Over the years I have seen many different names come up outside of Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris and etc.
The price ranges I’m seeing for generic to the big names is $3,000 - $15,000
Has anyone had good experience with a mid range model and price for a quad or farm bike that’s around the 250cc mark and north.
For use on practically Manicured flat grassy acres, for use of carrying tools, chain saw, fun ride. In short non abusive behavior.
No live stock on property.
Budget? No use suggesting a Can-Am Maverick at $47,000 if you only want to spend $6,000.
Instead of a quad, have you considered something like a UTV? Basically a small 2 seater farm utility vehicle. Much better at carrying things like chain saws, post hole diggers, shovels, bags of whatever, etc… and probably a lot safer than a quad bike.
Apart from the major brands you listed above, I could also consider brands like CFMoto, Polaris, Can-Am or Segway
Then just get yourself a farm use only ute.
I use a 97 Mazda bravo 2wd manual ute. My farm is flat and mostly dry so don't need 4x4. It carries everything I need (add a trailer if I need more. You can put a sprayer on the trailer for spring and a fire fighting system on the trailer for summer). 2.6L 4 cylinder is pretty bullet proof. Sometimes I even change the oil if I remember.
I hate quad bikes. Too unstable. If it's not two wheels and doesn't start with a YZ then I'm not interested.
If the land is flat & dry enough, get an old (but in ok condition mechanically) ute. You get far more for far less & can just leave it unregistered if its exclusively for farm use.
If you have kids be VERY careful about getting an ag style quad bike. They WILL take it for a ride if they get the opportunity & they are not stunt machines. If you want a quad & have kids, the racing style ones can actually be safer as they are lower to the ground & harder to roll, though they are near useless for carrying anything/cant tow.
A gator-style UTV is also an option, but they are far more expensive for what you get compared to a 2nd hand ute. Only get if you have to go through proper mud/offroad/through small gates/tracks.
If you do get a ag-style quad bike, the servicing costs tend to be the bigger concern, some makes can cost a LOT to repair/maintain. Ask your local motorcycle mechanic/whoever you will get it serviced with which models they recommend/costs the least in parts. There are lots of 2nd hand quads out there bought by hobby farmers with too much cash & not used very hard.
Growing up on a farm we had a Suzuki kingquad 300 & later a honda TRX420. The suzuki was cheaper to maintain & more reliable, though it was an older model, not sure what the current gen ones are like. We used them hard for herding cattle, spot-spraying & checking/repairing fencelines.
Also yes as I was a kid at the time I did hoon around on the Suzuki & almost die once or twice.
I would also suggest a CFMOTO, as they are great value for money and from what you want a UTV is a perfect fit, it gives you a rear tub (for tools, fire wood etc) and room for a second person to join you for a ride. I have a CFMOTO UTV and use it exactly in the manner you want, I have no issues with it and it is so handy.
I definitely recommend if you have manicured lawns that you opt for a ATV/UTV with turf mode (otherwise known as an open rear differential). Without turf mode, anything other than a largest of turns, will result in the destruction of your nice grass.
I have a basic Yamaha Grizzly 350. Can't go wrong.
Local farmer here that I do work for has a CFMoto quad for his farm. He said he got it because it was half the price of an equivalent Honda. He treats it like the farm implement that it is and it just keeps going.
It all depends on your budget and your use. Is it for fun riding or work?