Howdy...I have finally gotten so old and lazy that I am goung to buy a 4-wheel ATV and I need some help selecting one. It will be used for hunting on hilly (not mountainous) terrain, I am 5'8" tall and weigh about 230lb. I want the lightest, smallest, most dependable machine that I can get, with an emphasis on dependability. The thought of getting stranded a couple of miles from camp because it won't start stinks. I will use it for light hauling (me and a deer)
or riding my kids around with me. I don't plan to use it for duck hunting so mud is not a factor. My right foot doesn't move at the ankle so I might need an automatic transmission (?).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Paul

 

Polaris 400 Sportsman,But that a little hevy,
Polaris 500 Sportsman
330 Trailboss i have one of those and they rock.they fell really light too.

I hoped i helped

 

Lucky for you, you can shift with your left foot on a manual tranny quad. I'd look into one of the Honda Rancher models. They have manual shift, electric shift, and just came out with an automatic. Another good "smaller" bike is the Yamaha Kodiak, or the Artic Cat 400i. I think you can't go wrong with a Honda or Yamaha, they've always been reliable for me.

 

One mention of needing dependabilty and I instantly feel the need to tell you to shy away from Polaris products.Its a well known FACT that no other manufacture boasts more problems than Polaris.I had two of them and they were CONSTANTLY back in the dealership for repairs.One look into ANY ATV related Forum and you'll see that Polaris lists the most problems.

If reliabilty/dependability is your number one issue,than you want a Honda product.I like the idea of the Honda Rancher.With your disability and age,I'd opt for the ES model.If you can wait about a yr longer,this model will come with a complete Auto Trans,though the ES model is very simple to shift too.Good Luck!

Bill

 

If I needed a quad to do what you mentioned I would go with the Yamaha Kodiak. Its priced fairly well, not to heavy, racks can haul around 250lbs.(thats a big deer[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]) and its really dependable also an auto. People say dont get Polaris but there utility quads are a good selection if you get one where the boss was watching over the guy who made it[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]. The Kodiak would be my first choice though.

 

I have a fourtrax 300 and would swear by it, but it's not an automatic. I would look at the Kawasaki Prairie models. I have ridden my fathers and it is a very good machine. Plus with the addition of the 360cc model, the 300cc and 400cc models will probably be discounted to get rid of them.

 

Yamaha Kodiak 450 or a 400 Sportsman would be two good choices.

 

well i had a honda 300 4x4, sold it and bought a Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4,,,read alot,heard alot about the Eiger's being fast,strong and reliable,,,I sure and the heck hope so....spent $5000.00 on it and dont want a lemon,,,but like i said,,,i did my homework before i bought it...reason i got rid of the honda is because i sold it for what i paid for it 4 years ago....plus i been in the woods so many times when a storm of something else popped up and i could get out fast enough,,,,top speed only about 30 -35 mph...the way they make them today,you probably wont go wrong with any brand out there,,,,,Good luck,,,Nailer...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

1. Stay away from CAT's or Polaris. They're the heaviest for a fact and most experienced people say they're the least reliable.

2. Other models I would consider for your needs: Honda Rancher ES(thumb shifted), Yamaha Kodiak(auto), Suzuki Eiger(auto) or Kawisaki Prairie 360 or 650(both autos).

I think you will be happy with any of these.

 

I just bought a Suzuki quad runner 230 2wd .I has a dual range tranny and suits my needs as hunter and trail rider perfectly.Explore your options with a good used quad,why spend 6-8g's if you don't have to?It is a perfect quad,800$