ATV Advice

I've been toying with the idea of getting an ATV for ice fishing and maybe for using around the cabin (yard cleanup, wood hauling, etc.). It would mainly be used for ice fishing so I know I'd want a 4x4 for the snow. I'm probably going to go with a used one as I can't justify the $$ for a new one since I won't use it a lot. What advice can you all give me as far as horsepower needed to pull a flip over shack and for getting through snow. Any and all advice is appreciated as I'm completely in the dark when it comes to ATVs.

I have 3 Suzuki's. Two Kings and a Vinson. Excellent machines and will do whatever you described and more. As far as price, I bought my last King, a 2011 at Countrytime Sports in WI Rapids, $6300.00 +tax. A Can Am in the 800 CC range will be at least $10,000.00...

I ride an Arctic Cat 650 H1 TRV....longer wheel base 2-seater. There's also a model with the dump-box on it for utility use (TBX maybe). Works great for ice fishing and hunting. There are used ones out there. But the longer wheelbase units are nicer riding. Polaris and Can-Am make them also.

Look for a Honda Rancher (420 cc). It will put a smile on your face!

I don't own one, but I've ridden several that my brother has owned. The most fun I had was on his Suzuki 250 2wd. That thing would go anywhere with a set of chains on it. He even plowed snow with it for the last 6 years. I agree, you certainly don't need anything bigger than a 400cc machine for the stuff you're talking about doing. The light weight smaller machines are much more agile and maneuverable too, and go forever on a gallon of gas. I suppose if you need to get through deep snow, without a plow on the front, you may wanna consider a 4wd. My brother has owned at least one of each of the brands, and to be honest, like everything else, they all have their glitches. If you go with a "trail type" machine, it'll have independent suspension, which makes for a much better ride. The older work horses will typically have a straight rear axle for a little rougher ride. I'd suggest going to your local power sports dealer and scope out the used inventory and ask a lot of questions and go for a few rides. Not sure I'd buy form a dealer, as they always try to rape ya on a price. Check out Craigslist and shop around.

bugle,unless pulling a disc a 4 or 500 is plenty.i've had a 300 arctic cat with super low that could'nt be stopped.you'll lose traction before you run out of power.runnin an old 250sx three wheeler now and can pull a 6x8 shanty,no problem.my 2 cents worth.

I think you need to think hard about how much "work" you will be doing with it or at least what kind. If you are going to be pulling a disc, plow, or heavy trailers, I would look at a solid rear axle machine. I would also look for a bigger engine maybe 500 or up. An independent rear suspension machine will work fine for those applications but may show more wear and tear in the rear end. For ice fishing I would look for something with more ground clearance. A couple more inches can make a difference in snow or slush. Independent rear suspension also rides much nicer in my opinion and in most cases gives several more inches of clearance. An ice shack is pretty simple to pull so anything 350 or up would be plenty but my buddies 125 three wheeler pulls like a mule. I bought a 550 with independent rear suspension. I got a full size machine but are not spending the extra money on horsepower I really did not need. JMO