I'm in the market for a TRV to replace my poor, tired 02 500i. Worked it to death on my farm, and it was a real trooper, but it's getting old, and oh heck, prices are looking nice right now. Darn recession is good for something. My farm is rough as a cob, so the Cat's ground clearance is a must, and that 500 was so rock solid that I think I'll stay with them. Figured a TRV would come in handy with the ability to swap a bed in, or a seat to bring the wife along.

What I'm looking for is...

Front locker - a must, I've had trouble getting up out of a creek bed with a trailer load of wood behind. What was the first year for that on the TRV?

Replaceable rear seat - what was the first year for the quick change rear? I know the first TRV's had a fixed seat. I probably have the $ to buy new, but wouldn't overlook a clean used one if the price was right.

Reliability? I'm torn between staying with the reliable 'zuki 500 engine that still runs well on my 500i, or a 650H1 with carb, or 550 or 700H1 with EFI. Has the FI been any trouble? No carb problems with my 500. Yeah, I'd love the H2 but I don't think they'll discount it enough to get in my price range.

Off the wall question - I have a Swisher blade and their universal mount. Is that mount long enough to fit the TRV?

thanks for any pearls of wisdom. I set out to get a TRV three years ago, but found out it was too long to fit in the back of my Ranger. So I bought a bigger truck instead.

 

Whew....I'll see what I can do for ya....

2006 on both counts. I LUV the 4whl set-up diff-loc set-up CAT put on these quads! Steering gets harder, but it'll dig/pull/push you out pretty much anything! I especially luv 4L loc for decending steep hills in combo w/engine braking. 4H is pretty much all you'll ever need.....but you've got the option to get real serious if needed. A++

- I have an '08 650H1 carb'd TRV & an '09 550H1 single for the wifey and they've BOTH been awesome machines. The 650 has got more low end torque than the 550 (not by much).
I'm an "old school" kind of guy and like the carb w/electric choke set-up. I was leary of any quad with EFI but the wifey's 550 has close to 500 miles with NP. The only advantage(s) of EFI I've found is cold weather starts, and fuel economy. Mind you the carb primer on the 650 and electric choke has never let me down. I push snow all winter on the TRV and it's never NOT started. The H1's are pretty much bullet-proof.

I'd stay clear of the H2!!! It's a very problamatic engine with a ton of pwr....and a ton of problems!

I'd say not without a Arctic Cat frame mount - if available - the TRV plow mounts at the foot pegs. If not I think one can adapt the AC plow A-Frame ($150) to your blade. AC mounts are like $40.[/quote]

Yea I ran into that AFTER I bought our TRV. Never occured to me it wouldn't FIT in my '94 Z71 w/o the tailgate down. I bought a 5x10 trailer then upgraded to a 16x7 Utility trailer/shed when we bought the 550 a yr later.

I'll NEVER NOT OWN a TRV.

I use mine in a multitude of variations and have accessorized the crap out of it. (trail riding 2-UP - cutting wood - yard work - pushing snow). It fits all roles that I need.
It's been an incredibly reliable/stable machine, that I've done very little "modding" too. I run AMSOIL engine/differential oil and use a K&N oil filter.

I would recommend getting rid of the stock tires - CRAP - and get a better set. There's a TON out there, & I'm very pleased w/my choice in TBC MUDCATS.

You'll soon find that the longer whlbase on the TRV makes for a far more comfortable less choppy ride and a very noticeable increase in overall stability. The only compromise(s) is the larger truning radius - IT'S A BUS. You'll get very good at 3-point turns, and find it tricky to follow other quads in tight trail areas. The built-in 2" receiver w/10" of ground clearance and 8" of suspention travel a good combo. Note too that it has a smaller fuel tank (5.5gal) vs. the (6.5gal) on single machines. (the 2010's are 5.3gal)

I just recently added a rear rack in place of the seat for plowing snow, and I find I'm leaving it on UNTIL I need to ride 2-UP....then I swap out and put the seat back on.
MINE:

LAST SUMMER:


CURRENT RIDING CONFIGURATION W/Rear Rack:


WINTER:


Hope this helped. Good luck!

 

To add to what Cupsz said about the turning radius. I also use mine for towing a trailer "over the hills and through the woods" so to speak, and pulling is not a problem it is turning especially when a trailer is involved.

It takes a bit to get used to and then its not an issue. But I switch back and forth between my TRV and my AC400 which if I don't pay attention and cut a corner. I have come to an abrupt halt when the trailer tire gets stuck on a tree.

I think the weight of the TRV makes it better suited for plowing snow. I run 25inch mud lites and they do very well in the snow/mud/trails but not so well on the front lawn.

I agree with Cupz too in that once you get a TRV you will probably always have one. Besides, if you use it around the farm your passenger can open/close the gates for you!

Swampy