I'm needing to get a ATV for running trap lines. The following is what I need out of a machine:

Can haul a load on the front and rear racks.

Can mount a electric winch.

Can pull a small trailer with a pirogue.

Ease of maintenance.

Best value for what you get.

Any impute from personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

2002-2004 Yamaha Kodiak 450

Kubota UTV!

One other thing you may want to consider is location of dealers for service and parts. Good luck in your search - talk about a fun project!

I really like my utv for utility it's so much more convenient to be able to have the bed space and easier to get off and on than climbing over the seat on a 4 wheeler. I'm not fond of the big 4 wheelers so popular these days I much prefer the older small models like the old 300 Honda for Trax . They are light and smaller and get through the woods much easier than the larger heavier 4 wheelers.

So if it's between a large 4 Wheeler and utv I will pick the utv it will get through the woods about the same. If I need something more maneuverable a small 4 wheeler preferably a Honda would be mu choice.

Get a UTV. ATVs are not designed to handle much weight above the weight of the rider. Check the specs on anything you look at. Yes, you can hang racks on both ends that will quickly overload what it was designed to handle, especially with the extended rear racks. Been there and done that before I stepped up to a SxS that is designed to handle a lot more weight.

I have a Honda Foreman 500 ATV and a Honda Pioneer 700 UTV. I only use the ATV on the trap line as a last resort.

Depends how you run, I use a Honda 450 foreman not fast but plenty of torque if you run like June a UTV but for me I load and unload a lot and don’t want to mess with a trailer

Yamaha or Honda ........ motorcycle, ATV , UTV , generator ......

As someone else said look at what is close by for dealers and parts. Sucks to be broke down.
If you're set on buying an ATV and not a UTV. I would buy a two seater model if it's in your budget.

Mac

Had the same Honda since 1990.

You can put way more weight on an atv racks than they recc. , been there done that.
Hauled out a whole bull elk and 2 people on one about 2 years ago.
We have a nice little cart to pull behind when needed though, Ohio steel poly cart.

How much $$$$ do you want to spend?

I have had several ATVs in my lifetime. My last purchase was a Yamaha Grizzly. It has been a good machine. They all need maintenance in time to give you good service.

The harder you are on them the more repairs you will need. You need to keep an eye on your front and rear rack supports as well as your rubber CV joint boot covers. They will take a beating if you work it very hard. I have had to weld and repaint my racks a few times.

I have had Honda and Suzuki over the years. All served me well until they needed some work.

Dealer support is critical. Every village in NW Alaska has a boneyard of machines of all makes. Sort of a community used parts store. Have owned probably 25 since 3 wheelers became 4 wheelers. All brands. Two wheel drive to start, 4 wheel drive when they came out, have been running Polaris and Can Am 6x6s for the last 15 years. They all break, they all need regular upkeep so they don't break as often.

That's the same ATV I have. Not fast, but lots of power and very dependable.

Mid 90s to early 2000s Suzuki King Quad. Shaft drive, hi, lo, super low, locking differential. Electric start with backup pull start. Front and rear racks, will take a beating.

I run a 2005 Yamaha Kodiak 400 ... it does everything I need , hunting /trapping...
It's been a great machine..just a little maintenance keeps it going ..

I had one of those suzuki models sneaky, but the rear suspension was flawed not enough support with a heavy load. The tires would rub on the fenders when they loaded up with gumbo.:) Or when carrying another person.

My old Honda 1986 Bigred 250 ES three-wheeler is still getting the job for me. Most reliable ride I have ever owned.

Probably worth more now than when it was New