yoderjac
5 year old buck +
Well, my 2002 Kawasaki Prairie is on its last legs. It overheated a couple weeks ago. I couldn't hear the fan so I assume that was the issue. I took it in for repair and service last week. I just go the bad news today. The fan is fine but it needs a switch. The radiator has a hole and it needs replaced. There is other work that should be done and the total repair bill is estimated at $2500. That is more than the machine is worth. I was able to have them do just enough to keep it useable for $1500. This close to hunting season, I felt I had little choice.
So, I'm starting my research on a replacement. Here is my usage pattern:
I put a large cargo box on the rear rack of the Kawasaki and a basket behind it. During the off season, that box is filled with tools that I use to work in the field. It could be construction tools for building box blinds or electrical tools for working on camera solar panels. It could be tools for grafting or just about any other task on the farm. On the front of the ATV I have a lift that is driven by my winch. It folds up out of the way so I can use the front rack when not in use. When I use it, it unfolds down to the ground so I can drag a deer on it and then lift the deer on to my front rack for transport. During the off season when I'm planting trees, I put a large piece of plywood on the front rack and fill it with my rootmaker containers of trees for planting. During the hunting season, I use the box to transport a crossbow and hunting supplies and I put a hard bow case on the rear basket for my compound. I put gun brackets on top of the box for firearm transport.
I don't do any recreational trail riding and I rarely exceed 10 to 15 mph.
The bottom line is that I use the ATV more like a UTV than an ATV. So, I think when I replace it, it will be with a UTV. I did a cursory search to see what the general options are. I ran across a Bad Boy Buggy Ambush which is a hybrid UTV with both a gas and electric power source. Evidently you can run it in 2wd gas powered mode, Front wheel electric powered mode (stealth), or a 4x4 mode with both power sources.
This sounds attractive to me. For most of my use, gas mode is fine. My terrain is rolling but not severe. My property is less than 1 mile square so range is not a big issue. I like the idea of stealth mode for hunting and when I hear something suspicious on our farm. It would allow me to get a jump on trespassers.
Any down side to this?
Anyone have personal experience with the BBB Ambush?
Are there similar hybrids made by other companies?
What are then and do you have any experience with them?
What am I not considering? Anything else I should look for?
My timing on this is not immediate. I'll probably wait until at least after this hunting season. If I go new, I'd be looking at the 10K-12K range. If I can't get into that cost profile new, I'd probably go used.
Thanks,
Jack
So, I'm starting my research on a replacement. Here is my usage pattern:
I put a large cargo box on the rear rack of the Kawasaki and a basket behind it. During the off season, that box is filled with tools that I use to work in the field. It could be construction tools for building box blinds or electrical tools for working on camera solar panels. It could be tools for grafting or just about any other task on the farm. On the front of the ATV I have a lift that is driven by my winch. It folds up out of the way so I can use the front rack when not in use. When I use it, it unfolds down to the ground so I can drag a deer on it and then lift the deer on to my front rack for transport. During the off season when I'm planting trees, I put a large piece of plywood on the front rack and fill it with my rootmaker containers of trees for planting. During the hunting season, I use the box to transport a crossbow and hunting supplies and I put a hard bow case on the rear basket for my compound. I put gun brackets on top of the box for firearm transport.
I don't do any recreational trail riding and I rarely exceed 10 to 15 mph.
The bottom line is that I use the ATV more like a UTV than an ATV. So, I think when I replace it, it will be with a UTV. I did a cursory search to see what the general options are. I ran across a Bad Boy Buggy Ambush which is a hybrid UTV with both a gas and electric power source. Evidently you can run it in 2wd gas powered mode, Front wheel electric powered mode (stealth), or a 4x4 mode with both power sources.
This sounds attractive to me. For most of my use, gas mode is fine. My terrain is rolling but not severe. My property is less than 1 mile square so range is not a big issue. I like the idea of stealth mode for hunting and when I hear something suspicious on our farm. It would allow me to get a jump on trespassers.
Any down side to this?
Anyone have personal experience with the BBB Ambush?
Are there similar hybrids made by other companies?
What are then and do you have any experience with them?
What am I not considering? Anything else I should look for?
My timing on this is not immediate. I'll probably wait until at least after this hunting season. If I go new, I'd be looking at the 10K-12K range. If I can't get into that cost profile new, I'd probably go used.
Thanks,
Jack