John Deere AMT

farmboy12 · Aug 20, 2009

Sorry to keep on posting stuff like this, but I'm in the process of looking for an ATV.

Does anyone have one? Preferably the AMT600. How many different engines could you get in them through the years, I've heard some people saying 8hp, 10hp, and 14hp. They appear to be the same width as an ATV, and can probably, with tires, keep up with a few 4x4 quads on the trail. How do they do with offroading in mud? How much would you feel comfortable towing behind them on flat ground? And any other info you feel would be helpful. Thanks!

Kyle

farmboy12 · Aug 20, 2009

Here's a pic of one if it helps:http://www.machinefinder.com/images/machines/37/976937/469753_huge.jpg

Kyle

timswi · Aug 20, 2009

farmboy12 said:
Here's a pic of one if it helps:http://www.machinefinder.com/images/machines/37/976937/469753_huge.jpg

Kyle

Personnally, I'd stay away from that. Would probably be a terror on grass, not so sure about stability with the single front wheel...Why not a used 4x4 ranger or something like that?

What are you going to be using it for?...That's the big question.

farmboy12 · Aug 20, 2009

timswi said:
Personnally, I'd stay away from that. Would probably be a terror on grass, not so sure about stability with the single front wheel...Why not a used 4x4 ranger or something like that?

What are you going to be using it for?...That's the big question.

I think the stability would be better than a 3 wheeler, because it's the same height but has more weight lower on the frame, but less stable than a quad or UTV.

I'm not worried much about grass, cause most grass we have you would only be cutting straight across.

I kinda like the quad/dirt bike feel, which is why I haven't looked much in the way of UTVs for me, Dad'll get a UTV for the property, so I kinda want an ATV for my personal running around.

I will be using for light, flat, not too muddy trail riding to get from one place to another, camping, occasional towing, moving trailers, hunting, and some work like pushing snow, which I couldn't do with the AMT, and going mudding, which I also couldn't do much of with the AMT.

At first I was looking at smaller ATVs like 350-500, but I've seen a few deals on some bigger ones. I just need something to move my 210lb, 5' 11" self around and get some stuff done.

I'm open to suggestions!

Kyle

timswi · Aug 20, 2009

Since you're looking to pretty much mess around with it...I'd look at the Polaris Sportsman's...my neighbor has had a 700 for quite a few years and it is a REALLY nice machine...The Honda/Yamaha/Kaw's are nice as well..Id set my sights in that direction if I were you.

farmboy12 · Aug 21, 2009

I found a nice Honda Foreman 500 Manual last night for $4970 I recall. It had about 745 miles I think, it was a '07, but it was black, looked to be real nice, had a winch, tires, and some other accesories. I like manuals, but I don't think they've made many manuals above 400cc-500cc in the last 10 years.

I do like Polaris, but from what I heard is that if you get into some real tough riding, the Rangers will actually do better than the quads. But, that's the best dealer in the area. It's the closest, and we've dealt with them for about 20 years. So that's still an option if I can find a good deal on one.

I can't believe I missed this one last night-Kawasaki Brute Force 750- '05, camo, swamp lites, winch, plow, other accessories, signed by creator/owner of Realtree, and only 627 miles. Sold for $4650 last night on eBay.

I'll keep on looking. Still open to opinions on the Foreman.

Kyle

timswi · Aug 21, 2009

I've had manual and auto...Since there isn't a clutch on a quad, I became partial to the automatics..Especially on hill climbs and snow plowing. Don't have to worry about getting the RPMS just right under load to shift. I rode the neighbor's sportsman throght some pretty rough stuff and it rode like a Caddy compaired to my Yamaha. Just an opinion.

BTW stay away from belt drives.

TWO GUNS · Aug 21, 2009

I agree, stay away from belt drives !!!!
We run Honda Rubicons down here. Far as wheelers, we've had them all
nothing don't even come close to the Rubicons and their transmissions. We work the heck out of them, service them properly, and we've NEVER has had one in the shop. NEVER ....
They are super machines, dependable, and very, very strong !!!!

shot_gun · Aug 22, 2009

We have a AMT600 on the farm. Other than for light work purposes thats about all it's good for. It has an 8 hp kasaki engine. It's under powered and the brakes are not great. The two hitch is extremly light duty. We have rebuilt this engine twice. It on it's second engine the first one had a melt down. Steering and ride quality are not good and with a heavy load it doesn't steer well at all. It has it's applications but depending on what your doing it may be better to get something else. You can look for a gator. They are leaps and bounds better. The AMT622 and AMT626 had a 10 hp kawasaki and twin seats as opposed to the single seat.

dsmau · Aug 25, 2009

I bought a 1987 AMT600 back in 1995 for 1500. It was beat up but after reinforcing the front wheel suspension and support, we move a lot of rocks and materials around my dads place. I recently sold it to my dad pretty cheap as I do not have a place to keep it. Mine had the small 8.5 hp engine and the back wheels were wider than the standard model.
It was pretty stable everywhere we worked and never had problems braking. I did manage to flip it over the back once and jump off right in time landing on my feet with the machine a yard away. I turned it off and got some help to flip it back. It had no damage (neighter did I) and I learned that it is best not to brake quickly backing up in a hill with rocks in the bed.
The frame on these machines is incredibly strudy. Never rebuilt engine or tranny but it could use a carb now I think. Didn't change oil very often either. I rebuilt the box once and added a towing like A frame in it with a winch so we could use it to pull rocks better. My dad lives on a mountain side and we built lots of rock walls with it. Some of them are 6+ feet high and are made of huge rocks.
All that to say that I would definately buy again. The machine never went to the dealer and had very minor issues. IMO These machines might last longer than gators.
BTW we always wanted to add an extra brake lever to split left and right brake to ease turn when loaded but never got to it. It is hard to steer when loaded but when it is not loaded, only the front and the 2 back wheels touch the ground so it is not a problem.