buickanddeere
Super Member
A UTV and a used sled
Thinking of Buying Snowmobile or UTV
- Thread starter HillStreet
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RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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Wise man...
Sodo
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I have snowmobiles and a 4WD ATV.
In "dry snow" where the tires can press thru to the ground, my ATV (4WD) goes great. If the snow is wet, or, heavy, or there is ice under it, all it does is make four polished round cradles in the snow where it sits. And it's not easy to get it out of those polished ice cradles. Sometimes I ride the road with my snowmobile, which packs it some, then I use the ATV on that packed trail. Sometimes the ATV goes fine on the packed snow (in the morning when cold) then in the afternoon it has trouble climbing even a slight grade or controlling direction on a downhill.
Snowmobile is good for a few months of the year. If you can ride from your house, great. If you have to "trailer" to the riding area, well you'd better WANT to do this.
I have a $1,000 Arctic cat snowmobile that starts with a lazy pull, turns around on a wide one-lane road. It never gave the tiniest bit of trouble. It starts every season and I haven't paid the least attention to "the gas", just get a can of starting fluid, and a few pulls on the rope and it purrs.
I also have a 150HP fuel injected 'mountain sled' that is 11 feet long, has 2 1/4" paddles, you have to stand off to the side and pull hard to start it. To turn around on a 1-lane road you have to go off the road. Or get off and drag the back around by hand. It weighs 450 lbs. I like it though, I'm just trying to convince you to try a small low cost sled if you want to get into this.
I'd have a hard time advising one for 4 seasons although the UTV will be usable for many more months including some snowy conditions.
In "dry snow" where the tires can press thru to the ground, my ATV (4WD) goes great. If the snow is wet, or, heavy, or there is ice under it, all it does is make four polished round cradles in the snow where it sits. And it's not easy to get it out of those polished ice cradles. Sometimes I ride the road with my snowmobile, which packs it some, then I use the ATV on that packed trail. Sometimes the ATV goes fine on the packed snow (in the morning when cold) then in the afternoon it has trouble climbing even a slight grade or controlling direction on a downhill.
Snowmobile is good for a few months of the year. If you can ride from your house, great. If you have to "trailer" to the riding area, well you'd better WANT to do this.
I have a $1,000 Arctic cat snowmobile that starts with a lazy pull, turns around on a wide one-lane road. It never gave the tiniest bit of trouble. It starts every season and I haven't paid the least attention to "the gas", just get a can of starting fluid, and a few pulls on the rope and it purrs.
I also have a 150HP fuel injected 'mountain sled' that is 11 feet long, has 2 1/4" paddles, you have to stand off to the side and pull hard to start it. To turn around on a 1-lane road you have to go off the road. Or get off and drag the back around by hand. It weighs 450 lbs. I like it though, I'm just trying to convince you to try a small low cost sled if you want to get into this.
I'd have a hard time advising one for 4 seasons although the UTV will be usable for many more months including some snowy conditions.
Pixguy
Elite Member
I've sled many a mile in trails and have never seen a UTV out there, not allowed and land owners would close down the trail because of the tear up the 4 wheelers do.
I agree with many, pick one or both but don't expect to use one year round.
I agree with many, pick one or both but don't expect to use one year round.
That was my thought also. You can pick up a decent used sled for the price of a track kit on the UTV... avoiding the effort of swapping over twice per year. Also, snowsled trails (if you would be using them) are paid for with designated revenue, so you may not be allowed to ride on them with the UTV.
Besides, a sled is a LOT more fun to ride!
:thumbsup:
WayneB
Elite Member
Happy day was when we came home with two snowmobiles Happiest day was watching them go down the road after selling them We rode for years and had lots of fun, but growing old proved to me It was a younger persons hobby. Got stuck one night riding alone and end up walking two miles out of the woods.
Decided to sell them the next morning, yes there are days when I wish we still had them, but realize it isn't in the Olde age plans.
Decided to sell them the next morning, yes there are days when I wish we still had them, but realize it isn't in the Olde age plans.
Will_C
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If I understand the original poster, he was looking for a winter hobby...my vote is for a snowmobile. The amount of riding that would be possible in the Northeast must be awesome.
I grew up with snowmobiles, dad was a self employed excavator, so they were a good hobby for him. Haven't owned one in 30 years...but I can see myself buying one in the future. I have had snowmobiles, street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, and a UTV-the snowmobile was the most fun, and least practical of them all!
I grew up with snowmobiles, dad was a self employed excavator, so they were a good hobby for him. Haven't owned one in 30 years...but I can see myself buying one in the future. I have had snowmobiles, street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, and a UTV-the snowmobile was the most fun, and least practical of them all!
The snowsleds today make what you (and I) were riding 30+ years ago look like Model A's... and the trail system in Maine is much better, also. I'm not sure what the OP has in mind; but whether for recreational or utility use; the right sled would ne the best tool for winter use.
radioman
Super Member
Well - the OP already has a tractor, he can use that year round except in deep snow thats not cleared or packed down. I like the idea of a used snowmobile and thats what I did. however I gave up my snowmobile after two years and gave it to my father as he is retired and he uses it more then I can. He uses it to go get firewood in areas where its too wet spring/summer/fall but its covered in snow and ice in winter. He likes to check his property and just get out of the house. He gets more use out of it then I do now and my kids and nephew loves it during visits in winter as they do recreational fun with snowmobile.
dakotagun
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We've scratched around the UTV/Sled itch lately, too. I have an atv and it's been a great tool around the place (and fun, too). but momma doesn't drive it so a double-seated ride would be nice to tool around in (no serious outback stuff intended). BUT, we get plenty of snow here, and the kids are coming home for Christmas, and the grandson is getting older, and... what if I needed to (you know, dream up some scenario where the sled saves lives) get out after a huge blizzard desperate for food/water?? Nope, can't justify it, but I'm gonna pull the trigger anyhow, and get a used sled for less than $5k. We'll work on the UTV for next Christmas...
I don't know anything about maintenance on these, but I didn't about tractors a few years ago, neither.
I don't know anything about maintenance on these, but I didn't about tractors a few years ago, neither.