availability and support for LONCIN engines in the country.

Summary and recommendations

In summary, LONCIN engines are an attractive option in the market thanks to their wide range of products, advanced technology, reliability and global presence. Their competitive price makes them an interesting choice for a variety of applications. Positive user reviews and comparisons with more established brands further confirm their value. Potential buyers in Poland are advised to contact authorized distributors such as EWIMAX, Motohill.pl or Loncin Polska Sp. featuring.o., for details on availability of specific models, prices and service. When selecting a LONCIN engine, consider the specific requirements of the application, such as horsepower, shaft type and fuel type.

FULL RANGE OF LONCIN ENGINES