New ATV for hunting and foodpots???

[sparkysteve]

I'm looking into getting a quad this spring for general hunting and foodplot uses and maybe some trail riding, maybe a snowplow.  What engine size do you guys reccomend for foodplotting?  400 maybe?  We have a 4' wide disc and and 250 Fourtrax that won't pull it.  I'm looking at Hondas.  I like their transmisions.  I like the Rancher 4x4.  Anyone have any experience with them?  I'd like a lot of low end touque for plowing.  Any input would be great.  I made a deal with my wife that I'd quit smoking to buy a quad.  

[markc]

If you are planning on pulling a plow, personally I would recommend at least a 500cc machine, and preferably one with a dual range tranny.  4WD would be a good idea as well.     

[Will_C]

No matter what the brand, you need to go big, 500cc+ engine, 4wd, and an autoamatic transmission to save on shifting.
Will

[scrooge]

While there are plenty of choices out there,I would take a good look at the Kawasaki 750 brute force model..Twin cylinder 4x4 with all kinds of torque&power.....

[Booyah]

I have a 96 model Honda 300 which has a low range 1st gear and I pull my disc with it all the time. If I set the depth of the disc very deep, there is a lot pull against my Honda. What I do is set the depth no deeper than about 1 1/2 inch deep, I disc up the area then reset my depth to about 3" deep an disc again. This works good with my rig but I would suggest that your disc should have some type of depth control.

[Buckfever]

Gentlemen if your main use is food plot and pulling logs like a mini- skidder take a look at an older link suspension Artic Cat.  It has a 500 and it is geared very low.  I call mine my mini-skidder.  I have had it since 2001 and it has never given me an ounce of trouble and trust me I have used and abused it.   If you can find one in good shape just hook up what you want to use for the food plot and get at it.  I have the manual transmission which I think has even more torque.  This ATV was built from a work perspective only and therefore for me is a perfect fit.  You should be able to get one for a reasonable amount of money used and by the way they pull aggresive tires very well.  Most ATV'S are built for the trail, not this one!    Buckfever

[Greenhunter]

I just bought a Kubota RTV 900 Diesel and it hauls *ss! It's gonna make putting foodplots much easier. The hydralic dump bed is a plus too. The dealer delivered it in a great camo finish with winch, windshield and top installed. My wife likes the power steering and hydromatic tranny too. 

[IL-Cornfed]

We couldn't be any happier with our Honda Rancher AT, I know it's been a MUCH better machine for us than my 500 Polaris Sportsman! That is one thing I'll give Honda, you just can't beat 'em for dependabiility

[markc]

Nice foodplot.   DO you pull a plow with the Honda to prepare the soil?   What are you planting? 

[Barak Obomber]

I got a Bombardier 800 Max Outlander last year. Put a state plow on it and it really moved the snow, without chains. This machine put my dads big john deer garden tractor to shame. Is nice for trail riding and has the 2 rider option with a large comfortable seat for passenger and is removable when you want to ride one up. Tons of power and handles great. Put a 300 pound buck on back last fall and got it home no problem. Great reliable machine, kinda expensive but would be the last ATV you will buy.

[wapitichaser]

I second the Arctic Cat. They are made to work. I have a 700 FI and it is a brute. I use mine for hauling out elk and deer in Colorado at 11,000 ft. It loves to be loaded down. Trans works real good in Low . Front locker makes traction easy. Engine braking is great.

Good Luck!!!

[1 farmer]

I would go for the 500cc range. More cc isnt always better. My dad has a 650cc but the clutch throws in so high that you cant hardly haul anything under 5mph. Not good for food plotting. Just like trucks your going to get raves for all the different brands and the reasons why. I would go with a dealer that stocks parts and has good service in your area and your past experience. I have a 500 Honda but my brother has a 500 Suzuki, I wouldnt hesitate to own either. I have no experience with the other brands.