ATV Shopping

[SLOBuds]

I'm in the market for a 4wd ATV. Something like the Honda Foreman.

Does anyone have a recommendation based on their research?

Seems to be quite a few manufacturers, sizes, configurations, options and accessories. I definitely want 4wd and I definitely want an ATV rather than one of those machines that look like an industrial golfcart! But other than that I'm having a hard time about the other options and the manufacturer itself.

Any advice/recommendations to help me out?

Thanks

 

[LoneCowboy]

to do what?

need more info on what your intended usage is

 

[SLOBuds]

OK, thanks.

Using it on 10 acre parcel to:

Haul things around like tools, wood, building materials, etc.
Going from place A to place B
As sprayer
Pulling debris and materials for clean-up purposes

Maybe some fun time in hills and sand dunes.

The parcel is hilly. ATV needs to be easy enough for wife to maneuver - which I don't see as a problem based on what I've glanced at so far.

 

[qstott]

I recently bought a Honda Rancher 420, a new 2007. I didn't really see the need for 4X4, since a had a couple of friends without it on their ATV's. I think the 4X4 was about $600 dollars more. I did like the fact that it was really easy to change from 2X4 to 4X4 on the Rancher. I got it home and after the first trip out to the back 40 was grinning from ear to ear! It was much quicker than I had hoped and handled great. I rode dirt bikes 40 years ago, and its been that long since I pulled wheelies, but 2nd gear will get you one in an instant, and once in a while I think 3rd would get the front wheels off the ground. The top speed is about 55 mph. I spent a couple of hours crawling in the woods over small logs and vines with no trouble. The electric shift model was $200 more, and I decided to get that. Not so much for the shift part, but because the electric shift model comes with instrumentation. ( speedo, hour meter, trip odometer, etc). I highly reccommend the Rancher. It might would have been nice to get the 4X4, but so far I haven't needed it. I mounted a 25 gal ATV sprayer on it last weekend. With the weight of the sprayer and water, the front end gets really light. It feels like I need some tractor weights for the front . Spraying around the yard was a breeze, but I don't think crossing ditches and going over logs would be wise with a full sprayer on the back. My original idea was to buy a used ATV, but with the local prices, It seemed like new was the way to go. I was able to get out the door for about $4500. Used decent ATVs were selling for $3500-$3900. (two wheel drive).

 

[qstott]

One more thing... I told my wife I was going to use it for general "checking the farm" use. (trees in the CRP program, property lines, etc.) My first trip around the farm took not more than 15 minutes. I spent 5 of them showing it off to my parents. We have 100 acres in two close by tracts. With the ATV I find myself thinking "I need a bigger farm!".

 

[EastTnFarmboy]

We purchased a Honda Rubicon for similar usage in the fall. I could not be more pleased. The transmission is the smoothest I have ever experienced in an ATV. The only complaint I have is I wish it had a receiver hitch. Otherwise, it is exceptional.

 

[LoneCowboy]

My wife finds it's very difficult to steer over long periods esp in 4x4. I believe some new (08) models have power steering. I realize it's one more thing to go wrong, but your wife may truly appreciate it. (I never notice it, but I rode motorcycles for a long time, and honestly a ATV is a heck of a lot of fun, lot less "fear of dying")

500cc would be plenty for what you want.
optional 4x4 is well worth it. (full time 4x4 gets old see steering above),

You never hear anyone complain about Honda's (mine either). They just work.

 

[bmac]

OK, thanks.

Using it on 10 acre parcel to:

Haul things around like tools, wood, building materials, etc.
Going from place A to place B
As sprayer
Pulling debris and materials for clean-up purposes

Maybe some fun time in hills and sand dunes.

The parcel is hilly. ATV needs to be easy enough for wife to maneuver - which I don't see as a problem based on what I've glanced at so far.

For your "To Do" list, I would suggest you reconsider the "industrial golf cart" side by side machines. Some are now quite sporty, go faster than anyone needs to be driving and have a place for cargo in the back. Easier to drive than an ATV (so I'm told), you and the Mrs. could ride together safely. Something to think about.

 

[RobJ]

How about a Honda Foreman?

A 4x4 is a must, hook up a small trailer with a little weight and a 4x2 atv and test it out. A 4x8 trailer with some weight will outweigh the atv and the 4x2 won't go anywhere. If you get an ATV with full time 4x4, the steering can be tough after a while, especially on a black top. Warn makes a nice add on called the 424. About $200 on Ebay but well worth it. It installs in place of the front axle. I added 1 to my 2002 Rancher. My 1999 King Quad already has this unlock feature. Both of my ATV's are older and smaller in cc's, 280 and 329 and they work fine. I don't think anything over 500cc for running around a farm is needed. The new 700 and larger atvs get just that...larger and heavier. Personally I don't need an atv that'll run 70 mph and comes with a higher COG. I've driven them (and especially with the lift kits and/or larger tires), those ATV's are very tippy.

The atv is useful, many weekends at the country place I park my truck on Friday and don't get back into it until I go home. I get around by tractor or atv.

Good Luck,
Rob

Warn Industries - ATV 424 Select™
Honda - Rancher TRX350FM2 - Mod Page
Suzuki - King Quad - Mod Page

 

[4720 OWNER]

Fore and aft seating on the 4 wheeler is much more fun with the wife or SO!

Personnally we have very hilly and swampy, flat areas and no one 4 wheeler fits every where. 4 wheeler works good for hooking a small trailer for hauling. For chasing cattle or close checking the 6 wheeler will get where no 4 wheeler will ever go but not as fast and it is side by side and usually not as technologically advanced and IMO much more stable.

Anything is better than nothing.