I'm looking to buy an ATV, something along the lines of the Polaris Xplorer 4x4 or the Magnum 325 4x4. I'm wanting one that I can tool around in the snow with, cut paths down to and through the pasture so I don't have to trudge through the snow in the winter, as well as a good working machine that I can use in the summer to haul a cart with for doing outdoor work/maintanance type stuff. Any suggestions on other models (have to be 4x4) or good places to buy from? New or used, doesn't really matter...just want a good working machine.

 

I've had very good luck with Polaris. I'm sure others can tell you more though.

 

yuck, i'd never buy a polaris (Pull Off Lake And Repair In Summer). in know it's a matter of opinion, but i've never liked polaris' stuff--seen too many break down. i've driven the traxter by bombardiar-very nice (but expensive). when getting inot the smaller machines, they seem more basic. i'm sure someone can post more info than i...

 

[quote author=98rammer link=board=10;threadid=6107;start=0#55540 date=1035212967]<br>yuck, i'd never buy a polaris (Pull Off Lake And Repair In Summer). in know it's a matter of opinion, but i've never liked polaris' stuff--seen too many break down. i've driven the traxter by bombardiar-very nice (but expensive). when getting inot the smaller machines, they seem more basic. i'm sure someone can post more info than i...<br>[/quote]<br><br>I've seen ads for Bombardier on TV and they look like pretty cool machines, but we don't have any dealers around here that sell them, mostly just Polaris... [undecided]

 

hey Ricki, do you remember the powerslides on a slick concrete floor we used to do with that Gator at the factory you work at? ;D ;D ;D

 

[quote author=Cattle Hauler link=board=10;threadid=6107;start=0#55544 date=1035213336]<br>Hey Java just buy a John Deere gator, they work great for cleaning horse stalls out and feeding. The gator is what we use 90% of the time on our place. Came on down and I will show you what all you can do with the gaotr;D<br><br>the only downfall verse a ATV is you don't have the speed. But mine will go everywhere on the farm I need to go. <br>[/quote]<br><br>The tires aren't big enough and there isn't enough clearance...I don't want to have to be diggin' that thing out of the snow bank at 5:30 in the morning.... ;D

 

I would stay away from Polaris ATVs. I have friends with them that would do anything to take it back and get a better one. I would buy Honda, Yamaha,or Kawasaki. The Kodiak, and Grizzly are great by Yamaha. I have a Big Bear 400 and love it. The Kawasaki Prarie 650 is a great bike also. Polaris bikes are about 200 lbs heavier than all other bikes and seem to be more problematic. The hubs do not shift well on the fly, you have to stop to disengauge 4X4. Test drive a few and see what you like best.

 

Speaking of Gators have you guys saw the John Deere Gators with the DIESEL engines!! ;D

 

or you can go with Arctic Cat ;D<br><br>ahemahemlookinmyprofileandyouwillseethat arcticcatsarethebestoffroadvehiclesontheplanetbuti 'mnotbiasahemahem.

 

I've a kawasaki prarie 400 &amp; use it pretty much as you describe.It was used with 3400 miles and still runs well and looks pretty good . It is a utility machine, so out here, it is in the minority if I take it to the dunes, but the automatic trans, with Low high and reverse, pulls the garden trailer around the yard well (wife likes automatic) and in the winter we go to the dunes, and beach comb after the summer crowd of crazies are gone. ;D<br>SNOW---- if it gets too deep it wont go!!!!!! :'( Montana taught me that!!<br> You can get snow plows for them (Handy!!!!) getting one unstuck .....like a snowmobile ...CAN be frustating and tiring.<br>If you have Lots of snow (Michigan? :) a snowmobile in the winter may be a better choice, or a trackster.. A 400 cc or better is best if you plan on hauling and pulling a lot. The new Honda is very nice ..spendy... but, it would last a long time used on a small farm stead. They are all fun .. but get one that has a running board so your feet can't slip off of pedals and get caught under a rear wheel.

 

This will be my first ever ATV and have only ever ridden one once, so know absolutely nothing about them. Have done a little research Online and with a few dealers in town. I'm definitely going to check out my different options–not going to buy the first one I hop on and drive, and I think I'll stay away from Polaris. Thanks for giving me some direction!

 

yeah artic cat is good too. I forgot them. They have a good bike for a good price.

 

[quote author=Duelin link=board=10;threadid=6107;start=0#55595 date=1035223242]
I've a kawasaki prarie 400 &amp; use it pretty much as you describe.It was used with 3400 miles and still runs well and looks pretty good . It is a utility machine, so out here, it is in the minority if I take it to the dunes, but the automatic trans, with Low high and reverse, pulls the garden trailer around the yard well (wife likes automatic) and in the winter we go to the dunes, and beach comb after the summer crowd of crazies are gone. ;D
SNOW---- if it gets too deep it wont go!!!!!! :'( Montana taught me that!!
You can get snow plows for them (Handy!!!!) getting one unstuck .....like a snowmobile ...CAN be frustating and tiring.
If you have Lots of snow (Michigan? :) a snowmobile in the winter may be a better choice, or a trackster.. A 400 cc or better is best if you plan on hauling and pulling a lot. The new Honda is very nice ..spendy... but, it would last a long time used on a small farm stead. They are all fun .. but get one that has a running board so your feet can't slip off of pedals and get caught under a rear wheel.
[/quote]

Yep, was thinking about getting a plow for it too...man, it's AMAZING the things you can outfit those machines with!! I never knew... . Yeah, I pretty much figured it wouldn't go through really deep snow, much like most vehicles : ;D. I don't want a snowmobile, although dealing with snow nine months out of the year, it seems that would be a logical answer, but I want something I can use year 'round. Mostly it'd be a back-up for after the plow guy comes, keeping snow off my walkways daily in places where the plow guy can't go, hauling hay/feed to the horses, checking fence lines and watering troughs, stuff like that.