Hi, I was out this weekend pulling pine stumps (6in.dia.) with my 500 auto. I must say I was suprised that I pulled all but two stuburn stumps
I had no idea how much power these atv's had!
I am worried though, if I keep using the rear hitch with a clevis and chain, will I damage the rear differental, as the hitch is only secured by four bolts to the diff. I am careful not to jerk a hard load and I use low range only.
Thanks much!!!

 

Tirofog:
I just got in from up at the property. Been up there since friday afternoon doing nothing but pulling logs and stretching fence. I took two pieces of flatbar steel ~1/4" thick and put on both the top and bottom of the hitch plate, then mounted a standard 2" ball through that. I then drilled out 3/4" holes strait through the flatbar steel which now sticks out about 3" or so, which is where I mount my clevis too. I've got the option of either the ball, or the clevis to tow with, which works out great. Normally when I tow all these logs and fence posts around, I'm in 4 wheel, low range. As long as you're not "jerking" too much, I don't see how it would be a problem. I've pulled some pretty large logs up hills with no problem at all until the log I am towing hits a stump or another tree, which then stops me dead in my tracks. Actually what happens is all four wheels bury themselves so I have to back up and out of my four holes I've just dug, then go at it from a different angle. As long as you're in low range, I don't think you'll have any problems at all.

Good luck, happy stump pulling!

Mike