I am in the market for a new ATV and would like to know if any of you with AC500 Autos have had any kinds of belt slippage. (Whether it is out of rider error or otherwise.)

I will be buying an AC500 (no question) but I am torn between auto and manual. I have ridden both types of trannies from different munufacturers(except AC auto) and I do find the auto to be more fun.

My riding styles are as follows: Bear Baiting in the spring which requires heavy pulling through mud/snow, trail riding all summer through some mud and swamp areas, Hunting (Elk, Moose, Deer) in the fall requiring heavy pulling and hauling through mud/snow.

Thanks in advance for the input!

 

I have an AC500 Manual a 1998 and do the same type of hunting that you do, its doing great so far. Sorry, I can't give you an answer about the auto.
Checkout my Moose hunting photos out at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/alaskanmoose2000
I really don't think from what I have been reading about the autos that you will have a problem either, sounds like they have plenty of power also. Also sounds like the belts are doing well. I am thinking very seriously myself of getting the 2001 AC Auto. Good luck with your decision.
Larry

 

I think A/C has about the most 'rugged' belt drive system out there. It has its own seperate clutch, so the belt is always engaged. Makes it more idiot proof.
Myself I have a Polaris which has given me no troubles in 3500 miles, but I have known of at least one instance of belt burning. Due mostly to driver error. Tried pulling a HEAVY load (tree) on dry ground (excellent traction) in high range. When the tree didn't move, he just held the throttle pegged for 3 or 4 seconds until the wheels started spinning, and eventually got it going. Could smell the belt burning a mile off, and was never the same until a new belt put on. The A/C wouldn't have this problem because the belt isn't used as the 'clutch'.
As far as slipping from getting water and such in the belt system, as long as you can see the gas cap above water, it seems to work well.

 

BearHunter:
It's too bad they removed the option to scan back a couple months, rather than just two weeks that it is now. Otherwise, I'd direct you to a few posts from a couple months ago concerning Auto's and Hard work. It is possible though you may have seen them.

I would venture to say that I've worked my Auto 'Cat as hard, if not harder than anyone on the board. I have 1,200 acres of mostly timber, with a bunch of meadows just south of the Canadian border, here in Washington. We had parts of it logged off here almost a year ago, and since purchasing the 'Cats, I've been constantly towing logs, stumps, other brush and debris all over to hell and back. I got a little stupid up at elk camp, and decided it would be a good thing to do, to drag a log about 14" in diameter, roughly 20' long nearly 8 miles back to camp. There were a bunch of other four wheelers up there pulling small branches and such, so I was more or less just showing off the big 'Cat's power. Anyway, in the process of towing back to camp, the gravel road acted like sand paper, and shaved nearly 3" of wood off the entire length of the tree. I tore a 1/2" logging choker cable in half about 6 different times. By the third time, it became a "mission" to get the thing back to camp any way I could, without help, so in the end, I had to use a tie strap, holding the front of the log off the ground-suspended by the rear rack- with the cable looped around it. I made it back finally, but the log was now shredded to hell. It was still so heavy that 3 full grown men couldn't get it off the ground.

I carry over 100 lbs. on the front at all times, and between 100-200+ lbs. on the rear rack most of the time. I'll also tow heavy loads, trailers or other such items with the weight. I've even towed our '91 Suburban down the block, which weighs in at just over 5,000 lbs.

So, to your question, will an AC 500 stand up to the tasks at hand? AH, HELL YEAH! Will the Auto, or Manual be tougher? Manual has the advantage of gears-being constant, however the Auto has the ease and simplicity of use on it's side. I personally do not think you could go wrong with either, I think it's more a matter of your own preference. Do you like to shift, or not.

I have driven through some very deep mud holes, and water crossings before, through deep snow, and even with all my towing, I've never slipped the belt yet. I will highly recommend though, that if you do go with the Auto, ALWAYS tow in low gear. That's wear your highest torque is at, and that's where the machine will pull the easiest. I've towed a few small loads back to camp before in high gear, and you can tell the engine gets a little warmer than normal. In low gear, you won't even know it's there.

Anyhow, best of luck in the decision, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mike

 

First off....Thanks alot for the input everyone! It's really nice to hear from actual owners who love their toys as much as I do.

Irichard...I have seen your Moose Pictures before...looks like a phenomenal time!!

Farmr123...thanks for the advice...I have done alot of research on the design and workings of the different transmissions, and it seems that AC/Suki are the most efficient and powerful belt drives.

Cowboy...I don't think I saw the posts a few months ago, I'm kind of new to this forum thing. You've got a great example of exactly what I was looking to hear!! It sounds like it has no problems with heavy loads (in low) and is still as much a tank as the manual is...

I am actually from Saskatchewan Canada, (I was creating my profile in a hurry (1,AK,US)) so as some of you may know there is literally hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails to ride! I believe that I will lean more towards the Auto (thanks to the great advice) just to save the ankle a bit!

Have a Great U.S. Thanksgiving!

 

BearHunter:
Glad to help! Like I said, it's too bad you didn't see the other posts, I've got tons of examples, and no, the Auto has no problems what so ever with heavy loads, either towing or hauling. If the idiots at the camera place ever find my last roll, I'll have a bunch more posted of the Auto in Action-equipped with the new 'Claws. I'll let you know if I ever get them.

Speaking of which, that is one thing you might look into-tires. The stock 489's are a great tire for all-around useage, however they do not do very well in the deep mud at all. If you'll be in a lot of deep mud or snow most of the time, I'd suggest looking into a set of more aggressive, and possibly even taller tires. I recently installed a set of 27" Bi/Tri-Claws on my auto, and can still pull, tow and haul the same as I did with the stock tires. The traction gained is incredible, and the increase in ground clearance has allowed me to go places I've never been able to go before. Might be something to think about.

In mostly mud or snow, I'd suggest 'Claws, Outlaws or Vamps, maybe 589's. You can run a full 27" with no lift or spacers required.

Anyway, best of luck!

Mike