Howdy guys. Well this will be my first atv and plan on buying within the month or so. First about me. I am 6 foot 300lbs stocky guy. I will be using it to plow snow with primarily, and will be using it for hunting as well. I dont know which engine to get. Which ATV will be better than the other for me and why? I have been reading this forum section for a few months now and a little hesitiant before placing my first post. So feel free to give all the advice you can. I like the advantage of the pull start on the 500 and being a big guy I tend to opt for bigger things. Thanks for all your input in advance.

 

Both are excellent machines. The 500 will be plenty of machine for your needs but bigger is always nice if you want to spend the extra $$$. I have had two 500s and both have been excellent machines.

 

Sounds to me like for what you are wanting a ATV for, I would chose the 700 if you want to pay a little extra. The 500 will do, but the 700 will probably out pull and outwork the 500. Mine is a 500 HO and it works great. So either one would do the job

 

Thanks guys thats kinda where I am at right now.

 

Hey there Big Hunter.....

Your story sounds almost EXACTLY like mine. Except for we're a bit different in size....

Anyway, I do snow removal and needed an ATV for all my sidewalk work. I went with a 60" blade to eliminate multiple passes on wide walkways. I was able to use this set-up only once so far, for a 3" heavy, wet, slushy, snow fall, and it worked like a dream!!! The 700 didn't even break a sweat. I don't know if you're going to be using yours for commercial or personal work, but either way.... In the plowing department..... GO 700!! You won't be sorry....

As for the hunting aspect, I too am a "wildlife harvester". (How's that for being politically correct? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] ) I do annual trips for Elk, Mule Deer and Whitetail and I'm sure my 700 will do anything I ask it to do. I originally was going to go with the 500HO due to the price tag. And I'm sure the 500 would do everything the 700 would, but for me however, having that extra "grunt" is a bit of peace-of-mind. The pull start feature would be a nice back-up out in the bush but with a good running, properly tuned and serviced bike, that should not be a problem.

My suggestion for you is to go with the 700. Add the 3.0 or 4.0 (not 2.5) Warn winch with the winch accessory pack, and any other outdoorsy racks, bags and equipment you want. Add the plow next fall and let'er rip.

Sure the 700 is a few more sheckle, but in my humble opinion, worth EVERY penny.....

 

Thanks for the input moosehunter. I am leaning towards the 700 sp but was definitely going to purchase the Warn 2.5 ci winch. The dealer was offering it for 299.00 and thought that was a great deal. Why do you say to go with at least 3.0ci?? Thanks

 

Don't get me wrong, the 2.5 is a very good winch. And probably more winch that either of us (hopefully) will ever need. With the Warn acc. pack, a ****** block is included to literally double the pulling power of the 2.5 to 5000#. With the larger capacity winches I think the internals are a tad more "beefy". And I feel it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.... Besides, I tend to over-engineer EVERYTHING!!! And since my neighbor has the 2.5, I had to get something different...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] It's that "keeping-up-with-the-Jones" thing.. LOL!!!

The deal you're getting with the 2.5 sounds really good. I think they retail for, something like, $449.00, don't they? Does that $299.00 price include installation? If no install, it's still a GREAT deal. If it does, it's a smokin' deal. Either way, go for it!!

 

LOL, why dont you just split the difference, and get a 600. Stronger than the 500, handles better than the 700, best of both worlds.

 

I'm in a similar situation BigHunter, looking to buy my 1st.
There is a seller over here (GR area) that has an '03 700 and an '03 500, both in mossy oak camo.

700 has 60 miles and an aftermarket brush guard, claims like new condition but I haven't seen it yet. They want $5850 for it and $5500 for the 500.

$5850 is exactly blue book retail for an '03 700 so I think it's a fair price but not great. I'm probably going to pass and buy new. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you the name/ph# of the seller.

 

Check out the Sportsman 600, little less money than the 700 and still plenty of power!