I am looking for my first quad and want to use it for plowing snow, around the yard work, and riding on the forest trails next to my house. I live in the PA mountains where it is rough and dense. I have found a couple on craigslist for good prices, but got there too late. i saw the 2001 Honda Recon 250, 2002 Suzuki Ozark 250, and the 2001 Yamaha Kodiak 350 4x4(which is still available). I do have a price range of around 1 to 2,000 dollars. Also, the Kodiak needs new rear brakes. Could someone give me some advice or is anyone selling a quad? Tyler

 

Welcome to the forum.

If you were looking at plowing significant snow, it might not be a bad idea to save up for a while longer so your price range could get you into a bit larger 4x4... A 450 Foreman might not be a bad choice, but I'd avoid the ES (electric shift) ones of that era.

 

I love my Suzuki Ozark 250 and am very surprised at what it can do, but I must admitt, if you don't have the right tires, and some weight on the rear rack, you aren't going to push a ton of snow. I would go for a 4x4 ATV. Look for a Suzuki Eiger 400 Semi-Automatic. These are GREAT ATVs for work and they do very well on the trails. They say that the low gear on those things is like 15 mph top speed. That's a VERY powerful low gear! In high gear, you'll reach higher speeds, obviously...

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2008 Suzuki Ozark 250
Interco Swamp Lite Tires

 

Yeah, the Eiger seems to be a pretty nice machine for the price...

 

Thanks guys, I might be going for an excellent condition Honda Rancher for a very good price. What is better for my needs, semi or auto tansmission?

 

I think that's mostly a personal preference thing. I personally like to shift, and consider it part of the fun of riding, but other people would just as soon not have to...

If you are looking at the 400 Rancher, the transmission is hydrostatic and the 400AT wasn't known for being overly snappy. Autos of pretty much every other brand will use a CVT Belt, similar to a snowmobile belt to vary gear ratio.

Anyway, Ranchers are well known to run a very long time if taken care of at all, and it would be suitable for pleasure trail riding, chores, light plowing...

 

Yea, I agree. I feel it would be more fun to shift. I think the semi-auto's have less problems also, correct? I keep having mixed feelings about how much power I need. I really am thinking about the Suzuki Ozark 250. I just don't know how it would do plowing unless I try it out. I also like the fact that there is a fender so your feet don't get as wet.

 

I suspect you might be happier with a foot shift 4x4 Rancher, if you can swing one...

 

500s and bigger will plow a bunch of snow. I don't know about smaller ATVs but 400s should work okay. It sounds like a 4x4 would be best for your type trails and work.

 

Yeah, I just don't know whats good for my riding. I have about 100 acres of land to ride on with trails already built in. The trail is about 7 feet wide and there are rocks and logs and streams to pass over. Also, steep embankments. It is mountainous terrain. I would like to know if a 2x4 could do the job?