I'm looking to buy an ATV to be used on a farm with hilly wooded areas. I'll need to pull trees up steep inclines. I'm looking for something with pretty good horse power (14 - 18) and 4wd. Trying not to spend a ton of money though. Any thoughts?

Thanks

kbinhc

 

It really depends on what you mean by "a ton of money". Most any new 4x4 ATV of 500cc and above (with a low range) could easily handle what you are asking it to do. They are all going to have different features and quirks. You need to decide the features important to you. I'm guessing that low end grunt and stability are going to be high on your list.

If your budget is going to limit you to a used quad, I would look real hard at a used Honda Foreman. Those things are tanks and will run forever. I doubt that Honda even bothers to make spare parts for them.

 

The quintecential "work" quad has always been the Honda Foreman line. It is a basic machine with a solid rear axle, tight suspension (to handle a load on the racks), manual transmission, and a super low 1st gear (so you don't need a transfer case).

If price is an issue, then you might look for a used 450. Look for one of the later model year ones though, that have selectable 2wd/4wd, and an updated torque sensing front differential. Avoid the ES model (electronic shifting) if possible.

The current model is a 500, if you decide to go new. http://powersports.honda.com/atvs/ut...elId=TRX500FM7

How big are those trees????

 

Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4. Strong motor, hi/lo trans, in/out 4wd, either manual or auto tranny. Good machine, work and play. Think ATV television is featuring the Eiger this week on the outdoor channel. Give it a look-see.

 

I second the Eiger or even the Vinson, Suzuki makes a really good engine. Both have a high/low tranny 2 and 4wd and you have the choice of auto or manual. Good luck I your search.

 

Also check out ACs website, you get the speedracks on ACs, which allow you to adapt any tools you need in seconds, by a pin! There are unlimited accessories to attatch to these things, like chainsaws,garden tools, carpenters tools, fencing tools..........ect

 

I would say that if you're just going to use it around the farm, anything in a 400 or higher will suit your needs. Find a good used one....there are no new ATVs that are cheap, and there's no sense in beating up a new one if you're just going to use it for farm work. I think you'll be happy with just about any brand, maybe even Polaris! lol Oh no, have I said too much? Take it easy, Polaris owners, just kidding.....

 

the only thing the foremans dont have is a diff lock, other wise they have a lot of low end power.i had a 350 rancher with jet kit, fmf pipe, k&n air filter, 26' xtr's and would get stuck. my dad had a k&n air filter and 27' mudlites and never got stuck, so they have low end power. now he has a sportsman 800 though.