An Artic Cat would make a good working quad for you! Yes its IRS but they will all you have listed and more! Plus you have alot more ground clearance.

 

I have to agree with tancat500. The Cats were designed and built for utility use. The springs are extremely heavy and I've pulled a 1 ton pallet of pellets on a 500lb trailer in low without any problems. (just wouldn't do it down a steep grade)

Sounds like you could really use the TBX model which was discontinued in 06. Finding a left over or used one shouldn't be hard.

 

My .02 worth. My first pick would be the 2009 Polaris Big Boss 6x6 800 EFI. All the power and towing you can ask for. 800 lbs. payload and 1500 lbs. towing. Also, has true 6 wheel drive for plowing that long driveway you have. I don't think you'll find a vehicle with the width of a quad that is so utilitarian. Second choice would be the Arctic Cat diesel. Also, fantastic towing. Not a high speed rig, not meant to be. Third choices would be any of the 2-up machines out there for the longer wheelbase. From trucks to quads a longer wheelbase on the tow vehicle makes for more stability. Lastly, any of the 500cc or better quads can pretty much do what you are asking. I've pulled a big, deep trailer full of wet firewood without too much of a problem. Sorry, that I didn't see your price range. You can get an older Polaris 6x6 for that kind of money.

 

I really shouldn't admit this, but i pulled a 1986 pop up camper about five miles through rough terrain last week so me and a couple buddies could camp over night! Muddy and some pretty good hills. Had not a problem one. Keep in mind this camper weighs about 3000#'s. Tongue weight is about 250#'s. Even w/ the big tires i had more than enough power!

 

Just when I think that quads have no more surprises for me. I've also pulled an industrial sized wood chipper up a wet grassy slope where our 4wd pickups were losing traction. We hitched it up, dropped it in low AWD and up we went. My buddies were shaking their heads. Sometimes I think there is very little they can't do. Great story Tancat.

 

homesteader,
Another goody you may look into. If you are undecided about if a solid rear axle is stronger then IRS. They have several aftermarket suspension lock outs. I use one from Polaris. I can keep the great ride when I want it but when I need to have a stiffer ride like when I'm pulling I can install the lock out in about 30 seconds with two pins. It doesnt loose any ground clearence and I can't see where it hurts the A-arms.
Not a bad install of the brackets either.
Deerkiller

 

After reading all of the answers and your original posting. My recomendation of a small diesel tractor still stands. If you aren't looking for fun on the trail and all you want it for is work, don't buy an ATV. I'm a firm believer in NEVER sending a boy out to do a man's job. Plus for what you want to pay for a used ATV you can get a brand new tractor with more torque than two ATVs.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MC Ballpeen. Plus for what you want to pay for a used ATV you can get a brand new tractor with more torque than two ATVs.</end quote></div>

While I think you're generally right about trying to make ATVs do the work of a tractor I would like to know where you're finding those brand new sub 10,000 dollar tractors.

I've been looking for a new utility tractor and the prices are....shocking. Extremely pricey.

 

How about here:

Northern Tool Nor Trac Tractors
Granted they aren't John Deeres or Farmalls, but they should get the job done for small tractors.

 

I really appreciate the feedback. I've added the John Deere Gator, Kabota RTV, Kawasaki Mule, and Yamaha Rhino to my list of options. Going to look at a 2006 Gator today.