atv and utv year-around use (and in snow)

ArlyA · Sep 17, 2023

For years we used work snowmobiles to tow implements with in snow. Bully's as well but that's another topic. About 15 years ago we got an atv and pods for it to test and a few yeas later we gave up on sleds. Now we use the same machine year around. Pictured below is of our personal machine which we use year around.

ArlyA · Sep 18, 2023

If anyone here would like a machine that is quite easy to operate in snow, yet can work over the summer. Feel free to ask me any questions here.

Buppies · Dec 10, 2023

UTVs are very useful

ArlyA · Dec 10, 2023

Buppies said:
UTVs are very useful

I agree but seems that the folks here have limited interest in this topic.

Buppies · Dec 10, 2023

We started out with ATVs in the early 90s wife son and . Son lost interest wife turned one over so they sat mostly until I sold them for Ranger 900 limited riding but lots of use on our land

Gem99ultra · Dec 10, 2023

We have both a Honda Pioneer 500 SxS and a 1997 EZGo golf cart with a box/bed. Honestly, the golf cart gets used far more than the SxS, but only for quick runs around the place and to pickup the mail. The cart is so easy to just jump in and get back - BUT it's for light duty only. Anything heavier than a garden cart trailer is strickly for the SxS.

We selected the Pioneer 500 due to its narrow 48" track in order to go on various trails and bridges around the place. The larger, more powerful, UTV's start at 50" and up and are simply too large. On the same page, the golf cart is extremely agile and narrow. Of course, we're not using either in remote forest like some of you. We're only covering cleared trails.

We totally destroyed a previous 1997 EZGo electric cart trying to use it to pull a 6x12 trailer around to pick up logs, etc.. We immediately saw the need for another light weight easy to use electric golf cart so we replaced it with the 1997. That one has served us 12 years without hesitation.

So, we're much more selective in the tasks the 'new(er)' golf cart is asked to handle. Gofl carts are so much more agile and easier to use than the gas powered SxS. The Honda Pioneer is an absolute hoss. We can easily pull the 6x12 traler loaded with logs without the Honda even grunting. We frequently use it, with its winch, to pull out the mower when (not if) it gets stuck, pull out logs from the woods, and handle any loads that the golf cart can't, or shouldn't, tackle. Any tasks heavier than that calls for the Kubota tractor.

MoKelly · Dec 10, 2023

Still use my 2005 Suzuki Vinson. Wonderful machine.

nybirdman · Dec 10, 2023

Even in upstate N.Y.,our ATV and SxS see a lot more use year-round than snowmobiles.
My son has a couple sleds,they see very limited use,I use the others daily.

ArlyA · Dec 10, 2023

We can't afford to own every tool made and that includes a compact tractor. This is why we ended up with a 6x6.

Eagle1 · Dec 10, 2023

ArlyA said:
We can't afford to own every tool made and that includes a compact tractor. This is why we ended up with a 6x6.

I can't either but will keep buying tools until I can't use them any longer. If I need it once I'll use it again.
Then again I've never been on a snow machine or had any need for one. I did have to detour on some trails once due snow drifts...

ArlyA · Dec 10, 2023

nybirdman said:
Even in upstate N.Y.,our ATV and SxS see a lot more use year-round than snowmobiles.
My son has a couple sleds,they see very limited use,I use the others daily.

So we will see you with pods for your atv or utv?

D'oh · Dec 10, 2023

I had to drag a SxS on Tracks odd the Lake last year. Deep Snow to the Fishing Hole, then it Froze Up.

Had my Nephew tow it to the Ice Road with his Ski Doo Expedition then towed it with the Plow Truck.

They look very useful, but not Foolproof

ArlyA · Dec 10, 2023

D'oh said:
I had to drag a SxS on Tracks odd the Lake last year. Deep Snow to the Fishing Hole, then it Froze Up.

Had my Nephew tow it to the Ice Road with his Ski Doo Expedition then towed it with the Plow Truck.

They look very useful, but not Foolproof

We do see snow here. Our machine get inside to melt off once or twice a winter. Was it parked in slush?

Bocephous · Dec 11, 2023

We use our Yamaha Wolverine X2 year round. No pics of it in the snow, though.
I picked up a 2004 Polaris Scrambler about a month ago. Looking forward to getting the awd functional so it can see some snow action.
And my minibike I modded over the winter last year. It's pretty quick for what it is.

D'oh · Dec 11, 2023

ArlyA said:
We do see snow here. Our machine get inside to melt off once or twice a winter. Was it parked in slush? View attachment 837445

Just Colder here I guess, like -15-20F temps at the time

LittleBittyBigJohn · Dec 11, 2023

We don't get much snow to speak of around here. But the Polaris Ranger does get its share of year 'round use. Both pleasure and work.

ArlyA · Dec 11, 2023

Some people here have said they gave up there snowmobiles for this or that reason so I started this thread to show those folks that we have used atv's and utv's year around and in snow with pod accessoires..

nybirdman · Dec 11, 2023

I won't be investing in "pods"any more than a snowmobile;too limited of use for the cost.
Neighbors have a set for their 1000cc Polaris but none for me.

dj1701 · Jan 9, 2024

IndyIan · Jan 9, 2024

For travelling some distance on snow, a modern snowmobile is like a magic carpet that does mach 1 compared to an atv or utv with tires or tracks in snow. But for flatter places with not much snow an atv/utv can still function in winter pretty well as a work machine. We do a bit of firewood in winter and I used to plow with the atv too, so it gets a bit of work done.