By Farmer on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I'm interested in the MAX vehicles, they look incredible. How long can one expect them to work? I've had my Suzuki Quad (it's an LT125) for 17 years now and it's still a wonderful little buggy. (It's not fast, but it's a little workhorse around the farm) How long can I expect a Max to run before it needs much work? I'm looking for a tool, not a maintenance project. Thanks for the advice out there!

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Max's life will be determined by how you treat it (just like any other vehicle). Lube the chains and bearings when they need it and they will serve you for a long time. The Briggs or Kohler engines and the T-20 are usually bulletproof, just change the oil/fluid.
Farm work is generally not very hard on an ATV compared to recreational riding and mudding. My friend has an '84 Honda 250 that was always used on a farm. It runs great just like your Suzuki... but that quad has had such an easy life. It was driven rather slowly on easy terrain and has never seen the mud. The capabilities of that quad just doesn't get it into tough spots.
On the other hand, I have a '99 Max II which I tear the hell out of every chance I get. There is no terrain it won't tame and I give it no mercy. I used to not maintain it and it cost me a little time and money. No big deal though as now I know what needs to be done and things go so much smoother. The important thing is the fact that it hasn't ever let me down. Nothing ever broke and it goes where no other vehicle can.

By Farmer on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks for the info Brandon. I do go off road and through some tough terrain, but not as extreme as many recreational riders. I'm looking for a tool, and at these costs it needs to run me a good 10 years. If it can do that, obviously with maintenance, then I don't mind the cost. If it can't live that long under farm work, then I can't really justify the purchase. If all I could really expect is a 5 year life, then it's just too expensive for me, and I'd have to look at a PUG or the Kawasaki Mule. They can be had cheaper, but I think the MAX IV would really suit me well otherwise.

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max Dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Farmer, If you will take care of a max and do what needs to be done when it needs it, you will still have it and love it 30 years down the road. A lot depends on hours of use because parts do wear out but things like chains and bearings run longer if clean and lubed. A lot of max get used in extreme conditions by aggressive riders and those who do regular/proper maintenance, get along better.

The machines you mentioned are quads with six wheels. Its kind of like comparing a crawler with a wheeled tractor. You should compare a skid steer loader to a tractor front end loader if you want to know the differnece between skid steer atv and everything/anything else.

If PSI on the ground is important to what you want to do, if traction is important, nothing else even comes close to the Max performance

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Farmer, the Max should last you a good ten years minimum with proper care. My friend has an '84 Max II (the red one on my site) that was used on a farm. It is still a very reliable vehicle and the only thing it has had is a new set of chains.
Recreatives makes twice the machine now compared to what they made in the '80s. Everything is beefed up and made to last. The o-ring chain lasts five to ten times longer over the standard chain. Solid splined axles won't wear like the old bolt through design and they are tough enough to handle most anything.
I would suggest at least the 20hp Max IV. If you want to spend a bit more money, the 25hp engine is worth every penny. Tires will mostly depend on type of riding. I like the 26" tires best because they give the most ground clearance, faster land speed, and nearly twice the water speed over the Rawhide tires.
Let us know what you decide on.

By Farmer on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks for the tips guys, sounds logical to me. I'm also interested in tracks, so I don't think I can put the 26 inch tires on it. I need to clear and haul cuttings in winter too, so tracks are probably needed. Sounds like the Max would suit me based on what you guys are saying. Thanks for the info. I'll be sure to post back what I do.

Cheers.