New to ATVs

Axe Man · May 21, 2011

Currently I have a Polaris 325 Trail Boss I bought used, last summer. Have been using it for pulling wood out of the bush. Nice little machine ( only one I've owned or driven ) but under powered for the work I want it to do.
Any recommendations on make and model for hauling wood in a 4 X 6 trailer. Also if buying used, what are the most common problems with the make and model you recommend? Any help is appreciated.

whistlepig · May 21, 2011

For pulling and general work I would recommend at least a 500cc ATV. I have a Polaris 800cc Sportsman. That's a bit more motor than I can use. Power steering would be something I would get next time around. The only thing that I don't like about my Polaris is it only has one brake handle on the right side. I am right handed and need my right hand for more things than just using a brake.

Scooby074 · May 21, 2011

Honda Foreman.

Pretty much bulletproof. Solid rear axle. Not as comfortable as the Poo, but as a work machine its hard to beat.

Might want to avoid the ES. The basic S is a little more solid electrically. Ive had issues with my ES until i went with Dialectic grease and waterproofed all the connections. A typical user would never have those issues though. Im pretty hard on gear and more than once have been near the top of the seat (or deeper) in water

whistlepig · May 21, 2011

When you get in to Polaris you get in to high end stuff and high dollar stuff. IRS, on demand 4WD, discs all around. All of this stuff is nice but not much use for day to day farm chores. We have a 2000 Honda Rancher with ESP. My wife uses it 365 days a year winter and summer to hay the horses. I have spent a total of $65.00 on the ESP transmission since we bought it in 2000. A Honda Rancher or Foreman would be a very good choice.

JDGREEN4ME · May 22, 2011

We have an '07 Rancher that we have been happy with.

William Greene · May 22, 2011

carefull on wood haulin' with an ATV, don't let the woodbug bite'ya to hard.
look at how it bit me :laughing:

nybirdman · May 22, 2011

I think you need a 400-500 cc,liquid cooled,four wheel drive.Most will have a low range for towing.I have owned Honda,Suzuki,Kawasaki and Yamaha.
Wouldn't look at a Polaris.My brother in law owns a Honda Foreman that has 13,000 rough miles on it.

greasemonkeyok · May 22, 2011

Just curious. Whats wrong with looking at Polaris?

Scooby074 · May 22, 2011

greasemonkeyok said:
Just curious. Whats wrong with looking at Polaris?

Theyre poison

4wd (selectable) system is garbage IMHO.CV Axles are prone to damage. There were some issues with the early 800's as well.

Engines are decent (other than the 800's) and ride is super comfortable.Fast machines. Good in mud

Thats just MY opinion on them based on several friends failures. No offence intended to any polaris lovers on TBN

Tkblacktail · May 22, 2011

I have an 2001 350 Rancher ES. 4,700+ miles on it. Only 1 problem after all these years; the seal that surrounds the manual shifting lever seeped so I replaced it in 20 min.

I ripped out the reverse solenoid while working a slash pile.

Whatever you get, make sure its a 4X4 with a granny gear, spend some money on a log arch. It really pays for itself many times over.

A used quad? Do a compression check, ask for the maintenance records and make darn sure the item is stock. A modified piece of equipment should raise a red flag.

When it comes to buying "used", my idea of "Nothing wrong with it" is usually a lot different from the seller's idea of it.

William, that is an awesome, awesome set up!