It looks like the 06 400 is going to win, probably tomorrow. I will be using it for recreation, i.e., dunes, trails and running around in the mountains (hunting lol). I am still undecided on manual or auto, price is the same. I have riden both types and I really don't have a preference. If you were making this step what would be your preference given the uses. Don't see a lot of mud bogging in my future even if this is western Oregon. Thanks!

 

i think that you will fidn that the manual will be not only sturdier, but slightly sportier. also the hastle of changing belts is nonexistent. i dont understand why they are the same price i think i saved about 300 dollars by choosing a manual shift.

 

I never, ever...ever thought I would like an automatic. In fact, when semi-auto, (now called manual) shift came out, I thought no way. Now that I have one, I'll never be without one. It's auto forever for me. I get on and go - no hassles hunting for gears in challenging terrain and in the mud. In low-range, the 400 auto will amaze you in the rough stuff.

If you take proper care of your auto, (resist swamping it unless properly snorkeled), your belt should last and last and last. Even then, the belt housing is sealed and the snorkel sits right under the front fender, so you can go fairly deep. Most of the belt issues I've heard of do not involve the 400 anyway. It's usually reserved for the 650V2. I have well over 1,000 miles on mine and last time I checked the belt, it was well within spec. The "belt changing hassle" isn't if it's done as recommended/needed. In other words, every few hundred miles, check your belt - when you get up to about 1500-miles, check it again. A micrometer is a cheap investment. Unless they've changed 400's should be at 30.3mm It takes a little bit of time, but is a super easy thing to check.

Go auto....

 

i perfer manual myself. i haul lots of things with mine. i like the idea of gears slowing me down instead of engine braking. although i have never heard anything bad about the auto. one thing i dont like about the 400 is that it doesnt have low reverse like the 500 does. the amount of fire wood i haul on a trailer,the 400 doesnt want to reverse very well. almost full throttle before it starts to move. seems like its struggling. my 500 in low on the other hand moves it all very easily in reverse. i wish they would put that low back on the 400.

 

The manual is quicker, faster and gets better fuel economy. The auto means no shifting and more money out the door, usually several hundred of them. I went the manual route because I was all ready use to shifting my 250 and the day I was there my dealer had recieved 24 new machines and need the last 2 machines from his preseason order out the door. He discounted me a couple hundred below the sticker of his already lowest price in the state. How was I suppose to pass that deal? Have you checked with Industrial Suppy in Chehalis, Washington. They have no shipping or assembly charges and stock a lot of machines and are a AC dealer only.

 

Thanks for the your experience and opions. All information is greatly appreciated. As far as the price on the manual, I've talked to 3 different salespersons at the dealership and got 3 different prices so we'll see what happens when we get serious. Thanks again.

 

Thanks again to everyone for the help. The lime green 400 manual won!!!

 

Congratulations! You will enjoy it.

 

Congrats! You would not have been disappointed either way....You bought one of the most bullet-proof quads in the A/C line-up. Break her in right and enjoy!

 

i just got one myself and i love it