1. Got a new 01 500 auto with the act, want to know about the size tire I can go to without a lift kit or spacers or new wheels, also what about the witdth of the tires do I need narrower tires up front? Sort of like the idea of the same size on all four corners. Like the looks of the Gators or the Claws. Used in the southeast in woods and swamps, want to keep a smooth ride.
2. About the radiater, any problems with stick damage to the radiator because the sides of the radiator look kind of exposed by the grill inside the tires. Thought about cutting a truck mud flap to fit from the grill down the tube to the A arm then up to the channel to the grill, kind of pie shaped, secured with plastic ties. Or mayby rigid material similar to the skid plate or the smooth sides of a truck bed liner cut, heated and molded to fit in the area. Wondered if this has been a problem area riding through brush?
No complaints about the machine, it goes through and over the woods like a small log skidder! Seems to turn sharper than my buddys honda four wheel drive 300.
Thanks for anybodys comments about this!

 

I just mounted 27x10x12 Gators on my 02 500 ACT. You will not need spacers if you go with a combination like these. You will need rear spacers if you go with anything wider. I had @7x11x12 ITP 589s and had to run the spacers in the rear with them. So far i really like the Gators, they really hook up in the slick mud. Haven't had them in anything deep yet.

 

Hey, mudcat, probably didn't notice, but he's got an 01 model, so he should be alright with 12" rears, right? The 02's shock mounts at the top are wider than previous models. 12" rears on 02's will rub on the top of the shocks, where previous models shouldn't.

One problem radiator-related on 00's and 01's is that the fan runs all the time. In deep water, you'll blow the fan fuse from the fan trying to slap through the water. An inline switch will solve this problem.

 

How about the front tires width? Since i want to go with the same size on all four corners, how would 27 x 11 x 12 work?

How about the radiator damage experience?

 

I had the same concern about the radiators too when choosing a quad. I hate the Polaris because there is too much unprotected frontal exposure to the rad. I too have a 2002 500 Auto ACT. AC does a great job of protecting the rad. by imbeding it within the frame work at an angle.

If you look at the "so called" ATV of the year, Polaris 7O0 you'll see an unprotected plastic coolant catch tank directly behind the left front wheel and they mount the battery behind the rear wheel. Both totally exposed to the slop.

As for the sides, I would not attempt to wrap the sides it needs the airflow. This quad needs to cool down quickly at times. Covers will not let the air flow through and out of the rad. area. If you must, use expanded metal instead of rubber. I have never incountered a stick coming through the side of the quad. The boot guards and undercarriage will direct a stick directly under the quad.

 

Sorry I overlooked that. You are correct Tcat.
I have never had any radiator problems either.
As far as the 11" on the front . I really couldn't say either way. I don't know of anyone with this set up. I do know that it would cover you with mud. If you do it be sure to let us know how it works out.

 

Thanks for the reply! Just confirms the good choice of buying the artic cat.
The side guard would probally not restrict the airflow to the radiator, not covering the radiator but inline with the airflow, mignt even keep some mud out of the radiator that comes from the front tires, parallel with the sides of the tires to protect the radiator from sticks coming in from the sides, not blocking the air flow from the front, besides isn't that where the winch goes, in front of the radiator? doesn't that restrict the airflow some?
New to four wheelers and wantted to discuss any preventive measures i could before damage occurs whith people that have experience with this particular machine.