What kind of ATV should I get and why? (I'll ask a trailer specific question once I'm done with my initial research).
- Purpose: Cut wood to build log cabin, sheds, fences, etc. + own firewood over the first 1-2y week-ends. Then sell some wood, again over the week-ends when I feel like it ;) I'm not looking for another full-time job.
- Land : 322 acres. I've attached a topo map below. Elevation in meters, so elevation gain on the land is approx. 550'. There's no forest roads as per say. The ATV needs to be able to climb with a good load.
- Wood : Mostly mature forest, 80 acres is old growth but I'll not touch these trees until they hit the ground.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/45038/map~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1486482559)
Thanks all
First of all, welcome to Forestry Forum! Not knowing your familiarity with atv's let's start with basics: 4x4 is almost a must, along with enough power for grunt work. High and low range drive-train would be helpful, and power steering is a great aid. A 2" hitch receiver will be stout and versatile, and rack capacity along with a winch are important. That being said, you might be better served by a side by side UTV, and I would recommend the Kubota RTV-X 1120D, which would be a real workhorse for your situation. Good Luck!
Scott B.
Welcome !
I've used my Honda ATV Rubicon 500 to tow good size loads with a log arch.
If you are concerened about steepness, tracks lower the drive ratio slightly and give extra traction. It's very heavy duty for it's size. I like the narrow width and recommend a solid rear axle.
I've also towed a small dump trailer with a yard of stone in it which is about 3500 pounds.
- Upnet : I could get convinced but I thought the ATV would be more "agile" in the woods...The Kubota has a towing capacity of 1,300lbs and some ATVs can pull even more. So what other criteria did you base your recommendation on?
- sprucebunny : that's quite a load for a 500, isn't it? What's the heaviest log you pulled with your arch approx?
In general, what kind of HP / towing capacity, etc. should I be looking at?
Many thanks
i found that a solid rear axle instead of a independent rear end helps a lot.i logged quite a bit with a yamaha grizzly and a t-rex trailer.Out of all the gadgets and crap i have bought over the years and i usually buy used wore out junk 8) i broke down and bought that trailer and i love it.i took off the hand winch and added an electric one works very well for what it is .
I've pulled tree length balsam 2 at a time 11" DBH and red maple that probably weighed 2000 pounds. Have never put much of a strain on it with the arch but the crushed stone adventure was pushing the limits :D
They don't usually rate them by HP but by cc. 500 or 650 or what ever you can get with a solid rear axle.
I've probably dragged more wood into the yard with the Honda than with the more expensive and bigger things that I have ::)
Johndoesti- I was thinking the box on a Kubota(or other utv) would be handy for hauling gear/supplies etc. when covering 322 acres and no roads, having the proper stuff with you "out back" could be very important! I spent a few days in the Upper Peninsula with a buddy and his diesel Kubota, thing is built like a tank and sips fuel. I haul all my firewood with a Yamaha Grizzly 350, never have felt underpowered, but skidding poles with it might test its limits, a logging arch would be the ticket for that operation.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38622/IMG_0406.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1420750331)
Scott B.
Oh, I agree with the solid rear axle, the independent rear suspension on the one I drove under load seemed squishy....
P.S. If you are working alone an atv is great, if you plan on helpers a utv would be better with that bench seat...
I think you need to narrow your choices down to side by side UTV or regular ATV. A regular ATV is not nearly as wide as a UTV and will be more nimble in the woods. A UTV will have more load capacity, be more stable, and tow more.
My suggestion? Get a 6x6 ATV. We use them at work for maple tubing installations. They don't turn as tight as a 4 wheeler, but are very nimble in the woods, and you would be amazed how much more stable they are, and the places they will go. They have a rear cargo box that dumps as well.
We have used polaris sportsman big boss 800's in the past, I think they have a new 570 big boss that is supposed to be improved a bit (power steering, 2up seat)
We did also just get a Can am outlander 6x6 as well, with a track kit for deep snow. It's geared lower than a regular outlander and is wider.
If you really want to work an ATV hard and also keep the width and agility of a 4 wheeler, get a 6x6. You can recreation-ally ride a 6x6 just fine, but the regular 4 wheelers will outdo them trail riding generally. Although a 6x6 will go some pretty foolish places :D
322 acres is alot of land to play on. Lucky you. Will a ATV do what you want?? I play on about 170 acres with a 40hp tractor. And that could be bigger at times. BUT saying that,the wife has a 30hp tractor and I can sneak through the woods with that. The 40hp needs roads planed out and trees cut to really get around. But I do get out more wood per trip with the 40hp too. The 30hp is smaller and I can't bring so much out. So there is a trade off there.
Strictly specs speaking, a 6 x 6 provides twice the payload capacity but I can get an ATV with the same towing capacity for the same price. I also understand the various other pros/cons of UTV vs ATV mentioned in this thread (thanks). Now, what would differentiate a 6x6 ATV against other vehicles like the Argo in my logging scenario? I also mostly see 400-500ish machines on the forum. Are bigger engines a waste? Thank you all for your excellent feedback. I can't see a tractor working on my topography, too steep and not flat enough, even for a 4 x 4.
I have a Polaris 700 sportsman with plenty of power and ground clearance and a smooth ride. I have a 2" ball on it and can pull the trailer that I use carry the Polaris on. It is nimble in the woods. The downside is you can't easily take anyone else. Also it is not as easy to carry stuff on it as my brother's UTV with a bed.
On the flip side my brothers UTV does not have as much ground clearance. It also rides rough!
Too steep for a tractor but ok for a ATV. ???
I would not want to be coming down one steep hill I have with a load behind me that weighs as much as me.
I come down it with my tractor and the load does not push me down the hill.
I use to have a smaller tractor and the load would try to control me. :o
The topo lines in meters were throwing me off a bit, since I'm used to looking at feet. Even so, I'm spending a lot of time harvesting firewood and the occasional sawlog and clearing for new trails on a parcel of similar shape, but about half that size (115 acres) with an elevation gain of 575 feet.
I'm with thecfarm here - as the land starts to get steeper, I'd be more inclined to pick a tractor over an ATV any day. It's not just getting logs up the hill, it's getting loads back down. An ATV (or even a UTV) does not have much for brakes, and even if it did, it does not have enough weight to maintain good enough traction to control a good sized load. With that size acreage, I'd imagine you are going to want a tractor for other tasks anyway.
Sooner or later, you are going to want access trails through those woods. Yes, you may be able to snake your ATV in to areas where you can't get a tractor, but snaking around trees is not really an efficient way to get wood in and out, and you have a greater chance of damaging your residual stand (the trees you want to keep).
A 4WD compact tractor with a quick-attach loader (so you can swap out for the other implements you'll pick up sooner or later) and a logging winch on the back will move a good amount of wood, and will have the added benefit of being able to help out with numerous other tasks around the property.
A word of warning: Everyone thinks the equipment they have is a great way to get the job done. I do my work with a 33 HP 4WD compact tractor - so in reading the above, you can tell my bias. I've never wished for anything smaller (and occasionally wished for bigger, but I'm not doing this for a living, so I don't see an equipment upgrade happening anytime soon). I know guys who work all day with professional-scale logging equipment, and I also know a guy who logs professionally with an ATV (admittedly, he has a specialty niche). So what it boils down to is "where there's a will, there's a way."
Quote from: johndoesti on February 07, 2017, 07:54:36 PM
Strictly specs speaking, a 6 x 6 provides twice the payload capacity but I can get an ATV with the same towing capacity for the same price. I also understand the various other pros/cons of UTV vs ATV mentioned in this thread (thanks). Now, what would differentiate a 6x6 ATV against other vehicles like the Argo in my logging scenario? I also mostly see 400-500ish machines on the forum. Are bigger engines a waste? Thank you all for your excellent feedback. I can't see a tractor working on my topography, too steep and not flat enough, even for a 4 x 4.
A 6x6 atv vs an Argo type atv- Argos ride very rough, have jerky steering, and can be expensive to maintain/repair. The stub axles are also a bit fragile. But they can go anywhere.
A 6x6 atv vs a 4 wheel atv- you gain a significant amount of traction and stability. You mentioned towing capacity was the same for a 6x6 an 4x4 atv- that capacity won't mean much if you don't have traction enough to pull it in the woods.
I feel way safer on our 6 wheelers than a 4 wheeler going in the woods on steep spots. It's amazing what the extra axle and two tires do for you.
Engine size- if looking at polaris and can am 6x6's, I would always get the smaller engine option. The 800 polaris and 1000 can am have enough power to break stuff... They are geared lower so the 570 as 650 are more than adequate.
The 6x6's are designed with work in mind. The 4x4's not so much. If you really want an atv for working hard, definitely get a 6x6. Go ride one. You'll be impressed.
That's my bias :) we use them a lot and that's where my experience lies.
some thing to think about why not go with a ditch witch some of the guys on here built little skidders out of them and not much bigger than an atv or utv maybe some one with more brains than I can find the topic that has them in it with pics
Get onto youtube and check out some videos of them, there's plenty.
It's hard to explain how a 6x6 is superior to a 4 wheel atv in some aspects unless you've ridden both. 6x6's are just impressive with how much traction they have and the places they will go, with ease.
Here's a can am promotion. You can get a hydraulic forwarding trailer to tow behind as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jBZSp3Z0Iw
In the summer, I have use of a 25HP Deere tractor. Those things have zero suspension and my land has rocks, holes and stumps. The fastest i can go and keep my body parts where they belong is about 5 MPH on my best trail. The ATV can go at least twice as fast on the same terrain.
Once a person has really smooth trails or if your land has NO rocks, a tractor may be better for some things but in the beginning when there are no trails, an ATV is better.
After almost 14 years of trail cutting and even some smoothing with an excavator, the ATV (with tracks in winter) is my first choice. The 6x6 ones look useful but I'm still glad I bought the ATV I did and the tracks.
I also use a rubicon 500, use mostly a skid cone but also have a trex trailer. I log in sugar maple woods and I have taken out some pretty big logs with it, like alot of things all comes down to experience, if its going to be a twisty skid, rough terrain or up hill might not try to take out a big log, but if have a straight shot or down hill can go pretty big. The skid cone works really great other than getting dirt in the wood, and are pretty inexpensive.
- thecfarm & John Mc : Duh! I was only thinking when going up, good point. smiley_dizzy
- celliott : I'm certainly considering the 6 x 6 now...
- sprucebunny : did you try tracks in summer for added traction?
I have kind of ditched the idea of a skid cone already as the big logs will be used for my log cabin, don't want to drag those logs on the ground (maybe just one end with a log arch could work as I could cut the "dirty" section afterwards).
Wouldn't you want to peel your logs for the cabin? The dirt would be removed in the process.
Quote from: sprucebunny on February 08, 2017, 07:35:21 AM
In the summer, I have use of a 25HP Deere tractor. Those things have zero suspension and my land has rocks, holes and stumps. The fastest i can go and keep my body parts where they belong is about 5 MPH on my best trail. The ATV can go at least twice as fast on the same terrain.
Once a person has really smooth trails or if your land has NO rocks, a tractor may be better for some things but in the beginning when there are no trails, an ATV is better.
I suspect our land is not all that different, though I do have some well-developed trails on both of the properties where I spend my time. You are right that tractors have no suspension, and that can be a limiting factor on speed. The suspension on my tractor is in the seat, not the wheels, but it does make quite a difference in the ride (especially since I have filled rear tires, which eliminates some of the "shock absorbing" that an air filled tire can give). Speed is not my main concern when pulling out a 3 to 4000# load of green hardwood behind my tractor. However, most of my trails are in pretty good shape, so I can easily top 5 MPH on them. I may move slower than an ATV (at least when the ATV is unloaded, but I have yet to see the ATV that I would be comfortable pulling out 4000# with on my hills (and definitely not 4000# at higher speeds). Even if it were rated for that kind of pulling, it's the stopping that concerns me. I make up for the lower top speed by pulling out more at a time.
Lastly, I have yet to see a good solution for winching out logs with an ATV. I have a smallish PTO logging winch with 230 ft of cable and rated to pull 7700#. Electric winches are too slow (for me), and typically have a very low duty cycle (even the high-quality winches might give you 30 seconds at full load, then you are supposed to let it cool for 15 minutes). I didn't want to build a trail up to every tree I harvest - even a trail that can accommodate an ATV, so I went with the combination I have now.
None of this is to say that an ATV/UTV is a bad choice. It just wouldn't work for me, in my situation, in the manner in which I prefer to work. I've seen the guy in action I mentioned above who does ATV logging commercially, and he is an artist at work. He's a 3rd generation logger, and grew up using big, dedicated logging equipment. When he got out of that, he switched to specialty ATV work as a sideline, since he missed working in the woods. Between his ATV, a logging arch or trailer, and a gas-powered capstan winch, it's truly impressive what he can do. However, even he will admit he can't keep up with an equally skilled operator on a tractor which is appropriately set up for work in the woods, and his dedicated logging equipment would have run rings around a tractor and an ATV put together, as far a productivity goes.
What I really drool over is a mini Vimek forwarder I saw demonstrated a year or two ago. However, I'll never be able to justify the price tag for my own use.
A lot of this is just making the decision on what your own sweet spot is for the combination of time vs money spent. It also hinges on what you may already own, and what other uses you have for the equipment. ATVs are great for getting where you are going quickly. I don't know of too many hunters who use their tractor to get where they are going, or anyone who really enjoys recreational riding on their tractors. On the other hand, for grading a road, brush-hogging a field or lifting heavy stuff, a tractor certainly has the edge. What works for you depends on your own work methods and needs.
- LeeB : Not sure yet, might do timber frames or hand hewn with the help of chainsaw cuts, etc.
- John Mc : very helpful, thank you. Based on your post, I have determined I need an ATV for now and in a few years, once I get serious, a tractor.
Here's a link to the T-rex trailer (http://woodlandmills.ca/us/product-category/atv-trailers/) others have mentioned. Woodland Mills actually sells two variations on the design: Both are rated to carry 2000#, both convert between a log trailer and a dump trailer (and have dump angles of 60˚).
- The T-Rex, has a boom and hand-crank winch for loading, but can only dump 650# (due to the limitation of the boom)
- the Woodland ATV Trailer, which looses the boom, so loading happens by hand or by using the tailgate as a ramp and winching in through the rear of the trailer. The advantage of the Woodland trailer is that it can dump the full 2000# load.
If I were using an ATV for my logging and firewood, I'd have something like this. Personally, I'd probably go for the Woodland trailer, since I haul more firewood than long logs, and loading the cut (and sometimes split) logs is quicker by hand. It seems like a nice match for an AVT/UTV.
There are several others who make clones of this trailer. Dr Power makes the Versa-trailer, which is a clone of an earlier version of the T-Rex (but limited to a 35˚ dump angle). I've seen one of these up close. Nice idea, but the execution lacked in some places (at least on the one I saw).
Quote from: johndoesti on February 08, 2017, 09:19:02 AM
John Mc : very helpful, thank you. Based on your post, I have determined I need an ATV for now and in a few years, once I get serious, a tractor.
Either will get the job done. Both will beat what I started out with: a Craftsman Garden Tractor pulling a Rubbermaid cart.
You also need to look at what else could I use this piece of equipment for...loader, forklift, backhoe, auger, post driver, log splitter, trencher ....etc, etc, etc....an atv/utv are great but have there limitations as do tractors.
I use my Honda rancher 2wd as a tool cart and explorer.
i added a 2 inch receiver hitch to the solid axle
the only thing i have changed since these photos is i put the right side stuff on the left side.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/27421/Kolpin_Saw_Press_Bracket_-_Front.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1443858429)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/27421/Kolpin_Saw_Press_Bracket_-_side.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1443858429)
One of the main reasons I bought tracks is because many parts of my land are soft. Some trails have been rutted by trespassing trucks.
They were called '4 season' tracks back then but they have sliders in them. Newer tracks have small wheels replacing the sliders and are truly 4 season. If I had newer tracks, I would run them year round for the added traction and rut mashing ability. ;D
The tracks add friction and I rarely use my brakes. Even towing a big log or bundle of logs in the arch I don't need brakes much. If I know there is a steep section, I can set the log further back in the arch so it drags more.
Skidding cone can be a great addition to the arch in rough terrain where you Really don't want the front of the log/hitch to snag.
I have a seperate 3x6 trailer for short stuff but usually just drag big stuff back to my landing.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmLRarchfrmbackOP.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1192064435)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11412/jmswissarmybikeOP.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1192064547)
Nice-looking set-up, Sprucebunny!
Enjoying this info, as I have been wondering the same thing as the OP, as I recently bought land and will be buying some more.
You guys who skid/carry logs out of the forest, what are you doing with them?
Quote from: livemusic on February 08, 2017, 01:09:58 PM
.......You guys who skid/carry logs out of the forest, what are you doing with them?
sawmill or firewood.
I have 166 here and fortunately many logging trails and skidder trails i can drive the tractor and pull a trailer on.
procedure = cut tree, skid tree to central area, load logs onto flatbed trailer, then to the TK sawmill or Multitek firewood processor.
next project is to weld a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver to the Farmi winch
sawmill or firewood too.
I have experienced a 'jack knifing' of my 4 wheeler with a load on the utility trailer behind it. I was able to pull the load but did not have enough weight to keep the trailer from pushing it down the hill. No damage or issues but did teach me a lesson!
Johndoesti,
I see you mentioned an Argo and I had to chime in here. Look long and hard before you go that route. We use an 8 wheeler with tracks mostly in the winter hauling ice huts etc. Their steering system is a brake system, so on a straight pull they have a lot of pulling strength. The second you try and steer, you lose a lot of power as you lock one side but engine still trying to turn it. The end result is you would not be happy skidding anything on a winding or twisted trail where a lot of turning is required. They are also the roughest little buggy on Earth and drive train is fairly high maintenance !!!! The 6 wheeler option is a great one. The 570? Polaris with power steering is tough, decently agile and pulls quite well. It has replaced the Argo on most of our excursions except where deep snow will be an issue. Sounds like the perfect lot for a 200 series Timberjack .......
JMHO....Deerguy
I use a Honda foreman 400 cc and my wife use a foreman 500 cc. Our lot is hilly and going up with a load is sometime very painful. With our log splitter (500 pounds ) attached to an ATV when the hill is wet I have some traction problem, the atv are not heavy enough and I have traction problems .The hills are steep and long ( 300 ft ) when we carry a 700 to 800 pounds of heating wood and go down the hill, the load really pushes us a lot, the use of the brakes and compression are not enough and we finish the hill going real fast (on 4 th or 5fh gear ). The use of a solid axel is almost a must so the tire hold the load.
All depends on the length of your hills and how steep they are. On a flat land you can pull a pick-up with an ATV but not if there is an incline.
Yesterday at a sportsman show I saw a Hustler MDV, which is a UTV with a bed that lowers or dumps and I thought of this thread. I have no experience with this brand, just saw it at a show.
Thank you all for your comments, very helpful and so many options!
My topography is 550' of elevation gain over 0.7mi of distance (again no gravel roads, perhaps a remnant of a skidder road here and there).
Right now I'm trying to determine if a 6 x 6 with good offroad tires or a 4 x 4 with tracks year round is better in terms of traction and safety (I am assuming the tracks will help a lot going down with a good load even if the ATV is lighter?) Is it much more maintenance having tracks in the summer also?
Thoughts?
For smaller wood and thinning operations I use a Honda Foreman 450 with a home made trailer. I have brought out a fair amount of wood with this system. I use it mainly for small diameter wood. With the larger diameter wood I usually just skid it out with a choker which is attached to the back of my bike. I thought I had a better picture of my trailer than the one attached, but can't find it!? This is a bogey axel system with 12" trailer tires. I also have a plastic tub ( reused paddle boat bottom) which I use when I want to junk up firewood at "the stump". The winch although I have used it, I no longer do, as usually I can back right up to those larger trees and hook them up to the bike directly. I like the low impact and aesthetics of the job pulling wood this way. Full disclosure here that I also own a TJ 230 to haul my larger wood and when I clear cut patches on my woodlot. I get much better production with the skidder.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/41585/CSC_1123.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1486652738)
Quote from: gspren on February 09, 2017, 09:31:54 AM
Yesterday at a sportsman show I saw a Hustler MDV, which is a UTV with a bed that lowers or dumps and I thought of this thread. I have no experience with this brand, just saw it at a show.
Not a lot of detail out there about this, other than the lift-bed/dump-bed, which seems like an interesting idea.
Any info on payload capacity or towing capacity?
Gump -
I'd love to see more information on your trailer. I've been debating making something like that myself (I'm about to start an evening welding class, since my skills are not up to the task in that area). I looked at the T-Rex / Woodland Trailer I linked to above. They are a great idea. I also like that it can convert from a dump trailer to a log trailer. However, I need something rated for a bit more weight than just 2000#. I can comfortably pull 4000# with my compact tractor (have not tried more than that, since that's all I can fit in my existing homemade utility trailer).
There seems to be a huge jump in price from the ATV trailers ($500-$2000 range) to the smaller log trailers for use behind a compact tractor ($7000, quickly going up to $15,000 or more).
At one point I gave up on the log trailer idea and figured I'd get a hydraulic dump trailer. Most of these are too wide for my needs, and not really suited for use in the woods. If I went this way, I'd love to find a dump trailer narrow enough to maneuver easily in the woods, but that could still be street legal. I had settled on the CAM Woodsman trailer (hydraulic dump, 4 ft x 8 ft bed with the wheels tucked under the bed, rated for 3500#), but it turns out they are no longer made.
Yes, the tracks will help the situation going downhill because they add friction and weight down low and stability. You lose some speed and suspension with them.
I don't know how summer maintainance would be on the newer tracks. I think you'd want to wash heavy mud out of them before it set up :o Too much wear on sliders to use them in dirt.
Quote from: johndoesti on February 07, 2017, 10:59:26 AM
What kind of ATV should I get and why? (I'll ask a trailer specific question once I'm done with my initial research).
- Purpose: Cut wood to build log cabin, sheds, fences, etc. + own firewood over the first 1-2y week-ends. Then sell some wood, again over the week-ends when I feel like it ;) I'm not looking for another full-time job.
- Land : 322 acres. I've attached a topo map below. Elevation in meters, so elevation gain on the land is approx. 550'. There's no forest roads as per say. The ATV needs to be able to climb with a good load.
- Wood : Mostly mature forest, 80 acres is old growth but I'll not touch these trees until they hit the ground.
Thanks all
please update your profile with general location.
Log cabin building = tractor or Skidsteer with a boom to add height and reach for lifting.
could use a ATV or UTV with an A-frame arch. or leave a tree in a key location and build a lifting boom (arm) that swings.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/27421/log_boom.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1486664383)
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It seems that only Honda are making solid rear axles nowadays (therefore no 6 x 6)?
I wouldn't get too hung up about not having a solid rear axle on the 6x6's. There is an extra axle there anyways.
I can't speak for tracks in the summer, we only use them in the wintertime, but I'd be afraid they wouldn't hold up long. They say they are all season, but to run them 100% of the time? More expensive than tires to replace...
If you ever need more traction, tire chains are an option too. We run chains on the rear two axles of our polaris 6x6's and they will go through a surprising amount of snow.
Quote from: gspren on February 09, 2017, 09:31:54 AM
Yesterday at a sportsman show I saw a Hustler MDV, which is a UTV with a bed that lowers or dumps and I thought of this thread. I have no experience with this brand, just saw it at a show.
Thanks for the info about the Hustler Maximum Duty Vehicle. I could not find a video that showed the bed working, but I did see some static images. Even the main Hustler site does not have much of a promo video, it's just a teaser. It was announced in October 2016. The bed will lift up and back and down so that the bed is sitting on the ground. You could load something very heavy on it at ground level, such as a big red oak round. It appears that you can also dump the bed, even when it is extended halfway to the ground. Not sure what dumping in that position is for. Anyway, kudos to somebody with coming up with a good idea, hope it works well.
Quote from: gump on February 09, 2017, 10:25:06 AM...I also have a plastic tub ( reused paddle boat bottom) which I use when I want to junk up firewood at "the stump"...
Hello, could you expand on what this 'tub' is and how you use it? Is it just a totally open plastic tub, open like a washtub?
as to the question as to which building to do first.
Outhouse, when you got to go, you got to go :D
Pole barn, storage, dry work area, can live in
Log Cabin, comfortable
Livemusic:
Yes, it just a "vessel" to carry junked up wood, like a washtub, except the shape is better. I was given and old paddle boat but found it to be more work than fun and never used it. So all I did was cut the top half off leaving me with a great container to haul behind the ATV with snow on the ground.
I built a bed mount arch for my old sportsman 500 6x6.. I chain up all 4 rear tires and put a stack of cutting edges on the front axle for steering weight and shazam I have a fairly legit mini skidder.. I can skid about 1,000# with this set up it's VERY nimble and with an electric winch I can drop the turn at the bottom of a hill free spool the winch climb a hill with the unlaiden 6 wheeler then winch the turn back up too me.. What hasn't been mentioned about those 6 wheelers yet is no matter what you ALWAYS have 4 tires on the ground. Case in point I take my wife out recreational riding once in a while.. I put her on the old 500 and I take my 700 4x4 (it is a little funner in the mud holes and the jumps) anytime we come up to a 16" shear face in the trail she (with much less experience than I) can idle up over it because there is always an axle on flat ground pushing or pulling whereas when I hit it with the 4x4 I have to work at it because there is a point when both axles are fighting up the ledge.. I have a picture of my set up but I can't seem to get it to post for whatever reason.. bummer..
What's your soil like? If its not all rocks, I'd rather spend the money on a 4wd tractor than a new ATV of any type. Then you can get a logging winch, make your trails, blow snow, maintain your driveway, lift stuff, drag, mow, etc, etc....
By all means get a 4wd regular ATV as well to zip out and fell some trees or cruise your trails for $2-3k, but for what a 6x6 or side by side UTV costs new, you might as well spend a little more and buy something that can pick up 2k+ lbs and load it on a wagon.
to the OP what is your price range?
I'm a Honda ATV guy and have 2 Honda 450 Foreman's
Have had 1 since new in 2002 with 4,500 trouble free miles just change oil and I have redone front brakes wheel bearings 1 time and a Muffler replacement as well.
if your looking new I go with the New Honda Foreman 500 with Electric power steering and 4x4 with the diff lock.
if used and price range in the $4000-7000 range get a Honda foreman 500.
if your really on a budget find a Honda foreman 450 can get them for $3000-4000ish.
the Honda's run forever and are pretty stout machines.
just my thoughts of things and good luck.
Another vote for a Honda. I started out with a utility 2000 Honda Foreman, all wheel drive, all the time. Simple and bullet proof. It's still going strong. What it could pull out of the woods with an arch was impressive.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11185/logarchi.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1192063962)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11185/july03-9i.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1192063962)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11185/logsemi3i.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1192063964)
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John,
I use a Kawasaki Prairie 650. I have about 40 acres that rises over 100' (oops - correction) 450'-500' from front to rear. I pull some pretty large logs down hill with and without a logging arch. I have had some pretty hairy rides down the hill. I would not try to pull anything up hill over 6-8 inches and 20-30 feet long, if that. I would not suggest anything smaller and even think you would be better served with a UTV for the extra weight. Good luck and be careful.
Dakota,
That's a very nice arch.Did you build it?
yes, I built it.
i would have to agree with some other replies, on the the 4 wheeler logging idea. I've been there and done that! I purchased 334 acres back about 5 years ago and started with 2 new 4 wheelers ,log rite logging arch, and gravel rascal they all do a good job at light work but.... if you plan on cutting and hauling, fire wood, logs to mill, i would go with the advise a friend gave me and it has been my best decision. wm 55 with loaded tires and ice chains, 12000lb farmi winch, bradco frame mount back hoe with thumb, and forks.Its not a skidder or bulldozer, but has really been a versatile and back saver for me with trail maintenance ,stump and rock removal from trails hauling my firewood and logs for the sawmill, and the many other options you can use it for. thats my 2 cents of experience that i know you won't be disappointed with
Quote from: celliott on February 07, 2017, 05:01:37 PM
I think you need to narrow your choices down to side by side UTV or regular ATV. A regular ATV is not nearly as wide as a UTV and will be more nimble in the woods. A UTV will have more load capacity, be more stable, and tow more.
My suggestion? Get a 6x6 ATV. We use them at work for maple tubing installations. They don't turn as tight as a 4 wheeler, but are very nimble in the woods, and you would be amazed how much more stable they are, and the places they will go. They have a rear cargo box that dumps as well.
We have used polaris sportsman big boss 800's in the past, I think they have a new 570 big boss that is supposed to be improved a bit (power steering, 2up seat)
We did also just get a Can am outlander 6x6 as well, with a track kit for deep snow. It's geared lower than a regular outlander and is wider.
If you really want to work an ATV hard and also keep the width and agility of a 4 wheeler, get a 6x6. You can recreation-ally ride a 6x6 just fine atv accessories (https://www.kemimoto.com/collections/atv-accessories), but the regular 4 wheelers will outdo them trail riding generally. Although a 6x6 will go some pretty foolish places :D
It's time for a new battery on a JD Gator 625i with a dump bed. I'm running a Boss Power V Xt. Of course there are headlights, but also a strobe, front and back LED lights on the roof, and a cab heater.Would like your thoughts on a suitable battery to run these accessories in cold weather. Right now the stock battery is still there.P.S. Looking to add a bed spreader (possibly with a vibrator) so add that to the mix. If anyone is selling a spreader that would fit, I'd be interested....
@wildtmpckjzg (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=59360) , your jumping into an over 6 year old thread with a question sort of off to the side, might be better to start a new one.
The original poster has not posted on this thread since 2017.
would be nice to know how things are going
my first piece of equipment would be a 4x4 tractor with at least 50 HP
next is an Excavator, 10,000 pound at least. or go whole hog and get one that can use a harvester head.
drill a well.
i had 166 acres so i know