Which quad

Grueller

I am in the market for a quad, despite saying that I would never allow one about the place.

My requirements are for a good reliable quad that will last 10-15 years. I am going to want it to get cows in morning and evening on a very flat, very dry farm. The jobs I see it doing is collecting cows, spot spraying, lugging a bit of feed to cattle and not too much else. Maybe in time a small spinner to spread paddocks after cows move on.

Would a 250cc 2wd do me or would I want to go on to a 420cc machine?

Edited to say I want to go new. Too many horror stories about other lads ****e.

Say my name

If you're considering a new quad.
Consider one of these when you're at it.



You might as well have a bit of comfort and safety.
You should get one the price of a new quad maybe even cheaper.

This business imports them into the country.
http://www.4x4.ie/

mayota

Grueller wrote: »

I am in the market for a quad, despite saying that I would never allow one about the place.

My requirements are for a good reliable quad that will last 10-15 years. I am going to want it to get cows in morning and evening on a very flat, very dry farm. The jobs I see it doing is collecting cows, spot spraying, lugging a bit of feed to cattle and not too much else. Maybe in time a small spinner to spread paddocks after cows move on.

Would a 250cc 2wd do me or would I want to go on to a 420cc machine?

Edited to say I want to go new. Too many horror stories about other lads ****e.

I’d go a Yamaha 350 4wd, nice agile quad with switchable 4wd. Very reliable.

jfh

Honda 350 here & wouldn't be without it, do everything you need except fertiliser.
I know people say they're not as well built nowadays, hear a lot of good reviews on the can-am but pricey

Base price

Grueller wrote: »

I am in the market for a quad, despite saying that I would never allow one about the place.

My requirements are for a good reliable quad that will last 10-15 years. I am going to want it to get cows in morning and evening on a very flat, very dry farm. The jobs I see it doing is collecting cows, spot spraying, lugging a bit of feed to cattle and not too much else. Maybe in time a small spinner to spread paddocks after cows move on.

Would a 250cc 2wd do me or would I want to go on to a 420cc machine?

Edited to say I want to go new. Too many horror stories about other lads ****e.

What about a older 4wd jeep or pickup, which is far more comfortable than any quad - with a roof/windows, seatbelts, heater, radio, air conditioning etc.

Years ago I used to herd the cows (sucklers), pull a landroller/roll the fields and feed out meal with a passenger Vogue. It was better than any quad cause I could bring the boys when they were young including the baby seat, bottles, nappies, changing pad etc and the dogs had enough room in the boot space.

wrangler

Base price wrote: »

What about a older 4wd jeep or pickup, which is far more comfortable than any quad - with a roof/windows, seatbelts, heater, radio, air conditioning etc.

Years ago I used to herd the cows (sucklers), pull a landroller/roll the fields and feed out meal with a passenger Vogue. It was better than any quad cause I could bring the boys when they were young including the baby seat, bottles, nappies, changing pad etc and the dogs had enough room in the boot space.

Quad is very easy on land ,I'd love the comfort of the suzuki but difficult to reach the lever on the snacker/fertiliser spreader .
I see some jobsworth fined a farmer for red diesel in a farm only jeep last year

grassroot1

Say my name wrote: »

If you're considering a new quad.
Consider one of these when you're at it.



You might as well have a bit of comfort and safety.
You should get one the price of a new quad maybe even cheaper.

This business imports them into the country.
http://www.4x4.ie/

Is that yours? Whats the ground clearance like? Can it be taxed for the road?
I might have to go look at yours!!!

Grueller

Base price wrote: »

What about a older 4wd jeep or pickup, which is far more comfortable than any quad - with a roof/windows, seatbelts, heater, radio, air conditioning etc.

Years ago I used to herd the cows (sucklers), pull a landroller/roll the fields and feed out meal with a passenger Vogue. It was better than any quad cause I could bring the boys when they were young including the baby seat, bottles, nappies, changing pad etc and the dogs had enough room in the boot space.

Not nimble enough. A quad would be the quickest and most nimble for what I want.

Say my name

grassroot1 wrote: »

Is that yours? Whats the ground clearance like? Can it be taxed for the road?
I might have to go look at yours!!!

Yea it's mine.

That's not taxed but there's some that bought after me that have theirs taxed and road registered.

I've never got stuck with it yet.
Yea sure pm me whenever you want a look.

Base price

Grueller wrote: »

Not nimble enough. A quad would be the quickest and most nimble for what I want.

Just be very careful with a quad. I know I sound like your Mother but get one with a roll bar attached for your own safety.

davidk1394

Had a yamaha bruin 350 here for about 12 years from new. Good quad, no gears with only forward and reverse. It was a big plus for us because if you went into a corner after a sheep it can go straight into reverse. It put up with a lot of hard work and got rolled a few times and was fine. Did a top speed of about 70km/h maybe a bit over it.

Grueller

Base price wrote: »

Just be very careful with a quad. I know I sound like your Mother but get one with a roll bar attached for your own safety.

Thanks BP. I am 40ish now so my days of emulating Steve McQueen are done I am afraid

Ard_MC

Base price wrote: »

Just be very careful with a quad. I know I sound like your Mother but get one with a roll bar attached for your own safety.

Not so sure about a roll bar. Thought there was studies showing that roll bar was more of a hazard.

On my 3rd quad here, never a problem if you respect it. And it is used on rough very rough mountain terrain.

500 Honda foreman at the minute. I cant fault it.

Base price

Ard_MC wrote: »

Not so sure about a roll bar. Thought there was studies showing that roll bar was more of a hazard.

On my 3rd quad here, never a problem if you respect it. And it is used on rough very rough mountain terrain.

500 Honda foreman at the minute. I cant fault it.

Oh I thought that at this stage there was EU health and safety legislation in place for quad bikes??

Timmaay

davidk1394 wrote: »

It put up with a lot of hard work and got rolled a few times and was fine.

Ard_MC wrote: »

On my 3rd quad here, never a problem if you respect it. And it is used on rough very rough mountain terrain.

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

But on the quad front, I got a 250 honda 2wd, it has plenty of power, lightweight and does everything that I need it to, including pulling a 6x4ft trailer regularly. Cost 5k new a yr ago which is several grand less than almost any other larger engine quad. OP the only one thing that you might need anything over a 250 is you said lugging abit of feed, do you mean round bales or what?

wrangler

Timmaay wrote: »

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

Agreed , I've a friend that only got to roll it once ,he's paralyzed from the neck down now

Grueller

Timmaay wrote: »

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

But on the quad front, I got a 250 honda 2wd, it has plenty of power, lightweight and does everything that I need it to, including pulling a 6x4ft trailer regularly. Cost 5k new a yr ago which is several grand less than almost any other larger engine quad. OP the only one thing that you might need anything over a 250 is you said lugging abit of feed, do you mean round bales or what?

God no on the round bales. That's a tractor job. I mean a few buckets or bags of feed.
I can buy a new Honda 250 for €6k at the minute. I haven't priced any other brands.
Who did you buy from Timmay?

fanmanad

Have a Honda 500 foreman here now and Honda 450 before that. Great reliability with the Honda. Top resale value also. Would think a 250 a bit small if you ever get a spreader. A 420 would be a safer bet. Wouldn't totally rule out a Yamaha as people that have them say they are more comfortable to drive but not sure how they would last the time.

mahoney_j

Bought a quadzilla cf motto quad last year for what u outlined ,perfect for the job for circa 6 k

davidk1394

Timmaay wrote: »

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

I put the old honda quad on its side when i was younger and then the Yamaha was put on its side by another family member. Got rid of it in 2016 because it wasn't being used. I have a berlingo van with the last 2 years and I'd be lost without it. Goes around all the fields fine.

Say my name

Say my name wrote: »

If you're considering a new quad.
Consider one of these when you're at it.



You might as well have a bit of comfort and safety.
You should get one the price of a new quad maybe even cheaper.

This business imports them into the country.
http://www.4x4.ie/

It you are going through a lot of gates etc having to get in and out all the time would be a pain. I’d either get a quad or a jeep, that yoke would be too in the middle for me, Jack of all trades master of none.

Say my name

Phoebe Plump Swan wrote: »

It you are going through a lot of gates etc having to get in and out all the time would be a pain. I’d either get a quad or a jeep, that yoke would be too in the middle for me, Jack of all trades master of none.

Jeeps wreck fields. This hasn't got the weight of a jeep.
I'm even able to pull the pigtails up from a strip wire out through the window and toss them behind me on the deck from the cab.
Ah you'd have to have one to really see what it's about.
You can stick a bale of hay or straw on the back too. You can't do that with a jeep or other utv's. Same with 6ft stakes.

Pkiernan

Honda, Honda, Honda.

I've had 3.

A 2001 450 Foreman, which a friend of mine still uses.
A 2009 Trx500 and a 2009 trx680.

Utterly reliable.
The 680 has fuel injection and Independent Rear Suspension and is very comfortable.

For farmwork I'd get one with electric gear shift (not full automatic).

Bazzer007

How about a Kubota rtv or JD gator. I have an rtv without doors, easy to hop in & out & very safe. Tipper on the back for carrying feed, bales & fencing posts etc. Had a quad but way prefer the rtv. I use it most days.

Lady Haywire

Honda Foreman 450 here the last few years & can't fault it. As above, a bit of respect & know how to balance yourself on it is a priority.
Often pull the cattle trailer about with it, or the old milk tanker full of water for the powerwasher. We needed the 4WD with all the hills & wet land here but you'd get away with 2WD on flat, dry land.

Ours was ex-ESB, so high hours but feck all hard work with it & a very fair price. Only ever needed a general service & new brushes in the starter since we got it.

Green farmer

wrangler wrote: »

Agreed , I've a friend that only got to roll it once ,he's paralyzed from the neck down now

I know a lad who rolled his last year after a sheep turned and went in underneath quad
flipping it over. Fractured his scull and broke ribs. Still not fully recovered near a year later. He feels extremely lucky though as another lad up the country did the exact same a week later and died.

jfh

i'm thinking of upgrading my old honda 350 to a 250, i don't need 4 wheel drive, any recommendations on which honda dealer, pm if you prefer, thanks

Mooooo

There are these roll protection thing that aren't fully solid but enough to prevent a crush scenario I think grasstec were selling em. Tbh I won't get a quad here, the nieces and nephews are growing up on a house on the farm and I just don't want any more risk about the place. A trip to the NRH would open your eyes to how small things can be life changing

Timmaay

Grueller wrote: »

God no on the round bales. That's a tractor job. I mean a few buckets or bags of feed.
I can buy a new Honda 250 for €6k at the minute. I haven't priced any other brands.
Who did you buy from Timmay?

https://www.wilsonsofrathkenny.co.uk/agri/stock/brand-new-honda-trx-250-tm-/36549/

Stg not as good now so will be more like 5300e including 20% uk vat.

Timmaay

Timmaay wrote: »

https://www.wilsonsofrathkenny.co.uk/agri/stock/brand-new-honda-trx-250-tm-/36549/

Stg not as good now so will be more like 5300e including 20% uk vat.

Actually make that 5100e now, stg jumped from 84 to 87p/e over the weekend lol.

Timmaay

Say my name wrote: »

Jeeps wreck fields. This hasn't got the weight of a jeep.
I'm even able to pull the pigtails up from a strip wire out through the window and toss them behind me on the deck from the cab.
Ah you'd have to have one to really see what it's about.
You can stick a bale of hay or straw on the back too. You can't do that with a jeep or other utv's. Same with 6ft stakes.

What weight is it? Lighter than a pajero junior?

AntrimGlens

Timmaay wrote: »

https://www.wilsonsofrathkenny.co.uk/agri/stock/brand-new-honda-trx-250-tm-/36549/

Don't go near that lot to buy anything!!

You'll find it hard to beat these lads, they shift a serious amount of bikes all over the country and will stand over anything unlike that other crowd.
www.mckaybros.co.uk

Castlekeeper

Mooooo wrote: »

There are these roll protection thing that aren't fully solid but enough to prevent a crush scenario I think grasstec were selling em. Tbh I won't get a quad here, the nieces and nephews are growing up on a house on the farm and I just don't want any more risk about the place. A trip to the NRH would open your eyes to how small things can be life changing

I changed from a Honda Foreman 500 to a Polis Ranger UTV a few years back. Couldn't fault the Honda, plenty hill work and spreading big bags of fert, pulling a stone roller etc. But I'd never go back.
The UTV is superior in every facet except you count feck acting, drifting or doing 360s.
Bit priceier but priceless at the same time.

solerina

jfh wrote: »

i'm thinking of upgrading my old honda 350 to a 250, i don't need 4 wheel drive, any recommendations on which honda dealer, pm if you prefer, thanks

Sam Gill, near Tullamore, without a doubt, he has some warehouse of quads. We are miles away from him but always get our quads from him.

Bazzer007

A good article in the machinary section of the farmers journal this week reviewing the pros and cons of new UTV's. I would't buy new myself as you can pick up a clean UTV for €6k. The JD Gator got the best score by half a point in front of the Kubota. The Gator is a lot more expensive tho. I prefer the Kubota hydrostatic tranmission personally as you never really need to brake. Only downside of the Kubota is the differiential lock which is on the floor and a nuisance.

Buford T. Justice XIX

Timmaay wrote: »

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

But on the quad front, I got a 250 honda 2wd, it has plenty of power, lightweight and does everything that I need it to, including pulling a 6x4ft trailer regularly. Cost 5k new a yr ago which is several grand less than almost any other larger engine quad. OP the only one thing that you might need anything over a 250 is you said lugging abit of feed, do you mean round bales or what?

How do you find it in the wet, Timmay?

I was offered an 8yo one yesterday when tire kicking with a friend looking for a 450, 3,200 euro fully serviced and bearings done. I must admit I was tempted but not having money to pay for it kinda stopped me:pac:

I reckon I'd get a good bit of use for it moving fences and carrying ration as well as bringing the cows in the wet but I'd want it to be able to pull a small trailer with a ewe in it when ground is wet. Not so sure a 250 would be up for that job though.

enricoh

Bazzer007 wrote: »

A good article in the machinary section of the farmers journal this week reviewing the pros and cons of new UTV's. I would't buy new myself as you can pick up a clean UTV for €6k. The JD Gator got the best score by half a point in front of the Kubota. The Gator is a lot more expensive tho. I prefer the Kubota hydrostatic tranmission personally as you never really need to brake. Only downside of the Kubota is the differiential lock which is on the floor and a nuisance.

The core of the front wheel of my gator broke off the other day, I hadn't copped the shock was leaking. Priced a new hub with John Deere e146 + delivery, can see why they are known as dear John!

Cattlepen

enricoh wrote: »

The core of the front wheel of my gator broke off the other day, I hadn't copped the shock was leaking. Priced a new hub with John Deere e146 + delivery, can see why they are known as dear John!

They are a soft yolk and parts are wicked expensive. I have one but I would think the kubota might be a better yolk

Acquiescence

Buford T. Justice XIX wrote: »

How do you find it in the wet, Timmay?

I was offered an 8yo one yesterday when tire kicking with a friend looking for a 450, 3,200 euro fully serviced and bearings done. I must admit I was tempted but not having money to pay for it kinda stopped me:pac:

I reckon I'd get a good bit of use for it moving fences and carrying ration as well as bringing the cows in the wet but I'd want it to be able to pull a small trailer with a ewe in it when ground is wet. Not so sure a 250 would be up for that job though.

Replaced a 350 auto electric shift with a 250 semi-auto kick shift.

Gets similar use to yourself. It's noticeably less stable than the old one and the kick shift is more of an annoyance than you'd think. Farm is dry here most of the time but it has had trouble pulling itself in the wet once or twice.

I kind of knew this all when buying it but got a good deal which swayed the decision.

Now I'm going to spend the next ten years wishing I'd got something bigger.:pac:

djmc

I have a honda trx 350 4x4 with a few years and there fairly bullet proof go anywhere but if I was going to be pulling a fertilizer spreader around id get the 450 or 500 model. I love the look of the arctic cat 700 diesel, Massy Ferguson did them re-branded in red for a while too but I think the green colour looks better.
If I had the money I try an electric quad like the one on the video at bottom of the page on the link below. Having a hybrid outlander with two years has me converted to think electric is the future.
https://blackfieldfarm.com/farm-quad-bikes/

ppn

davidk1394 wrote: »

Had a yamaha bruin 350 here for about 12 years from new. Good quad, no gears with only forward and reverse. It was a big plus for us because if you went into a corner after a sheep it can go straight into reverse. It put up with a lot of hard work and got rolled a few times and was fine. Did a top speed of about 70km/h maybe a bit over it.

Seen a few Grizzly 350's for sale. Presume they are similar to the Bruin. Is the Yamaha auto good on hills, wet land, etc where you might need a bit of grunt? Thanks

ppn

Timmaay wrote: »

Hmmm I know which of yous I think should consider the quadtruck instead lol. No offence David but was the 1st time the quad got rolled not enough to scare the hell outa yas not to do it again haha? Anyone who steps on the quad here needs to know how to ride it correctly, proper weight transfer, standing up when necessary, and then respect their speed and others around.

But on the quad front, I got a 250 honda 2wd, it has plenty of power, lightweight and does everything that I need it to, including pulling a 6x4ft trailer regularly. Cost 5k new a yr ago which is several grand less than almost any other larger engine quad. OP the only one thing that you might need anything over a 250 is you said lugging abit of feed, do you mean round bales or what?

What's the 250 like on wet or hilly land? Is the 2WD up to it if you weren't pulling anything?

For wet ground and hills I'd go looking at a Grizzly 500, not just for power which is useful all on it's own at times, but also for clearance. I've a Kodiak 450, it's out of commission but I get the lend of a friends Grizzly and it'll go places my bike would get hung up on something or not have enough power for.

I've come to the conclusion it's far far better to buy too much bike compared to too little. I know budgets are a thing, but what one will pay for a lesser bike will still be a big big % of the cost of a better bike.

3 the square

Thinking of buying a new quad a honda 250 or suzuki 400
Any options of which might suit wont be pulling anything just using it for moving cows and spraying along wires iv dry land