I am looking at some ATV's that are appropriate for farm use. I am looking at used 4 wheel drive capable, willing to pull a 100 gallon sprayer, etc. with a cost of less than $3500.00. I am looking at a used Foreman and a Prairie right now. Other suggestions are welcome.

My question is, is there someone who can give me an idea how I can translate hours or miles a bike has been ridden into the equivilent of car miles of which I have experience? Now before someone jumps in with the obvious "it depends" observation, I know there are a lot of other variables that play into condition as there are in cars but, how many miles/hours are on a vehicle is a good place to start in guaging how used is a used vehicle.

For example, there is a bike near where I live, a 2002 Foreman, that has 1700 miles on it. Is this a lot for an ATV? Can some of you tell me how many hours/miles you have on yours and the condition your ATVs are in? This will help me get a better feel for what I need to be looking for from a usage standpoint.

Thanks,
Dave in NC

 

A long time ago my dealer told me that 1,000 miles on an ATV was like 10,000 miles on a car. And that actually worked out to be my yearly mileage when I used to ride a lot, maybe 20 times a year. I ride a fraction of that now. Just a few times a year and a lot of plowing in the winter.

 

I think that the 1:10 ratio is fairly accurate. Take tires - ATV tires will be worn out in around 3,000 miles. Oil changes at 1,000 miles or less.

There is a large "it depends" factor, since cars rarely ever see the type of abuse that we do to an ATV on a typical ride but the ATV's will age much faster than a car. While there are exceptions, ATV's wth over 5,000 miles are pretty beat up.

Jaybee

 

Dave, 100 gallons is a lot of weight. When all is said and done you will have about 1000lbs in back of you that you are towing. That's a bunch!!!!

My suggestion. DON'T go light!!! Look for a heavy ATV like a Po Po. Like Bombardiar, they like them heavy!!! I spray with a 125 gallon sprayer with my 500 Bombardiar and I know it's back there.!!!! On gravel hills I am spinning all 4 tires. Do not go with a light ATV like Honda or you will be sorry. Stick with a heavy one to tow a heavy load.

 

Polaris has the highest rated towing capacity that I know of. My 500 is rated at 1225 lb. Hitch Towing Capacity, and the Braked Trailer Towing Capacity is 1,786 lbs. The 800 is rated higher at 1,500 lbs. Hitch Towing Capacity, and a Braked Trailer Towing Capacity of 1,913 lbs.

Like some other ATVs, they will easily tow a lot more than they're rated for. I don't have any personal experience with the other brands so I'm not sure what they'll do.

According to N.A.D.A. this would be your budget (and it will easily tow a 100-gallon sprayer, and should be in pretty good shape):
2004 POLARIS 4 Wheel ATV SPORTSMAN 500 H.O. Average Retail $3,435.

EDIT: I'm not a brand-*****. I just know what Polaris will do because I've been riding them 11 years, and don't know what anything else will do. If something else fits your needs, <u>buy it</u>, no matter what brand it is. As long as it's not Chinese.

 

Thanks everyone and especially Doctorturbo for adding a wrinkle to my buying decision that I hadn't considered adequately.

Dave in NC

 

I have a 2001 Honda Rancher and as far as miles go i just rolled over on 5500 earlier today and its still goin strong.

 

A foreman would probably do your job just fine. On the Prairie if it is a 360 it might be a little on the weak side for pulling your tailer.