I need to replace my 350 big bear after 18 years of service. I need a work machine that will start in sub zero temps. I like the 450 grizz with the receiver type hitch to pull my trailer but am worried about the starting. The 550 grizz has the efi but not the good hitch. I also work my atv hard pulling a trailer at slow speed in the summer will I have overheating problems with these machines?

 

The hitch will only cost you 50-85$ so I wouldn't not buy a machine because it doesn't have one 'stock'.

 

I have two 2005 450 Kodiaks that I keep in a non heated garage, and it gets below zero all the time.
I move the choke all the way over, hit the button and they start right up.
Move the choke back to about half way and let them warm up, you can tell as the idle increases you close the choke.
I usually start off with choke stiil slightly open and then close it about 100 yards down the road.
They run great in the winter.

 

i would stick with the big bear for the reason you say pulling slow it costs less and less to go wrong i have an auto for trail riding it works great but for slow and hard pulling i would go big bear just my 2 cents good luck

 

I have a 2008 Yamaha Big Bear and it likely does more running in the winter than in the summer because if I'm not plowing snow I'm icefishing . Going into second year and never a problem starting . I run 0W-40 amsoil in it . Good for all weather . My garage is not heated either .

TD