Ask the Editors: Should I Buy an Off Brand ATV?
Dear ATVC:
Are Iron Mountain ATVs any good?
ATVNoobie
We had to search far and wide to locate what little we could on the Iron Mountain brand. For starters it appears their official site (http://ironmountainmotorsports.com/) has been shut down; always a bad sign when dealing with something that could in the future require factory or dealership support such as an ATV.
What we did discover is that this is a fairly small import brand (most likely out of China) with the most current production run being for the 2013 model year. Among the models released, they did offer a Mini 50cc called the Blast that used a fan-cooled 2-stroke motor and CVT transmission and a High Country 300 4X4 with an air-cooled 282cc 4-stroke with an automatic clutch 5 speed tranny (with reverse), electric start and such options as camouflage plastic.
While we try to make it a practice never to tell readers what or what not to purchase, there is a long and convincing list as to why to steer clear of off-brand ATVs such as this; not the least of which deals specifically with what appears to have happened here: the brands tend to disappear seemingly overnight and with them goes the potential for replacement parts, support and warranty.
Additionally, because such companies often come and go before ever facing the usual scrutiny of motorized machinery imported here to the US, engineering and build quality are often substandard at best. Factor in the reality that inferior materials (such as extremely low grade steel) are used to meet unbelievable price points and operation of such ATVs can be downright dangerous.
Finally, because off-brand ATVs are usually shipped to the purchaser incomplete or assembled by gas station and convenient store employees who became quad dealers overnight, final assembly is often riddled with lose bolts, improperly routed cables and rounded out screws. We’ve encountered many with ill-functioning and improperly adjusted brakes and clutches right out of the crate.
It’s your money of course but you would certainly be wiser to put such funds toward even a used ATV offered by a reputable brand.
