What ATV to buy

bota7800 · Mar 8, 2006

Hello, all.

I am in the market for an ATV to run to the barn and back and pull a trailer hauling hay or "used hay" for a 2-4 horse setup. I would like an RTV900 or the like but that's not in the budget.

I am only considering the primary Japanese motorcycle brands.

One choice is a 2x4 manual trans. 500cc unit. The price is very good.

Another choice is a 4WD 350 cc with electronic shift. Other than that they are similar.

Which do you think is more important for towing (the most taxing task) engine size or 4WD?

Is a manual trans OK?

I purposefully did not include the brands but if anyone has specific data or opinions regarding brands, feel free to include it.

Oh, I should say that our property is mostly flat with some slope but my Kubota B7800 doesn't have much trouble with it.

Thanks for any help.

SuperDave · Mar 8, 2006

I have an Arctic Cat 650 quad 4 x 4. The difference between 2wd and 4wd is huge. If you need it in the winter, there really is no option if you want to tow. Go with the 4x4.

avorancher · Mar 8, 2006

I have a Kawasaki 650 4wd that I bought for a similar purpose. I had a small utility 4x8 trailer, plus I purchased a special ATV trailer (plastic tub with ATV tires).

The 4wd is a necessity, but for me the most important thing was weight. I found that I could not pull a light load up or down (real scary going down) a slope without losing traction. I put 110lbs. (wife) on the back of the ATV and it helped a little, but not much. Power was never the problem, I could lock the differentials and easily spin all 4 wheels.

If your B7800 won't climb in high range with typical set of implements (FEL/Blade), then I don't think an ATV will do it with a trailer unless on pavement where you can get the traction.

FYI: I ended up with an RTV.

Nasty135 · Mar 8, 2006

bota, I agree with the other two posters: 4WD is a must when a trailer is involved... I had mine in 2WD pulling my 4'x8' trailer w/load and although it pulled it OK, It wasn't til I tried to back up a slight grade that it just started spinning tires.. Once 4wd engaged no-problem.. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just for some added input as to the capabilities of having a larger unit, Mine is a 500cc and I have taken my 16' full diamond plate tandem axle car/tractor trailer and towed it 100 yds. up a small slope with no problem and back down when I was finished with it...

This was not to say the machine would want a steady diet of that amount of load ,but I think it is rated to pull @ 1100lbs.
Hope this info helps a little... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

gamble77 · Mar 8, 2006

OK, lets be honest here. You say that you would love to have an RVT but that is cost too much. How much are you honestly looking to spend?

BB_TX · Mar 8, 2006

I would also go with the 4x4. But it is amazing what even a small 2wd will do. A couple years ago, at our deer camp one of the guys stuck his 4x4 surburban pulling a 4x8 trailer in a sloppy mud hole near tthe cabin. We had to disconnect the trailer and pull the trailer out with a Suzuki 125 2wd. We unloaded part of the stuff, but left a lot in it. The little Suzuki in granny gear just walked it right out. We have ridden it thru swampy areas with standing water hauling deer out. Bigger is not always better. For the most part, the higher CC, the larger the physical size, if you should want to take it elsewhere. I think the 350 4x4 will do all you need. But I am bias. A 350 4x4 ES is what I have. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bota7800 · Mar 8, 2006

First let me thank all for the responses. Since it is a type of equipment I have no experience with I appreciate the insights. I am sure I would be happier with a 650 4X4 but I can almost get small Mule in the same price range; I just don't want to tie that much up in this machine.

As to price, I don't want to spend over $5K if I can help it. The 2WD with the larger engine is on sale for $4300. The smaller engine 4x4 is about $1K more. Both are new (with no hidden dealer or freight charges!)

If I make a trade off I am trying to decide whether the larger engine or the 4WD is more beneficial.

Of course, if conditions are bad, I can always use the B7800.

BB_TX · Mar 9, 2006

If you are not in too big of a hurry, you might watch ebay. I was also in the market, but in no hurry. After 5-6 months, I found what I wanted nearby . A Rancher 350 ES 4x4. It only had 104 miles and looked brand new. And it was only 45 miles away so I could verify the description before I handed over my money. I paid $3500 for a 1 yr old machine. Had I bought new, it would have been ~$4200 plus tax. So I saved about $1K and got a like new machine.

kenmac · Mar 14, 2006

I bought a left over 05 polaris sportsman 400 all wheel drive auto. 3 months ago for $4750.00. Great riding machine with the independent suspension.I have 2 of my friends 1 with a yamaha & 1 with a honda trade for a polaris after they saw that my polaris with independent suspension didn't try to tip over when we got into ruts. Their machines had the straight axle in the rear.

Tractors4u · Mar 14, 2006

Ditto watching Ebay. There is a dealer on there, Breeselawngarden, that is a reputable seller and many times list on Ebay some of their trade ins. And they ship.