I am new to this forum (obviously) and want to get some suggestions on what to look for.

I have 10 acres of land we bought and want to build a house on. It was select cut around 5-6 years ago, so there is a lot of underbrush and down timber that needs cleared and a good four wheeler would help get the job done. Mostly hauling chain saws and supplies from the truck to work site and pull a cart of cut wood back and forth.

I will do some weekend trail riding with it, but that isn't the main priority.

I need to keep the price down, so I'm mostly looking for used right now. Like most people, bigger is better, but I am thinking around 400-600 class.

Brand name doesn't matter to me, but would favor an auto. trans over a shift type. That would make it easier for the wife and kids to drive it if needed.

Throw out a couple ideas and opinions just so I have somewhere to start.

Thanks, Mike

 

A Honda Foremen 450, or the newer Foreman 500 is you can find one used. These are simple to shift "autoclutch" machines. I know you probably want a full automatic, but I can teach a kid to shift an autoclutch like a pro in 30 minutes. Takes a bit longer for adults.....

 

welcome-whats you price range and how old of an atv? The 400 class machines will do everything the bigger bores will do. To name a few that i personally have seen in action are: kodiak 400,big bear 400. though these arent fully auto, they have an auto clutch. Another in as arctic cat 300(like a 98-2001 model) the 300 had a high, low, and super low gear for forward and for reverse. I owned one of these and it pulled everything even a 4,000lb. piece of farm equipment. Im not sure what it was but it bent my frame, compressed the shocks all the way and mushroomed my tires, i thought they were going to blow. moved it with little effort. I now own a 700 auto and a 500 cat manual that is my work horse. i love this bike. The 400 is a good bike as well with a full auto trans.(cvt). The older models had a radiator, now its oil/air cooled and called a 366(ugly bike). Next Hondas: You can never go wrong with a honda. The 450 and 500 foremans are great bikes as well as the ranchers 350 and 420s. These are the makes and models i personaly have seen do work and they all did very well. there are others like polaris sprtsman 400 or 500, kawasaki prairie 360, suzuki king quad 450. Of course the main fact is what you are comfy riding and what you are looking for in a bike since all of them have features that others dont. For instance, ground clearence,rack capacity,air or liquid cooled,4x4 or 2wd,(i suggest 4wd), i personaly dont look at the pull/hauling ratings. they will all pull more than they say. It just depends if its gonna stop it. the list goes on with features. Any how, good luck with you choice and good to see you on the forum.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>but I can teach a kid to shift an autoclutch like a pro in 30 minutes. Takes a bit longer for adults</end quote></div>

LOL Funny yet true.

I buy used ATVs ,Snowmobiles all the time,lots of money to be saved and I get more of the machine I want for the price. A Mint Condition used 660 Grizzly cost as much a Brand New 450 Grizzly remember.

I look for good condition and low use 150 hr or less, if there in good shape it will strare you in the face and is easy to spot.

Then go for a little test ride, if it does not run right it is pretty hard to hide.

Everyone on this forum owns a used ATV if you think about it,even if it has 20 hr on it.

 

Welcome to the forum, I can't add to the advice already given; can't go wrong following any of it, the rest is just a matter of personal preference. While I would not discourage you from getting a 4x4, depending on the topography of your property, soil conditions and such, a good 2WD may serve your purposes just as well. I used one for almost twenty years myself before getting a 4x4. The steering is easier and you have a lot less that can go wrong. Good luck.

 

Lots of good info. in the responses, thanks. I don't want a 2wd, my brother has a Honda recon 250 2wd and it does most of what you want to get done, but some tasks and terrain are just too much for 2wd. I could handle a auto shift machine if the price we too good to pass up, but would rather have a fully auto if possible.

 

Yep, you have to match the bike with the terrain. My 2WD worked great until we bought a couple of hill farms. I "got by" for some time with a 2WD pickup and my old trusty 2WD ATV as we had 4WD tractors, but they won't fit everywhere, so I got a Rhino and a 4x4 Polaris Sportsman and later a Grizzly. I prefer the fully automatic transmissions, but some won't have a "rubber band" driven machine. I would also not want an air cooled ATV, but others don't see a problem. Like I said, a lot of it is just personal preference and one's own experiences.

 

I just wanted to update this thread. I ended up buying a 2006 Suzuki King Quad 700 from local guy that was selling. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. Plenty of power, more then I need actually. Has a winch and aftermarket tires, and a sweet ride. Love it so far!!!

 

When I went from my 225 Yamaha to a 700 Polaris I also thought it had much more power than I could ever possibly "need". Funny thing is I soon discovered I "liked" the power and when I sold it I bought another 700 as I have discovered at least for myself that there is no such thing as "too much" power. Funny how our priorities change.

Sounds like you got a good bike, I know you will enjoy it and it will serve you well.

 

I'm sure I use all the power it has and am glad I got what I did. I would rather have too much power, (and that is impossible!) then not have enough.