I am looking at the Big Bear and Kodiak 450. The Kodiak is $1000 more. I plan on plowing, hunting and trailriding. Do I really need the differential lock and is the auto that much better to justify the extra grand? I do not care about speed. the Auto vs shift is my big question.

Thanks for any input or experiences you can share

 

it depends on what you like if you dont mind shifting get the shift cause you can choose your power range and do not have to worry about a belt. I have never had any problems with the belt on our kodiak or grizzly, they have been great. The differental lock is almost worth it i think because i get stuck in 4x4 and i flip the switch for the diff lock and i pretty much get out of any thing. So i think it is defiantley worth it, any way you go you will be satisfied with the kodiak or big bear.

 

My Rubicon has the ability to switch between full automatic and manual gear shift by throwing a switch on the handlebars. I find most of my time is spent using full automatic. Especially if shuttling between forward and backwards when plowing. With the diff lock, and liquid cooling, I'd say yes, the grand difference is well worth it if you are going to plow or go places where you might get stuck. That diff lock is worth it's weight in gold.

 

Once you ride w/ a auto. thru trails,hills,mud, espically plowing. You will wonder how other people still shift while riding. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I've never seen someone go from a auto and switch to a manual. But switching quads from manual to auto type happens all the time. And the guys I know with manuals wish they had autos. On trail rides were always having to stop or slow down so the manual guys can stomp the shifter to down shift.. There is a lot of forward and reverse shifting in plowing, Personally I prefer the auto and have been in mountains, forest, swamp and plains. And I plow A LOT of snow. For snow plowing - well, I went one winter without the front wheels locking into 4x4 and I seldom noticed the difference.

 

My dad bought some land that had a sand track already on it. Then he bought a Polaris Sportsman700 mainly as a work ATV to plow and move the sand, and I beat the crap out of it on the jumps. Then I bought a Predator for the same track, and I usually stay in 2nd and 3rd (it is a tight track). Since I am used to riding a motorcycle, I don't find the shifting annoying. Actually, I like it better, because I can take off faster (and wheelie!). But, the auto is real easy to ride.

 

Auto all the way. You're not driving a sports car so why shift when you don't need to?

As for the differential lock it's a little more debatable. Yes it's nice to have but you can live without it. If you can afford it get it but in my opinion it's not worth $1,000 if that's what it takes to upgrade.

 

If you are getting a 4X4 go with Auto.
Its much nicer and easier for Muddin or climbing hills.
Just let the machine do all the work.

 

I am gonna have to disagree with all of you. One of the reasons I bought my wolverine because I wanted a manual. I think it make alot more fun. Its not like I haven't drivin an auto either because I have plenty of hours on sportsmans. Lightweight manual=way better

 

Since you are going to use the machine for hunting & plowing then you want an Auto all the way. If you are going to be riding fast on the trails or racing then the manual may give you an edge but with the new machines today they have so much power that you wouldn't even miss it. You're not buying a sport quad so why shift? The main reason you wouldn't want a manual is because you are going to use it for hunting. Trust me when you are making your own trails in woods, climbing logs, and going through the creeks shifting is the last thing you want to do.