Just looking for a little advice. Tring to narrow down my options.
like the 2/4 wd option. Don't know weather to go with auto of manual tranny?
Needs to be able to do work mowing, plowing snow. Thats second though mostly going to be trail riding. Live in wv so have all kinds of terrain plan on riding them all with friends but don't want te be last one there.
Not sure which one to get?
polaris magnum or xplorer
artic cat 400
kodiak
prairie
sportsman
some many choices!
The wife and daughter wants the composite racks dont know if they make aftermarket racks for other manufactures or not

 

Have you considered the Honda Foreman 450? They have the 2/4 wheel drive option on the 2002 models. And I know the Foreman is very dependable, from personal experience! The racks are not composite, but if you want something "softer", I have put rubber mats on mine, even with a foam pad under the rear if you want to use it as a seat!

 

I'd go with the AC 400. That is the model I'm looking at, and I plan on doing the same type of use with mine as you described. I don't have the steep hills here in western PA like you do in WV, and we probably get a little less snow, but I still like the AC's. Low maintanence, plenty of power, and a good price - as far as I'm concerned it's a hard quad to beat. Just my 2 cents. Take a look at the AC forum and look for posts from Cowboy, Boner, and others for more information. These guys work their quads HARD, and really have no problems.

Good luck.

 

Here are some of my thoughts on the varoius utility quads you mentioned. At least the ones I have firsthand experience with.


Polaris Magnum - decent worker. Maybe not quite as work oriented as the A/C, but faster - good 4-wd system. Zerks to grease

Xplorer 400 - a faster, lighter, sportier machine than the Magnum. Same 4wd system. Has a 2 cycle engine with great hop-up potential. A great value for someone on a budget. More maintanence than others, and is chain drive to the rear wheels. Zerks to grease

Arctic Cat - a good worker, will go about anywhere, but not fast. Tough and as maintanence-free as it gets.

Kodiak - ??

Prarie - 400, a good all around machine. Nothing to really catch your eye, but no real faults, either.
Prarie - 650 - a real hot-rod. Lots of good features

Sportsman - the best riding machines out there - very smooth.
Good 4wd system. Lots of zerks to grease, though
500 is 'king' in it's class
700 too soon to tell
Both are big, heavy machines, but are surprisingly maneuverable. Will amaze you at their ability to go through mud & muck.