Considering an ATV | GTAMotorcycle.com

Considering an ATV

Jampy00

Jampy00

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Thinking about an ATV for utility use around the property.
Considering used as it will no be abused.
Potential uses will be, snow removal, hauling small loads, winch work.
Would like 4WD and auto transmission. Does not need to go fast.

My Kubota BX1880 is awesome, but not ideal for "off road" use in the snow.
Don't have any experience with ATV's so what should I be considering and what should I expect to spend?

Not in a rush to get one so have time to consider options.
 
Jampy00 said:
Automatic = wife can use it.
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Even manual are semi-automatic normally. No clutch. Just put it to the bar in first and she can get anywhere in less than a minute. Automatic upgrade is less than $500 though so if it is really important, its not crazy expensive.

@Mad Mike has a handful of atvs. I own none but have ridden a few. I find them hateful annoying things and pick almost any other vehicle when I can. Given the limited area you are exploring, I would probably buy tire chains for the tractor and skip the atv.
 
No, not going to get into it, but trust me the tractor does not do well in deep snow, frozen ground. While I agree ATV'S can be annoying, for my uses it would be a suitable choice
 
Have a pair of 2021 Sportsman 570 base models bought new...no issues, just added winch, front brush guard and 10"led bar, wife is happy so am I. Just use them most at property up north and on trails, good on fuel and produces 44hp.
 
My buddy has a CANAM 650 up north for his property for same use as you. He’s looking for a 1000cc now because the 650 isn’t strong enough for the snow removal up there. It starts riding up as it’s too light.

The rest of the stuff you want to do a 650 should work, but moving lots of snow…you need weight and lots of torque so I’d recommend going as high in power as your budget allows.
 
GP_RZ said:
Have a pair of 2021 Sportsman 570 base models bought new...no issues, just added winch, front brush guard and 10"led bar, wife is happy so am I. Just use them most at property up north and on trails, good on fuel and produces 44hp.
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I have a couple of Polaris ATVs. They get used for exploring all year long, and one plows a lot of snow. ATVs are a little harder to operate than a little tractors but still easy to learn.

For a farm vehicle, is probably go with a side-by-side with a box. Not as good for pounding trails, but better suited for farm duties. You might appreciate options like covered cab and heater when plowing, and the car-like simplicity of driving the thing.

Tractor dealers service/sell Deere, Kubota,Bobcat. Powersports dealers for Yamaha,Polaris,Honda,Canam,Kwai and CFMoto Stay away from Arctic cat.

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mimico_polak said:
My buddy has a CANAM 650 up north for his property for same use as you. He’s looking for a 1000cc now because the 650 isn’t strong enough for the snow removal up there. It starts riding up as it’s too light.

The rest of the stuff you want to do a 650 should work, but moving lots of snow…you need weight and lots of torque so I’d recommend going as high in power as your budget allows.
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He might need plowing lessons. The diff in power and weight between a 650 and 1000 won’t make plowing easier. Before I got the 700, we plowud our north place with a 20 year old 300cc.

Plowing takes patience. ATV should be in low range. If the blade is flopping over, or the unit spins or climbs on top of the snow - too fast, wrong gear range. My 570 sees mountains of snow each season, it handles things fine. It did take a while to become proficient.
 
Mad Mike said:
He might need plowing lessons. The diff in power and weight between a 650 and 1000 won’t make plowing easier. Before I got the 700, we plowud our north place with a 20 year old 300cc.

Plowing takes patience. ATV should be in low range. If the blade is flopping over, or the unit spins or climbs on top of the snow - too fast, wrong gear range. My 570 sees mountains of snow each season, it handles things fine. It did take a while to become proficient.
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Alright I’ll let him know next time I see him. He’s been struggling with plowing with the 650 so he said he’s looking for bigger.
 
mimico_polak said:
Alright I’ll let him know next time I see him. He’s been struggling with plowing with the 650 so he said he’s looking for bigger.
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I doubt 1000 will help him. As mm said, minimal difference in weight (and you are traction limited not hp limited).

Now, your buddy have an issue with too long between clearings. Show up at your weekend retreat and have feet of snow that sat for weeks and a little plow will struggle. A vehicle (truck, tractor, etc) mounted snowblower is a good option for infrequent big jobs.

Alternatively, friends with a cottage up north put plow mounts on their trucks. V plow lives at the cottage near the road. Hook up plow and clear driveway on the way in. V plow on a 2500 or 3500 makes quick work of the job.
 
Would an older beat up pick up truck do the job around the property?
 
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All good ideas.
Pick up or side by side would be great, but I need something to travel over unmaintained property in the winter months.
My tractor is awesome but does not have ground clearance when using snow blower etc.
A utility ATV in my opinion would suit my requirements the best.

Lastly I have to consider my budget now... I'm broke... Lol
 
oioioi said:
Would and older beat up pick up truck do the job around the property?
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I like that option, but in an old Jeep Wrangler 2 door with a Soft top. Remove the Bach seat and you have a killer plow/side by side.
 
Have a conversation with your wife to see if she'll actually use it first if you haven't done so already. 570's are plenty for what you're doing and are light enough to be easy to operate. We sold our ATV and plow because I preferred bikes in the summer and my wife had no interest riding it. Power steering is awesome if in the budget. Unless you want it as a play-thing or need a smaller thing to get into treed areas I'd second the utility SXS or plow-truck option over the ATV.
 
A side by side, ATV and a Jeep will all handle the same terrain, the Jeep will pull and plow, and if you plate it, you can wheel her into town on date nite.

If it’s mostly budget, I’d go for the Jeep. A $3000 or 15 year old ATV will be expensive PIA to maintain.
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
Have a conversation with your wife to see if she'll actually use it first if you haven't done so already. 570's are plenty for what you're doing and are light enough to be easy to operate. We sold our ATV and plow because I preferred bikes in the summer and my wife had no interest riding it. Power steering is awesome if in the budget. Unless you want it as a play-thing or need a smaller thing to get into treed areas I'd second the utility SXS or plow-truck option over the ATV.
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I second the power steering. I have it on one of mine, for plowing it’s a godsend. The gals in my life are comfortable on PS equipped bikes, they won’t ride standards.
 
I guess I need to explain my situation a bit better as this thread is going in the wrong direction.
The requirement is for a small vehicle that is driven close to my home. Think bringing firewood to back door...
Perhaps I should have left plowing out of the equation as this would be a nice to have and not a necessity.
It needs to be a small yet somewhat capable vehicle. This is why I'm considering an ATV as anything else is to large.
But I'd love to have a truck, jeep, side by side. If you're interested in buying me one let me know... Lol
 
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