I just purchased my used 450 Kodiak and I have been going through it to see if I can sure up any weaknesses to prevent failures on the trail. I noticed that there is a good plastic guard above the front right side above the A-Arm. I am NOT talking about the small guard on the front of the A arm. The left front doesn't have any such guard leaving the front electronic transfer case (or what ever it is) and associated cabling very exposed. Is there supposed to be a cover there? Has anyone had problems damaging any parts in the area above the left front control arm? thanks

 

I have been through some sticky / rocky areas with my Grizzly 450 (same as ur Kodiak 450) and the only problem I had was that the radiator hose got move and it ripped a small leak where it attaches to the motor. Part of this is because the hose just "sits" there.. So I use a 3/4" automotor radiator hose about 12" long and split down the middle to cover the hose and then I ty-wrap it to the frame..

I have the same concern as you... one of these days I am going to construct a guard for that T-case cabling.

 

I just broke in the Kodiak on some very rocky and muddy trails after a week of rain in New Hampshire. She performed flawlessly. I was surprized how little fuel I used for all that constant revving. I did some deep mud bogs in 4wd, but otherwise barely needed the 4wd except it ultra deep mud and super steep rocky climbs. I cracked the low plastic side vallence when I tipped it way over to the side one time, but other than that AOK!

Steve; I will make your suggested change to beef up the hose.

On another side note, when I was installing my winch, I had the right side plastic engine side cover off and was running wires and I brushed against a short approx 1" dia. (cooling?) hose and I heard a ping as something metallic hit the floor. It was the factory cheap junk hose clamp that simply fell apart. Keep in mind this is a one year old Kodiak with only 12 miles?? I replaced it with a small SS hose clamp. Next mission is to check and replace any other wimpy cheap sheet metal hose clamps!! Scary!

 

Hey Shift - I sent you a PM.. I live in Tewksbury, Mass

 

I found the cooling hose you were talking about and I found a sharp piece of metal that touches it near where it attaches to the engine on the frame, I will be sure to tywrap a hose around it to protect it . Thanks for the tip

 

No problem Jeff,

2nd ride out on my quad I ripped the hose.... Thankfully I had some tools with me and it ripped right where it attaches to the engine.. I was able to cut it back but I only had a pair of Vise-grips with that small cutting pinch point! it took me about 20 minutes to get a decent cut! hahah... and re-install it. Thankfully again.. I was only 200 yards from a nice fresh water stream! So I simply kept filling up my camelback with water and filling the radiator! When I got home from that trip... I bought me a spare hose and did that modification, as well I put a utility knife in my tool kit!