does anyone know anything about ATV's?

[airhead]

I need to buy one for my business. I'm looking for an ATV that can plow,and haul. It will be used to plow a small parking lot and the perimeter of a level fenced in field(3/4 acre). Also need it to haul barrels every day. It will not be used for off road use. Can I get away with a 2x4 or do I need 4x4. A friend suggested buying a John Deere "Gator". He says they're a work horse. Do I need that? Its pretty pricey and hard to find used ones.

 

[TinkandAriel]

I have a Honda Rancher 450 (I think it's a 450, I just ride the foolish thing, lol). Mine's 4-wheel drive. Dh has a Honda 500. His you can go from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive, but honestly, I prefer the 4 wheel drive. I don't use mine for much other that off road. Also depends on how much snow (depth wise and weight wise) you plan on plowing with it...the heavier your machine the better it will push snow, and I would think a 4 wheel drive would be better for plowing. However, with the winters we've had up here lately, you might not have to worry about plowing at all

 

[golfgal]

Call your insurance agent before you buy one and see if you can insure an ATV, many companies will not insure them, too high risk. If that is the case you might want to look into something else, maybe a riding lawn mower with a plow attachment and a trailer hitch (I know that is how my Grandpa cleared his driveway every winter in Northern MN).

 

[cardaway]

I figure the others are right about the insurance, but I also think it's a mistake to get something like that and not use it for its primary purpose. A regular tractor would do a far better job of what you say you want to use to for.

 

[#1hockeymom]

We use State Farm for everyone EXCEPT our ATV insurance. We use Progressive for that. Great rates! Don't know about service, as we've never made a claim. I wish I could help you with info, but the expert is up north, with the ATV, hunting. We do use it for plowing the driveway when necessary. (DH also claims we have four wheel drive vehicles so we only need to plow when its over a foot of snow on the ground, but that's another post. LOL)

 

[airhead]

That's an idea! I'll look in to that option. I wasn't even considering insurance. The ATV would be used only on business property. I'll look into that too. thanks!

 

[beautybelle]

Maybe I can be of some help. Ive been in the ATV business for 14 years and our family rides them all the time.
For what you are wanting to do I would definately recommend and 4 wheel drive. Something no smaller than a 400. The Honda 400 Rancher is a great ATV and you can take it in and out of 4wd. Honda also has the 500 Rubicon that is a workhorse and very dependable.
If you want to know anything else just give me a yell. What ever you buy though make sure to check out the center of gravity on these units because they are very heavy and if (God forbid) you turn one over it can be very serious.
Good Luck

 

[pumba]

Hondas are a type that you almost have to put in your wills.......They are sturdy and last forever ....we have one that is 1988 and one that is 1998.....both in A one condition.....we use them for hunting and trail riding in the non hunting season.....my brother in law uses his to plow his road up by the lake too....
We dont use ours for plowing cause the Toro is another built to last forever type snow blower......
We do not insure ours .......

 

[suezpqt]

Hi there!
We just bought a Polaris Ranger. It is a 4X4 with a small dump body on the back. It sounds like it would be perfect for what you are looking for. There is a plow with it. It has an enclosed cab which will be great for when I have to plow with it.

We have "regular" 4 wheelers as well. All of our machines are insured by ATVLINE. Here is their email - atvline@markelcorp.com. That is the best place that found pricewise.

I see that you are in Mass. Check out the WantAdvertiser magazine that is put on weekly on Tuesdays and Craigslist.com. There are always people looking to sell machines.

Good Luck.

 

[airhead]

Thanks so much!!! I was going to look at Craigs list and want advertizer but
I changed my mind because i really know NOTHING about ATV's and was afraid I could get totally ripped off.
I live in MA,my business will be in Salisbury,Ma which is a stone's throw to NH.

 

[cardaway]

I'm still curious on why somebody would buy an ATV if they only want it to be a tractor and will never use it as a real ATV. Seems odd to pay for all the stuff exclusive to an ATV and never take it off road.

 

[airhead]

Cardaway--- I looked into the tractor option as you suggested. In fact Sears is having a big sale. I went down to check out their inventory(quite a comfy seat!!)I just wasn't sold on the capabilities of what was offered . Especially for plowing. I need something that won't get stuck in the mud(the back of this acre can be muddy).Also,we get some pretty nasty snow storms here and I have to be able to plow the perimeter quickly so dogs don't go over the fence. Another important reason,my full time employee rides with her boyfriend every weekend,so she will be able to teach me. I'm still not closed to the tractor idea,just not as plentiful as the ATV's around my neck of the woods.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Hi there

We have an Arctic Cat 4X4 ATV that we also use to plow, haul stuff etc. It's great! I can easily plow up to a foot and a half of snow, but it's a bit slower than using the truck. We also have a camp in northern NH, and use the ATV to haul stuff in to camp in the spring and late fall when the roads are bad, but not ready for snowmobiles yet. We put front and back racks, as well as front and back winches. It can easily carry two of us, one dog, about 30 gallons of water, and some backpacks.

We also have a tractor with all of the same attachments, but for a lot of things the ATV is easier. We've never had a problem insuring it (Progressive). I don't know about Mass, but in NH, it's much cheaper to join an ATV club to register it than to just register it on its own.

Jen

 

[cardaway]

Cardaway--- I looked into the tractor option as you suggested. In fact Sears is having a big sale. I went down to check out their inventory(quite a comfy seat!!)I just wasn't sold on the capabilities of what was offered . Especially for plowing. I need something that won't get stuck in the mud(the back of this acre can be muddy).Also,we get some pretty nasty snow storms here and I have to be able to plow the perimeter quickly so dogs don't go over the fence. Another important reason,my full time employee rides with her boyfriend every weekend,so she will be able to teach me. I'm still not closed to the tractor idea,just not as plentiful as the ATV's around my neck of the woods.

Thanks. I was just curious since I know somebody (my FIL) who needs something like this.

I guess I just never thought of a tractor getting stuck before. I was thinking that in those situations the torque of the tractors lower gears would be better than anything an ATV would have, and the tractor would be the better option.

Of course I'm thinking about this area and have no idea how things would be different there.

 

[airhead]

I've ALWAYS wanted one! Now I have a good excuse!! Something tells me it will find its way to some off-road trail someday.....