Thanks to all for the very informative comments. Polaris really left a vacuum in their sport/utility product line when them dropped so many models in '03. It seems they want to put you into either a sport OR utility but not both!

Regarding the ATP, I am sure it is a fine utility machine. On the downside it is heavy and has two springs on the rear straight axle. This strikes me as a "work only" configuration. I want a machine that is at least as sporty as my Expedition and it does not look like the ATP would do this.

Regarding the Magnum 330, what happened to the Magnum 500! The air cooled only engine on the 330 is a concern. My liquid cooled Expedition runs the fan a lot on hot days while pulling a trailmower.

Regarding transmission swaps, I have too little time (and money) to indulge in this option. Whatever ATV I buy must have the correct transmission out of the box.

Regarding the Scrambler 500, I could live with the marginal seating as I am only mowing a few acres. But I don't want to be burning up belts, etc. while using it to mow. The Expedition can mow in second gear (5-8mph) but a better cut is obtained in first gear (3-6mph).

A note about Swisher mowers: I have the 44" trailmower with a 10.5 Briggs. It works well for mowing tall grass. However, in the case of a field which is only mowed annually, a lot of dried up weed stalks will not be cut. Even if the blades are new. This unit has two fixed blades.

mtpockets, I think you have the 44" brush cutter with swinging blades. What is you opinion of this mower? I am thinking about getting one. Presumably, the swinging blades will produce a more "bushhogged" effect with no saplings or weed stalks left standing.

 

it works well for fields with grasses up to 2' tall. any higher requires cross-cutting......and that requires a lot of extra time i just don't have.

if you wait until the grass is handle-bar height, say 3' tall, it'll do it, but ground speed is greatly reduced and much of the grass will lay-over , thus requiring a second 90 degree cross-cut.

it's really no different than using the tractor with a rotary brush cutter......just more enjoyable because i've found another use for the ATV!!

adios!

-MT

P.S. for the number of acres we cut, we find the 44" too small and time consuming. we are looking into Acre-Ease 60" Heavy Duty brush cutter. it weighs a lot and is about twice the price of the smaller one but i've been rolling my pennies and i think it'll be worth it in the long run.

i think the Magnum425 will pull it. if not, i'm quite sure the 700EFI will! LOL

 

hey just wondering how its hard on the tranny going less then 5 mph or what your said. never done it so i wouldnt know.

 

I think that a scrambler would really be wrong for this. with only hi gear it is made for more sport riding and less work. What is wrong with the irs on the Sportsmans? there are ways to really stiffen it up for work if that is an issue. I also think the IRS has come along way in the last few years to be ruling it out


Chris

 

I would not get the Scrambler for this type of use. It can handle it, but not nearly as well as a true utility quad. I say go with the Sportsman. There are ways to "lock out" the rear suspension if needed. I know Polaris sold an accessory a few years ago that did this, but I'm not sure if they still do.

 

trailrider500--"You know it MT were else can you have so much fun with brand bashers-!! lol "

LOL!!LOL!! you've got that right !![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]