Educate me about ATV's

[10range]

This year I have been cutting most of my wood on land where the wood supply is at least 100 feet from the closest point I can get my truck to. This means I have been carrying/rolling everything that I cut. I am starting to look at finding a used 4-wheeler to make the task easier. I have no knowledge about these so I am wondering if you can give me some advice on what to look for? Engine size, transmission type, other important factors?

The primary use would be to haul wood. Any advice or suggestions would be welcome.

 

[firefighterjake]

I suspect you'll find that you will get the same response if you ask what truck you should buy or what saw you should get . . . most folks will say to go with the brand that they currently own or have bought and have many good arguments as to why they made the choice they did.

Size: While any adult sized ATV will work (300 cc and up say) I suspect that the ideal ATV would be around 400-600 cc in engine size . . . you can go bigger and there is not a problem with having more power (gotta say that since I'm a guy and there's no such thing as too much power, right?) but with more power usually comes more weight, fuel usage, bigger price tag and to be honest usually it's not needed that much or often.

Transmission: Your choice for a utility ATV will either be a true fully automatic transmission where you get on it, put the ATV into drive and then don't worry about shifting the gears as the ATV will do so automatically as you give more or less throttle . . . or what I would call a semi-full automatic like a Honda where you don't use a clutch but you do need to manually shift up or down with a foot lever or electronic shift near the thumb. Full automatic may be easier for a newbie, but I think for work it's more important that whatever transmission you go with have the ability to put the gear into a granny gear.

Truth be told I think most manufacturers today make some decent ATVs for work . . . at one time there were a few I would have stayed clear of (i.e. ones with chain drives, two strokes), and there are some today that I think are better built and favor, but I also suspect as long as you stay away from the Chinese knock-offs and stick with one where you can access a local dealer for parts and service you should be good.

That said . . . I will admit that I favor Honda ATVs for work. I'll be up front and say that generally these are not the best ATVs for trail riding . . . they're getting better, but there are a lot of other manufacturers that make better riding ATVs and ATVs with cooler features. However, a Honda Foreman or even a Rancher is near bullet proof when it comes to work. They do not have the latest and greatest features, but a solid axle, low riding center of gravity and low granny gear makes for a very good ATV for work.

 

[oilstinks]

Whats your price range? Do you need 4WD? You could get aaway with 2WD if all the land is flat. Im with jake on the Honda. I own a Bombardier and Hondas. Used or new? Used youll be hard pressed to get a better value than a honda 300 utility but a 400 or 450 would be better. The 500 forman would be my choice for new. A kawasaki prarie vtwin would also be one to look at. just my opinon.

 

[firefighterjake]

Whats your price range? Do you need 4WD? You could get aaway with 2WD if all the land is flat. Im with jake on the Honda. I own a Bombardier and Hondas. Used or new? Used youll be hard pressed to get a better value than a honda 300 utility but a 400 or 450 would be better. The 500 forman would be my choice for new. A kawasaki prarie vtwin would also be one to look at. just my opinon.

Guy I knew that used to be a Bombardier/Skidoo dealer told me that supposedly when Bombardier got into building ATVs they took a look at reliability reports and based a lot of their initial designs on Hondas . . . which may speak some to the quality of these two brands . . . or at least the reliability several years back . . . as I said, I suspect many of the other manufacturers have got better with quality.

Indidentally, have you seen the two Bombardier UTVs they have . . . a few look kind of sharp . . . not that I'm ready to ditch my ol' Foreman.

 

[quads]

What Jake said. First and foremost is low range/low gear transmission. Ideally a 500cc 4 wheel drive ATV, or a utility vehicle such as a Ranger, Gator, etc. But, a 300cc 2 wheel drive ATV can work well, as long as it has a low gear.

Or, places such as Northern Tool sell small 4wd diesel tractors for around $8000 last I looked!!

 

[Exmasonite]

On a slight tangent but to the OP and responders: Is an ATV a viable wood hauling option? I'm debating a similar purchase but think that i'm going to hold out for the UTV with integrated dump.

 

[10range]

Whats your price range? Do you need 4WD? You could get aaway with 2WD if all the land is flat. Im with jake on the Honda. I own a Bombardier and Hondas. Used or new? Used youll be hard pressed to get a better value than a honda 300 utility but a 400 or 450 would be better. The 500 forman would be my choice for new. A kawasaki prarie vtwin would also be one to look at. just my opinon.

Good questions which probably will be dictated by what I can find. I will defiantly be looking at used machines because of price. At this point it would still be considered a luxury so if I don't fine something I will just have to continue to carry by hand.

Looking at the question, I probably should have asked something along the lines of what the minimum requirements would be. Even though I didn't ask that, you guys have basically answered that question!

As far as price range I guess that would depend also. Being new to this I have no idea what good and bad prices are. I know there will be a wide range of answers to this but any thoughts on what kind of price range I am looking at or is there some sort of price reference on the web to give me some ideas?

Thanks again for answering some noobie questions.

 

[firefighterjake]

On a slight tangent but to the OP and responders: Is an ATV a viable wood hauling option? I'm debating a similar purchase but think that i'm going to hold out for the UTV with integrated dump.

Most definitely reasonable . . . you'll just want a half decent trailer, sledge, winch, etc.

In my own case I tend to buck up the firewood in the woods and haul the wood out to my truck/trailer with my ATV and trailer . . . other folks haul the wood out in longer lengths with a sledge, drag, winch, etc. and process it outside of the woods.

 

[firefighterjake]

Whats your price range? Do you need 4WD? You could get aaway with 2WD if all the land is flat. Im with jake on the Honda. I own a Bombardier and Hondas. Used or new? Used youll be hard pressed to get a better value than a honda 300 utility but a 400 or 450 would be better. The 500 forman would be my choice for new. A kawasaki prarie vtwin would also be one to look at. just my opinon.

Good questions which probably will be dictated by what I can find. I will defiantly be looking at used machines because of price. At this point it would still be considered a luxury so if I don't fine something I will just have to continue to carry by hand.

Looking at the question, I probably should have asked something along the lines of what the minimum requirements would be. Even though I didn't ask that, you guys have basically answered that question!

As far as price range I guess that would depend also. Being new to this I have no idea what good and bad prices are. I know there will be a wide range of answers to this but any thoughts on what kind of price range I am looking at or is there some sort of price reference on the web to give me some ideas?

Thanks again for answering some noobie questions.

Prices no doubt will vary depending on where you are in terms of time of year and location . . . for example . . . right now as we make the transition here from Winter to Spring demand for ATVs will be up . . . which means folks will be selling more of them, but you might not get a steal of a deal as you might if someone was looking to get rid of their ATV right before Christmas or during the winter . . . whereas right now is a good time to get a good deal on a snowmobile.

To get an idea of prices I would check out your local weekly shopper or craigslist . . . if you see something you are curious about post a link and I am sure folks here could give you some insight as to if it is a good deal or not and what that particular make/model may have for issues.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

On a slight tangent but to the OP and responders: Is an ATV a viable wood hauling option? I'm debating a similar purchase but think that i'm going to hold out for the UTV with integrated dump.

Either an atv or utv will do the trick. The utv will cost more and will need more room for turning around and getting into some tight places. The dump box can be nice for sure.

For size, I've hauled a lot of wood on a trailer with a 250, a 450 and now have a 700. The 250 was okay so long as the snow wasn't deep and I didn't need 4wd. It was handy for working in tight quarters. The 450 was much better though with the extra power, high/low range and 4wd. Now I have a 700 and it is amazing.


Here is a picture of the 450 and trailer.
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This is the 700. We hauled a lot of logs this year on the dray plus lots of trailer loads. The power is awesome and it will go through much more than the 450 would. It also drinks lots more gas.

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[savageactor7]

ATV's are a useful tool IF you use 'em on your own land imo.

Now if you have to start trailing them around...I dunno. When I first started I wheelbarrowed cut rounds more than 100' threw the woods. And I was grateful to have that wheelbarrow to use. Couldn't do that now...depends on your age I guess.

Sounds like you're a scrounger 10range. If so there comes a point when your cost benefit ratio of heating with wood gets thrown out the window. If I was a scrounger I'd want to keep it simple.

 

[kettensäge]

I would recommend a semi auto or full manual transmission. My Kawasaki Lakota has a semi auto. I would stay away from a belt drive trans if you are using this for work instead of play. 4wd is required if you want to go in snow deeper that 3" or use chains.

I used my Lakota to push my daughters old Cavalier into my garage to do an engine change. Yes it was way over capacity for the quad but it got the job done. nice and slow, first gear, flat, level, gravel driveway into the garage. 300cc's, 4 stroke, 2wd. This wouldn't be something I did everday but it did surprise me that it was capable of pushing a car.
I don't use mine to collect wood, just pleasure ride and drag the splitter around, but I am sure that it will tow a 700 lb. trailer load of wood just as good as it tows the splitter. I would replace it with a Prarie, I am partial to Kaw's.



The Cavalier is long gone, she just got a new Focus, I like it better than a Smart car or Prius, ....Opps thats a different thread.

 

[woodmeister]

I wanted something basic that required little maintenance, so in 04' I bought a new Suzuki eiger 400 auto, air cooled, cable shift 4x4 I plow with it haul with it and have yet to have a problem. I don't know if you can even get them that basic these days.

 

[10range]

ATV's are a useful tool IF you use 'em on your own land imo.

Now if you have to start trailing them around...I dunno. When I first started I wheelbarrowed cut rounds more than 100' threw the woods. And I was grateful to have that wheelbarrow to use. Couldn't do that now...depends on your age I guess.

Sounds like you're a scrounger 10range. If so there comes a point when your cost benefit ratio of heating with wood gets thrown out the window. If I was a scrounger I'd want to keep it simple.

The primary area that I cut on is 25 acres of heavily wooded land owned by family. Most likely the atv would be stored there also.

As for snow, I usually try to avoid cutting in snow too much. The land is also fairly well drained. Will 4 wheel drive be much of an advantage in conditions other than snowy/muddy conditions? What I am cutting this spring will be used for the 12-13 heating season so I can be somewhat selective about what conditions I cut in.

 

[firefighterjake]

ATV's are a useful tool IF you use 'em on your own land imo.

Now if you have to start trailing them around...I dunno. When I first started I wheelbarrowed cut rounds more than 100' threw the woods. And I was grateful to have that wheelbarrow to use. Couldn't do that now...depends on your age I guess.

Sounds like you're a scrounger 10range. If so there comes a point when your cost benefit ratio of heating with wood gets thrown out the window. If I was a scrounger I'd want to keep it simple.

The primary area that I cut on is 25 acres of heavily wooded land owned by family. Most likely the atv would be stored there also.

As for snow, I usually try to avoid cutting in snow too much. The land is also fairly well drained. Will 4 wheel drive be much of an advantage in conditions other than snowy/muddy conditions? What I am cutting this spring will be used for the 12-13 heating season so I can be somewhat selective about what conditions I cut in.

4WD is obviously useful for snow and mud . . . but it also helps sometimes when you're hauling out a load on uneven terrain (and if you're in the woods there is a good chance you may have some uneven terrain) . . . when you're under load and one or two tires is not making contact or good contact with the ground it's handy to have 4WD to keep you going.

 

[bpirger]

I'd suggest thinking about a winch. I have 44 acres and have been restricted to cutting next to my logging access roads. The kids hate carrying blocks through the bush to the wagon on the trail, as do I, and I find it nearly impossible to get the atv with a wagon in very close, unless I want to clear sll the little trees, etc. Maybe I should do that, I don't know. But I recently bought a winch, in my case for my 3PT on the tractor, and oh what a difference. Up to 150' away, I can drop the tree and drag it in...maybe in a couple of pieces...right to the roadway. I don't think the ATV winch has the power for this...but maybe a winch on the truck? There are other things like capstan winches as well. Just a thought. I think in the end it eould be more productive, but I know 15 years ago it was all just a dream to me (as was the tractor, building a house, and buying the land....)

I would recommend a "gear" type transmission as opposed to the automatics with belts. I think this kind of heavy work, which usually results in machine abuse, needs something solid. I have a Bombardier Traxter...the heaviest atv I could find at the time because I primarily use it for plowing snow from the 900' driveway. Been pretty good for me, but I apparenly did break a front drive axle or something just in the last snowfall...slamming hard into some snowbanks after I pushed them back with the tractor...trying to make more room for more snow!

Try and think a bit about a winch....it is very nice. If not possible, perhaps you can use a rope and pull with the truck. In such a case, a snatch block makes all the difference. Wire rope would be a real PITA, but there's the Amsteel Blue rope which is likely very easy to work with. If you had a helper that could drive the truck, and you could choke the wood in the bush, it might be fairly quick and easy. Having the winch now, the kids and I are extremely pleased to see the log length trees pulled right in front of the woodshed. Much quicker, much easier, and much safer too. Pulling down the snagged trees is a breeze...as opposed to cutting and wondering what may fall upon your head! Just some other thoughts...I didn't seem them mentioned. Be safe!

 

[Backwoods Savage]

ATV's are a useful tool IF you use 'em on your own land imo.

Now if you have to start trailing them around...I dunno. When I first started I wheelbarrowed cut rounds more than 100' threw the woods. And I was grateful to have that wheelbarrow to use. Couldn't do that now...depends on your age I guess.

Sounds like you're a scrounger 10range. If so there comes a point when your cost benefit ratio of heating with wood gets thrown out the window. If I was a scrounger I'd want to keep it simple.

The primary area that I cut on is 25 acres of heavily wooded land owned by family. Most likely the atv would be stored there also.

As for snow, I usually try to avoid cutting in snow too much. The land is also fairly well drained. Will 4 wheel drive be much of an advantage in conditions other than snowy/muddy conditions? What I am cutting this spring will be used for the 12-13 heating season so I can be somewhat selective about what conditions I cut in.

Only if you have some hills you have to go up. I hauled a lot of wood out with our little 250 and that did not have 4wd. However, one thing it did have going for it was that you could shift it. Today all the atvs you can't shift except for high/low range. I'd much rather have a 5 speed that I can choose which gear I want.

 

[Jack Straw]

I have a problem with utvs. They cost so much I think your better off getting a used jeep. A jeep is just about the same size and you can drive it on the road. I have a cj7 with a plow. I take the plow off when I go into the woods. I usually use my Honda foreman, but sometimes I take the jeep. The only advantage I see with the utv is the dump body which is nice. In the winter when the snow gets deep I use the jeep to move wood from the pile to the shed. The foreman is much better for turing aound in the woods.

 

[jlove1974]

I have extensive experience with both 2 and 4 wheel drive ATVs from the last ten years. For hauling and working, I would stick with at least 500cc water-cooled engines.

I would rank them in order of excellence in all areas: Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and then the "others". Polaris, Can-Am have some good models
but their dealer network (parts and repair) lags seriously behind the big 4. Of course Kawasaki and Suzuki are the same owner group now for a while.

Anyhow, the Honda Foreman 500 series from 2004-up will let you have pushbutton in and out 4WD, a manual transmission, and plenty of grunt for around $3500 used.

Suzuki makes the Vinson 500 which are the same type of utility atv as HOnda with better lighting, gauges, and handling. The King Quad 450 is also an excellent quad.

Seriously though, I would think about a small 4wd pickup for the same price. That way you get a bed, heat, windshield wipers, a radio, and the ability to carry a helper!

 

[firefighterjake]

ATV's are a useful tool IF you use 'em on your own land imo.

Now if you have to start trailing them around...I dunno. When I first started I wheelbarrowed cut rounds more than 100' threw the woods. And I was grateful to have that wheelbarrow to use. Couldn't do that now...depends on your age I guess.

Sounds like you're a scrounger 10range. If so there comes a point when your cost benefit ratio of heating with wood gets thrown out the window. If I was a scrounger I'd want to keep it simple.

The primary area that I cut on is 25 acres of heavily wooded land owned by family. Most likely the atv would be stored there also.

As for snow, I usually try to avoid cutting in snow too much. The land is also fairly well drained. Will 4 wheel drive be much of an advantage in conditions other than snowy/muddy conditions? What I am cutting this spring will be used for the 12-13 heating season so I can be somewhat selective about what conditions I cut in.

Only if you have some hills you have to go up. I hauled a lot of wood out with our little 250 and that did not have 4wd. However, one thing it did have going for it was that you could shift it. Today all the atvs you can't shift except for high/low range. I'd much rather have a 5 speed that I can choose which gear I want.

Actually there are some ATVs that you can still shift . . . my Honda Foreman 450S for example has a semi-automatic transmission Dennis. No clutch, but I can shift up or down in gears with the foot shifter . . . depending on my need for speed or power . . . 1st gear is geared very low.

 

[jlove1974]

I'd much rather have a 5 speed that I can choose which gear I want.

Actually there are some ATVs that you can still shift . . . my Honda Foreman 450S for example has a semi-automatic transmission Dennis. No clutch, but I can shift up or down in gears with the foot shifter . . . depending on my need for speed or power . . . 1st gear is geared very low.

Yes my father-in-laws 2005 Foreman 500 has a semi clutchless tranny, and so did that 2006 Suzuki Vinson 500 that I owned two years ago.
Most if not all are going to the button shift, but I prefer my foot for various reasons, ease of repair not the least...

 

[firefighterjake]

I'd suggest thinking about a winch. I have 44 acres and have been restricted to cutting next to my logging access roads. The kids hate carrying blocks through the bush to the wagon on the trail, as do I, and I find it nearly impossible to get the atv with a wagon in very close, unless I want to clear sll the little trees, etc. Maybe I should do that, I don't know. But I recently bought a winch, in my case for my 3PT on the tractor, and oh what a difference. Up to 150' away, I can drop the tree and drag it in...maybe in a couple of pieces...right to the roadway. I don't think the ATV winch has the power for this...but maybe a winch on the truck? There are other things like capstan winches as well. Just a thought. I think in the end it eould be more productive, but I know 15 years ago it was all just a dream to me (as was the tractor, building a house, and buying the land....)

I would recommend a "gear" type transmission as opposed to the automatics with belts. I think this kind of heavy work, which usually results in machine abuse, needs something solid. I have a Bombardier Traxter...the heaviest atv I could find at the time because I primarily use it for plowing snow from the 900' driveway. Been pretty good for me, but I apparenly did break a front drive axle or something just in the last snowfall...slamming hard into some snowbanks after I pushed them back with the tractor...trying to make more room for more snow!

Try and think a bit about a winch....it is very nice. If not possible, perhaps you can use a rope and pull with the truck. In such a case, a snatch block makes all the difference. Wire rope would be a real PITA, but there's the Amsteel Blue rope which is likely very easy to work with. If you had a helper that could drive the truck, and you could choke the wood in the bush, it might be fairly quick and easy. Having the winch now, the kids and I are extremely pleased to see the log length trees pulled right in front of the woodshed. Much quicker, much easier, and much safer too. Pulling down the snagged trees is a breeze...as opposed to cutting and wondering what may fall upon your head! Just some other thoughts...I didn't seem them mentioned. Be safe!

Not a big fan of the ATV winches myself . . . had two wear out on me and my buddy . . . then again it could have just been they were used and abused since I inherited my Warn winch from my brother and I know he and my friend really beat the crap out of those ATVs and winches. Maybe they would be better if you bought a half decent one (the second I owned I returned -- not a Warn -- since it was not built especially well and wasn't working).

 

[firefighterjake]

I have extensive experience with both 2 and 4 wheel drive ATVs from the last ten years. For hauling and working, I would stick with at least 500cc water-cooled engines.

I would rank them in order of excellence in all areas: Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and then the "others". Polaris, Can-Am have some good models
but their dealer network (parts and repair) lags seriously behind the big 4. Of course Kawasaki and Suzuki are the same owner group now for a while.

Anyhow, the Honda Foreman 500 series from 2004-up will let you have pushbutton in and out 4WD, a manual transmission, and plenty of grunt for around $3500 used.

Suzuki makes the Vinson 500 which are the same type of utility atv as HOnda with better lighting, gauges, and handling. The King Quad 450 is also an excellent quad.

Seriously though, I would think about a small 4wd pickup for the same price. That way you get a bed, heat, windshield wipers, a radio, and the ability to carry a helper!

I wouldn't rule out the older air-cooled ATVs like the 400 or 450 Foremans and others of the same ilk and vintage . . . not as much power and you have to watch them when really working them hard on a hot day, but on the flip side you don't have to worry about a branch in the woods poking a hole in the radiator (albeit this may not be a common problem.) I do know that my air cooled ATV does not overheat . . . fan may run some . . . but it doesn't overheat.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Jake, funny that you mentioned the winch. I know Zap really likes and uses his a lot. I have one now and am not so sure I like it all that much. The reason is that although it is a 2500 lb winch, I've broken the cable twice already just lifting the snow blade. I thought the first time maybe was just a fluke but it happened again. There may have been some wet snow on the blade for extra weight but certainly not that much. So, twice now I've fixed and shortened the cable. I might try to find something stronger when I get too short on cable.

 

[golfandwoodnut]

I have a Yamaha Kodiak, older 2004 model, bought it used. Never had any problems, Yamaha is a good brand as well. I installed a winch over the winter and I did not really like it on the plow. I can manually pull the blade up and down faster than the winch. THe winch can raise it higher and go lower. I like to be able to raise it for ground clearance to take it in the woods without taking the plow off. I have it rigged so I can either go manual or winch. I have not really tried it on logs yet but I am sure it could help pull you out of stuck situation. I have mixed feelings about UTVs, I think they are cool but you need alot of turning area. I also bought a 2003 Dodge Pickup for probably half the price of what I would pay for a UTV, I think the truck was a better buy. I can't take it to all the places in the woods but I can take it alot of other places that you can't take a UTV if you know what I mean.