I've been thinking of getting an ATV for my place in the woods for a number of years now... I'm looking for something that would be good for firewwood collecting with a trailer and for my older kids and visitors to go trail riding, but nothing crazy like mudding or racing etc...... Just a reliable ATV that can pull a trailer and the kids can ride... I use my JD gator now... I realize these conversations can turn to a which "which pick up truck is best" and I don't want that to happen...But open for suggestions with you guys. I would like something to compliment the Gator. Seems like the Rancher is a solid ATV... Any worries? Anything I'm missing?
Thanks...glad you chimed in... Can you add anything? Alternatives? Is this the right choice for what I described etc...? Anything to look for? Options to choose no matter which brand? Power steering? Upgrade to foreman worth the added$?
When I started reading the thread, I was thinking that I need to tell the OP about a John Deere Gator. And then I see he has one, lol. I have a Honda Foreman 500 I think it is, and it's awesome. If I feel a need for speed, like the thrill of riding a motorcycle, it will provide, goes plenty fast; I get up around 45mph and I shut 'er down! Has a winch on front, handy. Ball hitch on back, handy. The Honda can go on narrower trails than the Gator, but the Gator has a bed. A dump bed. I only wish it were motorized lift.
I'm partial to Polaris because I have a good "in" with my dealer and had owned a Polaris Sportsman 570 and now a Ranger 570 dump bed. The prior was a base model, no power steering, the Ranger has power / s. Its a nice option. Cant go wrong with any of the top name machines, reliable and plenty of parts if needed. As I mentioned in another current similar post, take a look at Can-Am, it's a lot of machine for the money.
My FIL has a 20+ year old 350 rancher that has been to hell and back and still runs like a top. I have a '06 Foreman that is an absolute mule. My BIL has one just like it and it is the same. My other BIL has a 420 rancher that is really nice, but hasn't seen a lot of abuse compared to the others. Put a good set of tires on any Honda and it will serve you well for a very long time.
Thanks for the good info... I'm glad you like your Polaris, I have a used one I found that is a 570 SP, looks pretty nice. I read on the always right "internet" the Can Ams might be prone to a little more maintenance issues. I really don't have any idea.
I have a couple of foreman’s for work and they get abused but hold up well. Both have 13000 miles on them and still going.
