I have a friend who is looking to add an ATV/UTV to his business.
If you or anyone else on here have recommendations for what he should be looking for in an ATV,
I'm, open to specific brand/model recommendations as well,
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Other hardware he is considering:
A LogRite Arch
I have 5 ATV's, but really only one I use for firewood, another the misses will use to move a small garden trailer full of split wood from time to time. Here's my opinion, and it is purely that based on my personal experience, sorry if i bounce around a lot...
- It must have 4WD, I think that's obvious why.
- If he plans to be alone in the woods, it should have a winch on the machine, ATV's weigh 800lbs or so, not something you are pulling out by hand if stuck.
- I recommend something in the 700cc engine size (or bigger), you want some power to get you up hills and towing.
- I prefer and ATV over a side by side, mainly because of the smaller footprint, (fits in tighter spots, especially where there are no trails) if he's going to be alone, he won't need the extra seat(s), and i wouldn't recommend towing a side by side behind a Subaru. They weigh 1000-1200 lbs, plus trailer, that's a lot for a smaller car.
- My 700cc Polaris is rated to tow 1050lbs, but I have moved a 1500lb popup camper (slowly) without smoking the belt.
- I like the independent axles, solely for the much increased ground clearance. Honda has a solid axle in some of their models (at least they used to), and its just hanging down there to catch on a rock or drag in the mud.
- It will need good tires, yes most come with decent tires, but as most of you know, there is a huge difference between R1 & R3 tires on a tractor, same applies to 4 wheelers. The thicker the tread and sidewall the better, mostly for stick puncture resistance and sharp rock slices. I have had good luck with Kenda Bearclaw brand tires. you want space between the lugs to shed mud & snow, these run at higher rpms than tractors, so they sling the mud vs just displace it.
- Sounds like a luxury, but power steering (known as EPS, electronic power steering) is becoming more common in these things, and this relates to less arm fatigue towards the end of the day, which to me, translates to safer saw operation. Usually adds $1k-$1500 to price of machine though.
- As for brand of ATV, you really can't go wrong with any of the Main brands (not Chinese no matter how appealing the price, you'll end up paying in the end) I own mostly Polaris, for a few reasons but mainly because there is a dealer nearby. They also have websites devoted to just buying factory parts. I have selectable 4WD, its a CVD transmission, (its just a drive belt between 2 conical sheaves that move closer together as speed increases) and a transfer case with 2 driveshafts to gearboxes and axle shafts to wheel hubs. It has some sort of 4wheel locker so I don't get 2 opposing wheels spinning while stuck. I think Yamaha and Kawasaki have more transmission selection options, like front locker, rear locker, front neutral etc. I like the ability to pick how you want it, but I don't know how much I would use it while working, that seems more like something I would do while playing and tail riding etc.
Ones to start looking at in no particular order:
Yamaha Kodiak 700, 4 wheel independent suspension, engine braking to help slow you down hills w/o riding on the brakes, low winch mount location (pulls from low down keeping it more steady) lever shifter with linkage to select between P,R,N,H,L However doesn't look like you get differential lockers until you step up to the Grizzly model adding more $$. I'd have to do a bit more digging. tows 1300lbs
2023 Yamaha Kodiak 700 Utility ATV
www.yamahamotorsports.com
Kawasaki Brute Force 750 twin, 4 wheel independent suspension, mid winch mount location, lever shifter with linkage to select between R,N,H,L you get selectable front differential locker. Only comes in red unless you upgrade to a higher model. tows 1250lbs
The Kawasaki Brute Force® 750 ATV is powered by a fuel-injected 749cc V-twin, 4-stroke engine that delivers big-bore power for outdoor adventures.
www.kawasaki.com
Polaris Sportsman 850 twin, 4 wheel independent suspension, low winch mount location, lever shifter with linkage to select between P,R,N,H,L AWD, highest ground clearance, also tows 1500lbs.
The 2024 Sportsman 850 sport utility ATV continues the tradition of do-it-all capability and toughness, with power that packs a punch and suspension that'll tame even the wildest terrains.
atv.polaris.com
I didn't mention Honda (who makes great engines etc) because I cant find anything listed for a winch location, or one even listed as an accessory option. And for this type of work by yourself, I think its important to have.
I bought a Northern Log Arch, and as handy as it has been, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, maybe to the guy that has a lawn tractor and wants to move the occasional stick. Its too short, (tongue to tires) so while easy to maneuver going forward in the woods, its half impossible to back up in the woods, (maybe easy for you 4 wheel wagon & tractor guys). You hit a little stick or stump under the leaves and this thing is sideways & jack-knifed in a second. I also had to replace winch mechanism and flat strap, both failed separately. I also had to change out the tongue but that was more so it fit a 2" ball not 1-7/8". All my other stuff was 2".
Sorry for the long winded reply but that's what I came up with this Monday morning. Please reach out to me if you have more questions, I would be happy to discuss any of this.
weather here is 3-4 months. I have a heat pump.
No cutting, working on saws, no ashes to clean up, no smoke on the walls and ceiling. Seriously, I don’t spend enough on electricity to make all that work pay off.
