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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use

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doug in illinoi

11-06-2007 19:03:25

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I am thinking about buying a 4 wheeler to use around the farm, and for my stepsons to use hunting in the fall. I can buy CHINESE made stuff 2wd full frame size on 10 inch rims with 150 to 250cc for less than 1200.00 delivered. Brand name Coolster or Aim-Ex. BUT, having said that, I REALLY DON'T want to send any more business to China than I have to. That leaves me with older quads I can afford for the small amount I will really be using them. Have a chance to buy a 96 Arctic Cat 454 Bearcat 4x4 with less than 2000 miles for less than 2K. Can buy a 95 Polaris Magnum 4x4 425cc for just over 2k. No odometer on Polaris, so miles unknown. The Cat is at Kelly Blue Book value, and can get him down just a little more, the Polaris is a little over. The only concern I have with the Cat is that it is full time 4x4, and can be a little hard to steer on dry hard surfaces. Anyone here have either one, and any plus or minus of the full time or push button 4x4? My thoughts are the full time has less to go wrong. DOUG

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Randy Smith

11-10-2007 15:31:58

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Doug- I noticed that several folks said the same thing, but I will repeat it. By a Honda if you want dependability, good function and no maintenance. I have a '97 and have never done anything but change the oil. My buddy has a hunting camp with about 6 of them. He runs all of them every day for about 6 months of the year. He has tried every brand and has gotten rid of all of them except the Honda's. Good luck.

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NTP

11-10-2007 14:49:12

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Bought a new JD Gator 6X4 w/HD shocks this spring. Has more power than I will ever need, and it should last me a lifetime. I had looked at 4 wheelers, but at my age (66), the Gator was a much wiser choice, and much more machine for the price.

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cj3b_jeep

11-09-2007 05:52:56

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

One more thing, the Chinese ones are pure junk. Even the frame metal is cheap. My neighbor had one ad when ho put his weight on the foot pegs, they'd bend. Their motors are also junk.

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cj3b_jeep

11-09-2007 05:51:48

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Buy a used Honda and don't look back. 4wd is nice, but I've never needed it.

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buickanddeere

11-08-2007 19:38:20

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Same width as the new Polaris 800EFI but a couple of ft longer. Nice to have that 4'x7' pickup bed.And riding out of the rain/snow with heat or AC. Price is right too. ebay # 220169335039

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J.C.in AZ.

11-08-2007 18:07:31

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Are you sure? My 500 Magnum Polaris is full time 4X4 and My Arctic Cat 500 is on demand 4X4. What you are saying is the opposite of what mine are. A well used ATV is not a pleasure to own. Repairs are constant and expensive. Go talk to your local "Cat" Dealer and I am sure he can fit you to a "New" Cat at an affordable monthly payment plan. I gave up on Polaris because of Warranty Issues which may be Local Dealer Caused Problems but the Machines themselves are great.

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Pooh Bear

11-07-2007 17:14:09

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Here's another vote for 4x4.

When you're out chasing cows thru the muck and you get stuck

it comes in real handy to just hit the button and shift into 4x4.

Also, all last summer I hauled water from the river for the garden.

Had to come up a fairly steep hill and
I had to use 4x4 to pull the water wagon.

Can climb that hill all day long in 2 wheel drive,

but pulling a trailer I needed the extra traction the 4x4 gave me.

I just put a new axle boot on the front.

Wasn't a complicated job at all. Even for having CV joints.

Pooh Bear

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Harvey3

11-07-2007 16:29:01

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Doug I have a 2000 Arctic Cat, 375 CC, 4 x 4 that you can shift in and out, rides great and has plenty of power. I've had no mayor issues with it. I had a 2 WD prior to that but wouldn't go back.

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doug in illinois

11-07-2007 14:32:31

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

The intended use would be to get back home by towing it behind whatever is going to the field, and let my stepsons go hunting with it in the fall. Will want something big enough to bring a deer out of the woods with. Regarding using an old pickup, I do have one I should put back on the road, it is a 87 Chevy 2500 4x4 6.2 diesel. Just a rust bucket, but makes LOTS better MPG than my 2001 2500 4x4 6.0.

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D17 man

11-07-2007 14:10:08

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

i vote for the bayou. i got a 91 bayou 220 2 wheel drive. yea its slow and old but it never quits. i've done no work to it other than mantainence. the guys with there big 4x4s pick on my bayou nut i put it this way. its harder to get the heavy 4x4s stuck in the mud but when they do get stuck you need a winch to get out. the 2wd goes almost anywhere the 4x4s will go and when it gets stuck, i get off and lift it out with one hand and pull it out. my 01 raptor 660 on the other hand cost me nearly 1500 in repairs in the 2 years i owned it.

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RobMD

11-07-2007 15:26:09

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to D17 man, 11-07-2007 14:10:08

I have a '89 bayou too, and it never fails to start. IT smokes so bad now that you can't see anything... BUT that's because it has well over infinity miles on it!!!!

I still bang it every day, but now im going to scrap it for safety reasons (no brakes, kill switch, rotten seat, bald tires) LOL

im just so AMAZRD at how the bayou starts even in this shape with one pull of the rope.

Doug, if you get a good one, you should be satisfied with its ease and convenience.,

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FarmallJoe

11-07-2007 13:52:44

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

The farm i work at has a Kubota rtv900. It is built on a kubota tractor frame and is built like a rock. select 4x4 locking diff. Hydrolic dump bed, hydrostatic tranny POWER STEERING (kind of ridicules) the dump bed is real nice. Oh yea its 3cyl kubota diesel engine. Full roll bar and headache rack. You can buy attachments like augers etc. $$$$$$$$ Id go with one of these utility vehicles over a 4 wheeler if you are just farming with it.

go to craigslist.org for used machines.

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landlord7012

11-07-2007 16:25:01

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to FarmallJoe, 11-07-2007 13:52:44

The hydro steering is for when you have the track kit installed. Then they look like little Tucker Sno-Cats!

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Ron in Nebr

11-07-2007 12:20:27

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

To throw in my 2 cents, we've had several Artic Cats and several Polaris 4-wheelers here on our ranch, where they get used hard every day. In addition to that we also currently have an Artic Cat Prowler(the bigger "mini pickup" style ATV).

In my experience the Polaris' have all been the better machines. They ride smoother, engines run smoother, break down less, and are a little quicker too(No, we don't race 'em, but they've replaced horses here and when you're doing cattle work that quick acceration is neccessary to turn cattle sometimes).

Depending on your usage- forget what others have said about a 2wd being all you need. When there's a foot of snow on the ground and cattle work to do, our 2wd stays in the barn, just can't get around. Same deal when(if) it rains or the snow melts and the corrals are muddy.

As for the Prowler, personally I'd never buy another one(ours was bought by my brother). Rides rough, underpowered, had an engine go bad in less than three years time, won't turn quick enough to do what a 4 wheeler will do and wont haul enough to do what a pickup will do. I'd buy a beater 4x4 Ford Ranger or similar for less than $1000 and have a much more useful vehicle.

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Jerry/MT

11-07-2007 10:55:31

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I bought a Kawasaki Bayou 250 back in 2003 brand new for $2800 for use on my ranch. It"s a 2WD and it has been a great rig for me. My son used to do a lot of four wheeling and he recommended that I not get 4WD because because for my purposes, the cost and the additional weight weren"t worth it. I"ve not regretted it.

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glennster

11-07-2007 10:25:15

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

doug, like the other guys said, stay away from the bargain brand knock offs. i have a polaris sawtooth, 200 cc 2wd, a yamaha warrior, 350 cc, lil honda atc 90 3 wheeler, and my buddie has his atvs at my farm, polaris, yamaha and honda. all 2wd machines. the 4wds are more mainetenance than the 2wds. the other thing is if you bury a 4wd quad, your stuck good. need at least a 2nd atv and maybe a winch to get er out. if you stick the 2wds, you generally arent in god awful terrain. the automatic transmissions are nice for a work quad. if you absolutely need the 4wd, then go for it. my neighbor has a 4wd quad, with a sprayer mounted on it. he also made a collapsible drawbar that folds up on the front of his quad, he can hook the quad to the truck or tractor and tow it with him. real handy if you break down or need to run back to the barn for tools ect. beats walkin!!!

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JoeK(WI)

11-07-2007 10:17:56

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Ever consider a gas golf cart instead of ATV?Unless you have serious rough terrain they serve very well,more so with upgraded tires/suspension which are readily available.

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Rod in Smiths Falls, ON

11-09-2007 14:24:22

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to JoeK(WI), 11-07-2007 10:17:56

Until it gets cold the golf cart is a very handy machine around the farm. My Ez-Go runs errands constantly, and will pull a ton on a trailer on hard ground. Hitch weight's not a big deal, no more than on a car.

The crankcase line to the fuel pump is prone to freezing, though, and this shuts the machine down in cold weather.

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Wilsonfire

11-07-2007 08:17:24

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Doug I have purchased FOUR four wheelers this year, hope this helps. The first was used but in good shape.Mechanic went all through it said buy it- got 10 hours out of it before the rocker arm broke and did Major damage. It will cost much more to fix than its worth. Trying to sell it for parts. Four wheeler #2. Chinese save money model. Worked on it 2 hours for every hour of riding. The quality of hardware was junk. Returned it and learned a valuable lesson. Four Wheeler # 3. Bought a NEW Kawasaki 250 and rode it like we stole it. No problems. Easily 500 hours on this and it's like a watch. It was $2500 new with warranty and worth every penny. Four Wheeler #4. Papa (Me) wanted one for himself because I could not keep the kids off the Kawasaki. Suzuki Vieson 400 with auto trans,Low Range, 2 WD and very comfortable suspension.I've already put 335 miles on it since August. New $3900 with warranty. These things get a ton of abuse so think twice about used.TEST DRIVE IN A ROUGH FIELD before you buy. They don't all ride the same no matter what the dealer says. My straight rear axle with 2 rear shocks rides just fine. You don't need or want four wheel drive unless you love deep mudding and maintenance hassles that go with that mess. You can go through almost everything in two wheel drive. Don't buy one with CV joints if you go through briars, brush, or really tall stuff. When a rubber boot tears you lose the grease and joint goes out quickly. Replacement parts are BOTH joints and boots and shaft. Expensive. Find a GOOD Dealer and look at their models. Most Mechanics and Owners say all Major brands are good.

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11-07-2007 06:29:27

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Doug,
Do yourself a favor, don't buy a Chinese unit. I have been involved with about a half a dozen Chinese generator manufacturers, there is no after sale help from them. I aggreed to service them and now I regret it. They have no one that knows anything about the service and troubleshooting of them and I would suspect the 4 wheelers would be the same. I had a big Chinese go kart in a couple of weeks ago, needed carb work, could not find any parts for it, customer gave me the importers phone number, you cannot buy parts, you have to buy a complete carb, $75.00 plus shipping, we took apart, cleaned, was lucky gaskets did not break. air filter was going to take about 3 weeks to get. just my experience with chinese gas powered equipemnt.
Jim

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maplehillfrm

11-07-2007 05:51:30

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I picked up this unit, OH MY GOSH,,, so much easier to handle than a 4 wheeler and you can actually do something with them, fence building is easy, chores are easier, hauling firewood,, and they seet at least 2 comfortably,, get right to your tree stand and even sit in it and hunt out of it if you want to,,,

you can pick one up used,,, I would never go back to a 4 wheeler for a farm vehicle,, unless I wanted to traile ride and keep up with the othere friends that have 4 wheelers,, these dont go as fast ,, but man the usefullness is out of this world,,,

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Hotflashjr

11-07-2007 04:59:11

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I have 2006 Polaris Sportsman 450. Not fuel injected so it doesn't need to go to the shop and be hooked up to a computer to be fixed. I love the 4x4 on it. I have taken this thing places I thought I would not get out of and it has not let me down. It is easy to work on as well. I would get something with the 4x4 because it gives you that extra grunt needed sometimes when pulling or in wet/muddy/snowy conditions. If you need something that can carry two people and some cargo, look into the side by side type atv's. A couple of companies make them now and you have a bed on the back to take more stuff and two seats.

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Pooh Bear

11-07-2007 04:06:45

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to Larry Hall, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

doug in illinois said: (quoted from post at 00:02:07 11/07/07) What paper? Am sure it is gone, but let me know. Thanks, DOUG

It's a local paper. The Tri-State Swap and Shop.

For Sale: 250 Honda 4 Wheeler. $200.00 423-942-2486

That's all the ad says.

The paper is dated October 23.

Pooh Bear

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Nolan

11-07-2007 03:33:29

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Might I suggest you look at your intended use, and then figure out the vehicle that best suits it.

Many times I rather suspect a beater old 4x4 truck or jeep would better suit than a typical 4 wheeler. Yes, the little 4wheelers can snake through trees better. But an old beater truck can carry a whole lot more, and has cab, with a heater.

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midwest redneck

11-07-2007 02:47:09

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I have a Polaris sportsman 425, good machine for basic work, I bought it new. 2004 model. If you are going to buy used make sure it is not beat to $hit. Make sure it starts easily, drives well, shifts well. I think insurance is about $300/year with theft coverage.

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Trevor234

11-07-2007 01:04:35

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I picked up an '01 Honda Recon 250 about two years ago for $450 to use around the farm and I've never had any prblems with it has alot of power for being a 250 and handles great. I definitely wouldn't buy anything chinese made just because its almost impossible to get parts and they don't last very long.

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molinebob

11-07-2007 00:59:28

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I have a polaris magnum, mine is the 325 model,4X4 2000 model, bought it for $1100.00 a year ago, even came with a snow plow, never had any problems with it, and I drive it daily. Polaris are the only one out there with true 4 wheel drive unless you install a locker set up in the front end, polaris has possi trac in theirs, over all I think I would only buy polaris, Then again I live in the town where they build them also, so parts are plentiful.

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kyplowboy

11-06-2007 22:52:50

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

The biggest new thing I have ever gotten for the farm was a 04 Honda forman 450. It has the 4X4 switch and manual shift. I have never regreted it one little bit. It has every thing I could need. It will pull things no atv should, just don't try to stop fast!! In 2wd it turns tight and is small enough to get around in the woods deer hunting or looking for a cow. In 4wd it will climb most any creek bank and pull a 6 foot rotary hoe in a muddy tobacco patch. Guess what I am try'n to say is if you can find a used 450 honda they are big enough to do what you want and small enough to get around on. If it don't do what you want it to on the farm you should have gotten a tractor or truck to start with.

3 years, hard farm use(a little playing), 1200 miles, oil changes, 1 fuse, and several tire plugs.

Good luck.

Dave

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rockyhawaii

11-06-2007 22:46:32

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Getting a Chinese quad repaired at a shop is almost as hard as finding the parts. The electrics in particular are terrible. To further complicate things Suzuki at least is now selling Chinese crap as their own and unless you can de-code the VIIN number you can't tell if it was made in Japan or China. I don't know about the other brands. Don't believe it when a dealer says "Honda parts fit a Chinese quad." If it were true Honda would sue them.

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buickanddeere

11-06-2007 21:53:28

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Here is what you want. Two riders in comfort out of the ran with heat if you want. Even a place to carry some cargo. In Canada they are road legal for anybody if 15 or more years old. Or if they are classified as agricultural machinery if modified for farm use. You can plate them or use a SMV sign.

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kyhayman

11-06-2007 21:39:33

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I bought a Honda Foreman, its a 450, full time 4x4 off of ebay 3 years old for 3000. Thought I got a real bargain, less than 200 hrs. I've driven the dog snot out of it for 5 years, had put over 4000 miles on it when the dash quit last year (former employee was playing on it and rolled it backwards, broke the dash)

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Pooh Bear

11-06-2007 20:34:11

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I picked up a 2001 Yahama Kodiak 400 4x4 automatic

for $2100 about 8 months ago. I have been really happy with it.

Full coverage insurance is about $150/year for it.

Saw a honda 250 in the paper last week for two hundred dollars.

WIsh I had called about it.

Pooh Bear

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doug in illinois

11-06-2007 21:02:07

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to Pooh Bear, 11-06-2007 20:34:11

What paper? Am sure it is gone, but let me know. Thanks, DOUG

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Marlowe

11-06-2007 19:20:46

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

stay away from the Chinese ones they are kind a junkie stay with the name brand ones suz, kaw, Honda, can-am, cat, Polaris, all are good and will last a long time. i have a 800 can-am and it's a kick as- machine BUT a pain in the as- to work on oil change is a pain and getting to the air cleaner is just nuts

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RobMD

11-06-2007 19:16:58

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

Kawasaki Bayou 220

it's a 2wd atv. good enough for getting your butt accross relatively rough terrain.

I have found no use for a monstrous 4x4 atv.

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doug in illinois

11-06-2007 21:00:11

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to RobMD, 11-06-2007 19:16:58

I see a Bayou on Ebay for 950 buy it now, about 510 miles from me. Am going to ride the Cat tomorrow evening, if don't like, may consider the bayou.

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rodgernbama

11-06-2007 19:14:46

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Re: OT: Good 4 wheel ATV for farm use in reply to doug in illinois, 11-06-2007 19:03:25

I like the Honda's. I have a Rancher 350cc, 2 wheel drive that will go about anywhere I need to go. Mine has the eletronic shift which I like. They cost around $3700.00 but its a good reliable machine.

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