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Posted by: JohnO
Let me add a third for the Cat 500. Bought mine back in 2002, and it has been a real trooper. Trouble free for almost five years. Worst mechanical problem I've had was a fouled spark plug.
Settled on the Cat (owned a Big Bear previously) because...
GC - my farm is as rough as a cob, mostly hills, lots of limestone rocks, large creek right through the middle, and the big Cat crawls anywhere. After sticking the bear in the middle of a creek on a hidden rock, ground clearance was high on my list.
Manual transmission - just didn't trust those rubber band things, and I haul a lot of wood with mine. Maybe a CVT would have been okay, but I can guarantee the 5 spd manual won't slip a belt in water. And... it gives you a low gear in reverse. That has come in handy for backing out of a bad situation.
Plush ride. Compared to my old bear, the Cat is a Cadillac. Doesn't rattle your kidneys around on the trail. If you're going to spend any amount of time on it, that makes a difference.
Okay, appearance. I looked at a lot of big quads, and the Cat just looked like the stoutest. No nonsense construction, high snorkel, not a lot of electronic gizmos to go wrong.
Posted by: JohnO
A good point to make. For farm use, the pulling power of an ATV is a bit anemic. It's a glorified dirt bike, not a tractor. I haul firewood with mine, but beyond that and using the winch to stretch fence wire, it's pretty much just a way to move me and some tools around. It's heavy carrying and pulling abilities pale in comparison to even a small farm tractor like my JD 1050.
OTOH, if you have a particularly rough farm like much of mine, a quad is a much better transporter. The ATV doesn't roll nearly as quickly as a tractor will, and the consequences aren't nearly as serious. If you think a 700 pound quad rolling over is hairy, try an 8,000 pound tractor. It won't just kill you, it'll bury you.
And, okay, they're a lot more fun than a tractor.
Posted by: 2TV
For your particular application I'd recommend checking out the new Honda Foreman 500 (electric shift) with power assisted steering...
Posted by: CaptainQuint
An ATV isn't a tractor and all of the gizmos hooked to the back won't make it into one. Those overpriced gizmos can be handy no doubt, but it ain't no tractor.
Trying to run the tractor around all day to do chores you can do faster and more efficiently on an ATV doesn't make a lot of sense. And like JohnO said ATVs can be operated in areas it where it simply isn't safe to be operating a tractor. Like he said when you roll a tractor it doesn't just kill you it buries you and your neighbors on the volunteer fire department will have to bring shovels to pry your corpse out of the ground.
They are different tools with different strengths and weaknesses. When you try to make one do the other's job you start to have problems. They both are pretty indispensable for those with farms and larger properties.
Posted by: CaptainQuint
Originally posted by: 700vtwinmanMy general rule of thumb is this, listen to those with experience and those that bash any brand, disregard anything they say. If someone has to bash another brand, it usually is b/c they are trying to make themselves feel good about their machine.
did you ever hit the nail on the head. It is like they have to tear down every other brand of ATV to reassure themselves they made the right decision when they bought theirs. It is like they have their entire manhood and personal identity wrapped up in a freaking ATV. Heaven forbid if you happen to point out a deficiency of some kind in their particular brand of ATV that someone might want to consider when making a purchase decision. It's like you just questioned or outright insulted their manhood. They do the equivalent of sticking their fingers in the ears and run away hollering "la-la-la-la!!!I'm not listening!!!la-la-la-la!!!I can't hear you la-la-la-la!!!!" It is simply an amazing thing to behold for someone who can't fathom that sort of attachment to an ATV.
I mean I ride a Polaris and a Honda but it isn't like I don't recognize their shortcomings or have any sort of vested interest in their image or something. I rag on honda and polaris all the time. They're just the ATVs I have now. In a few months I'm going to buy another one. Things about it will be deficient but I don't get all of my manhood and being wrapped up in it. It is just an ATV.
I've always had a theory that loyalty to a particular brand of vehicle is inversely proportionate to IQ. From the endless Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge vs everything else to I guess Can-Am vs. Polaris vs. Honda vs. Suzuki vs Arctic Act etc. I think there is evidence it holds some truth.
Posted by: 700vtwinman
As long as you pull in low range with a belt tranny, it should be great. The polaris 800 will outpull all other atvs and it has a "belt" tranny. Just use low and it is like a tractor. As a matter of fact, there are a few new vehicles out this year that have CVT trannies. If someone wants only a manual tranny, that's great, get a manual tranny. But I have had both and if you use low range on a belt tranny, no problems. Now if the atv doesn't have a low range, then a manual tranny is probably better.
Posted by: 700vtwinman
It also depends on how much one wants to spend and exactally what it will be used for. For example, if it is just checking fences, cows, etc. a 250-400 cc would do just fine. And it depends on your property as to weather you need 4wd or not. Now if you are going to pull heavy things around like hay trailers, etc, etc, then a 400-800 would be needed, depending on the machine. So there are a lot of factors that must be considered before going out and just buying the first machine someone says is the best for your applications. My general rule of thumb is this, listen to those with experience and those that bash any brand, disregard anything they say. If someone has to bash another brand, it usually is b/c they are trying to make themselves feel good about their machine.
Posted by: 700vtwinman
Originally posted by: DeeDawg
I believe AC has the most applications for farm work of any quad out there...it still won't be as good as a tractor, but you can buy a lot of AC stuff for working around a farm or for deer plots. Also, if it is strictly for farm work, you can also get AC with a 700 cc diesel engine.
QUOTE FOR TODAY:
"Guns Don't Cause Crime, the Irish Do."
Very good point. The Arctic Cat attachments are called Speed Point. I am actually looking at the main Speed Point device for my polaris. They said it should would with a slight modification. I have looked at Kolpin, Swisher, and others for attachments and the AC Speed Point seems to be the best for IRS machine. That is b/c AC uses two small wheels directly below the 2" receiver hitch that helps use the weight of the machine. The other systems require an adjustable bar below the IRS to minimize squating, but will reduce the ground clearance a good amount.
Polaris does have some lock-n-ride and other impliments like pull mowers, disc etc, but Arctic Cat has the best set up.
Posted by: tencubed
If you are planning on using this machine for light trailer pulling, and yes I know people pull "super heavy" trailers with their quads, chasing cows and checking fence type duties you might be better off with a small tractor. We use quads a lot around the place and they are a useful and valuable asset to day to day operations. They will not, any of them, do the work of a small tractor when it comes to moving heavy loads. The quads will not stop a load they are capable of pulling and it is easy to get in trouble. A small tractor has the capability of using a front loader, post hole digger and all manner of implements that a quad can only play at. If, however, you need a machine to travel quickly from on part of the acreage to another, as when irrigating or such, a quad is quicker and a much better ride. We use the Kawasaki Prairie 360 4WD as we do not intend to try to make a tractor of the machine and it is reasonably fast and nimble.
I would suggest you make an objective list of the work you are going to be doing and asses the capability of a quad VS tractor for your needs.
One really big thing the quads have going for them is they are lots of fun to use.
Posted by: pwillie
I agree about the "No" belts.....
Posted by: pwillie
Captain! Right on about the Tractor,I have a Kubota 3000 and there is no comparison.....My Rhino is used for fun and picking up trash on my 8 acres.
Posted by: weez440
i gotta give another vote for the cat. we have about a 500 acre farm and mine takes the toughests of challenges with ease. we also have a 450 honda foreman which does a very good job with pulling and everything but the independent rear suspension and the weight and diff lock means the cat can do everything just that much better. we also have 50 head of cattle so in the spring of the year when they are calving the 450 foreman will get hung up easier then the cat of corse and they both have the same tires. and i dunno what your cash flow is for one but i would check out the arctic cat prowler for farm work. that is what i am gonna be purchasing this spring. don't wanna see the cat go beings it has given me over 2000 miles of trouble free fun and work but i think i am gonna really enjoy the prowler.
Posted by: Steveo10
Look at a popo sportsmen800... great workhorse
Posted by: DeeDawg
Arctic Cat, hands down.
Posted by: DeeDawg
I have a cousin in NW Mn w/ a Polaris and he swears by it. He uses it everyday to chase cattle and haul bales, tools, etc... I have chased cattle with him, and those cow pies are just like boulders in the winter!!! They freeze hard as rocks!!!! He is very good w/ his maintenance though, so maybe thats why other people claim to have more problems with their Polaris?
Posted by: DeeDawg
Originally posted by pwillie: I agree about the "No" belts.....
I have to disagree. I have over 3800 very hard miles on mine, and no issues. Lots of towing, hauling, pushing snow, pulling mowers, etc, etc. Plus tons of abuse by everyone from my teenage nephews to my 70+ father. Water to the racks, stuck in holes...... It is far easier to teach a beginner, and better for most trail riding as well. The only reason I would go back to gears is to race.
QUOTE FOR TODAY:
"So you're a feminist...that's so cute!"
Posted by: DeeDawg
Originally posted by rv:
Originally posted by ozarkhunter:
I would recomend honda. My grand parents bought a 1993 300 fourtraxx new and the only thing to go wrong to this day was a broken break cable. I rode the fire out of it and so did the other grand children.I know alot of real life down to earth hard working people who have hondas and will never look back. Now with that said if you want something that is tough and easy to maintain what ever brand you buy stay away from belts and get something with gears. Thats self exclamatory.
i find the belt remark a load of bull and to me gears are what u should stay away from
I second that. No issues with mine at all.
QUOTE FOR TODAY: Meat Is Murder! I Vote Pro-Choice!
Posted by: DeeDawg
I believe AC has the most applications for farm work of any quad out there...it still won't be as good as a tractor, but you can buy a lot of AC stuff for working around a farm or for deer plots. Also, if it is strictly for farm work, you can also get AC with a 700 cc diesel engine.
QUOTE FOR TODAY:
"Guns Don't Cause Crime, the Irish Do."
Posted by: sandpit
For ranch work,a John Deere or Rhino might be better suited.
Posted by: rv
Originally posted by: ozarkhunter
I would recomend honda. My grand parents bought a 1993 300 fourtraxx new and the only thing to go wrong to this day was a broken break cable. I rode the fire out of it and so did the other grand children.I know alot of real life down to earth hard working people who have hondas and will never look back. Now with that said if you want something that is tough and easy to maintain what ever brand you buy stay away from belts and get something with gears. Thats self exclamatory.
i find the belt remark a load of bull and to me gears are what u should stay away from
Posted by: mudslinginfool
i agree with the arctic cat. the 500 is liquid cooled with a fan,
highest rack capacity (100lbs front,200lbs rear)
standard 2" reciever
low gearing for hauling(auto or manual)
highest ground clearence (12")
large fuel tanks
2 WD/4 WD /diff lock.
and it has the M.R.P (muti-purpose rack system)
...just my 2 cents.
lol. well sat 4314 beat me to it.
Posted by: colt2245p
best bike for a farm honda 500 foreman this bike will require less maintenence/work than most others it will cost you less to operate than most others also nd when it comes time to replace it you wont have trouble selling it
Posted by: trailbound
Honda rancher or foreman series (including the Honda "Foreman" Rubicon). These are the toughest ATVs out there. The Rubicon has a solid rear axle, high and low range, with a liquid cooled 500 cc engine. I ride Polaris, but for farm work and pulling, I dont think you can beat a Honda.
Posted by: vinny04
I'm gonna have to put a word in for the Vinson 500, pulls whatever I hitch up to it in rough or smooth terrain, adjustable shocks are good too incase you want to add some weight to the racks for extra traction.
Posted by: 800TwinEFI
The Polaris Sportsman 800 will out pull any of the ATVs listed so far. Last I looked, it could tow more than any quad on the market. However, AC did come out with a diesel ATV that I am very curious about. I have not examined it.
In all fairness everybody is also talking 500cc machines too. So not apples to apples (if people want to compare, which they will). I would not recommend anything Can-Am as their frames are not built for this type of thing. They are meant to be light and fast.
Posted by: Honeyduck96
Big Bear
Does anything, goes anywhere, never dies.
Posted by: Honeyduck96
Manual transmission, preferably dual range....Vinson manual
Posted by: sat4314
I will second the Arctic Cat. A 500cc Cat will pull the bumpers off a 72 Buick. All kidding aside, I use mine for work as well as play. The 500 Cat has 12" of ground clearance (best in class) Hi and Lo with 2wd and 4wd and a locking differential. You can go with the auto or the 5 speed, but the auto better suits my needs pulling a trailer full of wood or a 5ft mower deck. It will plow a foot of snow without breaking a sweat. It's water cooled so you don't need to worry about the hot weather. It will pull 1050lbs, and you can throw 300lbs on the racks. For utility work no other machine can touch it. I've owned the other machines so I speak from experience. Honda and the Kawi are good and I won't deny that, but for what you want the Cat is the sturdiest Ute on the market. It's a big machine and not made for taking trail turns at 55mph without being a little tippy due to it's height, but good 6 ply tires or a sway bar corrects those issues. If you want to compare capabilities I ride with several friends on everything from a 250 Bayou to the 800 Renegade and they all agree the Cat is an absolute mule. Again you want a work horse and not a leisure trail rider so I would say get a Cat. The 6 1/2 gallon tank will take you well over 100 miles before needing to gas up.
06 Arctic Cat 500i auto
2500lb Warn winch
ITP series 5b rock crusher rims
ITP Terracross tires
60" Eagle plow
60" Mow Deck
Posted by: TLC
I had a 450 Foreman and some times I needed more than just super low first gear. For work and technical rough trail riding a low range sub transmission is a must.
Posted by: Troutsqueezer
Actually, it would be better to ask which ATV's would be the worst to buy since that might be easier to answer. Or possibly, which features to look for instead of which brand is better.
As for brands, everyone has a favorite but unless they own and use all the various models, their opinions are biased or based on hearsay. I have a Yamaha 400 Kodiak 2-wheel drive that pulls multiple trailers, a box scraper/grader and spraying equipment all day long and has for the last four years without any problems. It cost less than a 500cc 4-wheel-drive machine, so is it better? Economically, certainly.
What would your definition of "best" be? Bang for the buck? Sheer power and traction? Reliability? Service? There are too many variables for an easy answer.
Do you know what I based my decision on the last time, other than the fact I knew I did not want another Honda? I liked the color of the one I saw on the showroom floor. It was a Yamaha so I knew it probably didn't suck any more than my previous machines and I could live with that. I just needed a few more cc's.
I've had two Hondas, both of them were put together poorly compared to my Yamaha but I'm not going to tell you they are better or worse. The dealer I bought them from in both cases sucked for service so that's something to consider as well. It's a different experience for everyone as to the best. For the most part, you pays your money and you takes your chances.
Take any advice posted here on which is the "best" with a grain of salt, including my own...
Posted by: ozarkhunter
I would recomend honda. My grand parents bought a 1993 300 fourtraxx new and the only thing to go wrong to this day was a broken break cable. I rode the fire out of it and so did the other grand children.I know alot of real life down to earth hard working people who have hondas and will never look back. Now with that said if you want something that is tough and easy to maintain what ever brand you buy stay away from belts and get something with gears. Thats self exclamatory.
Posted by: DVXDUDE
im gunna have to say the bombardier traxter 500cc. these things pull just as good as the 800outlander. they are the stepside atv's. look kind of wierd but my grandpa has one that he uses to pull a huge trailor for putting up fences around the farm.
even the john deer buck is a nice quad. i reall dont think you can go wrong, just get an artic cat or bombardier atleast 400ccs and i think you should be fine.
Posted by: TrojanBob
My situation is probally close to yours. I have farm in North MS - 600-700 acres. Just bought my first ATV, a 2000 Honda Rancer 450 (manual shift). Got it from a guy near Corinth that rebuilds them.
I put a deep basket on the back, which has been great for carrying chainsaw, gas tank, tools & etc. The low reverse gear has come in handy. It handles mud and hills just fine. Not to mention I weigh 240.
It is not fancy and it is not fast, but it is doing what I want. In a few years I will proabally buy a new nice one, and I am sure it will be a Honda.
Posted by: OutLawRider17
Get a Sportsman 800 Best quad for pulling quad. They say it can pull up to 1500lb its weight is 770lb on the front rack you can put 100lb and on the back you can put 200lb
Posted by: BD33
I'm a newbie. Need an ATV for ranch work (800 acres in the U.S. south). Where is the best place to find reviews and recommendations for which model to buy? Interested in something sturdy that will last. Thanks for your assistance. BD33 in Memphis, Tenn.
Posted by: BD33
Thanks to everyone for their comments. I'll look at these units and make a choice. You all have saved me a tremendous amount of research time, which I very much appreciate. (There are way too many models out there!) - Brian in Memphis (a newbie)
Posted by: boshank
i would have to go with the yamaha kodiak 400 or grizzly 660. Both great,dependable, and beastly quads. The only thing i wouldn't get is an arctic cat (sry to all u cats fans
Posted by: boshank
wait i take that back lol.....cat's are fine, i WOULDn't reccommend a polaris. (not too reliable, breakdown a lot)
Posted by: badblackcoupe
if money isn't a problem i'd go for a yamaha rhino. u got a bed that will haul a lot more than a 4-wheeler, standard 2" reciever, locking diffs, and a passenger seat. i live in arkansas and we had one that was a hoss. i never got it stuck even when i tried (crossed a pond, about waist deep) and that was with stock tires and a broke rear axle shaft. if your looking for something cheap though i have a 04 beartracker that has been "ridden hard and put up wet" and never given me a problem. but its only a 2x4 and 250cc, so it might not be exactly what your looking for. just depends on how much you are going to "use" it.
Posted by: OLDHIPI
I own a kawasaki mule 2510 deisel it's a 2000 model and has never been in the shop for anything,I just keep up regular maintainence on it ,It ain't fast but it's a work horse ,haul hay, feed, deer hunters, deerstands, welding machines, you name it !!! it's nearly indestructable big foot kit and 2' lift helps a lot w/ mudlites if your gonna , swamp hunt
Posted by: habitatjoiskater
ok hes lookin for a utility..not a SPORTsman...my bro has the 500 LE articcat and that things a beast it sits high and hes got swamplites on it that add an extra 3 inches or so....the thing is beastly it always pulls out my raptor when i get stuck cuz i ride that thing dirty.....we also own pigs and he hitches a trailer to his wheeler and the thing holds perfect
Posted by: coyote170
Honda Rancher always in the woods,never in the shop,greatest little workhorse
around pulls my swisher with ease!
Posted by: s10ryan
im gonna have to go with the sportman too....
i own an 04 Sportsman 500HO.......ive used mine in the garden, to mow grass, pull downed trees out of the way, move cars, built things, haul ton of stuff including pulling cars.
the sportsman is an amazing machine, its been a excellent work horse for me and has never let me down, its also served as a fun toy for trails as well. they are also excellent in all weather and always a comfortable ride.
but go try them out and see which one suits you best
on a side note my second choice would be AC too, as they seem to be well machines as well.
but polaris will always be my first choice as long as they keep up this stellar performance and value!
Posted by: kfjensen
New around here, but we have 1200 acres, and run 150 head of cattle. To catch calves we have no horses due to landscape dont need them, have 3 Honda Recon 250's instead. We beat the living crap out of these 2x4 quads and frankly I dont understand how they dont skip a beat for example bombing over stumps/logs running wide open chasing cows. Honda is proven for us, thats why I am looking at the Honda 420 Rancher right now, you might want to check it out fair priced, and liquid cooled/fuel injected now, JMHO, by the way hello everyone
