I did have a chance to ride a Suzuki 750 kingquad this fall. Very nice machine, lots of power, not sure of the reliability, the fit and finish seemed real nice. The only thing I did not care for were the deep footwells compared to the flat ones of the Grizzly. Seems like everyone around our camp rides Polaris and from what I have heard the 500ho from 2004.5 and up is a decent machine. Another great machine if you are coming from the sportquad world would be a Kawasaki Prairie 650 or BF650A.
atv's
- Thread starter husky455rancher
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benp
Addicted to ArboristSite
They are all good, they all are junk. Just like anything else mechanical.
One isn't magically better than others.
If you buy new it all comes down to dealer support and who you get the best vibe from.
One isn't magically better than others.
If you buy new it all comes down to dealer support and who you get the best vibe from.
haveawoody
Addicted to ArboristSite
If your looking for something that can take you fishing to the most gawd awful acess place, pull trees through the same bush, act as a tree winch, go through terrain that a quad would never make.
Then get an Argo.
Not built for speed but for everything else, even floats and goes through ponds and goes through mud pits bigfoot would have trouble in.
Get a 6 pack or even an 8 pack argo then never look at quads the same way again.
<img src=http://www.argoatv.com/_images/HomeYellowArgo.gif>
Then get an Argo.
Not built for speed but for everything else, even floats and goes through ponds and goes through mud pits bigfoot would have trouble in.
Get a 6 pack or even an 8 pack argo then never look at quads the same way again.
<img src=http://www.argoatv.com/_images/HomeYellowArgo.gif>
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memory
ArboristSite Guru
I disagree on that part. We have almost 12,000 miles on our Rubicon and hardly any trouble out of the transmission. I think an angle sensor went out but no biggie. And we use it for work too, constantly pulling and hauling stuff. Of course the bad part about it is if something major does happen to the transmission, it will be a costly fix since the whole transmission has to be replaced and can't be repaired even by a Honda dealer.
brenndatomu
Hey you woodchucks, quit chucking my wood!
Yeah, I'm not saying that they are all junk, but that as a dealer mechanic, we seen quite a few come in needing work, a disproportionate amount, brand wise. Some people seem to have a knack for tearing things up, some get along fine with less durable equipment. You must have a good one and be in the latter category. The angle sensors were a real problem 8-10 years ago, I think they have the worst of that problem worked out now, I dunno, been outta the biz since 2006. But like I said I'm a Honda guy, still own a couple myself, it's just that the competition has stepped it up and there are a lot of other good choices out there now.
Like someone else already said, for you, it may come down to what brand line has a good parts and service dept nearby you.
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dustytools
Addicted to ArboristSite
Dont rule out the trusty ole Kawasaki Bayou. I have a 97 4X4 300 and that thing has been through hell and back and still runs great. Only things that Ive done to it so far are replace the seals where the driveshafts enter the cases, muffler and front drive shaft. The starter went out on me a few weeks ago but they can be had cheap on ebay if you buy aftermarket. It is full time 4X4 with high/ low shifter. It hasnt seen much action since we bought the Polaris Ranger but Im gonna keep it around for snow pushing duty.
Finch12
ArboristSite Lurker
I have a John Deere 2012 XUV 825i side by side but given your criteria I don't think you're wanting a SxS so I'll share my limited ATV experience. My neighbour has a Honda, loves the engine, but his bike has problems from time to time. It's a 500cc from the mid 2000's. My brother had a 2007 Polaris Sportsman EFI 800 and that thing was a breakdown mobile. I don't think there was a time that he had it that he went out and came back with the thing not needing some kind of repair. Brakes, solenoids, CV, A-Arm, it went on and on. Now, in the bikes defense, he purchased it used and it could very well have been ridden hard and put away wet, which is often the case with used ATVs/Dirtbikes/Saws/Power Equipment. That's exactly why I purchased my SxS new. I know how much water it's been run through, if the things been seviced, ect, ect. Good luck and whatever road you take, ensure that you've inspected the machine thoroughly and give it a ride before exchanging cash. As an aside, the side by side is the best damned thing I've purchased in awhile and I love how capable the XUV is in the bush. Yeah it's wider but the thing is the equivalent to a Humvee in the bush. The dump box is 4' x 4' and the hydraulics are a dream!!
oppermancjo
ArboristSite Operative
Here's my experience with a few different brands...
We still have our first ATV. 1985 Honda Big Red 3 Wheeler, 250cc. That thing is a champ! I grew up riding it and beating the living tar out of it and it's still going strong. The only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is that a bolt loosened up in the transmission and it wouldn't shift. Very common with those apparently. Aside from a current carb gasket leaking, that is all. Not bad for a 27 year old machine...
When I was 16, I wanted a quad bad. What I really wanted was a Honda 400EX. Dad got me a deal on a Polaris Trail Boss. Total Turd!! It was 330cc but what I wanted was a sport quad. This was right in the middle and wasn't good for sport, or work. If you wanted to cruise then ok but it was a pig in mud and only 2 wheel drive. I sold it after a few years.
Dad bought a used Yamaha Kodiak 350 a few years back. I did notice that it is really only a 3x4 and not a true 4x4 but it had some serious meats on it for tires. They were aftermarket tires but that thing would go through some stuff! I also found it worked well enough for pulling logs and whatnot.
My most recent is a brand new Polaris Sportsman 550 EFI. So far, I love it! Put a plow and winch on it. I could have saved some money and gone with a 500 but I really wanted EFI. After buying my snowmobile and "cheaping out" to go with a carb over EFI, I really regretted it. 2 things I'm not a fan of with the Sportsman, the factory tires aren't particularly aggressive and I really prefer good old fashioned steel tube racks instead of the plastic ones they have. I was pulling 8' long 30" wide Cottonwood logs without too much trouble. The other thing I really like is that it has an actual 1 1/4" hitch receiver instead of the typical pin hitch.
Final point, as with all used equipment, check it over. If you can find something from suburbia with a plow, you can bet that's all they used it for. If it's coming from out in the country, then chances are it's been used for its true purpose. That's why I went with a new one. I paid more of course but I also know the local Polaris dealer well. At least I know that whatever happens to it is because of me and not someone else.
We still have our first ATV. 1985 Honda Big Red 3 Wheeler, 250cc. That thing is a champ! I grew up riding it and beating the living tar out of it and it's still going strong. The only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is that a bolt loosened up in the transmission and it wouldn't shift. Very common with those apparently. Aside from a current carb gasket leaking, that is all. Not bad for a 27 year old machine...
When I was 16, I wanted a quad bad. What I really wanted was a Honda 400EX. Dad got me a deal on a Polaris Trail Boss. Total Turd!! It was 330cc but what I wanted was a sport quad. This was right in the middle and wasn't good for sport, or work. If you wanted to cruise then ok but it was a pig in mud and only 2 wheel drive. I sold it after a few years.
Dad bought a used Yamaha Kodiak 350 a few years back. I did notice that it is really only a 3x4 and not a true 4x4 but it had some serious meats on it for tires. They were aftermarket tires but that thing would go through some stuff! I also found it worked well enough for pulling logs and whatnot.
My most recent is a brand new Polaris Sportsman 550 EFI. So far, I love it! Put a plow and winch on it. I could have saved some money and gone with a 500 but I really wanted EFI. After buying my snowmobile and "cheaping out" to go with a carb over EFI, I really regretted it. 2 things I'm not a fan of with the Sportsman, the factory tires aren't particularly aggressive and I really prefer good old fashioned steel tube racks instead of the plastic ones they have. I was pulling 8' long 30" wide Cottonwood logs without too much trouble. The other thing I really like is that it has an actual 1 1/4" hitch receiver instead of the typical pin hitch.
Final point, as with all used equipment, check it over. If you can find something from suburbia with a plow, you can bet that's all they used it for. If it's coming from out in the country, then chances are it's been used for its true purpose. That's why I went with a new one. I paid more of course but I also know the local Polaris dealer well. At least I know that whatever happens to it is because of me and not someone else.
beerman6
Addicted to ArboristSite
If you plan on riding one of those hard,make sure you have a chiropractor on stand by :hmm3grin2orange:
I need to get mine finished.
as far as ATV's go,I use to race as well,86 TRX250R and a 88 Tecate4 (miss those days) I have ridden a Polaris 500cc 4x4 on trails and it was awesome,never expected that kinda handling out of a utility quad.
Not sure how good they are for work,but very nice on the trails...
Bought this used several years ago. Absolutely love it. 2005 Honda Rincon. Its more of a trail cruiser than a "work" machine. 650cc, 3speed auto, or elec. shift. 4wd, independent front & rear suspension. The only thing that would be better on this machine for pulling heavy loads would be a low range for the trans.
That being said, I have used it for just such things, and it will get the job done. I usually use a tractor for such things though. The difference in this and the old 1987 Fourtrax 250 is night & day.:biggrin: That still runs, must have a million miles on it. Can't beat a Honda ATV in my opinion. Darn near bought a Polaris. But happened to come across this, and changed my mind.
Happy with it so far.
Gregg,
That being said, I have used it for just such things, and it will get the job done. I usually use a tractor for such things though. The difference in this and the old 1987 Fourtrax 250 is night & day.:biggrin: That still runs, must have a million miles on it. Can't beat a Honda ATV in my opinion. Darn near bought a Polaris. But happened to come across this, and changed my mind.
Happy with it so far.
Gregg,
brenndatomu
Hey you woodchucks, quit chucking my wood!
I second beerdudes chiropractor statement! I rebuilt the transmissions on my former BILs Argo 6x6 two years ago, rode it around for a while afterwards, R-R-R-R-Rough! I have no doubt that those babys will take you back into the wilderness like no other machine, but, if ya just want a general purpose 4x4 quad....this is a different machine. Plus, just for riding around, IMO, they're bout as much fun as goin cruisin around town in a skid steer! Hmmm....wait a minute, that could be fun though....:hmm3grin2orange:
Finch12
ArboristSite Lurker
Argos are cool, but do kinda lack in the "fun" quotient. +1 to Canada however for these machines which are made in Ontario. They are real brutes but they are purpose built for work, and not so much for the play aspect.
I have an '01 Polaris Xplorer 250 and an '09 Polaris Sportsman 550XP. Here's my list of things to consider:
* If you do fancy the 2 strokes, look at the Xplorer line. They stopped making them around '02?? or so. They came in 250cc, 300cc and 400cc. They are utility models with hi/lo range.
* For work, be sure it has hi/lo range selection
* Do not hesitate to consider a belt drive which include pretty much any recent Polaris or Yamaha and probably other makes as well.
* I personally like the way the Polaris AWD operates. It's a clutch system in the front end that engages on demand in both hi and lo ranges. Some brands only allow both front wheels to engage when in lo range and it must be done manually.
* Get a winch
* With one exception that I know of, none of them have a rear differential. This means you need to be very careful when driving across the lawn to avoid digging it up. (Polaris does offer a few models with a rear differential)
I've mentioned Polaris a lot but that's only because that's what I'm familiar with. You really can't go wrong with any of the major brands.
* If you do fancy the 2 strokes, look at the Xplorer line. They stopped making them around '02?? or so. They came in 250cc, 300cc and 400cc. They are utility models with hi/lo range.
* For work, be sure it has hi/lo range selection
* Do not hesitate to consider a belt drive which include pretty much any recent Polaris or Yamaha and probably other makes as well.
* I personally like the way the Polaris AWD operates. It's a clutch system in the front end that engages on demand in both hi and lo ranges. Some brands only allow both front wheels to engage when in lo range and it must be done manually.
* Get a winch
* With one exception that I know of, none of them have a rear differential. This means you need to be very careful when driving across the lawn to avoid digging it up. (Polaris does offer a few models with a rear differential)
I've mentioned Polaris a lot but that's only because that's what I'm familiar with. You really can't go wrong with any of the major brands.
John_DeereGreen
ArboristSite Operative
If you're looking for work and play, a side by side is what you need...
I had a 350 Rancher with about 6K miles on it and it was great, but no comparison to my Kawasaki Teryx...
I had a 350 Rancher with about 6K miles on it and it was great, but no comparison to my Kawasaki Teryx...
i have an 07 griz 700 with power steering - 3800miles on it and not a problem - hands down the most comfy on trails
haveawoody
Addicted to ArboristSite
beerman6,
All comes down to tire pressure on an Argo.
Softish tires and it takes the bumps as well or better than any quad.
I've ridden both and a quad hitting a rock with one tire is much worse than an argo.
Beer and a soft cushion help in an argo or any quad though
All comes down to tire pressure on an Argo.
Softish tires and it takes the bumps as well or better than any quad.
I've ridden both and a quad hitting a rock with one tire is much worse than an argo.
Beer and a soft cushion help in an argo or any quad though
haveawoody
Addicted to ArboristSite
brenndatomu,
I think most people that own an Argo tend to keep the tire pressure up to high and then yep it's a rough ride.
With softish tires it's pretty smooth going over things that would have serious impact on a quad.
Both a quad and an argo have different uses i think.
A quad sure is fun to ride around but in rough terrain the argo is just so much beyond a quad.
Then again your not going to win to many races on an argo unless it's a boulder race LOL
I think most people that own an Argo tend to keep the tire pressure up to high and then yep it's a rough ride.
With softish tires it's pretty smooth going over things that would have serious impact on a quad.
Both a quad and an argo have different uses i think.
A quad sure is fun to ride around but in rough terrain the argo is just so much beyond a quad.
Then again your not going to win to many races on an argo unless it's a boulder race LOL
rottiman
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This one gets me into and out of some tough places.
I've had 3 four wheelers in 12 years. First was a yamaha bear tracker 250 2 wd. It was alright in the woods but no good for steep ground and any towing or anything like that. Next was a suzuki king quad 300 with 3 ranges and front diff lock. Put 3k miles on it as a farm vehicle. Sold it and went to a 500 arctic cat and it was a lot bigger work horse than any of the other 3. My grandpa purchased a side by side and after using it I don't think I'd go back to an atv for a farm work vehicle. The atv is great for a hunting rig still but side by side is awesome for farm work.
