im going to test drive both machines next week and wanted opinions? im trading in my magnum and have been pretty pleased with the magnum other than the belt drive,any comments or help is apreciated..thanks in advance for any help

 

I think the 400 is alot more utility than sport compared to the 425.

The 400 has a dual range sub tranny compared to the 425's single range tranny.
The 400 has all steel racks and bumpers compared to plastic racks on the 425.
The 400 doesn't shift half as smooth as the 425, but the gear choices are better(My oppinion) on the 400.
The 400 has more body roll than the 425 which helps the 425's sportier feel.
The 425 is faster.
The 425 has push button 2wd.

So, if you want a sportier bike get the 425. IF you plan on doing a good bit of work yet want a very good trail bike for after hours get the Arctic Cat 400.

P.S The 425 is a good work bike, but I feel that the AC 400 is just a good bit better work bike.

 

I own a 500 cat but have rode the 400cat and the 425 Polaris. In my "opinion" I would buy the 425. Its a very nice ride. There are a few pics of one on my site

 

Well I hope this doesn't start any arguements, but I have a nephew thats got a 425 Expedition and he is very unsatisfied with his. First of all he wished he had another gear range for pulling in the mud. Second it has broken down quite a bit on him. He has about 700 miles on it and says he'll never get another one. Actually thats the only person I know that has one. I don't know anybody that has a 400 Cat so I can't help you there. Not much help I guess.

 

I am considering Investing into the small time ATV industry in Australia mainly Agricultural what is the opinion of Arctic Cat as far as product Service etc any info appreciated

 

I don't have any experience on either, but other than the power aspect, I figure the 400 is the same as my 500 AC in all other regards. The power is the kicker. I have ridden the 425 and it is extremely smooth riding. Turns good, and has that polaris front differential. The transmission is really good, though it lacks a low range. If it were me, I would get the 425. It seems to be put together much better than the other Polaris models. Maybe thats just because I am a manual transmission person, but you don't have all of those long drive selector linkages to fool with like the automatics do.

You said you are going to drive them both. Thats the best bet. I like the 425 better, but in my opinion, the AC would be built sturdier. Other than that, the only advantage I see for the AC is low range, and the semi-independant swingaxle compared to the swingarm on the Polaris. Good luck in your choice.

 

I faced the same decision last June. I bought the Arctic Cat 400 because I needed a utility ATV for my ranch. The AC has: almost 2 more inches of ground clearance (very important since my pasture has lots of rocks), slightly better rack capacity, better towing capacity, bigger fuel tank, and the dual range transmission (big help when towing trailer). AND all for almost $1000 less. A real no brainer for what I wanted from an ATV.

 

I would prefer the Arctic Cat over a Polaris of any kind for any farm type duties. Farm machinery must hold up under lots of different things and a machine with plastic racks already screams "No Way!" That and I have never been a fan of the way polaris quads were put together. Performancewise, they are gread though.

Thats a crock on the ground clearance though. Polaris is giving you a clearance figure from the rear gear housing, whereas AC gives theirs from the frame to the ground. They are quite similar if you measure them from the same spot. Every other point goes to the AC in my opinion for a farm vehicle. Thats why you see a lot them at Tractor dealerships.