I just got back from my cat dealer. I was looking at the CAT 500 and the 400. Both in manual. They look the same. Only real diff appears to be the size of the engines. The dealer has no idea of HP or torque ratings on these machines. Does anyone know what the are? Is the $1,000 differance in price really worth it?

 

RJS:
I don't know what the HP rating is, but the torque for the 500 is rated at 31 ft/lbs. (actually 31.6) but not sure where that is measured at. What exactly do you plan to do with the machine? That would have an effect on which you would be better off with.

As for differences, the 400 is actually a 371cc while the 500 is a 493cc machine. There is only a 20 lbs. dry weight difference between the two, with the 400 weighing in at 625 lbs., with the 500 coming in at 645. Overall height, wheelbase and width is the same, while the 500 is 1" longer in overall length. The 400 comes with 8" wide up front, while the 500 uses the same 25x10x12's all the way around. Everything else is the same, with the exception of the 500 having selectable 2/4wd. This in my opinion is a huge asset to have. I can't tell you how often I run back and forth between 2 and 4 wheel drive.

If you're just running trails, not much else, I'm sure the 400 would be great. But, if you want to do heavier work, I'd go with the 500. Granted, the 400 should do it's share of work as well, but as the old saying goes "there's no replacement for displacement".

Anyway, hope that helps,

Best of luck,

Mike

 

I will use it mostly for planting wildlife food plots at mycabin in the UP of michigan. I expect the 400 to produce less hp and torque than the 500. But is it enough less to demand $1000 for it. Suppose torque is withih 4 ft pds. is $250 per ft pd worth it? This is the reason why i would like to get hp and torque for both. Speed is not an issue with me, selectable 2wd 4wd don't see the need. Tires, every one changes them anyway, dealers probably should sell atv sans tires and let the owner pick the best tire for their use.

 

hey rjs
if you dont mind me asking how much is your dealer asking for the 500
matty

 

dealer is asking $5899 for the 500

 

The reason I was asking, Is I was at our local cat shop the other day. They had a new auto 500 for the same price $5899. Im sure they would come down in price too. I know I got my manuel from them for $5300 and I added the winch for $69. That was a year and half ago. But they seem the cheapest dealer around that I have found. Im not sure what they all have in stock. The name of the dealer is Shawano Power Sports. There number is(715)526-5345. I would give them a call. If it would save you a couple of hundred dollars it would be worth your drive. I see your from twin lakes, isnt that like 10 min from Eagle R. Good luck
matty

 

thanks, i will probably give them a call. I just found a left over 2000 500 at a dealer in il. has 450 miles on it. he is asking $5450. seems high to me for a 2000 "Demo" machine. Is it?

 

Well unless that 2000 500 has extras like better tires, and winch then I don't think its worth $5450.00 when you can buy a brand new one with no miles for $5899.00.
I will never be satisfied with anything smaller than a 500 now that I have owned the 500. I have used all its power pulling a very heavy meat trailer in heavy mud situations on an upgrade. Sure was glad I went with the 500 after that pull.
Before that situation I never thought I would have ever used or needed that much torque. Maybe you never will, but maybe you will find yourself in that kind of situation down the road someday.
Good luck on your choice, by the way you are looking at the right machines as far as I am concerned.

 

Don't get that demo model, I would not pay that much for an unused 2000 model when a 2001 is that cheap. The 2000 doesn't have alot of features/upgrades that the 2001 does.

If you can talk your dealer down to 5500 for the 500 I would get it. The extra power(30.6 ft lbs at 3500 rpms), 2wd feature, larger racks, better winch mount(that pipe on the 500 model gives you a good bit more room to mount a winch), studier front bumper(side extensions and the pipe add to that), and did I mention the power???

A 400 will do the job that you ask it to, but the 500 will do the larger harder jobs easier and faster. You will also love the 2wd feature for when you are just riding around and have no need for 4wd.

 

Dealer does not seem to want to deal on the 2001. I think i can get to 2000 for $5000 OTD. What features have changed? to my novice eye the machines look identical. What is Changed?