I'm considering buying a 04 Kodiak 450 for use on the farm/ranch. I've browsed many many of the past topics on these wheelers to figure out pros and cons but I havn't found one on hill climbing ability. How well does this thing climb? Not just small upgrades, were talking tall, steep, rough hills in open pasture. Does the thing have to be in low range for all hills, or if the hill permits fast climbing, does high range have enough power to zip you to the top? Chasing cows up and down hills will not permit a stop to shift to low.

Have Honda Ranchers now, but when used as an actual rancher would (rough hills, chasing cows, all around farm/ranch work) these things fall apart - fenders, fender fairings and supports, racks etc. Also not enough power to get to top of long hills w/o downshifting. I'm getting very tired of shifting all the time. Thanks

 

people say that the kodiak loves hills so i think it will be fine you have high if it do'nt go up in high then you have low and 4x4 to help + the diff lock

 

My Kodiak 450 loves hills. You don't need to use Low gear unless you're pulling something up a hill and if it's that steep, you prolly shouldn't be pulling anything up it anyway. The 4wd diff lock is awesome for when those hills are wet and covered w/ mud or snow. I've wrecked my Kodiak a few times but the plastics have still held up well. I did however cut the corner fenders of the floorboards for easier maneuverability while climbing over logs and tearing through the woods. Hope this helps.

 

put a set of 589's on the back of a kodiak and it will climb anything, plus you have the diff locker for mud and pulling. best all around quad on the market in my mind. 2000 hard miles on mine and not a problem yet, even checked the belt and it looks like new.

03 450 camo
25" 589's itp c-ser rims
power tip off e-bay
twin air
fender flairs

 

Even on a Kodiak 400 you would never need low range for climbing hills. I had two 2001 Kodiaks.

It is a great all-around quad.

 

mustang,

The great thing about the Kodiak450(auto) is you do not have to worry about downshifting like your Ranchers, just give it some more gas and up she goes. I have climbed some serious grades in high but if I am towing or loaded with lots of gear I choose low, it also helps when you need to go back down the hills by saving on using the brakes. I would replace the stock tires with a set of Bear Claws or MudLites or a similar tread pattern for climbing realy steap hills as they will give a better bite and allow you to keep your upward momentum. Good luck. AlaskaBoy.

 

Alaskaboy - I just checked out your pics and can say with all honesty that it is beautiful country up there. I've never been, but have dreamed of it for years. Maybe one of these days...

 

"Even on a Kodiak 400 you would never need low range for climbing hills. I had two 2001 Kodiaks.

It is a great all-around quad."


2001 were good models with the low range. But I wouldnt buy the newer models without the low range.

 

Hey just a quick note you kodiak 450 riders, if you are looking for a nice set of rims for yor bike pick up a set of Grizzly stock rims. Dealers have these around the shop because a lot of people take them off and get other rims for them.

When I get some more cash to spend I might pick up a set of these.