Hello all . . . I am in rural Michigan with several acres to roam and a 1/8 of a mile curvy driveway to plow. So, I need your help . . . relatively new to ATV's but need one for hauling things, plowing the driveway, and just plain fun. Would greatly appreciate anyone taking the time to give me some suggestions as to what setup I would need. Leaning towards a Honda, but really open to any knowledgeable suggestions. Number one priority is plowing snow--so getting the right ATV and all the right accessories for this is important, so please let me know everything that I will need to make the upcoming winter a breeze! Thanks to anyone that takes the time to help out this rookie . . .

 

Any quad with 350cc and up and 4x4 will plow snow! You can buy snow plows in a variety of sizes. Plows intended for quads range from 50-60 inches usually depending upon what size quad you are using. I had a 400 Big Bear that I used a 50 inch plow and worked great. When I bought my 550 grizzly and set the 50 inch plow on the sharpest angle, the quad was wider than the plow so I went up to a 60 inch plow. A few things to keep in mind with this purchase...are you buying new or used? The plows can have a manual lift or lift with a winch...are you using a winch? You can order complete plow sets online that have the mounting plate, the push tubes, and the plow....you just pick your machine and they send you a kit that bolts right on! I would say start by figuring out new or used and what amount of money you are willing to spend, get the quad taken care of and then look for a plow!!

 

Mudslinger said pretty much everything I've learned.

Just a couple more things I can think of. I've found synthetic rope to be better for plowing than the steel cable that typically comes with the winch. It has more give and doesn't have a "memory" like the steel does. I had a couple breaks with the cable, none with the synthetic. A heavy quad with full 4wd is better as you get down to the pavement and traction better with a heavy quad. I would not by a Honda for this reason. They don't have a full locker in the front. I understand they have a machine or two with a full locker now but can't remember which ones. Only other thing I can think of is that if you get wet, heavy snow you'll want to plow it before it gets too deep. Most 4wds with the plow angled can push 8-12" of wet snow but it's harder, obviously. So, you may end up having to plow the driveway a couple times where a snowblower would do it in a single outing.

 

Mudslinger and MooseHenden--thanks so much for the very informative replies. I was away from my computer and was unable to reply sooner. Great insight and recommendations. I am presently looking between buying new and used . . . used preferrably as I will not be using it alot. I found a 2001 Honda ranger with 600 hours (unsure of the mileage) which I believe has had one owner, with a plow (no winch) for an asking price or $2200. Body seems in pretty good condition--what kind of things should I look for and in your expert opinions, is this a pretty good deal?

 

Ummm...if that is really 600 hours it will probably by high mileage! I have a 2011 grizzly with 238 hours and 3500+ miles...a 13 yr old quad with possibly 6000 miles doesn't seem like a great deal at 2200. Just my opinion, but your money...spend it how you want!! I would not worry about buying a quad that already has the plow if that is one of your thoughts...you can pick up a plow and mount it up to any quad really reasonably...

 

I'd look for a good used Polaris Sportsman 500 with a winch. It is the most produced big bike out there and usually easy to find. It has the power, weight and hauling capacity you need for plowing and hauling stuff. The Polaris AWD system will be far better than the Honda's for plowing on slick surfaces. The suspension is a in a different stratosphere as well over the Honda. I've had both brands, Honda is a bit more reliable, but even today, is light years behind on technology and rider comfort. That is the trade-off.

 

I personally like suzuki. 400cc and bigger with 4x4 would be good. Kingquads are good. Brute force by kawi are nice for everything. Suzuki vinson 500 is above quad if your buying used.

 

Polaris as already suggested. Ive had both suzuki and polaris and while both are good, I would take the Polaris.

 

If u trust youreself on a quad... The can am outlanders will do through a lit with the right tires, will plow a ton of snow, and give u all u want. They are a little pricey though. But if u really want a quad. The outlander 1000 or 800 or even 650 is a powerful quad. Grizzlys are nice 2.