Atv

[jeepit]

Looking at a ATVS for some snowplow work in my driveway. Anyone out there familiar with all the brands. I looked at a Yamaha that seems to be a good unit. Any advise out threre?

 

[Blackcloud]

I have owned several Polaris machines over the years and found them to be very good machines. Love the automatic transmission in them and the overall quality of the machine.

 

[TPlasek]

Honda Foreman or Honda Rancher. Both 4x4's and the motor is put on in the "correct" direction... .

 

[drawson]

I just got a Polaris 500HO 4X4 for the exact same thing(4"). I used it last friday for the first time it is one great machine and un like the others it drives all 4 wheels.



I was worried before because I got the 60" blade instead of the 48" but it handled it super. I have a long driveway/road and it's quite steep, so I also got rear tire chains for it. But it will have to snow alot more than 4" to require them.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have a new Kawasaki 650 Prairie. Of course I don't need the snow plow but I sure like it so far. 4wd at the push of a button and it 2wd it handles real well. It has twin cylinders and plenty of power.

 

[jpeterson]

We have a Polaris Sportsman 500 H. O. and a 700 twin. The 700 definitely has a ton more torque than the 500. I don't know how either plow snow we have a bobcat for that, however I would think the extra weight of the 700 would be an advantage.

 

[Hale on wheels]

check out highlifter forums for more info and opinions than you probably wanted!

 

[jtisdale]

plowing

I have a 99 sportsman with a 60" plow. I put the stiffer springs in the front, with the spring "spacers". I use my WARN 2500 to run the plow up and down. It works slick. I have about 750 miles/150 hrs on it from mostly trailriding/plowing.

I am getting ready to put in my second set of tie rod ends, second set of front tires, second belt, second battery, third set of brakes (including discs). But, I plow A LOT in the winter (for hire), smaller drive-ways and apartment buildings, bank parking lots etc.

I am a Polaris fan, but I think they all make a good machine these days. If your looking for a truly maintence free machine, go for the Honda. I have had them too, and they are virtually bullet proof. I went with the Polaris for ride quality and the automatic (for the wife). Now she has her own 02 HO Freedom edition, so I might switch back to a Honda.

Clear as mud, right?

 

[JR2]

If all you want to do is plow get an old 4x4 that is in good shape. Plowing is very hard on an ATV, you will tear stuff up and generally abuse it so why do it to a new one.



If you are buying a new one then I would look for one with a shaft drive and an manual transmission. I know shifting sucks but you have alot more control with a manual. Also It really sucks when you get the drive belt wet during a water crossing and then have to sit for a hour and dry it out.

 

[pkennedy]

Unless you get real lucky buying a used ATV is like burning cash, generally they aren't a whole lot cheaper if in good condition. Check the mags and the most reliable machine hands down is the Honda 450S and it's bullet proof drive line. Mine is rigged with a Kimpex 60" blade lifted by the old Warn 2000 winch, put plywood on rear carrier with rack on which I stack 3 - 40lb sand bags to offset weight of plow. Put Bear Claws 2" wider and 1" taller all the way around and K&N jet and needle/seat kit, Won,t out run a 500 HO Polaris but it will out work it day after day no cost to me other than fuel. The 450 has 5 spd single range transmission a sideways engine to reduce HP lost to the wheels and never touched it in 2. 5 years of hard use. I will easily plow 2' of snow in 3or4th gear. Only other machine in the Honda's class for work is the Yamaha Big Bear Professional, 5spd dual range selectable 2/4wd but only 400cc engine price is comparable but both machines are rougher riding. Honda and Yamaha both have their own financing and extended warranties, Ive seen guys put 1500-2000 bucks into a cheap machine over 2 years. PK

 

[scbrown]

I own two Polaris Sportsman 500's and love them, no problems.

As said in a previous post about wet drive belts slipping, I have had these machines nearly under water and never had a problem.

I don't think you will have any problems with any of the new machines no matter which brand you buy.

In my younger days I raced Honda, and now I cruz with Polaris!

Check around for price and who is offering free stuff like a winch.

Good luck.

 

[78repowerwagon]

I would buy Honda if you don't plan to work on it. From my experience The Honda's are generally bulletproof, Kaw's OK but cold natured, Yamaha makes good power but a little weak in the trans. Suzuki - well I just don't like them. No real experience with their workhorses. Polaris warranty is not worth the paper it is written on, plus they are high maintenance and poor built compared to other Quads. I am not a huge Kaw fan, but the 650 prairie is nice.

 

[WDaniels]

for the money the Suzuki is the best bet. They can go farther on a tank of gas than all the others(I average around 100+ miles per tank), they are lighter if you get them stuck, they have shaft drive for the rear wheels and the front and the gear selection is unavailable on any other rig. You have 3 ranges to pick from. High or normal, low and differential lock in 2 wheel and 4 wheel and reverse. Differential lock is only available in super low. They don't go like a raped ape but are sure and almost maintenance free. On mine 48 mph is tops. They push snow well if you don't try to put an eight foot plow on it.

My . 02 worth.

WD

 

[jpeterson]

Originally posted by 78repowerwagon

... Polaris warranty is not worth the paper it is written on, plus they are high maintenance and poor built compared to other Quads.

I for one have not shared this experience, both of ours have been basically maintanence free other than oil changes and putting air in the tires. We have a total 7 in our family and they have all been very reliable, no complaints.



Jeremy

 

[ddesau]

ATV's

I have 2 Suzuki's one a 400c Eiger) and the other a 250cc. The 400 is selective 4 wheel drive with a fully automatic transmission. shaft drive - Plenty of power. But if you buy any ATV it pays to get the extended warranty - its worth the small amount that you pay and will save you big bucks in the end. .