I am looking for an ATV to run in the hills in the summer, but I would also like it to be able tohandle as much snow as possible. I don't need it more than once or twice a year, but I would like to get in and out of the pasture. The last time I checked, an ATV is a little easier to push out by hand than a full sized 4x4( if it came to that).

 

Blackwaters sound like they would do good.

 

I use my 450 with a Diff-Lock and stock tires in the snow. Found it to be useless on snowmobile trails without a locker. As far as tires, I'd choose 27" 589's, however I'll be getting 28" Mudzillas soon.

 

What other modifications would you use? lifts? Wheels?

 

Stock wheels are fine and I don't think a lift will do you much good in the snow, however a locker is a must and good quality full length skid pan to stop snow from piling up in the frame. It also takes a lot of practice and experience to run in the snow. Even the best set up is no match for experience.

 

I think you may be disappointed with the Black Waters in snow. I have them and they don't really do much but spin and dig nice holes. I ride a sport ATVs with two wheel drive, so this may not apply to 4 wheel drive ATVs. I have found on my two wheel drive ATVs that I can go through more snow with my paddle tires (usually for sand only). An overall good tire for snow and dirt is a Turf Tamer, again based on my experience with a sport atv.

 

Hi Hillside! Can only speak on behalf of my setup ,Power to spare in the hills, and It will push all the snow you can give it! Very dependable! I've had Honda's in the famly since 85 and there still on the road, use them daily in the Industial Roofing Industry, They're one tuff machine. I have 27" ITP 589's mounted on stock rims with no lift. Good luck & ride safe. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1572800&f=0

 

Hey, I'm running a 500 Auto 'Cat with 27" Bi/Tri Claws. Does great in all conditions, plenty of power for the big tires, even while towing heavy loads such as logs, or suburbans-see link below for some snow pics. There was over 2' that day up there and the 'Cat with the 'Claws had no problem at all. I was just up at the property a couple weeks ago in a little over 3' of snow, which prooved to be a little more difficult. The 'Claws pulled me through the stuff-kind of floated me over the top really. As I went back and forth on the trail in and out of my property to the main road towing logs, it soon broke a trail which you could eventually get some speed up on.

In any circumstances, I'd definately say for the deep stuff, you will want larger tires-no smaller than 27" probably. A lift would help for the ground clearance issues, so you won't bottom out as fast if the snow isn't quite that deep, yet probably isn't necessary. I improvised a lift out of some shaft collars, placing the new "spacers" under my original spring assembly around my shocks. The 3/8" spacers lifted the machine 1 1/2" overall, and doesn't subject the cv joints to as severe of angles as a true lift kit would.

Overall, this setup works great for me, might be worth looking into. Give me a hollar if you have any questions, I'd be glad to try and help.

Best of luck,

Mike