$3,600 is way too much for a used Big Bear, especially a 2001. I'd try to get him down to under $3000, and maybe $3,200 for it with the wheels and tires. But as most others said, I don't think a 400 has enough power to plow. I know it wouldn't be able to plow where I live, but maybe where you are. You need to tell us how much you want to spend!

 

Hey Roody 25 I sent you a PM about your new ATV......

 

I'm north of Boston and we see a lot of snow. The driveway is very steep. I'm concerned about traction.

You would recommend an atv without cvt? No, not Canada. The machine was north of Boston. I'd like to get something, with plow, for $4,000. I'm probably won't be able to do that, huh?

 

Well, if you aren't in Canada, then that atv is a bit overpriced I would say. You can certainly find a 4x4 that will plow for 4K or less, but you are going to need to be patient. A cvt will work fine for plowing, that is what most are using these days. Yes, my preference would be for a geared tranny but it is by no means a necessity. I used to plow my dad's driveway with a 230cc 2wd ute. We live in an area that routinely sees 100"+ of snow a year. The driveway in question was gravel and steep enough that you need 4wd to get up it when it was not cleaned out. I could only plow downhill with any decent snowfall, but she got the job done. I think you will be fine with a 350+cc 4wd quad. Again, low range can be your friend with either style tranny and really helps by multiplying your torque to the wheels. Heavier quads like Polaris and Arctic Cat tend to do better at pulling and pushing, but those brands also can be expensive. Suzuki has the Eiger 400 for around $5500.00 for an '07, A model that is 2 or more years old in decent shape should be in your price range. Polaris is a love it/hate it sort of thing around here, but I would be willing to bet there are some nice Sportsman 500HO's around your area for sale. Other manufacturers also have qualified offerings. I would price out the plow and a decent winch(otherwise you are raising and lowering the plow by hand) and figure those prices into the purchase.

 

Thanks for your help. Are Polaris and Artic Cat more expensive because of their name? Anything special to look for in a winch and plow? Suggestions on where to purchase those?

 

They are expensive because they are reliable, and durable, and proven to be so. I guess a Polaris owner could enlighten you more on their product, i can only speak for AC from experience. Also, you get a nice warranty with AC.

 

Both brands are american made but with Japanese motors(Fuji/Polaris and Suzuki/AC) They tend to have comfortable suspension, but one reason they are more expensive is that they weigh a lot more. You are paying for that extra metal and ground clearance, maybe a few features. I really can't offer much help on the winch or plow, but you should be able to dig up some info via search. If you do buy an atv that has neither, you can save a bit of cash by going with a manual lift plow. They still move just as much snow, a bit more work for you though.

 

Polaris also makes some of there own engines (I think they are called "Liberty"), and so does Arctic Cat (The 650 H1). As for a plow if you have a winch it works great to lift and lower you plow. And a winch should be standard on any utility ATV. Polaris makes a great plow with the Glacier, I have been using the Arctic Cat brand plow for 7 year and it has never let me down. I used to live in Alaska and even plowed up there and never had an issue, even busting through snow drifts as high as my front racks.

 

Catterman, very true. I was just trying to keep my normal longwinded posts somewhat under control[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

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