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Posted by: cc1999
The John Deer is my favorite Ute specific quad
Pic
Posted by: Starky
As much as I hate the newer Hondas, the older models were the top of the line. If you can find a Honda 300 Fourtrax 4x4 it will be pretty cheap and will do everything you want it to do except win a drag race. Parts are still available and pretty cheap. In fact, if you go through ATV salvage yards you can get them for almost nothing.
Posted by: reconranger
See http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm/catid/17/threadid/489133.cfm
Posted by: 99MudKing
You prefer an auto or manual tranny? What size do you prefer, engine wise?
The Foreman 450 was a simple, hard working quad with plenty of grunt. My cousin has the ES model and it has never let him down. Add a Detroit Gearless Locker (refered to as DGL on the boards) and you have a quad ready to work and go places. The thumb shifter is quite nifty, keeps your feet dry if you're in deep water.
I'm also partial to my old KQ as a hard working machine. Pretty good suspension, great trans, and plenty of drive options for the gadget-minded person. Super low range on this machine is amazingly low, so you can do some tough work that even the 500s have trouble with. No belt to worry about either.
Some others that come to mind are the older manual Kodiak (1998 and older), Foreman 400, Arctic Cat 400 and 500, the old Kawasaki Bayou 400, honda 300 and rancher 350, Suzuki Vinson and QR 500.... there are many options for what you're looking for. Of today's machines, the Arctic Cat 500 manual is my favorite... offers a great long-travel suspension with IRS, a full 12" of ground clearance stock, a powerful engine with a high/low range trans, differential lock, and Arctic Cat has the most versatile rack and accessory system available. And it is virtually bulletproof and pretty simple overall (not much electronics to mess with). Simple mods like a filter, muffler, and rejetting unlock a lot of untapped power, giving you the ability to churn even the heaviest of 28" mud tires out there in the thick stuff. If the H1 (their own 650 engine) offered a manual trans, I would buy it in a heartbeat. But that is just my preference.
There are many newer machines that work great too. That's the great thing about the progression of technology, as today's machines provide an excellent balance of sporty ride and tough working manners. The flagship machines offer the most goodies and power, but they are pricey and do not offer a manual trans. I'm not a fan of belt drives, just don't like the way they feel or the potential for belt problems.
Hope this helps
Posted by: 03250bayou
if your looking for a real workhorse look at the foreman 400's...they dont make them anymore but they are just a simple quad thats very reliable..
Posted by: CobraR6
I have a Bruin 350 4x4. I have close 900 or 1000 miles on it and it has never let me down yet. Put some Mud Lite XL's on it though, that will make a HUGE difference in where it can go. THe stock tires are crap.
Posted by: BigDog800EFI
If you think about it your magnum is 11 years old. Have you done any other work to it up until now. Put a little work into it and it may last another11 years. If you want to replace it then I am with the other guys. I would buy one of the smaller Hondas. Bullet proof
Posted by: sandpit
Another good all around bike is the Kawi 360 4x4.
Posted by: squeege
I am sure the honda rancher 350 4x4 would be a nice quad as well as most yamaha or honda utility products...I'd stick with a honda unless you can't find a good deal on one. Check the www.kbb.com website for price guidelines you will need to scroll down and click on the motorcycle tab cause they are all listed together.
Posted by: oper2nyst
ditto,eiger,look for a non-current..... you will/should save serious dollars......
Posted by: DDDonkey
Have you looked into to the suzuki eiger. It comes in auto and manual, low and high range with selectable 4X4. Lots of people on the suzuki forum seem to push snow with it. I use mine for fun and ride it pretty hard no problems yet. It is prewired for lots of stuff such as winch, back up lights, horn and more. I do most of the work on it my self such as maintance and the extra stuff I have put on it. I keep it at me parents house for now while my new house is being build and they have a little land, my step-dad uses it just for utility. He moves small trailers, pulls weed sprayers ( he wired a connection to run it ) moves feed and what ever else he cand find. I think that he has even pulled out a small tree also. We dont plow with it being in Az but I would not put it past it Lots of power. Hope this helps.
Posted by: v2rider
Arctic Cat!!!!!!!!!!!! Just had top get my peice in also! Look at the speedrack options, ground clearance, and differential lock, and 2" reciever on the cats. But they are spendy!
Posted by: vinny04
I agree the Eiger is a good utility quad. A friend of mine has a manual Eiger and he plows tons of snow with it and hauls heavy loads such as logs and an 18' fiberglass boat/motor with ease.
My Vinson Pic's
Posted by: MotoF150
Suzuki Eiger, best for the price
Posted by: RancherATCrazy
I love my RancherAT's but I have learned quickly that they are to computer dependant with the HondaMatic Trannies and other stuff. There is nothing i love better than my quad when it is working but I have had electical issues up the azz. I won't buy another one. ohh man I hope my PSAR peeps dont see me bad moutning Honda
Posted by: mclach
I would recommend the honda rancher 4x4. Fairly economical to buy and dependable as hell.
Posted by: NeverStuck
Forum rookie here, obviously not really up on current quad offerings, so please be forgiving.
Currently I have a '95 Polaris Magnum right now that is giving me sleepless nights. Cooling issues, CV issues, 4X4 issues. The friggin thing is just too 'complicated' (I can hear you laughing) for what I need in a quad. I use the quad for strictly utility work on my property. Hauling a wagon, plowing snow, ramming around. No high speed runs, no super technical trail work, not vertical hill climbs. It doesn't have to be new, or even close to new if that's what you think might be what I need. Heck, maybe you'll recommend a '90 Honda Foreman....
Is there a basic type quad that you'd recommend for what I need. I'm talking air cooled, automatic, full time or mechancially engaged four wheel drive, reliable, and capable of pushing snow? Just a basic, easy to service work horse. That's all.
Let me put my fireproof undies on now.....
Seriously, thanks for any insight/input regarding my ignorant question.
Posted by: NeverStuck
Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies and opinions!
Posted by: NeverStuck
Again, I really appreciate the time you all have spent offering your opinions to my question. The replies have been really helpful and enlightening.
Starky, I'm curious as to why you hate the modern Honda ATV's? Understand that I'm not considering buying a new Honda, just curious as to what it is about them that has you hatin'?
Posted by: NeverStuck
Thanks for the replies!
Seeing the electrical demons that have plaged people like RancherATCrazy is just what I want to avoid having to deal with.
I just got through putting a cooling fan on the Polaris and between the price and the PITA factorto swap it out it makes me want to avoid having to deal with a liquid cooled engine just for that factor.
The more I look into it it seems like an older Fourtrax might be the way to go. Aircooled, basic, full time 4WD with minimal electrical issues that the machine relies on.
Keep'm coming folks, all input is really, really appreciated!
Posted by: Mainehunt
Honda Rancher 4x4 ES
Kev
