Hey all --

I'm looking to buy a used quad but I don't know what I should be looking for. I race jetskis and will be using it to pull 600 lb. watercraft out of the water in various conditions.. Could be a concrete launch ramp, dirt, mud, sand, etc and a lot of time it will be pulling them up hill. I have seen a number of people with 90cc quads trying to do this and most of the time people have to push them because the the centrifugal clutch just is not strong enough.

here are my questions..I hope someone can educate me a bit.

1) are there any quads that have a "low" gear setting like my Honda Trail 90 does? That would give a lot of pulling power without having a huge engine I'm thinking.

2) Would a 400cc engine be big enough for this you think?

3) any particular models I should look at first?

If anyone has any info for me, I would appreciate it.

Thank you,

-Allistah

 

Man, I used a 250cc atv to pull the seadoos around the lake lot and launch them on a gravel ramp. I never had any issues doing this. A hunting style atv should be geared low enough to get you pulled out with no problem. Depending on how much dirt/mud the ramps have a 4x4 may not be a bad buy. You can get a used 250 4x4 for a lower cost than a 300 or bigger. Just my experience

 

Hey there..

Thanks for taking the time to make that suggestion. I really appreciate it. I've been talking with my wife and after doing some additional research, I think the 4x4 is the way to go. They typically (but not always) have the racks on the front and back as well which we would use often at race sites. Lugging the EZUp, ice chest, chairs, etc, etc would be a lot easier with those racks so I think we'll look at getting some 4x4 with the racks. I think you're right on the gearing as well... I would assume they would be geared a bit lower than the sport models since they're for towing and working rather than ripping through trails and such. That one will have to come at a later date.. ;-)

Thanks again!

-Alli

 

I know we are on the Honda site, but ours was a 99 Bayou 220 that had a nice low first gear for pulling. Did great for us. Best of luck to you guys!

 

You need a utility quad and, unless you get an old one, there isn't much under 350ccs with 4WD. The smallest Honda is the 420, smallest Suzuki 400. Most of the belt drive autos have a low/high ratio splitter box but check before you buy. If you want a used Honda, the old 300 would be OK, five speed manual with permanent 4WD but they are all over 15 years old and prices are rising as they are sought after. The 2000 to 2006 350s are as cheap, and reliable but can be heavy on steering. Old model 420s were good except the rear axle shaft comes loose, easy to fix, but the splines wear out if you don't keep the nuts tight. They have fuel injection so engine problems are difficult to fix by the home mechanic. The auto had independent rear suspension but I don't know anything about them.