ATVs for Snaking Logs Out of the Woods

D8Chumley · Jan 24, 2014

I like it a lot. Its an 05 had it since 06. Forward and reverse shifter grinds a little but it might just need to be adjusted. Plenty of power and it pushes snow like a beast. I think I'm going to take it for a mani and pedi at the Honda dealer in the Spring. Show it a little love. I dont use it a lot but it gets used hard when I do and it hasn't done me any wrong. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat

WiscWoody · Jan 25, 2014

I talked to people in the know about which Honda ATV to buy for mostly utility work and very little trail riding. They all said the Rubicon would do better with its 5 speedy tranny and real axle not being the more cushy Independant type.
I ended up getting a 06 Rubicon and have liked it very much. I use a 60" plow on it and a dump trailer.

D8Chumley · Jan 25, 2014

It might be hermancm. Mine has the IRS but it doesn't seem to hamper what I use it for. I only have a 48" plow but I'd like to get a bigger one. I got my 48" from a buddy that went bigger for $100, and a TSC 1 ton winch with the mounting plate I got off eBay and I'm plowing snow for around $250. I had a 7.5' Meyer on my old F250 SD and I miss plowing and being warm but when I bought my current F150 that plow wouldn't work on it, and I wasn't spending 4-5 grand for a plow just to do my driveway. Added bonus, my family members now have to do their own driveways haha! I broke my plow at moms one year and I hadn't done our driveway yet, wife was NOT happy with me. What kind of blade is that and what did you pay for it?

WiscWoody · Jan 25, 2014

It's a Denali plow. They have them on eBay for $362 shipped from Minnesota for free. It's made well and has more reinforcement ribs than others I've seen. I plow my 800' driveway with it. It's also available in 3 different colors. Search for MotoAlliance seller on eBay.

D8Chumley · Jan 25, 2014

That's about how long my driveway is, and it's blacktop millings. Thanks I'll look into that

WiscWoody · Jan 25, 2014

Don't think I that I wouldn't want to have the Rincon with it's bigger motor and IRS. But I was guided to the Ruby and it's the first and last ATV I'll ever buy. There's trails all over here and a 90 mile one just down the road but I rarely ride them.

D8Chumley · Jan 26, 2014

When I bought mine it wasn't because it was a Rincon but rather it was a Honda. It was the newest nicest one I saw where I bought it used. Had no idea then it would become what it has but it has all worked out. I don't trail ride mine either as it's my work horse but I had it up the mountains a time or 2 when I first got it

Quentin2 · Jan 26, 2014

I have a 2005 Suzuki king quad 700. It's been a very tough and reliable wheeler/tool for me. I have spent a lot of time on quads of all makes, here's my 2 cents.
Japanese Honda Yamaha Suzuki and Kawasaki the fit and finish and reliability will generally be higher quality than cat and Polaris.

People are down on independent suspension on outdated and old technology, the new IRS are way smoother and comfortable and offer higher ground clearance, it doesn't take much of a rut to high center a straight axle.

Selectible 2wd/4wd with differential lock makes a big difference when encountering very heavy logs and or mud and snow, for this reason Hondas are off my short list. Honda has a very good reputation for reliability for good reasons, they don't use belts as well. It doesn't mean a lot to some but the honda rincon is way down on power compared to similar 700, it's actually bested in hp numbers by 500 machines.

I believe the best all around machine taking all things into consideration is the Yamaha grizzly, this quad the king quad and the brute force are somewhat similar.

Also can ams and polaris are typically heavier and depend on more tech for their awd systems to work, generally they have to spin tires first before they engage more traction from other tires.

Sorry for the long winded response but I have a lifelong passion for all atvs

D8Chumley · Jan 26, 2014

I didn't know that about the Rincon and I don't have the experience of any other ATV so I will have to take your word for it. However it still gets done what I need it to do. Two of my good friends have Yamaha quads and they have the best of everything so its more than likely true. Thanks for the info. Is there anything to be done to a Rincon to help it out? Mine is all stock except for the plow.

Quentin2 · Jan 26, 2014

D8Chumley said:
I didn't know that about the Rincon and I don't have the experience of any other ATV so I will have to take your word for it. However it still gets done what I need it to do. Two of my good friends have Yamaha quads and they have the best of everything so its more than likely true. Thanks for the info. Is there anything to be done to a Rincon to help it out? Mine is all stock except for the plow.

I don't believe anything needs to be done to a honda to help it out, they are great machines. I was just commenting on my experience and what quads I would buy if and when I buy another. I've ridden many of gnarly trails and mountains with guys who have had older ranchers and they do great, there backs might be more sore but it gets the job done. With what I like to do a set of mud tires and a winch is a must and then your ready to tackle most jobs, trails and conditions.

WiscWoody · Jan 27, 2014

Quentin2 said:
I have a 2005 Suzuki king quad 700. It's been a very tough and reliable wheeler/tool for me. I have spent a lot of time on quads of all makes, here's my 2 cents.
Japanese Honda Yamaha Suzuki and Kawasaki the fit and finish and reliability will generally be higher quality than cat and Polaris.

People are down on independent suspension on outdated and old technology, the new IRS are way smoother and comfortable and offer higher ground clearance, it doesn't take much of a rut to high center a straight axle.

Selectible 2wd/4wd with differential lock makes a big difference when encountering very heavy logs and or mud and snow, for this reason Hondas are off my short list. Honda has a very good reputation for reliability for good reasons, they don't use belts as well. It doesn't mean a lot to some but the honda rincon is way down on power compared to similar 700, it's actually bested in hp numbers by 500 machines.

I believe the best all around machine taking all things into consideration is the Yamaha grizzly, this quad the king quad and the brute force are somewhat similar.

Also can ams and polaris are typically heavier and depend on more tech for their awd systems to work, generally they have to spin tires first before they engage more traction from other tires.

Sorry for the long winded response but I have a lifelong passion for all atvs

When you say the Hondas don't have locking axles do you mean that they're alway limited slip? And would you have true 4x4 if the transmission was in low? And ground clearance is a problem that I have with the Rubicon like you said. I live on a lake and it doesn't take a lot of snow before I can't run the dogs on account I can't get through.

Quentin2 · Jan 27, 2014

hermancm said:
When you say the Hondas don't have locking axles do you mean that they're alway limited slip? And would you have true 4x4 if the transmission was in low? And ground clearance is a problem that I have with the Rubicon like you said. I live on a lake and it doesn't take a lot of snow before I can't run the dogs on account I can't get through.

From my experience Hondas do not have a locking front diff. Some Hondas are full time awd and some are selectable 2wd/4wd. When they are in 4wd yes it is somewhat of a limited slip so you might have one wheel in front and one wheel in back spinning when you are stuck.

When you say low trans do you mean 1st gear? A few of the brands I mentioned before allow you to lock the diff. Which I believe is only the front diff. This helps a lot when dealing with snow mud and hauling heavy logs in my experience.

A rubicon is a very capable wheeler if you were to put some mud tires like a itp mudlite and get it one size bigger( if you got 25s go 26). You would gain a little clearance and traverse snow much better. Stock tires don't do much in snow or mud.

WiscWoody · Jan 27, 2014

When I say low position, the transmission selector has low, drive, neutral and reverse. The transmission is a fluid type similar to most car and truck automatic trannys. There is also a second sector switch with Drive 1 for normal riding, Drive2 for traction control and ESP for shifting through the gears manually. And there is a 4/2 WD selector.

I'll look into the bigger tires but I'd have to see if it would effect the computer. The ECU is pretty integral in the transmission in the Rubicon and the Rincoln. But I'd love to have another inch of clearance.

Shmudda · Jan 29, 2014

Herman,

You have a classic hydrostatic transmission in that machine. One of the smoothest and most reliable ever designed and built. Honda designed their first one back in the 1960's, so they have been around. Look at all the better tractors and you will find the same tranny in those.

Let me caution you on heavy ply tires and larger sizes and diameters. Most ATVs come with a 2 ply tire and this is for a reason. These tires are like riding on a soft pillow compared to the heavier tires. They will crawl over obsticals and handle much better too, allowing easier steering and delivering more HP to the ground. That's the ultimate goal right there. When you go up in tire size you lose HP and torque, and you will notice a difference, especially if the machine is used for working and pulling. The only problem with 2 ply tires is they are prone to pinch type damage between wheel and large, very large rocks. Again, if that isn't your style of riding then you have nothing to worry about.

I have had a Honda Rubicon for years, rode it for recreation and also worked it, so my advice is from pure first hand experience. Actually, the machine was to big for working in tight woods, I use a little TRX300FWD for that.

Bigger tires will not bother the computer at all, but again you will lose performance. See, most people don't work, or ride these machines real hard, so losing some of the performance to larger tires is no big deal. If you do put larger tires on you must keep the same differential on front vs back. If you don't you will have drive problems because the differentials are designed for the specific tire diameter differential on front vs back.

Good luck,

Craig

WiscWoody · Jan 29, 2014

Shmudda said:
Herman,

You have a classic hydrostatic transmission in that machine. One of the smoothest and most reliable ever designed and built. Honda designed their first one back in the 1960's, so they have been around. Look at all the better tractors and you will find the same tranny in those.

Let me caution you on heavy ply tires and larger sizes and diameters. Most ATVs come with a 2 ply tire and this is for a reason. These tires are like riding on a soft pillow compared to the heavier tires. They will crawl over obsticals and handle much better too, allowing easier steering and delivering more HP to the ground. That's the ultimate goal right there. When you go up in tire size you lose HP and torque, and you will notice a difference, especially if the machine is used for working and pulling. The only problem with 2 ply tires is they are prone to pinch type damage between wheel and large, very large rocks. Again, if that isn't your style of riding then you have nothing to worry about.

I have had a Honda Rubicon for years, rode it for recreation and also worked it, so my advice is from pure first hand experience. Actually, the machine was to big for working in tight woods, I use a little TRX300FWD for that.

Bigger tires will not bother the computer at all, but again you will lose performance. See, most people don't work, or ride these machines real hard, so losing some of the performance to larger tires is no big deal. If you do put larger tires on you must keep the same differential on front vs back. If you don't you will have drive problems because the differentials are designed for the specific tire diameter differential on front vs back.

Good luck,

Craig

Thanks for the info! And I never ride it through bogs or rocks. It's used to plow and work around the area. It only has 600 odd miles on it in 8 years now. Over 100 hours but I can't recall how many exactly. The machine can pull especially in drive 2 with traction control. I once pulled a UPS diesel which is heavier than their gas trucks that had sunk into my snow melt softened gravel driveway. I had to pull him up hill. I pulled him out and up and he stopped helping half way up and I kept pulling him to the top! Lol! The driver just couldn't believe it! He said that damned thing is a tractor! I'll never forget it.

So, do you know if the axles will ever lock for true 4x4? And I probably won't go with bigger tires. I do run chains on the back tires in the winter. I wander if I should on the front too?

Quentin2 · Jan 30, 2014

Shmudda said:
Herman,

You have a classic hydrostatic transmission in that machine. One of the smoothest and most reliable ever designed and built. Honda designed their first one back in the 1960's, so they have been around. Look at all the better tractors and you will find the same tranny in those.

Let me caution you on heavy ply tires and larger sizes and diameters. Most ATVs come with a 2 ply tire and this is for a reason. These tires are like riding on a soft pillow compared to the heavier tires. They will crawl over obsticals and handle much better too, allowing easier steering and delivering more HP to the ground. That's the ultimate goal right there. When you go up in tire size you lose HP and torque, and you will notice a difference, especially if the machine is used for working and pulling. The only problem with 2 ply tires is they are prone to pinch type damage between wheel and large, very large rocks. Again, if that isn't your style of riding then you have nothing to worry about.

I have had a Honda Rubicon for years, rode it for recreation and also worked it, so my advice is from pure first hand experience. Actually, the machine was to big for working in tight woods, I use a little TRX300FWD for that.

Bigger tires will not bother the computer at all, but again you will lose performance. See, most people don't work, or ride these machines real hard, so losing some of the performance to larger tires is no big deal. If you do put larger tires on you must keep the same differential on front vs back. If you don't you will have drive problems because the differentials are designed for the specific tire diameter differential on front vs back.

Good luck,
.
Craig

I agree schmudda that you do lose some power turning a heavier tire. To be clear im not suggesting he get a heavy duty mud bogger tire like a silverback. ITP mudlite in the AT style or even the XL are a pretty tame and light tire. Im not following on the pillow riding of the stock tire, these tires will feel as hard or soft as the air pressure you keep in them same as a mudlite. A big reason ATVs come with cheap 2 ply tires is just that their cheap and it helps keep the cost of the machine low for them and the buyer. If the goal is to work and plow in snowy conditions and work effective in the summer months a moderately upgraded more aggressive tread pattern will definitely be a upgrade in performance. I dont have experience with chains, but if you put them on the front like your talking about this might be the best cheaper alternative to keep you working in the winter.

Heres a couple pics of mine up at gunsight mountain, I dont have a pic of my plow set up but I currently have a warn winch and plow. Ive been using ATVs to plow for about twelve years now, im thinking of buying a teryx4 this spring so the whole fam can pile into one rig. Nice equipment by the way herman looks like you got it covered nicely.

firefighterjake · Jan 30, 2014

Some random thoughts . . .

One trick with Hondas and their lack of locking differentials and true 4WD . .. on the Foreman you can apply your brakes to any wheels that are spinning (back or front) and this tends to lock them up and apply some power to them. I've used this technique a few times to get out of a jam.

Tires . . . I have over-sized tires on my ATV now. I only bought them and the rims because they were a good deal (ITPs). One major drawback is that they tend to throw a lot of crap now since they extend past the fenders. If I was to buy new tires it would be the original size . . . but I would definitely want something more aggressive than the OEM tires and with more than just a couple plys. In fact, buying a plug kit and upgrading the tires is something my buddy and I have done relatively quickly with all of our ATVs after experiencing a few punctured two ply tires. And yeah, I suspect it's more about the manufacturer saving money vs. the ride.

TRX300 . . . Perhaps one of the best ATVs for its time. Those things could not be killed. I bought my brother's old TRX300 4WD after he beat on it. Ran it for years. Finally sold it and just about everything on it was shot . . . but you could choke it, kick start it once or twice and the engine would purr.

Great pics Quentin. My brother in law and sister live out your way . . . well Wasilla. . . . they started out with a Ranger . . . now are running a Razor. I forget which mountain we went up when I was visiting a couple years ago . . . it was somewhere in your neck of the woods though. Here are some pics from Pinocle and Eska Falls.

Quentin2 · Jan 30, 2014

firefighterjake said:
Some random thoughts . . .

One trick with Hondas and their lack of locking differentials and true 4WD . .. on the Foreman you can apply your brakes to any wheels that are spinning (back or front) and this tends to lock them up and apply some power to them. I've used this technique a few times to get out of a jam.

Tires . . . I have over-sized tires on my ATV now. I only bought them and the rims because they were a good deal (ITPs). One major drawback is that they tend to throw a lot of crap now since they extend past the fenders. If I was to buy new tires it would be the original size . . . but I would definitely want something more aggressive than the OEM tires and with more than just a couple plys. In fact, buying a plug kit and upgrading the tires is something my buddy and I have done relatively quickly with all of our ATVs after experiencing a few punctured two ply tires. And yeah, I suspect it's more about the manufacturer saving money vs. the ride.

TRX300 . . . Perhaps one of the best ATVs for its time. Those things could not be killed. I bought my brother's old TRX300 4WD after he beat on it. Ran it for years. Finally sold it and just about everything on it was shot . . . but you could choke it, kick start it once or twice and the engine would purr.

Great pics Quentin. My brother in law and sister live out your way . . . well Wasilla. . . . they started out with a Ranger . . . now are running a Razor. I forget which mountain we went up when I was visiting a couple years ago . . . it was somewhere in your neck of the woods though. Here are some pics from Pinocle and Eska Falls.

Your sister and the gang don't mess around, them are some seriously nice wheelers. Eska falls is out at the coal hills in sutton, not sure of the names of the mountains either. Pinochle is a very cool trail, good moose hunting. Gunsight is about twenty miles north of there I believe.

Nice pics, I guess it's a small world after all.

SIERRADMAX · Jan 30, 2014

how about a quadractor?
https://www.google.com/search?q=qua...RJeWuyQHMsYCYBQ&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=888

Quentin2 · Jan 30, 2014

You could use the radio flyer to haul some wood.

WiscWoody · Jan 30, 2014

Lmao! And in your state too, Quentin

WiscWoody · Jan 30, 2014

Wow! It looks like your not lacking for nice place to ride!

Quentin2 · Jan 30, 2014

hermancm said:
Wow! It looks like your not lacking for nice place to ride!

If I had the time i would try explore every corner of this state. Now that I'm heating with wood I'm afraid I'll have even less time.

tjcole50 · Jan 30, 2014

I too am trying to figure this out. 17 acres of woods to clean up storm damage behind my house. Flat ground no hills rocks to worry about. I cannot decide between a deere x500 series or a honda rancher. Either will be used all season for snow clearing as well. With the x500 I would be getting a blower. I also will be towing a cart for cutting wood to length then bringing up to my building for split/stacking . Is the x500 up to this task if the deck is removed? I would love to have one piece of equines to do all.

Shmudda · Jan 30, 2014

hermancm said:
So, do you know if the axles will ever lock for true 4x4? And I probably won't go with bigger tires. I do run chains on the back tires in the winter. I wander if I should on the front too?

Hondas don't have any locking differential front or back. They have a true limited split. Don't be fooled though about a locker..... I used to ride with a bunch of guys that had machines with lockers and I went everywhere they did, and then some! It's
Iike anything else, it's how the machine is ridden, plain and simple! I knew a few people that put lockers in their Hondas and then removed them after a while. They said it wasn't worth the bad and hard ride.

Trust me ATVs were and are a passion of mine, there's nothing better then spending a day out on the trail when time permits.

Craig

ATVs for Snaking Logs Out of the Woods

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