I am about to purchase my first ATV, to be used for hauling wood and ice fishing. I am concerned about the low advertised towing capacity of this unit, but really like everything else about it. Should I be looking at something with a receiver hitch? I'd like the ability to pull logs as well as a trailer loaded with wood. I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

With the Rancher, I think Honda is aiming at the trail rider niche in the market, not the "work" quad niche. They already have the work quads covered with the Foreman lineup, anyway. The Rancher is certainly capable of doing light to medium work, but that's not going to be its forte at all.

My owner's manual says the towing limit is 850 lbs. They put a low first gear on it, but the engine is a little "over square" and likes to rev more than it likes to grunt. In short, they went more with a "sporty" approach on this machine, rather than a pure utility quad approach....God bless them!

So, if you are looking to do some light to medium towing, then it might be OK. If you are looking to drag a huge ice house around, then no.