I am considering the Rancher ES 2x4 for a second quad. I would rather not spend the extra $1,000 for the 4x4.

The questions:

1. Can the 2x4 get through a little snow and a little mud? (This is my most important question)

2. I founds a good deal on a foot shift. It it easy, or does it require a lot of ankle effort? My wife is not very strong.

3. Do the foot shift models have a lighted gear indicator like the Recon?

4. Does the ES model have the lighted gear indicator like the Recon?

I appreciate your opinions and experiences.


Thanks.

 

1.i dont what what u consider a little, but yes it will get through some, especially if u add some aftermarket tires.
2.the foot shifter is very stiff at first, once u ride it a little more it'll weaken and get real easy.
3. i know the 4x4 models do, not sure about the 2x4 models
4. ^^

 

Thanks for the response.

 

The 2X4 Rancher rocks! Mine will go places that you would never expect a 2wd could! I love to go rock crawling with my friends who have big huge heavy 4X4's, and show them what a light little 2wd can do!

But, I live in the desert and mud is nonexistent here, so I can't comment on that with any authority. As for snow, we do have snow at high elevation. No 2wd is very good when the snow gets to deep, and when it's a little deeper, even a 4X4 is useless.

 

For a second ATV I thought about a recon, small, easier to handle, lighter, etc. Then my 02 Rancher 4x4 came up and the price was good. Full time 4x4 is not my favorite to drive so I installed a Warn 4x4. So much easier to drive is a 2x4 but it does have it's limitations. I used the rancher to pull my 4x8 trailer and it would spin the wheels taking off when it was empty (taking off slow that is). On a hill it stopped and dug in, 4x4 needed to complete the hill. Must be just the rancher, my KQ has the built in ability to go 2x4 or 4x4. It is 75# heavier but I down have the same trouble pulling a trailer in 2x4.

Personally I would never own a full time 2x4 ATV... JMO

 

My dad has a 2x4 foot shift rancher with 25 inch mud-lites and he and i love it. it'll go anywhere you would want to take a 2x4 and it's real fun. the shifting is a little notchy and rough so i would reccomend the es for someone who is not that strong.