Well I have been reading what I can on an ATV for plowing duties. What does everyone think about the Foreman with TraxLoK for plowing. Anyone use a TraxLok equipped Honda for snow? I see that some 2014 models will have the locking differential. I don’t know if I will need that.
I can get a good price on a 2013 right now. Machine will be strictly for plowing and some light john boat towing on my property. Snow In my neck of the woods can be the wet heavy type. I have ZERO experience with ATVs. Yea I have ridden a few but I am not tuned in to what works and what does not. Also does anyone know what the TraxLok gear bias ratio is on the Foreman?
Thanks
Juice

 

For plowing regular 4wd (3wd) is good enough. With Diff lock the ATV is super hard to steer with the front two wheels locked and plowing control would suck anyways.
I seen people with 2wd ATV plow not bad but they did have chains on the back wheels and sand bags on the racks for more traction weight.
My friend plows a long drive way with his 660 Grizzly and does not put it in diff lock for the job very many times.
If your snow is deeper you may want a IRS rear end rather then a straight axle so you have much more ground clearance to prevent high centering. Plus it is a much nicer ride.

Only the 2014 500 Foreman will have diff lock, the Rancher,Rubicon and Rincon were left out for some reason.

 

I'm kind of in the same boat but have been doing research for a bit. The info I have pulled is to go with something at least in the 500cc range (this is generalized and many go with less of a motor but depends on inclines, snow depth and altitude). What I have also come away with is it seems when going with the bigger motors, the ATV's tend to weight more as well which should be better for traction too.

I've pretty much decided I will be buying a used Grizzly 700cc with FI, which will also have IRS. I've heard EPS is very nice option but an added cost up front as well as an additional item which be more costly to maintain. So for me, 700cc for the weight, FI because I live at around 8k feet. Grizzly as those seem to have the best longevity reputation.

BTW, here is a great post about buying used if you choose to go that route:

http://forums.atvconnection.com/2961105-post27.html