ATV recommendations

[Mossy]

I’ve been needing a quad to plow my 180ft steep gravel drive for a handful of years so I’m looking at getting one soon. Is there a brand/model I should stay away from?  I’m looking for something in the 400-500 size, 4wd with power steering and probably new.  I fully expect to plow downhill.....

[MADMAX]

I have a grizzly 350
does everything I need or want to do
As far as ATV plowing only good on light snow
good luck
I use a pallet on snow 5-6 inches deep,  towed behind and it "grooms" my road and knocks it down
I'm getting a snowblower for deeper wet stuff done with shoveling

[MHWASH]

I’ve been plowing several spots in town for at least 10 years. Started with a Honda 300 4x4, then a 300 2x4, then a Rancher 420, now a Suzuki Kingquad 750. This progression was because of my trail riding, not snow plowing needs.

Lack of power has never really been a problem with the 300s but traction is usually the culprit of not getting the snow moved the way I wanted it. To add to your list I would recommend diff lock, because it does make a difference sometimes, and my preference is now an automatic.

A couple tips when plowing snow. Try not to drive on the snow before you plow it, once the blade gets on top of a compacted tire track it will stay on that track and not cut down to the road surface. Next, push the snow as far to the side as you can.. because once you make a berm or pile, an atv plow is just not heavy enough to move it.  If possible cut down an old grader bit, or old bit off of a large plow to use as your plow bit. This adds a bunch of weight to the plow and it works much better.

[Mossy]

I’ve been plowing several spots in town for at least 10 years. Started with a Honda 300 4x4, then a 300 2x4, then a Rancher 420, now a Suzuki Kingquad 750. This progression was because of my trail riding, not snow plowing needs.

Lack of power has never really been a problem with the 300s but traction is usually the culprit of not getting the snow moved the way I wanted it. To add to your list I would recommend diff lock, because it does make a difference sometimes, and my preference is now an automatic.

A couple tips when plowing snow. Try not to drive on the snow before you plow it, once the blade gets on top of a compacted tire track it will stay on that track and not cut down to the road surface. Next, push the snow as far to the side as you can.. because once you make a berm or pile, an atv plow is just not heavy enough to move it.  If possible cut down an old grader bit, or old bit off of a large plow to use as your plow bit. This adds a bunch of weight to the plow and it works much better.

Thanks for the tips. I have that same issue with the snowblower(going over compacted tire tracks)

[hunter399]

I don't know if this helps but they sell chains for atv.

[KFhunter]

You can move a lot of snow with an ATV and quickly!    I used a Grizzly 660 for years to plow snow and never chained it up, but I was running like new Bighorn 2.0 radials which worked very well in the snow!

The trick is to plow often and don't let it build up. 

The problem with ATV plowing is the roads will get narrower and narrower through the winter and you won't be able to push the berms back,  start wide!   If it's a deep year you might need to hire someone to push the berms back.   

[KopperBuck]

I’ve got a Grizzly 700 and a Honda Rancher 420. The plow is on the Honda. The only thing I don’t like about using the Honda is the transmission - but I’m gonna bypass the reverse button so I can shift without engaging.

Like people said, you might need to do a little planning if you’re going to be piling it. I plan ahead and have a little Kubota to move the snow if I need.

Chains can be handy, but I’ve rarely had to use them. Also, I’d switch from cable to synthetic or go with just enough to operate the plow as necessary. That much action in the plow you’re bound to gather slack. And get a good bump stop if you don’t already have one.


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[KFhunter]

 


I went to walmart and got a 20 foot tow strap (yellow about 2 inches wide, $20) cut it in half and burnt the ends making two 10 foot straps with hooks on the ends.   

Then I put duct tape on the burnt end of one of the straps and fed it on to the drum of the winch (remove cable first) the strap tightens on itself and is good for 1000's of ups and downs on the plow where the cable would fray and break in about 50 ups and downs.   I never did ruin the one strap, but if I did I had a back up strap already to go with the other half of the tow strap 

[b23]

You can move a lot of snow with an ATV and quickly!   

Been using a quad w/snow plow to move snow since 95 and it's amazing how fast and how much snow these things will move. 

If I had a long driveway to plow I'd probably look into getting one of the "state" design type plows where one side is taller than the other, much like they use on DOT plow trucks, instead of the conventional type where they are the same height on both sides.

[Mossy]

You can move a lot of snow with an ATV and quickly!    I used a Grizzly 660 for years to plow snow and never chained it up, but I was running like new Bighorn 2.0 radials which worked very well in the snow!

The trick is to plow often and don't let it build up. 

The problem with ATV plowing is the roads will get narrower and narrower through the winter and you won't be able to push the berms back,  start wide!   If it's a deep year you might need to hire someone to push the berms back.

That’s the idea; 10-15 minutes twice a day is better than 3 hours with the snow blower(if something doesn’t break)I’ll still have the snow blower to address the build up if needed but one side of the drive has a gully

[Oh Mah]

The Kawasaki for sale for 3500 on here right now is a great deal and would work awesome for what you want to do.It's a 750 but cheap. 

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,236689.msg3162900/topicseen.html#new

[Mudman]

Yhe Brute does look to be a good deal!  Any size engine should have low range and thus plenty of power to plow.  EPS steering is great to have as well imop but not needed.  If you don't trail ride I would look for used 300-500cc with real 4x4 not open front diffs like older Hondas and some other cheaper models.  Polaris has AWD and would do the job as well.  If used then any quality machine under $3500 is a good deal it seems.  If new maybe a Polaris 450 eps with plow included would be around $6k. 

[Mossy]

Yeah my father in law has me talked into power steering

[KFhunter]

Yeah my father in law has me talked into power steering

smart guy

My old grizz has left some nasty bruises on my thighs because I have a tendency to not watch where I'm going,  that front tire grabs a log and slams the handle bars all the way to one side then you pitch forward and make a bruise...of course I'm standing when I do it too, freaking hurts! 

I stand up a lot checking out game trails, glassing, scouting and such.   I'm not always sitting down riding.


The EPS would prevent the handle bars from slamming to one side when the front tire hits an obstacle.   For plowing it might ease the steering input some but I didn't find it difficult.   

Another main reason for the EPS is when you're in full diff lock, then it gets to be a handful!

[kirkl]

Honda rancher 420. No belts to worry about. Or if you have the money jump
To a 500. I’m still plowing with a 98 Honda 300 4x4

[MHWASH]

No belts to worry about. Or if you have the money jump
To a 500.

 I have a ‘13 KQ with 4200miles on it and no belt issues. It way faster going between forward and reverse when doing small back and forth runs. I definitely wouldn’t worry about the belt issue.

[Mudman]

Truth is most atv belts last several thousand miles.  Big tires and hard use or abuse is the killer.  A belt is $70-150.  Now a transmission requires a complete teardown by mechanic and several hundred in parts but will last longer or life of machine often.  Think of belt like brakes.  No biggy.  CVT is good, snowmobiles don't request a manual transmission do they?   I like em both.

[KFhunter]

Turbo'd snowmobiles run belts with over 300 hp in some applications, my snowmobile is rated at a measly 148 HP....about 3x as much as a midsize quad.


There isn't much difference between an ATV belt and CVT as a snowmobile, the belts are just as thick and robust. 

[jackelope]

I used to do a pretty reasonable job back in upstate NY plowing snow with a 16hp Bolens garden tractor chained up with wheel weights. I plowed a lot to keep up with it, but there weren’t too many storms that got away from me. Driveway was about 150 yards long or so. I have to believe that most quads would do 10x better as long as you keep up. The Bolens tractor was nice. Full hydraulics with a 42” blade and a 48” mower deck.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Bouncing off of Jack's post. I'm relatively new to plowing snow. I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad with a Eagle Plow. As stated plow with the storm. You cannot sleep in and expect to clear your area if it has melted down and is very heavy.  Now we are talking worst  snow the Gorge has seen since 1980. This year is leading up to that. And we plow out bout 3/4 mile to county road. Cant emphasize enough to plow with the storm......No matter what you plow with.....

Heres the modify to my post. Unless you have a Grader and or massive Skidder available then plow when you feel like it. I seen a Skidder up 35 on the OR side of th river and I just thought wow wish I was a logger. He had snow pushed so far in the trees it was awesome to see. He pushed right across 35 and right up the hill into the trees like nothing. Thank God for the true hillbilly folks that just get stuff done when needed. This guy if needed could make it to Hood River in 50' of snow if he had to to. It's all about being prepared.
 

[b23]

I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad

I use a 2008 700 H1 and it’s a snow plowing SOB!  It’s a great quad.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Bouncing off of Jack's post. I'm relatively new to plowing snow. I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad with a Eagle Plow. As stated plow with the storm. You cannot sleep in and expect to clear your area if it has melted down and is very heavy.  Now we are talking worst  snow the Gorge has seen since 1980. This year is leading up to that. And we plow out bout 3/4 mile to county road. Cant emphasize enough to plow with the storm......No matter what you plow with.....

Ah yes the 6’ in three days & nights snow storm, then the chinook came in blowing in. 

I lived in Stevenson Wa then.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Bouncing off of Jack's post. I'm relatively new to plowing snow. I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad with a Eagle Plow. As stated plow with the storm. You cannot sleep in and expect to clear your area if it has melted down and is very heavy.  Now we are talking worst  snow the Gorge has seen since 1980. This year is leading up to that. And we plow out bout 3/4 mile to county road. Cant emphasize enough to plow with the storm......No matter what you plow with.....

Ah yes the 6’ in three days & nights snow storm, then the chinook came in blowing in. 

I lived in Stevenson Wa then.

Well that storm is reliving itself again. Had warmer west wind a bit ago and now south cold freezing wind. Anyone that has never lived in the Gorge really doesn't know what mother nature is made of. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad

I use a 2008 700 H1 and it’s a snow plowing SOB!  It’s a great quad.

Oh they are. That Suzuki single piston motor has all the low end power you could ever want from a quad.  No wonder they are so popular in the Midwest. Beat ÷Em up put em away wet and   and they are ready for the next run. Every  time.

[Mudman]

Had a Suzy Vinson 500 manual trans years ago.  Great quad!  One of my favorites.  Broke 1 axle and lost the stator.  Very tough strong reliable machine.

[bearpaw]

Best two things that ever happened with ORV's is when they started using electronic ignition and fuel injection.

[b23]

I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad

I use a 2008 700 H1 and it’s a snow plowing SOB!  It’s a great quad.

Oh they are. That Suzuki single piston motor has all the low end power you could ever want from a quad.  No wonder they are so popular in the Midwest. Beat ÷Em up put em away wet and   and they are ready for the next run. Every  time.

It's kind of confusing because I think they made three different models of 700, but I believe the H1 model like I have actually has an Arctic Cat made motor, not a Suzuki.

[CAMPMEAT]

I've got a 2015 Can am 500 XT for sale $7500.

Dalton Clutch Kit
Racks/bags
8 ply tires
Warn Winch 2500lb I think.
bumpers
Can am Street Legal kit install professionally
Original owner....

[Mossy]

Thanks for the opinions guys. I picked up a Grizzly 700 with a plow yesterday

[Katmai Guy]

What did you end up paying if you don't mind me asking?

[Grit dog]

I have plowed some serious snow and ice with a 2007 Artic Cat 700 quad

I use a 2008 700 H1 and it’s a snow plowing SOB!  It’s a great quad.

Have a 2008 Cat 650 since almost new. Has plowed for a few years and the occasional WA wet snow since we moved here. Kids ride it a bunch. It towed a mower over 5 acres for 6 years up here. Utility use around the yard, some riding up in AK. Sent it down a river upside down once. 10 oil changes later she was dried out and good to go.
It has around 300 hours I think, so not a ton. But also have done nothing but good basic maintenance save for a few repairs that were self inflicted damage to it. It's been stone reliable.
Cats don't handle as well as others that are newer and they also are not as popular, so IMO you can get a bigger wheeler for the same money.

[C-Money]

Thanks for the opinions guys. I picked up a Grizzly 700 with a plow yesterday

Congrats! That will be a nice unit for ya...I'm itching for a trail ride very badly!

[CAMPMEAT]

Let's see the pictures............

[Mudman]

Good solid bikes, both AC and the Grizz.     I think that year Artic Cat was still running the Suzuki engines?

[Mossy]

Let's see the pictures............

I’ll be sure to do so when it’s not covered in the white stuff 

[Mossy]

Well here it is. Up next is trying to figure out a practical cargo system




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[Buckmark]

Well here it is. Up next is trying to figure out a practical cargo system




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Looks good
This place has some pretty cool rack storage boxes etc https://www.discountramps.com/

[Mudman]

  excellent decision.

[Mossy]

Well here it is. Up next is trying to figure out a practical cargo system




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Looks good
This place has some pretty cool rack storage boxes etc https://www.discountramps.com/

   thanks for the link