Honda 3 wheeler for ice machine

[dakota man]

Anyone know if a Honda 3 wheeler Big Red will get the job done on the ice. Will chains help or is it a waste of time and money?

[Stump Puller]

I drove one out on the ice for 14 years didn't have anymore problems than what you would have with a 4 wheeler. I spiked all 3 tires for traction, and steering.

[HardWaterMachine31]

we got an 85 200 es w/ hi/lo and reverse. She's a tank. no problem pulling shantys in and out. them big baloons on mine just like to float.

[walleye tattoo]

200 Honda three wheeler here works Just fine a little bumpy on rough ice .

[michianafisherman]

I used a Honda 70 three wheeler for years. If I got stuck I just lifted it out and kept going. I would either have to walk a path or follow someone else's to get out there. Depends on if you want to fish when there is lots of snow? Any other time it beats walking.

[DR.SPECKLER]

i also use a 1985 200s honda 3 wheeler but mine doesnt like the cold it fouls sparkplugs in the winter.just a little jetting issue.i just bring a spare plug.the balloonies do real well in snow.

[michianafisherman]

i also use a 1985 200s honda 3 wheeler but mine doesnt like the cold it fouls sparkplugs in the winter.just a little jetting issue.i just bring a spare plug.the balloonies do real well in snow.

I am not sure of the ignition system for the 200. If it has points and condenser the condenser could be going bad. I had trouble fouling plugs and replaced the points and condenser and it ran like a new one, Had to readjust the carb because of the difference. Also make sure the valve clearance is good. If one valve or the other is a little tight, you will have a hard starting issue. One more thing to check for the fouled plugs. Look at your air cleaner and see if it has too much oil in it. You could be sucking it in and fouling the plug.

[roger46982]

Anyone know if a Honda 3 wheeler Big Red will get the job done on the ice. Will chains help or is it a waste of time and money?

Was wondering the same thing, we got a bunch of snow early in the week. The ole three wheeler would sure save a lot of walking if it doesn't get stuck! Would chains help?

[michianafisherman]

Was wondering the same thing, we got a bunch of snow early in the week. The ole three wheeler would sure save a lot of walking if it doesn't get stuck! Would chains help?

I have found that it will get stuck in the deep stuff. You can walk a trial and try to stay in it. The chains would help then. I prefer the screws for the slick ice and being able to turn and pull things.

[flytyr]

The 3 wheeler we use just the front tire is studded for stearing on glair ice

[WYIfish]

Anything beats walking and chains are pretty handy at least and ecential at times.

[jackpine]

I've been using a 1984 200m for quite a few years and yes, it beats walking. If I could pick up a spare front tire and rim I would definitely add studs to it.

[lundin-loading]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3tbMgopZmQ

[jackpine]

cool--thanks

[bigred1974]

Anyone know if a Honda 3 wheeler Big Red will get the job done on the ice. Will chains help or is it a waste of time and money?

I studded the front tire and had v bar chains in back. two people and a modded out otter lodge it worked pretty well. I also added wolley booger tires to the back.

[jackpine]

Very nice Big Red----------wanna trade???LOL

[Woodsman]

Biggest problem with 3 wheelers in Ontario is finding a insurance company to cover them for public liability and public damage.

[bart]

Wow! nice set up, looks like she could get it done.

[hamms]

Any of you run an atc on the ice? I used to run an arctic cat 400 4x4 and it worked great but sat the rest of the year other then deer season. I sold it and have fished without a wheeler for a while now. I am looking at Honda 185s and 200s 3 wheelers. They are great for dragging deer and putting through the woods. I am thinking with chains on rear wheels it would be fine for early ice until I can drive out with suv. It will pull my X2

[knotreelly]

my first machine and i used it on the ice with a good foot of snow and used it in the woods for hunting. cheap and reliable. good times and alot of fun, big red. john 

[hamms]

I had a big red 250 that was the ultimate wheeler. I could go anywhere my buddies could and it could pull anything. They want huge money for them now. Good machines, I was thinking 200s because I can lift it if I get it stuck some where and a powerful motor for the weight of the machine. Found one in great shape for 500 bucks. Thinking I may just have to do it.

[DLB]

I had a 200S many years ago and used it with chains but it was a beast to start (pull start) in really cold weather.  I actually tore my rotator cup trying to start it on Sag. Bay one day and wound up getting pulled in by a young man w/a snowmobile.  Sold it that summer and bought a 4x4 w/electric start. 

[dakota man]

(Image removed from quote.)

I studded the front tire and had v bar chains in back. two people and a modded out otter lodge it worked pretty well. I also added wolley booger tires to the back.

Chains will help. I used my Big Red for several yrs and needed chains when the snow got to more than 6 inches. You can also make a ski set up for the front wheel so you don't have to plow with it.

[augergas]

I fish with a guy occasionally who uses a Honda Big Red with chains and sheet metal screws in the front tire to help steer on slick ice. He gets around just fine with the thing and when the ice is getting a little sketchy he has the advantage of running the lightest rig on the lake.
Deep snow would be a problem but we never get snow that deep that hasn't been blown into hard drifts by the wind.

[walley_eye]

I have a 200 ES as well and I will admit it needs some work but for the life of me I can't get it started in the winter.

Any hints to help make this thing start and run?

[DR.SPECKLER]

my 84 200s would not start or run in the winter at all either.rejetting it for cold weather would help.dang thing would run all season till snow would fly.

[Kevin in maine]

I have a 200 ES as well and I will admit it needs some work but for the life of me I can't get it started in the winter.

Any hints to help make this thing start and run?

Get the valves adjusted. People neglect this maint. issue way to much.

[Captainpaddlefoot]

I have two, 185 that we use for the second machine the other is a 200s, low, high and reverse with electric start, the pack mule.

I think you are better of with different tire than chains for dealing with snow. I am putting ATP mudlites on the back.

Chains only help on clean ice. I am going to stud my front when for tractions on clean ice.

It has never left me stranded and they are easy to move around.

I am doing some updating to mine. Switched from a Otter loser portable to the Eskimo EVO.

I will need the pack more on the mule. Adding a rack to the front so I can hang five gallon pails of the rack and still have my auger mounts there also.

When I am done, I will post pictures.

[Bob E]

Anybody see this video at the top of the recommended list from the last one linked?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz3KY_H4CuY

[Uncle Al]

Captainpaddlefoot, I have 2 big reds that I love using year round but because of the distance I travel to fish, a snowmobile is more useful, I took the rack off the back of one of my big reds and bolted it to the back of my sled and use it for carrying my gas auger. A rack like that could be put on the front of one of your 3 wheelers and carry your stuff.