ATV OR SLED

[Old Yellaw]

One machine for all seasons only one insurance to pay for and maintain , have a 1000cc cat ATV with tracks not too many places I can't get into versus a sled.

[dutchhunter]

One machine for all seasons only one insurance to pay for and maintain , have a 1000cc cat ATV with tracks not too many places I can't get into versus a sled.

I had the same cat and found it to be very hard on brakes I sold it before my dad or one of the kids got killed on it ,crazy fast quad .how do you like the tracks on yours .Dutch

[Winterfisher]

Both! I have a 2013 grizzly 700 that i use in the spring summer and fall for hunting and then an 88 Safari 503 long track for ice fishing and the odd trail ride in the winter.. you can find an old 503 and 503r or similar in classifieds for cheap (usually less than 1200), and only $14 a month insurance! For a big guy they are great, im 6'1 and a big guy and it takes me everywhere no matter how deep the snow.. trail or not!

[JeffD]

Just curious, how long do you have the tracks for and what the maintenance on these things?
Thanks

As with all things that have moving components they require maitinance .

Heres a good how to video on a popular model of tracks

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pMz71SxO39Q

[sawbill]

I've put literally thousands of miles on the 503r both on the job and my own personal machine. They were great machines in their era and still are. But my newer SkiDoo 500 liquid Grand Touring blows it out of the snow. Speed is the only answer for slush.
Even with the liquid after 10 years I've never had an issue with sliders heating due to lack of snow cover on ice.

[toddc]

As with all things that have moving components they require maitinance .

Heres a good how to video on a popular model of tracks

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pMz71SxO39Q

that video was good ,but in reality it has more to do with machine maint then the actual tracks, other then a good inspection.

[Pat32rf]

i have had the tracks for 2 years,, and believe it or not there is no maint on these things, all sealed units,

My tracks are going on ten years old and I've got a bridge to sell you... ;-)
Some of the new tracks are MUCH better than my old Catracks, (which have sealed bearings) which I hope to replace this winter. (The tracks, the bearings have been replaced numerous times...)

[Spartan]

Hey Bear. Like a lot of outdoorsmen on here, I have wrestled with this problem. At the end of the day, like most things it comes down to $$. Moving to the Ptbo area in '91 from north of the French Rv my sled became useless for about 4 yrs in a row. Sold it and bought a Kodiak. Tough for me as I had trapped, hunted and fished off a sled since I was little. The bike worked well for a yr....then it snowed again! Bike became virtually useless. Truth is, here in the south, where the weather is so unpredictable, you need both if you don't want the weather to dictate whether you fish or not. I have since upgraded the bike to a grizzly to accommodate the kids etc. Toyed with the track idea as a good buddy of mine has some Tatou's on his.....with out question they go pretty much anywhere BUT they are not a sled and god help you if you get them stuck in the slush! I brought a old 250 Tundra down from Chapleau(home) a few yrs ago and having both was perfect. I sold that sled last yr and replaced it with an '04 Venture, again to accommodate an expanding family and their interest in fishing and sledding. One of the Worst decisions I have ever made....selling the Tundra not the family expansion Boys...keep your Tundra's. Even with the rusted tunnels and slower, single, two strokes....they are irreplaceable. Good luck. Spartan

[Old Yellaw]

I had the same cat and found it to be very hard on brakes I sold it before my dad or one of the kids got killed on it ,crazy fast quad .how do you like the tracks on yours .Dutch

Love it brotherinlaw has 700 grizzly nowhere we can't go ,have to adjust your driving style with tracks as you don't need to bull your way through back off on the gas backup then try again. Any problems you have a winch to pull yourself out. I drive slow to enjoy the scenery anyway. Semiretired whats the rush!!! lol

[Bear58]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the input folks ....... Finally decided



Calabogie bound next weekend