Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 26, 2016, 01:49:58 PM
Post by: Dbow on November 26, 2016, 02:09:24 PM
May have to buy one and do an add on.
Post by: JBar on November 26, 2016, 02:12:53 PM
Post by: SteelheadTed on November 26, 2016, 02:18:58 PM
Stick with name brands, Yamaha, Honda, Polaris, etc. The cheaper brands just aren't worth it. For a rig like this, getting stuck far from home or your truck just isn't fun and if you do get stuck you'll wish you'd spent the couple extra thousand. If money is less of a concern than convenience, find a good dealer and work with them. I've heard good things about Sumner Tractor but haven't dealt with them myself.
Good luck.
Post by: benhuntin on November 26, 2016, 02:39:57 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: highside74 on November 26, 2016, 02:41:08 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 26, 2016, 02:44:15 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 02:44:53 PM
I think Russ McDonald runs a tracked side x side for work maybe send him a PM or maybe he'll see this thread.
He does run one for the forest circus so he can get to radio towers in the winter.
I'll send him a pm.
@Russ McDonald
Post by: Russ McDonald on November 26, 2016, 02:48:43 PM
Sent from my super duper thingamajig
Post by: Russ McDonald on November 26, 2016, 03:20:16 PM
Sent from my super duper thingamajig
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 26, 2016, 03:43:56 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 04:02:56 PM
http://dirtwheelsmag.com/home-page/home-features/buyers-guide-atv-tracks-for-the-snow
Post by: Shannon on November 26, 2016, 04:18:25 PM
I'll PM you when I get it back from the shop.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 04:22:32 PM
Post by: Shannon on November 26, 2016, 04:27:13 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 26, 2016, 04:33:12 PM
Post by: buddy01 on November 26, 2016, 04:48:48 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 26, 2016, 04:57:29 PM
Power Needed:
At first I was going to put tracks on an ATV, everyone told us to get an ATV with at least 500cc's. We ended up putting tracks on my Viking 700 UTV, I would suggest at least 600 or 700 cc's since a UTV is bigger and heavier with more passengers. I've considered getting one of the new Honda Pioneer 1000 which would have even more power to pull those tracks, but your grandpa wouldn't need that just to get to his cabin.
What Make:
We narrowed it down to Yamaha or Honda due to reliability reports. CanAm would also be great, they are very reliable but they are the most expensive brand. I have a friend who owns 3 Polaris Rangers, they use them daily and one is always in the shop, he regrets buying Polaris. We have 3 Yamaha, 2 Viking and 1 Rhino. Admittedly the Rhino needs a new stator right now and I also had to put a new speed sensor on the governor, but it is 8 years old, so that isn't too bad. Neither of the Vikings has had any breakdown. I have another friend with an old Rhino that has over 20,000 miles and still running. I can tell you that the newer Vikings are much roomier than the older Rhinos. All the newer machines are roomier but some of the sportier models don't have much cargo capacity. I don't know enough about Kawasaki to say much one way or another about reliability.
Cost:
I think an older 700 Rhino with low miles in good shape will run about $6000 to $8000. If you add $3000 or $4000 to that you can probably get a new 700 Yamaha Viking or 700 Honda Pioneer. The Camoplast tracks for a side by side can be found occasionally used for $3000 to $4000. New they will be a little over $5000 with sales tax. Total cost is going to be at least $10,000 minimum up to $25,000 depending on what you buy. I've got about $20,000 into my new Viking VI with new tracks.
Good Luck with whatever you and your grandpa decide on!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 26, 2016, 05:00:38 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 26, 2016, 05:33:40 PM
Bear paw comes thru with a working mans good gouge. :tup:
Was just passing on what we learned. I used to own Polaris snowmobiles and ATV's, they were in the shop way too often so we got rid of them and won't be buying any more Polaris. We have all Yamaha, Honda, and Skidoo now, repairs have dropped tremendously. We did not have good experience with Arctic Cat either, won't buy another. Another friend bough a new Arctic Cat 1000 UTV at the same time we bought the two Vikings, after two new motors he traded off his AC for another new arctic cat (with some factory assistance), he is having problems with the new AC too. I wished I could support Polaris or AC, they are American made!
Post by: Wacenturion on November 26, 2016, 05:41:00 PM
Buckrub.... A good used newer Rhino as Bearpaw suggested would be an excellent choice.
Post by: bearpaw on November 26, 2016, 05:51:33 PM
Bearpaw, I second the Yamaha choice. I too have a 2016 Yamaha Viking VI Ranch. Love it. Wanted a crew type as it handles family and friends better than a two or three seater on my property. Researched and then spent time driving a fairly new Polaris crew and comparing to the Yamaha Viking VI. Obviously I went for not only the Yamaha reliability but also the noticable smoothness and comfort in the field.
Buckrub.... A good used newer Rhino as Bearpaw suggested would be an excellent choice.
Same exact machine that we bought, so far both of them are incredibly reliable. Last year I had a whole 6x6 bull elk (cut in half) in the box with 4 people riding, it had no trouble handling it at 9000 foot elevations. I've also had 6 riders on numerous occasions while hunting or recreating. I do wished it had a little more motor when heavily loaded, a 1000 would be awesome! My son has already worn out the original tires on his, he uses it all the time.
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 26, 2016, 06:02:20 PM
Post by: bearpaw on November 26, 2016, 06:09:12 PM
You guys are great I really appreciate all of this info. It helps a ton.
A guy on here named campmeat can tell you about the CanAms (skidoo UTV's), they are very reliable and powerful, but more spendy.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on November 26, 2016, 06:40:01 PM
My buddy has a nearly fully restored snow machine with an inline 6, 4 speed and cat driver. It could seat 7. It has been restored professionally. He is interested in selling it. It's around that price range.
Located in South Cle Elum. Can drive by and look at it. Can't remember his street but, about four blocks deep into south Cle elum and take a right. It's parked in front of his house. Bright red. Can't miss it.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on November 26, 2016, 06:43:42 PM
I just got a Honda 1000 5s. Haven't gotten to use it a whole lot to comment much but, compared to Rangers I've used it rides a lot nicer and is very powerful. Price range isn't close though...
My buddy has a nearly fully restored snow machine with an inline 6, 4 speed and cat driver. It could seat 7. It has been restored professionally. He is interested in selling it. It's around that price range.
Located in South Cle Elum. Can drive by and look at it.
Also,from a reliability standpoint, its a no brainer. It's all Ford econoline parts and super easy to work on yourself. It's a riot to drive.
Post by: Shannon on November 26, 2016, 06:50:32 PM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on November 26, 2016, 07:03:16 PM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 27, 2016, 08:50:44 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 27, 2016, 08:52:24 AM
How do they handle in lighter snow without tracks? I'm not sure if there will be a lot of snow up there this coming weekend, possibly get up there this weekend without tracks then have tracks put on for later in the year?
What did you get?
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 27, 2016, 09:01:01 AM
Nothing yet, I've just been looking at a few and wondering if that would be a good idea for him to do since it probably isn't likely that we will have one set up with tracks and ready to go by Friday.How do they handle in lighter snow without tracks? I'm not sure if there will be a lot of snow up there this coming weekend, possibly get up there this weekend without tracks then have tracks put on for later in the year?
What did you get?
Post by: coop2424 on November 27, 2016, 09:16:55 AM
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on November 27, 2016, 09:21:09 AM
Depending on what you get and tire conditions will determine how much snow you can go in.. I have a Polaris rzr that I can push 2-3" of snow and still get around.. It has bigger tires and a lift which I think I can run in about 10-12" of snow but may be mlre. Have had it for 6 years and have had not one problem..Perfect, thank you.