Hi, Iam looking to buy a used ATV for a snowplowing. The 2 machines that seem right for the job is a 99 HONDA 300EX 4x4 and a 97 YAMAHA 350 Big Bear 4x4. Anyone know which machine is more reliable or better suited for the job? Keep in mind that i plan to use a 60" plow. Thanks for any input.

 

I think the Honda would be better because it is easier to go from FWD to REV on the Honda. Both are good machines.

 

First off, I think the EX was a mistake... the 300EX is a sport bike. I'm not sure what they called the plain jane 300 4x4 but I'm sure that is what you mean. Either are very reliable bikes. If I was snowplowing I would want something 350cc or bigger though, and would view the Honda 300 as too small for the job.

 

I'd personally go with the Big Bear. My friend has an 89 big bear and he uses it to plow his driveway (30 ft wide x 75ft long). He's equipped with Kenda Bear Claws all around and has no problems moving the snow. He just uses low range for the real heavy stuff. Being on the atlantic the snow we get here in the st. john's area tends to be quite wet and heavy.

 

I don't think it makles a nickle's worth of difference. Ya pays yer money and takes yer choice.

Throughout the '70s I was a Yamaha man. There was more than one occasion when a Yammie "nearly" left me stranded. Generally it was a two-stroke related problem. However, they made strong, well built, great performing stuff and I'm sure they still do.

In the late 70s though I saw Hondas begin to eclipse all things Yamaha with their 4 stroke bikes. For 20 years I was away from the scene altogether and then I needed an ATV for my ranch inthe desert. I researched things and decided on the Honda Rancher.

For me, Honda has built the reputation for extreme reliability. Out in the boonies, reliability is the most important factor. I can't afford to get stranded in the desert - especially at my age. Personally, I'll stick with Honda.

 

What about a Yamaha Wolverine 350 4x4? Is that a good machine to plow with, or is that a sport model?

 

I have never used my Wolvy to plow. I'd say it has sufficient power to do so, but I'm not sure about having the low gear for it. First is a little higher than on some bikes. I do have a friend that uses his to plow with and it seems to do fine, but I won't really say yes or no because I have never done it myself. We can let someone who knows better answer ya [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]