Hi,I just joined and this is my first post.
O course I am going to ask for a which one recommendation!
I am going to describe what my purposes and uses for the machine.
I will be using the ATV for hunting purposes ,I will be in the woods and also in the flooded ricefields .The heaviest thing I will ever haul or pull will be 250 pounds or so(if I am lucky enough to get a BIG deer !
I will be transporting the atv by pickup truck (in the bed not pulling trailer)
I have a full size truck and ranger size as well.
Realizing that every brand and model has its pros and cons which brand and model ,given the information I have given so far would you recommend and why?
Also I am 6 ft 235 pounds
I will take reasonable care of my ATV but obviously don't want to be working on it all the time as I am not much of a mechanic ! Changing fluids is one thing but tearing one down isn,t my cup of tea!
I can buy new but would prefer to buy used .
I hunt in central Arkansas,will be 54 soon.
I will be using it under the conditions described but not ******* it to try and see if I can tear it up.
But I will warn you that years of experience have shown me that I tear up a concrete block with a rubber hammer!
Anyway all info and advice will be appreciated.

Craig

 

Do want a automatic or prefer to shift gears?

 

you can't go wrong with the yamaha grizzly. i use my 450cc for hunting, dragging logs when i cut down trees, other work around the house and my church, and general riding. it's been faithful all of these years. i have no complaints. when i get the money, i'll be buying another one just like. it works for me.

 

I don't know if the automatic or the standard shift would be better for my purposes.
Jaster have you had your ATV in a lot of water?
Is the Grizzly the same as a Kodiak?

 

the grizzly would be the Lariat instead of the XL if it were a Ford. does that make sense? yeah, it's be in sivvy holes before...on accident. it handles water just fine and it ain't snorkeled. i like the way the airbox is built. it's saved the quad a few times when deep water snuck up on me. my grizzly is the automatic/CVT. i love it. gas n go. no issues hauling the heavy deer around or dragging heavy stuff. my grizzly has L, H, N, R, and P. 4x4. as stated,,,no issues. i also am 6' @ 230 lbs. it does more than i ever expected. i like the size and stability and the handling.

 

Sounds good Jaster,i think that's what I will be looking for.
Craig

 

I've been a Polaris fan for years but after my last repair bill I'm thinking a Grizzly is the way to go. Oddly enough my friend with a Grizzly wants a Polaris. The 850 H.O.

 

even though i love my 450cc grizzly, i wouldn't buy a bigger grizzly. if i were to buy a bigger quad, i'd do an XP. i really like the yamahas and the polaris quads. they're my first choices of any.

 

I think you'd be happy with any of the 450 to 550 cc quads. Suzuki King Quad, Can-Am Outlander, Polaris Sportsman XP or Value line, Yamaha Grizzly (as mentioned). I'd get a machine that has independent rear suspension over a solid axle machine for ride comfort.

 

and shaft drive.