I am trying to decide which '06 Arctic cat atv to buy, either the 400 4x4 or the 400 4x4 VP. (both 5 speed manual shift). The 400 4x4 allows you to keep it in 2wd, whereas the VP model is in 4wd all the time.

I use my bike for training sled dogs. We hook up 12-14 dogs to the front of the machine all fall and spring. We also free run the dogs, where they chase the ATV around our property. We'll probably put 1000 miles on our atv's this over the next year.
When the dogs are hooked up, We use gears to keep the dogs slowed down for conrol and building muscle, which is why I need the manual trans. The dogs can pull 3 times their weight, so over 2000 lbs of pressure (when they are all pulling together) resulting in a lot of pressure.

I guess what I'm wondering is if the VP 4wd will wear out faster than using 2wd. I'm not really sure how the 4wd works to understand what, if anything would wear faster. The VP is $1000.00 less than the 4x4 with the shift.

I have been using my 400 2x4 for 5 years for this and the gears are still in good shape, though we are on our 3rd set of brakes.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

4X4 all the time gives you heavy steering, eats up power and burns gas. Besides the ACT suspension while not bad will never equal the independent suspension. Ground clearance is better and over rough ground there is no comparison. Of course my choice was an '05 400i manual, which now has over a 1000 miles on it and will go anywhere the rider is up to(me being the limiting factor).

 

You might want the VP because of the suspension. It "in theory" is less tippy because of the ground clearance. It is still pretty good. One other thing, you can get a shifter to have the VP selectable for in and out of 4x4. I don't think it is expensive either, like $60. So check on that with your dealer. Warn might make a 4-2-4 attachment as well. Good luck!

 

thanks!