Hi, It has been a while since I made a post! In the past I was thinking about buying a AC 500, or a Yamaha Kodiak. Now I have changed my mind, and am looking at something smaller with better gas mileage, lighter weight, and lower price! This will be my first ATV, so in the future I can always upgrade if one of these doesn't suit me. Which of the 2 Cats would be the better buy? Would the 300 be adequate to push a 50" plow? The triple range trans. would be neat. Plus the 300 has the selectable 2wd-4wd trans. Pricewise I think that the 300 and the 400 AC's are pretty close. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! [red]96 Ski-Doo Formula SLS [/red]

 

Of the 3 you suggested, I recommend the AC 400. The 300 will push a plow, but the 400 will do better.
Does the 400 have selectable 2wd/4wd? I have driven the 300s, but have only seen/been around the 400. Never drove it to know. Actually, I doubt any would be a 'bad' choice.

 

I would reccomend the Rancher myself. I don't see the 400 as being a great quad of its class, but its lower price makes it a more popular choice than the 300-350 class quads. As far as its power, I don't know that it would have too much more than the Rancher, and I would take the rancher over the 300 because I like the design better. Like you said, you can always upgrade larger later on. I think the Rancher has more going for it than the other two myself. I have a 500 AC, but that doesn't mean that I am going to reccomend an Arctic Cat model in every situation.

Go out and check them all out real good and see what characteristics you like from each. Then after you find one you like, start shopping for prices. If you know what you want beforehand, its a lot easier to make the purchase later on. If its close, use one against the other as a bargaining point to the salesmen.

 

Farmr123, Unfortunately, the 400 doesnt have the selectabele 2wd/4wd mode like the 300 does. But the 400 supposedly has the automatic torque-sensing front differential, and a little more suspension travel in the front and rear. They both have the 4.75 gal fuel tanks. And the dry weights are pretty close at 585 for the 300 and 625 for the 400. The extra weight of the 400 would probably be handier to move the snow better, but with the 300, you have the triple range tranny for good torque. Decisions!

 

Andy, Well I guess I looked at the Cats more because they had larger fuel tanks, disc brakes, over the drum brakes, more suspension travel, and cheaper price. But the Honda is lighter and is nice looking. And I am sure it is reliable as ever. And the 2 Cats have the double and triple range tranny to play with. What features do you think the Honda has over the Cats? Thank You for your responses! [red]96 Ski-Doo Formula SLS[/red]

 

Another thing to look at between the 300 and 400 is the type of suspension. The 300 has independent rear suspension while the 400 has the semi-independent rear axle setup - the same as the 500's.

 

Bummer (no selectable 2 to 4wd). I personally find that a great convenience. So much so that it plays strongly in my choice. If you ever tried doing tight, slow speed maneuvers on hardpack, you will see what I mean. Plus, in going to my brother's to help with cattle, I have to go down a mile of county blacktop road. 4wd is a PAIN if you have to do that. Everyone's situation is different, though, and to you it may not matter.
Wow, this is tough! 300 has triple range, and selectable 4wd; 400 is full time 4wd, but has the suspension setup of the 500, and more power; or a 350 Rancher which likely has almost as much power as the AC 400.
Look on the bright side, if it is hard to choose between them, you know they must all be pretty good choices.

I guess I would ride them. Will you ever carry a passenger on it? See if there is room. How smooth do they ride? Most importantly, which one 'fits' you best?

Maybe you should include an '89 ATC 125 in the mix, just so we can all agree on which one you should NOT get! hehe

 

I ride with a AC 500 Auto. The 300 AC rides better then the 500, so I would think it would ride better then the 400. I would think the 300 would push snow better because of the lower gearing and the ability to have true 4x4. I haven't tested the Rancher, but it looks like a great quad.

 

I would have to agree with Andy. I would go with the Rancher

 

If you only plow snow then any would be about same. But if you pleasure ride the 300 is much better riding. The 300 also has the ability to cruise (not top speed) roads faster at less RPM than the 400 & 350. I plow snow with a 250 Suz & don't find the lock dif to be of any benefit as while your plowing the weight is transfered to rear tire anyway.