I am trying to decide between a '05 Foreman 500 2x4 and a '04 Rancher 350 4x4. I can't decide if I should get the Rancher because it is 4x4 or not. My brother has a 2x4 Rancher and says that he hasn't been stuck yet, that I shouldn't worry about getting 4x4. I will probably use it for hunting primarily. Any opinions?????

 

4wd has it's advantages, but a good rider on a 2wd can usually go the same places. You could get the Foreman and add a winch or go with the Rancher and a winch would still be a good option. Or you could just ride with people that have winches.

 

Put some bad A$$ Aggressive tires on the back of the Foreman and you will be amazed where you can go.

 

I have a 450 foreman 4X4. I usually ride in 2wd unless I get into a lot of mud!Now saying that If I didn't have the 4X4 feature I would find another route around the mud or take another trail and the 2X4 would be fine.Unless you are planing on big tires and bad mud I think the 350 has lots of power and it would be my personal choice.If you ride on slippery hills or rocks or in snow the 4x4 will put a smile on your face..

 

Thanks for all the quick responses. What kind of tires do you suggest TLC?

 

26" Mud lites is what I would do, on a 2wd the fronts can be a different size from the rears.

 

Thanks. Happy trails.

 

I put Mud Lite on and I'm really happy with them I think there 25" not sure off the top of my head but there pretty much standard size with a real nice tread.I'll try and send a picture if I can figure out how !

 

The reason I say 26" instead of 25" is that most ATV Tire companies only offer the smaller lugs 3/8" on there 25" and smaller tires,once you get into 26" or bigger they offer there larger lugs with 1-3/8th" hight,, plus 26" gives you that little extra ground clearance under the rear differential.

 

Personally I wouldn't get a 2wd atv. I like the advantages of 4x4 expecially in the snow and mud. I hunt and fish a lot in some rough areas and I don't think a 2wd will cut it.