Suitable ATV/Quad for Reds/Sika

[JasBrn]

Morning All

So I'm in the market for a quad that can handle the Scottish hills and mountains but also big enough to load a red onto. I've been looking at a lot of reviews, and of course they're all the best solution! ... not helpful.
I'll be looking at towing (or stowing) with the Ranger I'm picking up hopefully this week, but road legal would also be a benefit.

Any recommendations (pros/cons) would be appreciated. Would it be easier to get a smaller quad and towed sled/trailer?

Cheers All

J

 

[Orion]

Honda of whatever flavour you fancy - 420 Fourtrax, 500 Foreman. Agri registration is good for unlimited use on the road but no RFL or MOT needed. Tow it on a suitable trailer and use the trailer with the quad for recovery when required, otherwise a sled towed behind the quad and stored in the Ranger with or without a carcass in it - mix ‘n’ match to suit.

Works for me, albeit in ‘sunny’ Devon!

 

[North Stalker]

What he said!

 

[lochty]

Whatever you get, just leave the rack on the back and don't fit any sort of carrying box - that will just make loading it a pain. Although relevant, the maximum weight limit is there for a reason - ignore it and you will get unintentional wheelies. Just be careful....

 

[foxdropper]

Any quad above 500cc mate as that’s where the weight and power is for hard terrain and pulling .Make sure it’s power steering if you are on it for a while and a front winch is handy for getting deer out of ditches etc .

 

[CarlW]

Whatever you get, just leave the rack on the back and don't fit any sort of carrying box - that will just make loading it a pain. Although relevant, the maximum weight limit is there for a reason - ignore it and you will get unintentional wheelies. Just be careful....

Or always shoot an even number of deer...

 

[North Stalker]

.... the maximum weight limit is there for a reason - ignore it and you will get unintentional wheelies. Just be careful....

I’d always load the front first.

 

[CarlW]

I’d always load the front first.View attachment 123571View attachment 123572

Go on. Tell us the truth. You didn't shoot it. You ran it over didn't you!

 

[Orion]

Go on. Tell us the truth. You didn't shoot it. You ran it over didn't you!

New term for ‘The Language of Death’ ?

I tarmacadamed it.

 

[North Stalker]

Go on. Tell us the truth. You didn't shoot it. You ran it over didn't you!

Saying nothing without my solicitor present!

 

[JasBrn]

I’d always load the front first.View attachment 123572

Does the job. Is that the 420?

I'm really quite surprised at how few I'm finding as second hand... I don't fancy paying full whack for a brand spanking new one, but here in Argyll there doesn't seem to be that many being sold. Saw a nice little one on that car selling website that we all know, Polaris with a snow plough blade... could be useful around the farm (once it's bought and built!). Anyone got experience with Polaris? Do they live up to their own marketing?

 

[CarlW]

Does the job. Is that the 420?

I'm really quite surprised at how few I'm finding as second hand... I don't fancy paying full whack for a brand spanking new one, but here in Argyll there doesn't seem to be that many being sold. Saw a nice little one on that car selling website that we all know, Polaris with a snow plough blade... could be useful around the farm (once it's bought and built!). Anyone got experience with Polaris? Do they live up to their own marketing?

I would worry about buying a secondhand one with a plough. I bet they put some serious strain on the transmission.

Stalkers also wreck them: stumps in forestry do a lot of damage.

Ideally, find one that has been used recreationally.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[North Stalker]

Does the job. Is that the 420?

Yes, it’s a 2008 with 2000km and 1800hrs, was used from new on an 8 acre Croft. Still had all the black paint underneath from factory. I’ve never been stuck with it, my time will come in sure but I’ve seen the 500 stuck so I’m not bothered. A couple of things with the new 500’s though is a diff lock but the power steering is fantastic! It does make a big difference, especially with 2 up and a couple of reds.

 

[martyn52]

I’ve always been a Suzuki fan king quad.

 

[countrryboy]

Funny I know some hill keepers that got rid off there Honda's as hated the power steering.
The early desiel Polaris had a terrible rep, but really the 1st bikes with desiel engines.
I think the new bikes are quite good now.

I wouldn't worry about the snow plough, I've done quite a bit of ploughing with both Honda's and Yamaha and never had any bother.
Be plenty other ways to abuse a bike.

Mibbeeget itself to anagri sale on machinery day, have to buy with caution as udo anywhere but often that's where're sorts buy there bikes. Think Lanark this week..
That Gordon agriculture always has a few on his site

 

[Dan Newcombe]

Have a speak to Doug at Farm and Forestry services at Ardesier - he can usually find good stuff and also gives it all a good going over before he sells it to you.

I have him looking out for one for me but im in no rush.

 

[sikamalc]

I have an old honda foreman 450. It has been a workhorse of mine for many years, and is still going strong. Its done some serious extraction work on the west coast on Assynt and many other estates over the years and is still going strong.

 

[arron]

Just remember big heavy quads are more difficult to get unstuck / roll back over travelling boggy ground etc , I used a 300 4x4 big red for many years , it was a still a great machine when I sold it , now got a 350 manual rancher , it has enough power for what I do ( open hill,and clear fell etc ), I have wheel spacers and as wide a tyre I can put on , increasing centre of gravity

 

[Deutsch - Drahthaar]

Any quad above 500cc mate as that’s where the weight and power is for hard terrain and pulling .Make sure it’s power steering if you are on it for a while and a front winch is handy for getting deer out of ditches etc .

Best engine size, weight and power of a quad depends on terrain in which its used. A 350/420 is a lot easier to get out if well bogged down than a 500 especially if your on your own. I have had all 3 engines in Honda quads and for extracting reds on a rough Scottish clearfell a 350/420 Honda with winch is best. I do like how the bigger engine auto machines ride though and agree power steering is much better.

DS

 

[Arborist Craig]

Look at the yamahas. Grizzly and kodiak. 2wd 4wd and diff locks
Cheaper parts if something was to go wrong, drive belt and they a little bit comfier and more refined than Honda if your going to spend a lot of time on it on the hill.