I am looking to purchase an Arctic Cat TBX. The local dealer has an '06 400TBX and '07 650TBX (H1). There is about $1,000 price difference. My land is very hilly and can be muddy, so I am worried that the 400 won't have enough power, and that I'll regret not having the diff lock in tough spots. I can't seem to find any new 500TBX's and of course they are not available for '07.

I've done lots of research on the web, and it appears there are plenty of 400 owners who find it has enough power. But every so often I'll come across a review of someone lamenting that the 400 just doesn't have enough juice to do the job.

So, is it worth an extra grand for the 650?

Also, what do you think about the extended (3 yr) warranty?

Thanks for your response.

 

Well, I've gone everywhere the big engine rigs have gone and did it on less gas. But then I'm old and already did my go fast phase (gone really fast too). And that's what the bigger engine will do, make the machine have a higher top speed. Using the right range (low is a real nifty thing that lots of people ignore) will get you there, maybe not as fast. But I would think a TBX would be a work machine and not a racer. As to the locker, I love mine and was one of the main reasons I bought my 400, unless you are gonna do some real nasty stuff, like rock crawling, muddin', etc., the locker won't be an issue.

 

I have a 500 TRV and a 400 manaul. I Think the TRV has the same chassy as the TBX but has the 2-up seat instead of the box.

That said the 400 has gone every place the 500 has and pulled the same loads. There have been very few times the 500 has done better due to the larger engine size. Neither machine has diff lock. Both machines have a 2500# winch. Which I have needed ocasinally.

I have not researched it enough but I would be curious about the weight differences between the machines? Exactly how much does the 400 weight complared to the 650?

I ask this because my only difficulty is towing heavy loads and bringing to a safe stop. Neither machine has problems getting them to move.

If you are going to be towing heavy loads up or down steep hills I would be inclined to go with the heavier machine. If this was not going to be an every day occurance then maybe the lighter one.

Also, I seem to remember reading post that the difflock can be installed for about $1000-$1500 in a machine? not sure if that is true or not.

If you can get them to throw in a 2500# winch then I would pay the extra $ and get the 650.

Get the extended warranty.

SJ

 

400TBX weighs 727# and the 650TBX weighs 787#. Only 66# difference.

 

I thought the 2006-2007 400 Auto had a front diff lock...Am I mistaken?

 

That's correct, I am looking for a utility workhorse, not a racer. I need an ATV that can climb steep hills, power over deep rutts and holes, and pull fallen trees out of a bog. A friend has an '05 Arctic Cat 500, and I've seen firsthand how it can do all of the above, which is why I've decided to go with the Arctic Cat. I need the TBX because I'm always carrying stuff. I just don't want to spend $6K and then later regret not spending that extra grand to get the power I really need. But I'm not exactly rich, so I don't want to waste money, either.

Thanks for your responses!

 

get the 650 because it is a true LOW END WORK HORSE that is true 641cc compared to the 376cc 400 you might regret getting the 400 later but you wont regret getting the 650

 

For some reason the '06 and '07 400TBX does not have diff lock, whereas the regular 400 does. I don't know Arctic Cat well enough to tell you why (perhaps to keep the price down?)

 

I have owned both the 400 and now the 650. For only $1000 get the 650. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thank you for your answer. Strange why they omitted the diff-lock. I have a 400 Auto LE, and I was sure it had a diff-lock. Thankfully, I was right. Great machine BTW.

Taking it northern moose hunting next week.