ATV Advice

This may be the wrong place to ask but just in case here goes.  We will be moving to a 5acre homesite in December.  1 acre is in Pine trees, 1 acre is in old large pecan trees.  The rest is all empty field that, along with the trees, needs a lot of mowing.  Several have advised us to not buy a riding mower and suggested that we get a small tractor and bush hog.  While looking for a tractor and seeing the prices I stumbled accros a site that was advertising ATV mowers, plows, scrapers, etc, etc.  An ATV mower (bush hog and/or finish mower) has it's own motor.  It appears to me that a used ATV will cost a less than a used tractor so here is my question or request for guidance.  Do you think that an ATV is a better choice than a tractor?  When not being used to mow, my much better half could use it to visit relatives about a half a mile from the new house. Also, if an ATV is recommended, what size shoud I get.  I assume the larger hp would be better.

Thanks

Jack West

Having use of a tractor (neighbors) and my ATV (Honda 450ES), I think you would get alot more use from the ATV.  I'm constanly using it for quick trips around my lot to do misc things.  I would also recommend picking up a small trailer for the ATV along with the mower.

 I have 40 arces and a 2 arce field around my house that I use a tractor to mow it. But, I only mow the field 3 times a years, keeping the field wild.. but manageable.  I would believe the ATV mower could easly do the same job in less time. 

Another advantage is if you ever need repairs done you can load the ATV in the back of a pickup and off you go.  The tractor would require a full size trailer.

As far as ATV HP goes.  I would not recommend anything smaller than a 400 for what your looking to do.  I would recommmend a Honda Rubicon 500cc as a good utility.

Thanks.  Now I'm off to surf the net looking for the Honda Rubicon 500cc. 

Appreciate the advice. 

Jack

Swisher is the most commen, if you buy now you might get a really good out of season deal.  tractor supply co. in my area has a 44" trail (finish mower ) behind $150.00 off retail.  

This is the very setup I use. A Honda Rubicon and a 60" pull behind Swisher finish mower. I have a 1 acre suburban lot and you should see the  envious looks from  the guys as they and their wives taking  an evening walk passing by as I mow my lawn, smiling and having fun.