Hello,

I am a first time ATV buyer and I am really confused. I am 30 years old and have riden ATVs before. I am looking for a utility ATV that will be good for occasional trailriding, snow plowing, and just cruisin around the farm. My budget is around $3000, so I know used will be the way to go.

What should I look for? What engine size, year, make, model? I have no idea where to begin. I dont know which ones I should stay away from and which ones to look at. Also any general info about winches and snow plows would be very helpful.

I appreciate your help

Thanks

 

Wow, you've really opened up a can of worms here! haha.

Whereabouts are you located?

For your price range and your requirements, the possibilities are pretty much endless! I'd say for plowing though, 450ccs and up would be best. A used Suzuki KingQuad 450, Honda 450, or Yamaha Kodiak 450 would all be good choices (and probably in your price range).

As for winches, Warn probably makes the best ones. Our Warn 3000lb winch on our Outlander 800 is really great! I'd say a Warn 2000lb would be great, and probably fairly affordable.

I think Warn also makes plows, and from what I've read in various reviews they are pretty good.

 

I am a manual trans guy, so that happily narrows the field down to just a few machines! For your requirements, I would go with the Honda Foreman 500. It is the quintessential work quad, but has descent trail manners as well. If you can't find a 500, then the older 450.

Honda offers it in foot shift or ES pushbutton shifting. The ES can have problems, so for me it's foot shift only.......

If you must have a belt drive automatic, then the Yamaha Griz 700 is the best of the lot.

 

IMO 500cc and over is needed for plowing and a machine with a strong frame is a must. Polaris makes the best built frame IMO, and one of the best 4x4 systems out there. BUT if you decide to get a Polaris (Glacier) plow don't get the Glacier 2 plow mounting frame it bends easily, get the G-1 style!
Good luck!

 

Say what?

 

I think in that price range I'd also go Foreman 500 foot shift, or if you must have an automatic, the 500 Rubicon- but make sure it's been well cared for (especially the hondamatic).

A Vinson 500 wouldn't be a bad choice, either. They come in foot shift, or belt driven cvt auto.

Winch wise, synthetic is really nice. Otherwise you might want to use a strap for the plow, so as not to flex the cable repeatedly in the same place while plowing. For that matter, if you have normal upper body strength a hand lift plow can be handier.

Warn makes good stuff. I really like their xt30 with wireless remote, but probably out of your price range. People have had mixed luck with the gorilla and the cheap ones on e-bay. Mile Marker may be pretty decent. KFI makes mount plates of high quality that are cheaper than Warn.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

sounds like you described the recipe for a honda foreman. i concur with oithers that the manual foot shift is the way to go for reliability, durability, and simplicity of maintenance.