Discussion
Can anyone recommend a utility quad/atv use for a stock farm?
Main requirements are 4wd for muddy fields, towing ability for trailer loaded with hay bales, feed bags etc and that it be road legal.
If regularly towing, is it best not to go for a full independent rear suspension set-up?
Looking for something new and around the £5-6k mark.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Main requirements are 4wd for muddy fields, towing ability for trailer loaded with hay bales, feed bags etc and that it be road legal.
If regularly towing, is it best not to go for a full independent rear suspension set-up?
Looking for something new and around the £5-6k mark.
Any thoughts appreciated.
No idea how suitable and likely not as road friendly, but I personally always thought something like an Argo 6x6 or 8x8 would make a better ATV. Less ground damage, less likely to get stuck or you to tip it over and better towing ability.
http://www.argoatv.com/
Think the UK agent is in St Albans.
http://www.argoatv.com/
Think the UK agent is in St Albans.
I use a quad, atv and argo on a regular basis for estate work and they all have their advantages depending on the terrain. However if you are looking for an all rounder to be used in all weathers then I would strongly recommend that you go for an ATV that can be fully enclosed.
My preference is for a Kubota, they are well built solid machines specifically designed for a hard life. The RTV900 & 1100 are what you are looking for but are out of your price range for new model. You would probably be able to get a well maintained RTV900 for your budget and this would still be preferable to a new but inferior cheaper brand.
An Argo for everyday agricultural work is not recommended. They require much more maintenance than a quad or atv because of their multiple chain drive system and are very uncomfortable over uneven terrain due to a lack of suspension. Towing can also be tricky because of the skid steering. They are excellent over soft boggy ground and crossing the odd pond however.
A quad is a useful tool but not much fun in the pouring rain and freezing cold, even travelling at only 20mph the wind chill factor makes it very unpleasant. If you want to tow a useful load don't go for a quad with less than a 500cc engine and preferably one with disc brakes front and rear. I use a Bombardier Traxster XL because of the rear tipping body and the step through frame which makes it very practical for jumping on and off.
My preference is for a Kubota, they are well built solid machines specifically designed for a hard life. The RTV900 & 1100 are what you are looking for but are out of your price range for new model. You would probably be able to get a well maintained RTV900 for your budget and this would still be preferable to a new but inferior cheaper brand.
An Argo for everyday agricultural work is not recommended. They require much more maintenance than a quad or atv because of their multiple chain drive system and are very uncomfortable over uneven terrain due to a lack of suspension. Towing can also be tricky because of the skid steering. They are excellent over soft boggy ground and crossing the odd pond however.
A quad is a useful tool but not much fun in the pouring rain and freezing cold, even travelling at only 20mph the wind chill factor makes it very unpleasant. If you want to tow a useful load don't go for a quad with less than a 500cc engine and preferably one with disc brakes front and rear. I use a Bombardier Traxster XL because of the rear tipping body and the step through frame which makes it very practical for jumping on and off.
Edited by bigblock on Tuesday 7th February 12:34
If you do go down the quad route (personally I'm quite biased, but that's another thread) I would go for any honda, or agri yammaha. I've left the kawasaki brute force out of that because I think they're stupendously complicated, especially in 750cc guise. The can am's are good and superb value for money, though not without the odd electircal/ecu/overheating flaw. Avoid the slightly cheaper lesser brand alternatives, as good as some of them are, your more likely to get a dud or encounter problems.
Honda foremans seem to be like toyota pick ups, it'll give up the ghost long after you do.
Honda foremans seem to be like toyota pick ups, it'll give up the ghost long after you do.
We have both here - UTV (Rhino) and quad (Honda Foreman 500 manual).
I must admit I use the quad more, purely due to it being more fun. However for large bales the Rhino is the machine for the job.
Quads are much cheaper - £3k will see you in a good 2nd hand Foreman 500 with low hours and kilometres. Just buy a decent trailer and your away (albeit without the tipping facility though).
I must admit I use the quad more, purely due to it being more fun. However for large bales the Rhino is the machine for the job.
Quads are much cheaper - £3k will see you in a good 2nd hand Foreman 500 with low hours and kilometres. Just buy a decent trailer and your away (albeit without the tipping facility though).
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