ATV vs Side-by-Side

[Harvey]

Shaman has a tractor and swears by it. Our lot is 99% wooded so not sure how much use I'd get out of a tractor. The UTV could roam. Would need some trail widening in spots I think.

Passengers... hmm.

 

[Harvey]

Don’t know what you would likely use it for...

Moving firewood, bringing the chainsaw around the trails to clear deadfall, maybe plowing(?), riding for fun.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Shaman has a tractor and swears by it. Our lot is 99% wooded so not sure how much use I'd get out of a tractor.

That's where you'll use it. You'll skid logs with it. You'll also mow with it. You'll end up with one, Harv. I just know it.

 

[Harvey]

I'm not disputing it since many adk friends have a tractor. But I have maybe a 10th of an acre of grass. No plans to log our land.

Question, do these vehicles have reverse? Like if you come to a dead end and you need to turn around.

Also I see some atvs that have "descent control." Is that where the engine engages to slow you down on a downhill? If so, I like that.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Yep, you'll have reverse as well as a high and low range. Most of the time hill descent = engine brake, so you would be correct. Mine will "freewheel", just like a snowmobile does when the clutch isn't engaged. When I'm going down a steepish hill in high range I tap the gas to keep the clutch engaged which then acts like a engine brake. If I'm in low range it's a non-issue. I wouldn't let a machine having or not having hill descent be the deciding factor for a purchase. Tapping the gas will accomplish the same thing. IMO.

 

[Harvey]

Yep, you'll have reverse as well as a high and low range. Most of the time hill descent = engine brake, so you would be correct. Mine will "freewheel", just like a snowmobile does when the clutch isn't engaged. When I'm going down a steepish hill in high range I tap the gas to keep the clutch engaged which then acts like a engine brake. If I'm in low range it's a non-issue. I wouldn't let a machine having or not having hill descent be the deciding factor for a purchase. Tapping the gas will accomplish the same thing. IMO.

So if you give it just a little bit of gas it engages the engine and slows you down. Sounds simple.

Also what does anyone think about the difference between handle bars vs steering wheel?

 

[Tjf1967]

The ATV will not be nearly the fun for the Friday night run around the property with a friend or seven.

I think the advantage of the atv is the width. Other than that I don't see any. They are tippier, suspension is different.

 

[Campgottagopee]

The ATV will not be nearly the fun for the Friday night run around the property with a friend or seven.

Spot on. You can put a cooler in the back, 3 up front, and go for a ride. They also make bench seats for the rear bed to hold additional passengers, if needed.

 

[Campgottagopee]

So if you give it just a little bit of gas it engages the engine and slows you down. Sounds simple.

Yep, the throttle is your friend. When in doubt throttle out <smiley image="smiley_good.gif"/>

Also what does anyone think about the difference between handle bars vs steering wheel?

Wheel. You can put a suicide ball on the wheel so you can have the other hand free to do things like drink a beer

 

[Brownski]

I want a side-by-side and a tractor and a snowmobile.
And a farm