ATV choices, which brand works best for tree work

DLT

DLT

Location
Milford, New Hampshire
I'm in the market for the first time for an ATV, and am not sure which manufacturer/model works well for general tree care use, what features are "must have's", what to stay away from. I've spent a brief amount of time with local dealers explaining what we do (hauling trees and brush through woods, and over lawns)

Here's choices I'm looking for help on:

1. Manufacturer and model
2. engine size
3. automatic or manual
4. air cooled or liquid cooled
5. single rear axel or independent rear suspensions
6. what else?

I could pose the same question for a mini-loader, but that will need to be a different post. For now I want the ATV for distance and speed.

Two local dealers recommended the Bombardier Traxter 650.
One recommended a Polaris MV 500?, supposedly designed as a military ATV
 
I suggest you take a look at a John Deere Gator. Before getting a Gator, I used a standard ATV and they have several shortcomings; motorcycle style steering, no passengers, and limited cargo space. The Gator addresses all of these shortcomings at about the same price. The large pickup style cargo bed is the most useful of these features. The HPX 4x4 diesel is a very nice choice.
 
I use a Kawasaki Mule quite a bit but I want a mini skidsteer that will go through a 36" gate.

Dan
 
there is a bobcat MT50 and an MT52. i believe the 50 has a 36" base and lifts like 1000lbs about 7 feet high. the 52 has a slightly larger base (unable to fit through fence gates). a different company (forget the name)-ramrod, lifts more with slightly faster speed, but bangs up the knee caps. i beleive that these were better designed for landscaping though
 
I used ATV's for doing treework for years. Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha.

The 'zuki was setup the best. 400cc I think. I could lock in 4 WD low and creep up hills with HUGE loads. Locked in all four wheels to drive. It also had independent suspension. this is nice when hauling on sidehills. The range shifters were up on top easy to access.

Water cooled is nice since we creep along.

Don't get anything but a manual tranny. the snowmobile clutch type drive isn't as dependable for the loads we haul. When you have a heavy load and head up a hill you want to control the power very precisely.

Bombo's are nice but spendy. Hondas are really dependable too.

Look closely at ground clearance. I had a knobby tire which was easier on turf than a V-cleat.

My 'hama had a 500cc which was as much power as I ever needed. No reason to spend more and have a heavier machine.

Having a smaller ATV instead of something like the Gator is nice because it will go into narrower places.
 
Local heavy equipment trader has a guy trying (as a dealer) to sell a Eurodig articulated loader that fits thru a 36 inch gate. I plan to check it out one day. But does anyone else know anything about it?
 
Re: ATV choices, which brand works best for tree w

Skip the sports models. Yah, I know that's obvious. Also skip the big monsters designed for the weekend warriors. Talk with your dealer and let them know what you plan to use the ATV for. I have two, but the one that does the most work around the place is a 450 4x4 Honda. I pull large logs in an arch all the time. And like Tom mentioned, it is nice to have a machine that you can lift either end up if the need arises.

Cary
 
Re: ATV choices, which brand works best for tree w

I have a Yamaha Grizzly 660. My budy has the Big Bear 400. Most times I feel like I wasted my money. While the Grizzly has a ton of power and speed (72 mph on the road) the Big Bear is a semi-auto clutch w/ a much lower gear ratio than the Griz. The Big Bear goes everywhere the Griz goes although much slower and no where near as comfortable.
 
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