Quad/ATV purchase help

MrWillJ

New Member
Hi, I'm new to this forum so I apologise if I've posted this in the wrong category or if the topic has already been covered.

My grandfather puts on a shoot every year and I'm given the responsibility of going around the farm filling up feeders and repairing fences etc. I usually go around with him but due to him getting older I sometimes have to go by myself so I've decided on a quad bike to get me around the farm. I don't have much money to play with so having my own land rover/pickup/utv is a bit out of my reach due to the price of the vehicle and insurance being so expensive for someone my age (19).

I have a few questions about the kind of kit I'll need

1. What kind of accessories will I have to buy to be able to transport equipment? I know a trailer attached to a tow ball is a thing I'll need if I want to transport posts and wire if any repairs need doing, but is there a type of box that I can put on the front or back that will carry a few of bags of feed so I don't need to drag a trailer around with me all the time?

2. What CC engine would I need to be able to get around in very wet and muddy conditions without fear of getting bogged and/or be able to lug around a trailer? ( I know CC isn't everything but I'm just asking for the minimum/recommended engine size/power)

3. What manufacturers are the most reliable and what is the minimum I should spend on a second hand quad?

It's also worth noting that it doesn't really need to be road legal as I will get help transporting it from the seller to the farm. I'll also be able to store it on the farm securely.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Last edited:

Mursal

Member
Click and put your post code on the box for local quads

Honda would be the best secondhand, just go for basic no frills little or no electrics
Kawasaki would be a cheaper option
4 wheel drive will be safer more balanced, the racks already on most quads, will probably be fine for the feed.

Note:
No warranty on these quads, so be careful with your money, if in doubt take someone else along with you.


Welcome to the forum
 
If you're towing in mud, get a 4wd bike.

Honda all the way for me, get somebody who really knows about quads to come look with you, there can be a lot of things wrong with a bike yet it'll still be working, but may turn into a money pit on parts alone.

Agri quads already have racks, make yourself a plywood front box, dead handy.
 
Most farmers around here use 420cc 4wd Hondas. The build quality on them is not what it used to be though and they're not all that cheap second hand.
I would be looking for something older. 4wd is a must. If you go for something older you should be able to keep it running yourself as opposed to needing a laptop just to find the problem.
 

Elpresidente

Member
Location
West Wales
+1 for 420 4wd Honda. We've a 500 Foreman which is a bit too big for what you're describing. A 420 manual shift would be reliable and reasonably priced.
+1 for anything Honda I've had a few and even they go wrong now and again but nothing major or too expensive. I've got a Foreman 500 as well it's an animal and excellent for pulling trailers for fencing etc.
 
Hi, I'm new to this forum so I apologise if I've posted this in the wrong category or if the topic has already been covered.

My grandfather puts on a shoot every year and I'm given the responsibility of going around the farm filling up feeders and repairing fences etc. I usually go around with him but due to him getting older I sometimes have to go by myself so I've decided on a quad bike to get me around the farm. I don't have much money to play with so having my own land rover/pickup/utv is a bit out of my reach due to the price of the vehicle and insurance being so expensive for someone my age (19).

I have a few questions about the kind of kit I'll need

1. What kind of accessories will I have to buy to be able to transport equipment? I know a trailer attached to a tow ball is a thing I'll need if I want to transport posts and wire if any repairs need doing, but is there a type of box that I can put on the front or back that will carry a few of bags of feed so I don't need to drag a trailer around with me all the time?

2. What CC engine would I need to be able to get around in very wet and muddy conditions without fear of getting bogged and/or be able to lug around a trailer? ( I know CC isn't everything but I'm just asking for the minimum/recommended engine size/power)

3. What manufacturers are the most reliable and what is the minimum I should spend on a second hand quad?

It's also worth noting that it doesn't really need to be road legal as I will get help transporting it from the seller to the farm. I'll also be able to store it on the farm securely.

Thanks in advance for any help!

You may have found a machine by now but we have a number of quads that might be of interest including a Honda Foreman 500. If you want to give us a call to discuss further, we would be more than happy to talk you through your options. 01223 785375
 

Brisel

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Midlands
Honda 420 here too. Great bike. The racks are made of chocolate - I'm forever welding the framework up on mine, though a heavy slug pelleter isn't exactly kind on it. The engine & transmission are strong though. 4wd is a must for what you want, as is some kind of weight on the frame if you are towing a big trailer.

Price-wise, you get what you pay for. £1500 will get you started but really you want to be spending over £3k on something that will last for a while. 420s are around £6500 new I think.
 

SFI - What % were you taking out of production?

  • 0 %

    Votes: 79 42.9%
  • Up to 25%

    Votes: 63 34.2%
  • 25-50%

    Votes: 30 16.3%
  • 50-75%

    Votes: 3 1.6%
  • 75-100%

    Votes: 3 1.6%
  • 100% I’ve had enough of farming!

    Votes: 6 3.3%

Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

  • 1,287
  • 1
As reported in Independent


quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

read the TFF thread here: https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/gfc-was-to-go-ahead-now-not-going-ahead.405234/
Top