Just what ATV do I need in Idaho (Sandpoint, Emmett: how much, home)

[DESERTRYDER]

Ok now comes the fun part.
Have a few interested people in our calif house.
We need a multi tasking machine.
When we do get to Emmett just what ATV would be the right choice?
It needs to be heavy enough to move snow and dirt and attach a Blade system.
It needs to be 4x4 and big enough to be comfortable.
DEPENDABLE is the most important.
Do they mow lawns too or is that a different thread???
Just what should I be looking for ?
Lets see some of your set ups and tell us why they work for you.

[Sage of Sagle]

We went with a Honda Rubicon (2008 model). Plenty of power to push a 60" plow (you absolutely want to chain the tires). You want solid weight behind a plow, almost regardless of power.

The Rubicon is fun to goof around on. It's no TRX400EX of course, but the Rubicon can do modest rock crawling, normal trail running, etc. And the 4WD helps when goofing around in difficult terrain.

You can buy a pull-behind mower (they're about a grand). Here are two pics. One with the snowplow on it, the other with the DR Power Grader to fix our badly potholed private road (the DR Grader is THE BOMB, btw, if you have to maintain dirt road)

[elousv]

Hey I'll be looking for that too! I have seen them in the various classifieds and many already have a plow. I do however see many saying they are going bigger when they are selling say a 400. I would say a 650 or bigger would be good. With this type machine, I think you are either pulling or pushing. I have never seen a mower deck for them. I don't know how much snow you are looking at in Emmett, but in NID I hear people run out of room to just push the snow so I have been looking at a snowhog type blower for ATVs. I also looked at the utility type ones where you sit side by side, but I don't find them as much FUN. Also, many of the pictures I see of various rides people go on in groups show narrow places where I think the side by side would have a tough go. I know Can-Am makes a max where you can go two-up which gives extra versatility if you sometimes want to bring a passenger and not have to buy a second machine. Yamaha Grizzly looks pretty nice too.

[Trace_Rinaldi]

Hey DR, I bought my Arctic Cat 4X4 400 back in 02, and its been a great ride.. It's still pretty much like new, and I have only a couple hundred miles on it. No probs so far with anything other than letting it sit to long without stabilizer in the fuel.. Doh!!
When I bought it I checked all the specs and the 400 could pull as much, haul as much etc. as the 500's but had much better range per tank.. MPG can be a big issue out on the long trails I also got a free Warne winch at the time they having a deal on a new bike and winch combo..
When you drop it in 4 low it will pull like a mule, and climb like a billy goat..

Arctic Cat is very prevelant up there, at least in N. Idaho.. AC dealers are all over for maintanance and factory repair.. I guess it has to do with all the Snow machines they make, cause they can be real hard to find down here.. Anyway, they are a good value, and great machine IMHO.

[Fisherman 100]

Good post guys. I feel like Tim The Home Improvement guy when I see stuff like this.

[shades_of_idaho]

Guess it depends on how much snow you plan on getting.



We need to pile it up here. We also have a blade for this and tracks.

Chris

[rickers]

I need a large ATV with a front shovel to scoop snow, carry it away and dump it on the neighborhood pile. The space I need to remove snow from is in a tight area and a bobcat has major problems winding its way into my tiny yard. Anyone know of one that has a front end bucket system ?

[DESERTRYDER]

Chris you and Joe have all the toys.
I just wanna scuff up my lot with that thing.

Probably have to go with the Honda because most of the stuff they make doesn't break.

I need bigger toys.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

DR, this kind of opens up the whole Ford vs. Chevy debate-all the manufacturers make good machines that will do what you need. For snowplowing, a machine with a lockable front differential is a benefit. You usually don't use it since it makes the machine harder to turn, but it will help get you out of the inevitable "stuck" when plowing. Definately go for an IRS machine, they ride a whole lot better than solid rear axles. And power steering is really nice. You don't need it so much for the "boost" while riding, but it really helps when you hit rocks or stumps, it helps keep the handlebars from being yanked. This takes a lot of the impact out of your arms and wrists, and also helps you keep control. If you ride at all agressively on some of our tight, steep trails this is a nice thing, cuts down on pucker factor. Some of these trails are very narrow and rocky, if you go a foot out of the trail you're not stopping for several hundered feet.

Are you looking to trail ride or just as a work machine around the house? If trail riding, I'm guessing based on your history with dirt bikes that you'll ride pretty aggressively. No 4x4 utility quad will pull like a bike, I'd guess you will want one of the bigger machines. I believe the fastest, sportiest machine right now is the 800 Renegade from Can-Am (BRP-aka Ski-Doo). It's a sport quad with 4x4, around 70 hp. I don't know if you can get a plow for it. The Can-AM Outlander is similar, but in a more typical utility quad body and is heavier. Arctic Cat's Thundercat is also very fast, I believe 950 CC, probably faster even than the Can-Am. Polaris has a new 800 or 850 this year (I can't remember which) that's supposed to be pretty quick. Poos typically are heavy and don't have the greatest 4x4 system IMO.

Probably the most common quad among experienced riders in this area is the 700 Grizzly. It isn't as fast as some, but fast enough and does everything well. Also a very good and reliable 4x4 system (pushbutton 4 x 4 and diff lock), a good engine braking system (important when going down STEEP hills) and the first (and many say the best) power steering system. It's what I'd buy if I were buying new (I have an older 660 Griz now).

For flat out reliability, you can't beat Honda. They (the Rincon) doesn't have the ground clearance or HP of some of the other big bores, no locking front dif and no low range. But they just flat out keep going. And I've been very impressed with how the Hondas do in snow. Based on the above they shouldn't do well, but I ride with a guy with one, he does extremely well with it. Also, if you're looking at purely a work machine, you don't need to worry about these things. Honda reliability is great, and even a smaller machine does well for work. My buddy has a Honda Rancher, they just don't stop, and he uses the heck out of it.

Once you get out here you might want to join an ATV club. North Idaho ATV meets in CDA, Panhandle Riders Association meets in Sandpoint, there are others. Most of the dealers give a 10% discount to club members. Where are you looking at settling?***edit to add, I forgot you said you were going to Emmett***

[DESERTRYDER]

Thanks to all who have responded.
I like the Yamaha Griz idea.
Looks like it can do all I need.
Not looking for big speed because I have only ridden a quad 2 times.
Just need a work horse and sometimes trail Machine.
I am always afraid one of those big things rolling over me when I screw up in a high speed corner
Slow and steady and if I want to go fast take out one of my motorcycles.