Quad for ranch use, arena grooming?

[bkdamkr]

I need recommendations for a good, used, not too expensive quad for general ranch use in very hilly terrain. One primary use is grooming a covered arena (my JD tractor is just too big), others are hauling stuff to fix fences, pulling a small trailer with hay bales or bags of bedding, hauling a generator, welder, or compressor to where I need it, etc.

I know zip about quads so a bit of help - what to look for, some good ones to consider, how much I should expect to pay...would be good. I can't afford to simply go down to a dealer and write a check, I need to get a good used one. I'm very mechanically inclined but I DON'T want a project.

Thanks,
Brian
Livermore, CA

 

[timswi]

Brian,

What's your budget?

It almost sounds like a UTV would fit your purpose better than an ATV. UTV's can haul compressors and welders along with misc tools in the bed...Unless yours are towable..

Used ATV's can be had for alot less than UTV's...What you'll find is that ATV's are either mint or ruined. I've seen very few in between. Most good ATV's go around 4-5K used...UTV's are a few thousand higher and a little harder to find depending on your area. Given the economy, you might find a distressed seller if you look hard enough.

As far as ATV brands, any of the Japanese machines 500cc or higher will do fine...Polaris makes some nice machines too. I had a Yamaha Big Bear 350 and it did anything I asked of it. I wasnt hauling welders though.

We need a few more details.

 

[tbenn7362]

cant beat a honda rubicon -- 500 cc auto trans with high and low range. the honda engine and trans are really tough. i have 2 and use them like tractors.

 

[Redgoatea]

I couldn't get a thing done on the farm without my JD 4x6 Gator. It has a dump bed that will hold 1000 lbs. and will pull my 6'x10 trailer with all my fencing supplies. I live in the mountains and use it on old logging roads and or just drive it right up the mountain. If there's a problem just drop in into low and it will go anywhere an ATV will while carrying me another person and a days worth of work. Picked it up used from a dealer for $2500. Best money I ever spent.

 

[Code54]

Have to agree a UTV is a great way to do what you want. If you do go with a quad I would look at Honda Foreman 500's. Can get it in a foot shift, they are built to work, no belts, and bulletproof. I have had a lotnof quads over the years and when I wanted something for work around my house and property I went with the Foreman after a lot of research and am glad I did.

 

[bkdamkr]

Thanks, everyone, for getting me off square one. Here's more info:

Budget - $2500 would be comfortable, $4K do-able, above that, gettting painful to the "make do with what we have" level.

I don't really understand the difference between UTV and ATV, other than the first looks like a golf cart, has a steering wheel, and side-by-side seating?

Off-road, hill, all-weather capability and pulling the arena drag in heavy sand is a must. I can do a lot of the big stuff with my JD 5310 4X4. and the easy stuff with a JD STX38 lawn tractor (sans mower).

Needs to be easy to drive or Trish won't touch it, so extra points for an automatic transmission, power steering, etc.

The arena drag I'll likely buy (Parma 6') suggests 25-35 HP to drag it.

Thanks again!

 

[KentT]

The arena drag I'll likely buy (Parma 6') suggests 25-35 HP to drag it.

IMO, that's really too big for either a UTV or ATV to pull. If it needs that much HP, it would also require a lot of weight for traction.

A diesel UTV MIGHT pull it and still hold up, but they're certainly not available at the budget $$ you've described.

The implements used behind ATVs or UTVs are "toys" compared to what's used behind CUTS/SCUTS...

 

[Code54]

KentT hit the nail on the head, that is a lot of hp for a UTV to do. I have a Rhino and it has the HP rating but that hp is very different from my tractor. My tractor will pull the Rhino or my ATV around like a toy. For your budget you could find a decent used ATV but not likely with power steering, maybe an auto however.....
Utv will be more, hard to get something decent for under 6k, BUT they are very easy to drive, just like a small car really.
Good luck

 

[2fast2]

I think for the arena you're better off continuing to use your JD, but for all your other chores you'd probably really enjoy and use a Gator. I have a 5210, and an XUV 850 diesel Gator which is way out of your price target. I think you could be really happy with an older 6x4 type Gator. Also, since Deere has introduced some really nice new model UTVs, I suspect the dealerships will see a lot of trade ins of older Gators (and probably private sales will increase as well) as people are enticed to take the upgrade leap.
Horse people find lots of uses for their Gators. Once you buy a UTV you'll wonder why you waited so long.
BTW, I say Gator because I have a Gator, but there are other good choices in utility vehicles. My opinion is to stay away from the cheap Chinese versions and buy a "real" UTV if you decide to buy at all. You'll be working it for a long time on your ranch.

 

[Redgoatea]

That's actually how I got my Gator for $2500. The guy traded it in to the dealer for a new model and I picked it up before his new one even came in. Awesome little work truck. My fourteen year old can drive it. Nothing to it gas, brake, and a steering wheel. Plus that make some great options. Mine came with a Curtis hard top with soft doors and a heater. Great for the winter.