[AT] OT Four wheelers

[Herb Metz]

When I wound up with scoliosis, our son bought us a like new Yamaha electric 
golf cart.  A builder acquaintance was unloading; caught in the recent 
slowdown
We really like it.  For Don's use would definitely recommend much larger 
(with lug tread) tires (and rims).  Increased tire size may be limited by 
clearances required between fender area and tire; lift kits will increase 
that clearance.  However, most lift kits are somewhat misleading in that 
they do not increase rear axle clearance;  don't know about there effect on 
the front clearance.   Also Don may have occasional use for limited slip 
differential; doubt if that is available in golf carts.  Electrics are 300 - 
400 # heavier. Our local small engine mechanic is not a Gator enthusiast.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Cecil R Bearden
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 9:00 AM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group
Subject: Re: [AT] OT Four wheeers

I have a 2004 Gator, a2003 Kawasaki 360 Prairie, and A 2008 Arctic Cat
366.   I bought the Cat for a Surveying Job when I had 3 Polaris 300's
that were down.  I later traded all my Polaris for a rough terrain
forklift.  I will not have another Polaris 2 cycle again.   The Arctic
Cat has had a lot of rough terrain use and held up very well.  The
Kawasaki Is the most comfortable to ride and work.  The GAtor has been a
money pit and it only has 300 hrs on it.  If the key is left on, it will
ruin a$350 module in the ignition.  It is a Kawasaki Engine, but if I
buy the lower priced module for the Kawasaki I cannot take it back.  The
key turns on when I get out of the gator by hitting it with my knee.  I
am 6'2" and 300 lbs so it is a tight fit.  My Dad ran the gator into the
fence about an hour after I got it and ruined the rack & pinion
steering.  A new rack was $450 from Deere.  I hunted online for about 2
nights and found one for $175 from the manufacturer.   Gator is OK, but
be prepared to pay double for parts from Deere.
If you need to turn short, get an ATV, the Gator does not turn short.
  If I was going to buy a new one and did not care about the money I
would buy a Kubota or Kawasaki.  They both have hydraulic capability.

Cecil in OKla


On 12/11/2012 1:44 PM, henry miller wrote:
> Side by side for work, the ATV style is more fun for play: you can lean 
> into sharp fast turns to better prevent rollover.  Side by side generally 
> has a much better load ability. You won't go as fast, but for getting work 
> done you will be happier.
>
> I'm pretty sure JD makes the gator, not something they brand.  I recommend 
> them, in part because I work for Deere now.
>
> charlie hill <charliehill at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I agree with Chuck.  I think you'll be much better satisfied with a
>> side by
>> side seating type ATV.
>> Some come with a small dump bed on the rear and with a place to hitch a
>>
>> trailer.  There are lots
>> of brands out there from most of the motorcycle and jet ski
>> manufacturers as
>> well as John Deere.
>> I don't know who builds the one for JD.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Chuck Saunders
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 1:20 PM
>> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
>> Subject: Re: [AT] OT Four wheeers
>>
>> a Kawasaki Mule, or Polaris Ranger? would do you good Don. These are
>> both
>> auto style seating. I am assuming that your leg might not be happy with
>> straddling a traditional 4-wheeler. Both have cargo hauling space.
>> Chuck Saunders
>> KCMO
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 12:07 PM, Don Bowen <don.bowen at earthlink.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I recently underwent some fairly major surgery on my leg.  It appears
>>> that it may be several months before I can return fully to my
>> previous
>>> activities.  The trouble is that things still need doing around here.
>>> Now that the bugs are down and the woods are clear I need do some
>> work
>>> there.
>>>
>>> To that end I have thinking about getting some sort of four wheeler.
>> I
>>> know almost nothing about them.  What I am looking for is something
>> that
>>> I can strap on a chain saw and a tank of fuel.  I would like to be
>> able
>>> to drag out small branches and maybe tow a small trailer and the
>>> chipper.  The wooded area is mostly steep hills with a few trails.
>>>
>>> Any ideas welcome.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Don Bowen           AD0BR
>>> "A man must keep a little back shop where he can be himself without
>>> reserve. In solitude alone can he know true freedom."
>>> -Michel De Montaigne 1588
>>> http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/Journal.html
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
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