First I want to say that these forums have been extremely useful. It is the reason we bought 2 prairie 700s a couple of weeks ago. I must say riding them is kind of like have a sport ATV / Utility in one. We had 2 Honda 400 Ex's and must say we would never go back after the nice ride, handling of the Prairie.

However, I have found two differnet problems:

1) Prairie 700 #1 (mine) had an oil leak after 1 hour, after viewing all the info in this forum I decided to take it in for service as it was not leaking from the drain plug or the oil filter.

2) Prairie 700 #2 (wife's) After the 10 hour service mark I decide to change the oil and front / rear diff oil based upon the manual.

Everything went well on the oil change until it was time for the front differential. Why in the heck do they use an allen wrench head instead of a bolt? It stripped and now this most goto service as well.

Any tips for the oil filter wrench? I bought one at Pep Boys looks like huge pliers but I think it could damge the oil filter.
Also, is it reaaly important to torque the drain plugs like the manual or just make them reasonably tight?

As you can tell I am new at this but want to do it right.

 

Stripping the front diff bolt is quite common. Mine is now in the shop being fixed under warranty.

As for the oil filter wrench, just buy one of the type that goes on a ratchet. That works perfect.

Hope this helps

 

What I did was go to Napa, get a Napa gold 1356 filter and 3 quarts of Amsoil 10-40 cycle oil. The filter is longer so next time it is easier to get off. I put a large pliers on the filter or else put a screw driver through the very end of it making sure not to hit anything on the machine and turned it loose. 2.5 qyarts in the motor and the rest in the front diff. I have always put the oil plug back in somewhat tight, but not torqued. Never had a problem on the quads or my trucks (both rattling diesels). For the rear fluid I plan on using amsoil tractor hydraulic transmission fluid, similar to Mobil 424, just because it is easier to get.

 

Still mind boggled why they use an allen wrench headed bolt on the front vs a normal bolt for the rear diff and engine.
It will be at least a week before any of the dealers around here can work on it.

Love everything else about them though. These quads never once faltered even on the steepest of hills or deepest of mud.

I will find out where the leak is on my quad from the dealer this Friday and will post. Scary part is they have another one with the same issue.

Still don't doubt my decision though, glad I bought them. Thats for all your support

 

Great news ! The advice in these forums gave me the info I needed to get the screw off by trying to chisel a groove in the screw head.
One whack with the hammer and the screw was finger loose.
I was unable to get vise grips on it as it is so thin.

I had to goto Lowes for replacement screw: 5/16" X 1/2" 18 whopping .30 saved me $80 from the dealer

Maybe I will get my other new quad back from the dealer soon

thank you all!