How large a 4-wheeler?

[Timber]

I am planning on purchasing a new 4-wheeler. I would use it to haul my 6x8 permanent ice house on and off the lake, plow, haul deer out of the woods, etc. How large of an engine should I get? I'm sure it should be a 4x4. What make seems to be the most reliable, and work best for what I have in mind?

Thanks!

[EAGLE EYES]

My brother purchased a 500 Bombardier with the walk through front a couple of years ago.
It works great for all the uses you mentioned. It weighs about 800 lbs so, a good 4-5 inches of ice is needed for hauling shanties around but, it will do everything you need a 4 wheeler for and more. If I was to purchase a wheeler, this is the one I would get for sure. As far as reliability; It's been great also. Awesome unit! EE

[Kaz]

Timber: You should also take a look at the Mule. It cost only a little more, but it sits three, crowded, across the front, has a dump box in the rear, 650cc for plenty of power, and you can enclose the cab with a heater. I use mine for all sorts of chores around the lake place. It's a mini pickup. Goes thru 8/10 inches of snow and a plow can be attached to the front too. I sold my 4x4 as I prefer a steering wheel to a handle bars. When you have trouble throwing you leg over the rear of the ATV, just slid into the seat of a MULE. Good luck SHOPPING....Kaz

[Walleye1]

Honda Foreman 450ES
You can switch between 2-4 wheel
Top speed 55mph
Great power house
Will last a life time

[rock2me]

Kaz's answer was good. A mule gives you space for more than one and a box to haul your supplies, or whatever. Whatever brand you choose, do not get smaller than a 450cc machine for the tasks you have at hand. We have a Polaris 6x6 at the lake and it is a workhorse but a little cold-blooded.

I always research the heck out of anything I buy. Here is what I have found. All the brands are good as long as you know what you are getting into. What I have found is that of the manufacturers Polaris appears to need the most maintenance (does not necessarily mean that is bad just informational). Artic Cat seems to give you the most bang for the buck (I was looking at the 375cc for me and wife - just under $5K). Honda, you can't go wrong as they are rock solid and have greater resale than any other.

I personally, am waiting to take a look at the new Honda Rincon. Looks awesome. It seems to have everything anyone would ever want. However, $7k is a lot of cash for a toy.

Mille Lacs Guy purchased the AC 375 maybe he can give some input on his experiences?

Have fun looking. I really don't think there are bad ones out their. Each one has it's strong points...independent suspension, full boards, plastic-metal. You need to look at them all.

Good Luck!

[Fishnut]

Take a serious look at the Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. Mine has been very reliable and works great for plowing, towing and just riding around.

[wiggle]

First of all, I do not think you can go wrong with any 4-wheeler. But I just want to put in my .02. As far as size minimum of a 450, you NEED independent rear suspension, an atv that can go from 4x4 to 2x4 will make for easier steering and more fun whipping ****ties, consider the automatics(wish I would have gotten it on mine), and maybe something you haven't considered...the number of headlights. If there is only one and it gets knocked out, then what??? Ground clearence-who cares they go thru everything. An extra 1/2 inch won't help much. Last but not least, with the bigger engines, they will use more gas. So how 'bout the size of the gas tank?
I have a 2000 Artic Cat 500, my best friend just got a brand spanking new Yamaha Grizzly 660. Both are awesome machines and are darn near unstoppable...

[Mckoz]

Just spent the last 2 months doing all the research and finally buying. Most people could probably do with a 350 or so.

What I found was that most people want something larger leaving a buyers market for smaller used machines.

I wanted new and ended up buying a 500 - I will never need anything this big but bought it only for resale purposes.

Mike

[THUMPER]

As a previous post said any machine over 300cc will do the work. I am partial to the lighter machines and in particular the new Hondas. A set of chains on the unit for hauling ice huts on the ice is a must. In my ares rocks and stumps are a major consideration and any additional ground clearance is a bonus. The Polaris units with their high ground clearances are popular in NW Ontario as well. If you are buying new get a liquid cooled.

[MK]

I have to agree with the posts that advise not worrying about engine size. I have a '96 Yamaha Kodiak 400 4x4 and it has all the power I've ever needed. Only one minor problem in 5 years that cost about $30 to fix (flexible rubber mount between carb. and engine split). Other than that, its done wverything I've asked of it. I also have the elec. winch on front which has come in handy a few times. It also handles a front snow plow and will push thru 12" of snow with no problem (I usually bungee a couple of sand bags on the front and rear racks for extra traction).

Good luck. I don't think you can go too far wrong with about any machine made today.