Looking for used utility ATV recommendations

RedRocket204 wrote:
Primary use for this machine will be utility, snow plow and towing using a rough-cut mowing deck on my property. Mowing deck will probably only be used twice a summer. Property is not huge but big enough for a riding mower and there is some off-camber sections but nothing significant. Area to be plowed is relatively flat but the bigger issue is right now it takes a while with my snow thrower. I figure if I buy the right machine and accessories, should help minimize time spent plowing/mowing. Using it for jeep trails/exploring will be something I would like to do but is not the priority (have to remember justification for the wife ;) ). My house is at just under 8k ft. elevation and jeep trail elevations would exceed 11,500 ft.


FI?
PS?
Factory or aftermarket winch (for slow plow)?
Snow plow type recommendations?
At what point is mileage/hours an issue for reliability (if history for proper service has been followed)?

Used models that seem to come up and appear reliable, based upon noob research:

Honda Foreman
Yamaha Grizzly

Looking for additional model recommendations, thx.

Did I read right? You want to mount a mowing deck on an ATV? If so I never heard of that being done, so I can't comment.

I do however own both a 2008 Can-am Outlander 650, & a 2004 Honda Foreman 450.

I have plows for both. Neither have power steering.

Let me start with the Can-am, again mine is a 2008 & I can't comment on any model year newer. Awesome Machine. I consider Can-am the high end of the ATV/UTV world and their price tags usually reflect same. It is Fuel injected, starts right up and is ready to go. My only complaint: In it's stock state it is very fragile. It's frame is basically a hollow 2x4 channel, with aluminum supports branching off of the main frame. Can-am's have taken hard strikes to this channel and broken in half. They need skid plates if you intend to ride in rocky terrain. I also put an aftermarket aluminum spar down the channel. Some guys have driven 2x4 lumber down them. Don't know if the design has changed but something to consider & be aware of. Still it's an "A" machine.

Now my Honda. Well it is a tank. It rides like one too. It is a carb model and is really cold blooded, needs moderate warm up time. It's a 450cc with 4x4 and has plenty of grunt to push moderate loads of snow.
I bought it from a gent that heavier springs put on it. So it really is a stiff ride. My intent was to sell it after I got my can-am, but it's so dependable & fun I couldn't part with it.

I don't have Power steering models, but from what everybody tells me is that it is a very nice option. Personally INMHO if you aren't riding hard then it's not worth the cost.

Final opinion: Honda gets my vote as best bang for the buck.