ATV or UTV

Fidler4 · Jul 6, 2013

I keep going back and forth on whether to buy an ATV or UTV so I thought I would get some input. DW and I have 10 acres (5 wooded, 4 pasture, 1 house/lawn). This is a 2nd home for us which we only get to spend 3-4 weeks per year at. Next year I retire so I will be ale to spend more time there but wife is not retired and kids are in HS so for the next 4-5 years our time there will be limited. After that we will spend at least 6 months there each yr. I plan on buying a tractor in about 4-5 yrs when I will be there more. In the meantime I wold like to get a UTV or ATV to help do general maintenance around the property. For example cutting up fallen trees for firewood, moving firewood around & clearing out junk left in the woods by previous owner. So my primary reason is for the utility use of it but I also have two teenagers that would enjoy using it for recreation on the property.

I have lived in the city all of my life so I have very little experience with rural living. Most of what I have learned has been through this forum. I suppose a 3rd option is to buy tractor now but it won't get much use over the next 4-5 years so I didn't want to spend that much money on something that won't get much use. Our friends live nearby and they have a JD2025 for their 12 acres which I could borrow if needed.

Thanks,

J

DT86 · Jul 6, 2013

The ability to carry things in the bed, whether it be tools or trash, is what makes the utv stand out for work duties around here.

I have both and the atv has seen very little use since buying the utv.

nybirdman · Jul 6, 2013

I also have both;use my Rhino every day.I only use the ATV for spring work and hunting.Even the small bed on the Rhino's are better than a trailer or the racks of the ATV.Plenty of sport in the UTV's if that is what you are looking for and they are safer.

sfloggie · Jul 6, 2013

The same as DT86 ans nybirdman. I have a Polarius Ranger Crew and use it for everything. up to almost 800 pounds of rock. It takes up to six people or ten dogs, and tools anywhere in any weather. We have 112 acres and all kind of ground as the SOuth is on a river with some swamp.

TripleR · Jul 6, 2013

Pretty much the same as the others, our Rhino gets regular use while the 700 Grizzly only gets used during deer season.

jerrybob · Jul 6, 2013

Both are great vehicles.....just depends on how you intend to use them. The guys are right on with the UTV comments.....but....most of them have more property than you have. I have an ATV and only about 6ac. I have a utility trailer I haul around the property....this set up works well for me. I use the atv for hunting and pleasure riding as well. Either way.....you'll enjoy whatever you buy.:thumbsup:

Code54 · Jul 6, 2013

Same here - use our Rhino 20 to 1. Heck I am looking at selling the ATV as it just sits 99% of the time and maybe getting a 4 seat UTV. It is just so much easier to jump in the Rhino, throw stuff in the bed and go to work. The ATV I have to strap everything and cant take my son or wife with me. Even hunting my boy and I always take the Rhino as we have mounts in the bed for the guns and you can easily haul anything you get.

jeff9366 · Jul 6, 2013

Kids and tractors do not mix.

Go with a UTV with Turf Tires for max stability. Responsible kids can drive a UTV safely and begin learning about driving the car........

If this purchase will substitute for a tractor, get a UTV with a Hydrostatic/tractor (HST) transmission rather than belt drive. The implement in Photo #4 is an ABI "Gravel Rascal". You cannot not work one of these little wonders without HST and 4-WD.

Budget for an all-terrain dump trailer; one that carries the load low, not high. Mine is an older MUTS.

MUTS - Multi-Use Trailer System for your ATV, Quad and 4 Wheeler - Welcome

I have no experience with them but the two all-terrain trailers from Monroe Tufline look interesting:

http://www.monroetufline.com/products/uc20-30-utilitycarts.htm

TripleR · Jul 6, 2013

I am no longer comfortable riding two up on an ATV unless it was designed for it, so my recommendation is if you get only an ATV and plan on carrying someone, get one designed for it. I know a couple of brands offer them. I accept some will disagree and I am not talking slow riding on flat ground.

Fidler4 · Jul 6, 2013

Thanks for all of the suggestions you definitely convinced me a UTV is the way to go. I will be at the house for a couple of weeks in August and will look for one. I think there is JD dealer and a motorcycle place nearby that sell UTV's.

Thanks again,

J