Freep
Silver Member
Greetings, TBN!
I've lurked and looked through some old threads here, but would like to seek input on a good ATV for my purposes, which are typical in many ways, but possibly unique in others. I have both a four-wheel tractor and a two-wheel tractor that are used for mowing, hauling, ground engagement, etc. These work well in the summer, when the ground is firm, but dig into the ground significantly when things are wet - and, living near Seattle, that's 9 months out of the year. I've been trying to smooth things out on my property for a few years and I've reached the point where I'm doing as much damage with my equipment as I am fixing. I am looking for solutions.
Up until recently, I've been considering a set of tracks for my two-wheel tractor, but they're close to $2k all told, and it occurs to me that an ATV would not only accomplish a low PSI for ground contact, but perhaps match or possibly increase the pulling/towing power of my two-wheel tractor, and also be a whole lot of fun. So here I am, contemplating another vehicle. But which one?
In terms of new choices, I am initially attracted to the low-end of the Honda line (420cc) for its price, torque and reputation for reliability. However that is a relatively uninformed opinion. I don't know much about ATVs, so I'm here to be advised, convinced, and educated. My interests are low PSI, pulling capability, reliability, and safety (no special features needed, but I'd like to avoid 'tippy' ATVs). I'll probably spend most of my time under 10MPH. And of course I'd like to keep cost under control. What new ATVs should I consider?
I am certainly willing to consider used ATVs if they are reliable and relatively easy to work on, but thus far the used ATVs I see for sale in my area seem fairly expensive. I can get a 20 year old ATV for about half the cost of a newer one, but that path seems like it may be more expensive in the long run. I may be looking in the wrong place, and not thinking about other considerations. If anyone thinks used is the way to go I'd love to hear their suggestion of models and rationale.
Many thanks!
I've lurked and looked through some old threads here, but would like to seek input on a good ATV for my purposes, which are typical in many ways, but possibly unique in others. I have both a four-wheel tractor and a two-wheel tractor that are used for mowing, hauling, ground engagement, etc. These work well in the summer, when the ground is firm, but dig into the ground significantly when things are wet - and, living near Seattle, that's 9 months out of the year. I've been trying to smooth things out on my property for a few years and I've reached the point where I'm doing as much damage with my equipment as I am fixing. I am looking for solutions.
Up until recently, I've been considering a set of tracks for my two-wheel tractor, but they're close to $2k all told, and it occurs to me that an ATV would not only accomplish a low PSI for ground contact, but perhaps match or possibly increase the pulling/towing power of my two-wheel tractor, and also be a whole lot of fun. So here I am, contemplating another vehicle. But which one?
In terms of new choices, I am initially attracted to the low-end of the Honda line (420cc) for its price, torque and reputation for reliability. However that is a relatively uninformed opinion. I don't know much about ATVs, so I'm here to be advised, convinced, and educated. My interests are low PSI, pulling capability, reliability, and safety (no special features needed, but I'd like to avoid 'tippy' ATVs). I'll probably spend most of my time under 10MPH. And of course I'd like to keep cost under control. What new ATVs should I consider?
I am certainly willing to consider used ATVs if they are reliable and relatively easy to work on, but thus far the used ATVs I see for sale in my area seem fairly expensive. I can get a 20 year old ATV for about half the cost of a newer one, but that path seems like it may be more expensive in the long run. I may be looking in the wrong place, and not thinking about other considerations. If anyone thinks used is the way to go I'd love to hear their suggestion of models and rationale.
Many thanks!