I was looking at the Sportsman 6x6 and was wondering why they didn't put independent suspension on the front tandem and also why it is not shaft driven to the rear. I was seriously thinking about one of these but don't understand why it is like this. I am tired of chains and especially don't want one on a work machine and without independent on one of the axles it seems like it would overload one side if you went over an off camber place or a large rock with a load on.

 

I think it should have shaft drive too, but I suppose they left it off the save weight. The ind suspension is probaly for a few reasons.

1. cost
2. weight
3. The rear box is rated at 800lbs load in it I think, and with that much weight the IRS would squat too bad.

Each set of wheels does have it's own swingarm and shoch though, they work independantly.

See <A HREF="http://www.polarisindustries.com/images/rangermain.GIF">this</A> picture.

The Ranger si similar to the 6x6 but wider and you sit in it. It's shaft drive I think.

 

The Ranger as independent suspention on the front and center axles with a swing arm in the very back and it is rated just as high as the Sportsman 6x6. What is wrong with chains?

 

Oh I didn't know it had IRS on the Ranger's center.

Chains aren't bad, but shaft drives are better for towing, heavy work, mud, etc... less wear and tear, less maintenance.

 

You are right about the chains quad_man, but they also put more power to the ground, cost less, and weight less.

 

If you are getting a 6x6 for work you should get a Max.

 

Right max...

 

The Ranger is also shaft driven to both rear wheels. I don't know why they don't do this to the Sportsman 6x6 if the Ranger has it.

 

Because the only simularities are that they are both (true)6x6, both have beds, both are made by Polaris, and they share the same engine. Other than that they are totally different.

 

My Riding buddie is fixing to buy a Sportsman 6x6. He wants it for mud riding. Right now he is riding a red Honda 450s with Mud Bugs. He better get a winch because if he getts stuck I don't know if I will be able to pull him out with My stock tired Arctic Cat 500.