For those of you with experience, which one of these quads is best around the farm? Which one will tow the most weight etc. With a minimal amount of maintenance? I'm thinking it would probably be the 5 sp. AC 500; any comments?

 

Well, it you will be hauling a lot of weight, then maybe the SP is not right for you. Because of the IRS, it does tend to sag a bit when weight is added. Rather then the SP, consider the Magnum 500 instead. Same thing as the Sportsman, except with a solid rear rather then IRS. The AC is a good machine as well, but I do noty have any experience with them.

 

If you want to avoid maintenance than don't get the Polaris. I have a 335 and it has alot of zerks to grease. Doesn't bother me any though.

 

Thor,

You surely need the Arctic Cat 500. The Cat has almost NO mantaince besides changing the oil.

I have a 99 model and I have 2500 miles on it. I STILL HAVE THE factory brakes.

The cat has a dual range manual transmission, which means no belts to burn(all thought it rarely happens unless you are an idot).

The Cat has the highest rated rack capacities of any quad.

The Cat has MORE TORQUE THAN A GRIZZLY.

I love the Sportsman 500, but to me it just can't compare to the Arctic Cat 500 when it comes to work.

 

Is the Traxter XT not a possible consideration?

 

Magnum 500....anyone??

 

My opinion here, the words "Farm Work" just about cancels out any quad with plastic racks. I have never understood them. Maybe its to keep the weight down on quads that are fairly heavy, but I don't know. My votes for a farm quad would have to be the AC500 or a manual shift 450 or 400 foreman. Towing specifications for hondas are always low, but keep in mind that a lot of this is determined by braking under heavy loads, and nobody wants to claim a high towing capacity that might possibly be unsafe. You claim a 1200lb. towing capacity and a guy gets hurt towing 1000lbs. and throws a lawsuit in your face, hey, thats bad juju. Honda is smart to keep that 850lb. statistic. You know that they can haul more, its just not in their recommendations.

Lastly, I never have been a big fan of an auto tranny for straight work oriented usage.

 

I feel that either of these two quads will do the job for you.I have towed wet [full size] trucks in before from our local riding area to the parking lot,and plenty of times too.You NEED to use Low range when towing with any belt drive.The plastic racks are to keep the weight down and I never concidered them any drawback either.==Bill

 

The reason that I ask is because a new ATV is being considered for purchase within the family and after the third Polaris we a getting a little weary of the constant maintenance and wrenching required after a weekend of riding. Such as:

Brakes every 400 miles if mud is encountered.
Tie rod ends if aftermarket tires are used.
Starters/starter drives that quit when they shouldn't
CV joints that go south if large tires are used.
Cooling fans/thermostats that quit for no good reason.
Overheating under dusty/muddy conditions
2-stroke Carbs that require rebuilding after one year.
Rear axle carrier seals that wear prematurely.
etc. etc.

We've been trying to keep the faith but don't know how long we can keep it up.

Sometimes you just want to wash the ATV and put it away until next time.

 

Take a look at Susuki Quadmaster 500....same engine..better 4 wheel system...2/4 switch... and cheaper...a little smaller platform.
There's also a shifter" model.. this is auto...
Other brands are getting better and deserve at least a look...Bill