I am in the market for a 4x4 quad to maintain my tree nursery.
To aerate the roots I need to do some surface plowing, 6 inch deep, with a small disc harrow.
Which minimum motor size should I be looking for? I want enough torque to move the plow without damaging the motor or tranny but I don't want the biggest ATV because something heavy will pack the soil too much around the roots which is the problem I'm fighting when plowing.
I've got my eyes on a Honda Rancher TRX350, is the motor big enough? I'll use it mostly for just plowing. If you think another make/model is better suited please voice your opition.

Also will a CVT tranny take the load or am I better off with a manual transmission.
Thanks.

 

I have a Can Am 800 Outlander. It's alot of bike. It has a CVT transmission and there are reports of people twisting axles. The CVT should not be a problem. Also just to mention you'll love the drivability in 4x4 with the Outlander. When I was looking for a work bike I figured the 500 was enough for what I needed, but the price was right on the 800. The honda is 3 wheel drive.

I could give you a list of reasons I like my bike, but to answer your question. I'd get a 500cc or bigger, and the cvt will be fine.

 

I would get a 500 and use low range. I can drag telephone poles over hills with mine. I think pulling a little cultivator would be easier. I know a 500 is enough to plow snow even on roads, but have heard from others with 300s that they don't work so good. A 500 should push or pull just about anything you ask it to.

 

A 450-500 class machine would be just fine.

 

For plowing snow a 400-500 would be fine. If you are going to be plowing dirt that has been loosened up with a disc or gravel I would say no less than a 500. A 650 would probably be your best bet for the $.

SJ

 

its all about weight and traction and gear reduction vs tire size.

Small Garden Trctors will pull that no problem, 99:1 with 25" tires and a 7hp motor

 

Typically figure at least a 400. I use a 500 and it works fine. I would be more concerned at the drive system than the cc's. If you are going to be pulling a plow a lot then go with a gear drive over the belt. Even the best belt drives will over heat a belt when put under a lot of stress.

 

i use the brute force 750 for plowing snow but i live up in the snow belt and get hammered yearly, i also pull a snowmobile trailer around my 18 acres to haul wood, and a swisher 5' deck mower.... works great. No complaints with it.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Reb2

Typically figure at least a 400. I use a 500 and it works fine. I would be more concerned at the drive system than the cc's. If you are going to be pulling a plow a lot then go with a gear drive over the belt. Even the best belt drives will over heat a belt when put under a lot of stress.</end quote></div>

It's amazing what you can do with a belt-drive 500 in low without burning it up. Like snowplowing a whole block, the street and both sidewalks, right after the worst snowstorm on the decade. Who cares if several cities were shut down for a whole week? I got out. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

NO SHIFTING