What size quad bike????

[terravista]

In the famous words from Sgt Schultz......"I know nothing", so i'm seeking help.
We are looking at the idea of purchasing a quad bike for around small acreage, but need information on what size engine. They are available from 50cc up to and over 600cc, manual and automatic. We don't much care if it is a  Chinese import or well used scuffed up Brand Name, but don't want to go over $1000. (for that price I can get a good used
ride-on and rip the cutting deck off. One adult 90kg range, a small trailer carrying a couple of bales of hay etc, and a maximum slope of 10 degrees.
No racing, jumping, high speed etc, just something that will replace the good ride-on mower for the purpose of dragging stuff around.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a minimum sized engine capacity? Do they vary between 2 stroke and 4 stroke, and in this limited expected use, would it matter?
Cheers
Ian

[Bird]

There's several threads on quads on the board.
IMWO, go with a scuffed up name brand. Hate has several Honda Big Reds on his farm down Timboon, and they cop a hammering.

As for engine size your towing a small trailer with bails on it which is quite a bit of weight...
I would want 250-300 or bigger. But your going to have to open the wallet.

EG
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/deloraine/motorcycles/honda-big-red-quad-300/1009926944

Most used farm quads will be just about rooted though.

[uncyspam]

if you intend on towing anything, a ride on will NOT cut it. Neither will a small quad.

I used tow a small trailer with a 100l spray tank on it (so about 150kg all up with the trailer) and a 600cc quad was fine, but I think anything smaller might have struggled. 4 bales will see you about that same weight...

[terravista]

Thanks for the responses.
I have been using my Cub Cadet ride-on which handles the work pretty well, and has a Kohler 19HP engine and auto transmission. Maybe it's the gearing that enables it to pull the weight and does not struggle doing it as the fastest speed would be walking pace, but the work means detaching the cutting deck every time which is a wasted effort.
My trailer is light and two bales of hay would total it around 65kg, so it isn't too bad.
Similar sized ride-ons are available for less that $1 000, and that includes Rover, Greenfield, Cox etc, so that maybe the way to go.
Cheers

[Barrabart]

Just another idea........ what about keeping your eye out for an old Suzuki Sierra, or old 4cyl ute??

In regards to your question, like others have said, stay clear of the chinese import quads, pit bikes etc....... they are great till the first thing breaks, thats when the nightmares begin.

I'd rather a smoky 20yr old honda/yammie/suzuki, then a brand new ebay import.