I had a friend who had an old Polaris similar to yours. His was the 500 sportsman. Right after I got my TRV (which has the 500 auto engine/tranny) we went riding. We both carried 2 adults. He burnt his belt up half way through the trip. His wife was not happy with all the walking so I carried 3 on the TRV at times.

This procedure reoeated itself 4 times over the next year! he dropped the Polaris and bought a 650TRV. He has had some issues with the 650 but has not a a single tranny or belt issue like he had with the Polaris. I think his exact words were I want another one!

I will second the fact that O plow snow with my 400 and my 500 and they can push a lot of snow! Plowing does tear up your front suspension pretty fast though due to the weight of the blade and all the bouncing as the blade skips over ice and such.

SJ