I have never had an ATV before and in my research someone in another section of this site recommended a polaris for my needs because they are a heavier built machine.

Specifically, I need something I can tow around a 100 sprayer plus other light jobs around the farm. I am thinking 4 wheel drive, probably 400cc or above, solid rear axel and a low range. I am looking for used, around $3500.00 to $4000.00 tops.

What machines does Polaris have that would fit the bill? Is there anything else I should consider in my purchase?

In the Honda lineup I have been looking at the Foreman and Rubicon.

Thanks,
Dave in NC

 

Not many solid rear axle (which is better for towing than IRS) polaris ATVs any longer. My old 350 Yamaha Big Bear or Honda 450 Foreman would tow anything around all day long. The Foremans have no low range but have a super low 1st gear for the VERY tough going. Suzuki 400 Eiger/King Quad have a SRA rear end and a low range and are worth a look.

 

Hi Papasmith, I think for your needs you would want to go with a used Sportsman 500. You might be able to find a 2005 machine with EFI but it would be difficult to get it for $4000 or under. Try looking for a 2003-2004 Sportsman 500 HO. Lots of power, ground clearance and great towing numbers. You might also be able to find a 2004-2005 ATP 500 HO. The ATP has a small pickup type bed in the back. I would recommend riding with friends who own quads to get used to them.

 

With a IRS the trailer's toque weight relies on the suspension to support it while on a Straight axle the wheels support all the toque weight leaving the suspension out of it all together.

 

You could look into a magnum 500, they have a straight axle and a 500cc liquid cooled engine along with 4x4. The last year they were made was 2002. I would think you could get one under $3500 for sure. I have had 1999,2000,2001, and 2002 magnum 500's. They were very reliable machines in my opinion. Just something to think about.

 

Honda.

 

I would look into a 330 Magnum 4x4.

 

IRS works fine for towing as long as you stay within the proper tongue weight. If you want to put more than the rated tongue weight on it, get a suspension lock. You can get one for $55 and that solves the problem. You can tow double the weight of that sprayer with Sportsman 500. They made the steering easier in 2001 so I would reccomend an '01 or newer. An '01 Sportsman 500 H.O. is only $2,670, the Magnum 500 with a SRA is $2,490, and the SUPER UTILITY DIESEL 455 that no one mentioned yet is $2,990.

I think you should get one of those 3 as they will handle the weight easily. If you get anything smaller you won't have as much horsepower but may get by on torque alone in low gear. And Hondas may be good machines but you need to keep in mind the very low horsepower per cc of engine size. <u>The Rincon 680's horsepower is exactly halfway between the 500 EFI and the new 550</u>. It's like a 525.

 

Thanks everyone for the info. That's great to hear about the supension lock Jumbofrank. That opens up my choices a little bit. I'll keep in touch I'm sure with more questions.

Dave in NC

 

I'm pretty sure AtvGooroo has a suspension lock. I think it's a generic one from Wally-World, and not too expensive. If he DOES have one he can tell you how heavy of a trailer he pulled. More than a 100-gallon sprayer weighs, for sure. I don't think he would steer you wrong either.

Like I've told people in a couple of other posts, I don't know what other brands will and won't do because I've never owned them, but I KNOW what a Polaris will do. All of my friends have Polaris or Yamaha, the number 2 & 3 brands and nobody has a Honda even though it's the #1 seller. They must sell all those Hondas somewhere else, like California.

The only reason 3 of them bought Yamahas was because and they drive right past the dealer on the way to their vacation properties. If they need parts, the Yamaha dealer is 5 miles away and the Polaris dealer is 10 miles away. Both Grizzly 660 riders are talking about getting Sportsman 800s as soon as they can fit it into the budget, either this year or next. The other guy has a YFZ450 but almost always rides his Sportsman 700. His dad has a BRP that stays in the barn except for 2 weeks of deer hunting, because it's camoflage, but the other 50 weeks a year he rides his blue Sportsman 600.

I'm sorry about this post being so long, but as far as <u>utility ATVs</u> are concerned EVERYONE I ride with either <u>has</u> a Polaris or <u>plans on getting one</u>. When everyone either has one or wants one I think that says a lot. The sport and other ATVs are a mix of mostly Polaris , a few Yammys, and one Suzuki. Not a single Honda, Arctic Cat, Kawasaki, or other brand, sport or utility.