ATV for relatively light barn work?

[osok-308]

Hey guys, I'm currently in the market for an ATV only to realize, I don't know a thing about ATVs. I'm currently looking for something that I can plow my driveway, haul bales of hay (70 pounders to take to horses), and get around my property. I don't have a ton of money, so I'm looking for used ATVs currently. I have seen ATVs ranging from the mid 80's to brand new, ones as well. I've seen 150cc engines - 800cc ones. Maybe you guys can help me narrow the search as far as engine size and manufacturers you prefer? I'm really shooting in the dark when it comes to this stuff. I've done a few website searches but I've only seen guys looking for recreational ones, not the particular uses I'm looking for. Thank you guys. Seriously, anything helps.

[Irving]

HBARleatherneck may be able to give you solid advice about this.

[encorehunter]

I really like my Honda 350 4x4, but it does have some draw backs. If the snow is over 6 inches, I have to take multiple passes to clear it. It does great for hauling fence posts, pulling small trailers full or wood or rocks, and general work of fencing and such. I do live in the hills, so if I had to do it over again, I would move up to a 450 or 500. I like the Honda because it is very reliable. Regular maintainence and very few problems.

[Herman]

I have had quite a few nice and Junkers over the years. My go too for farm work is either a yamaha grizzly 700 with electric power steering or a 03 Suzuki eiger 400. The grizz was 8k. The eiger was 800 off cl with a trailer. You do the math. The eiger has been a stupid solid worker. Not as fun in the hills though.

[jmg8550]

Polaris Sportsman 500. Pretty solid all purpose machine.

[Great-Kazoo]

What ever you choose make sure parts / support are still available. When i workd in the business, you'd be surprised how many people came in looking for repair parts for late 80's early 90's ATV & dirt bike parts. They was pissed when told sorry no longer available, be it factory or after market. BUT, BUT i got a good deal on it. That's why. Yamaha was the worst followed by Kawi then suzi.

[drift_g35]

I have the Polaris Scrambler 850, Its pretty solid, I use it to pull my utility trailer full of rocks or dirt or whatever else into my backyard. I bought it more for having fun though which is why i got the 850. I'm definitely a fan of Polaris though, i've had 0 problems.

[davsel]

I just picked up a 2001 Kawasaki Mule. I was looking into an ATV with plow and trailer for the same chores you are, and found the Mule will do everything I need it to do better. They are not cheap, or easy to find, but worth it in the mountains.
I can haul bails and logs without a trailer. Has a dump bed, winch, and receiver hitch. My 11 year old daughter loves driving it while I sit beside her on the bench seat. Low range 4x4 with the diffs locked and it will climb anything.
Some complain that it is slow, but I have not needed to go over 25mph on our property for any reason.
For ranch work, I don't think you can beat the UTVs.

[Rooskibar03]

I picked up a Polaris 570 when we moved up the hill in November for exactly what you describe. I used it all winter to plow and haul firewood. This summer we are using it for various work around the property.

Comes in handy and we use more than I expected.

[buckshotbarlow]

i run a polaris whoresman 700. Bigger the better for plowing....