From you wheeler folks out there. I'm needed advice. I plan on getting one for my business. May requirements are simple.
4 wheel drive
Auto is preferred but manual is OK.
Reliability
Not super size. Thinking nothing bigger then 450.
Used over new. Used price vs new?

Need one to run beaver traps and predator trapping this winter. Not interested in going 50 miles an hour. From point A to B. Body has taken a beating over the years, so, want to just make it easier on this old frame.

Thanks for your help.
Sarge

Sarge,
I'd consider a SxS.

I recommend a Honda.

700 or 1000.

You'll never regret the purchase.

Honda rancher or honda 4 man.
Any year,they are bulletproof and dont quit.Maintenance is basic,
Second hand will be as good as a new one unless really abused bad.

If getting a 4 wheeler ( ATV ) I would get a Polaris 550. They start good in the cold and run cheap. And they go in the back of a pickup and you don't need a trailer.

I worked at motorcycle shops for years, owned a small shop for 10 years. Only reason I would have a polaris is to sell it!
If you have any work that needs done get a side by side. Hauling firewood, brush or whatever. I just bought a kawasaki mule sx. Its slow, so no one can crash it too easy. It fits in an 8 ft truck bed. Easier to get into than a 4 wheeler. My father inlaw had 2 strokes and cant use his right hand too good, I wanted something he could drive if he comes over.
Im not a Yamaha fan either.

Power steering

I would get a new Honda rancher with power steering, if you want to haul in a truck, sxs if you're taking a trailer anyway

I use a Polaris 570 year around. If the snow gets to deep I have a set of tracks for it. It does have power steering which is needed for the tracks. It has plenty of power, more than I will use for trapping.

Have a Honda Rincon. Have never regretted the size and power.

I'm with u.

I have a lot of hours on all the makes except Kawasaki. If you want reliable, long lasting with only scheduled basic maintenance, Honda still rules. They are not the fanciest, certainly not the fastest, but they are just plain reliable. Polaris would be my last choice for a quad...

I run a Honda Foreman, a lot of times I wish I had a Rancher. I think they are smaller, fit into the pickup truck better. Mine fits but takes up a lot of room. I bought mine during COVID and there was no choices, pay now pick up in six months or so. Manual transmission is about bullet proof.

wws

I would not get a manual. Automatic is the way to go. Not sure they even make quads manual anymore.

If you’re carrying traps and tools and hauling out beavers, then you’ll need to rig some kind of box on the quad or haul a trailer.

I’d suggest getting a side by side. I bought a Kawasaki Mule pro mx last year. Plenty of room for tools and no bs.

I run Yamaha Big Bears, have a 350 around the house, but running a 400 now, about 5-7 hours a day. Nothing fancy, good tires, will go where you point it, winch front and rear.
I wouldn’t be afraid of a Honda either.

I have a 300 Honda FourTrax If you can find one built like a tank

I have a Honda rancher 450, auto or manual and 2 wheel or four wheel drive with a flip of a switch. I dont think you can beat a Honda. Mine is an 06.

I bought a Honda foreman rubicon in 17. Very nice machine and has power steering. It is a little bigger machine like some mentioned, but it’s not like a side by side. I’m surprised nobody has mentioned how much more nimble they are in the woods versus a side by side. I can cruise through the woods versus my buddy following in his Polaris general. I guess it’s all give and take. It’s awesome on fuel and has been trouble free for a couple 1000 miles.

I would vote Honda, they aren't the best at anything except reliability. There they can't be beat. Polaris would be my last choice... well except some of the Chinese knockoffs.

The difference in where you can take a fourwheeler vs. a side by side really can't be overstated.

I like a manual foot shift, Honda is the only major brand that still offers that option, I've ran Arctic Cats with an automatic for the last fifteen years because they quit making a manual, and the automatics have come a long ways since the old days, but I still like a manual. Honda offers a foot shift manual, an electric push button shift, or an automatic (actually offer an option where the machine can be used either in automatic mode or electric shift mode). Honestly, take your choice, ATV auto transmissions have came far enough that it is really a preference rather than a reliability vs. convenience choice.

Best ATV ever made

I have a 1991 that is still going

I bought a new Arctic Cat H1 650 quad that’s been abused. Still going strong. It’s not a speed demon, more of a torquey work machine. Lik3 a little skidder. I’d love a SXS but they’re too big (big $ too) and I have to get into some thick stuff, sometimes straight through the bush with no trail at all. If I get stuck, I winch out.
Only reason I went with Cat is because I know the dealer, good service. They all make great machines but Honda sure holds its value. Alotta of the used machines around here look good but need big work as they’ve been swamped a hundred times. Home made snorkel isn’t a good sign…lol