I would check out as many models as possible.... then form your own choice as to what you like best.. I am very happy with my quad, and from reading what your looking for I would definatly get a 4x4. The electric shift comes in real handy if your in water/mud or whatever and don't want to get your feet wet/muddy, all you have to do is push a button, I had a few reservations at first about it, now that I own one, I wouldn't have anything else! The 450 has tons of torque for pullin' and climbing, I use mine for hunting, pulling and alot of playin'

Again look around and find something that you like, everyone has there opinions as to what is best, but the most important thing is that you are happy with what you have!

Just my two cents

 

4x4 necessity. Winch helpful, especially for tightening fence wire. Go with the biggest cc you can afford. I am leary of automatic transmission(i have seen problems). You can go with the electronic shift, but if you don't want to you can always buy a kit later.

 

Better look at Big Bear2000 for the best value of a gutty rugged machine that has some play (sport) built in. Honda otherwise for long term reliability but stay away from new models like Rancher & Rubicon until the skinny is out on them and the bugs are fixed.

 

Thanks to everyone for the advice!
I have been to all the local dealers in the area and have seen several machines that would work just fine for my needs. I think the one that impressed me the most was the Arctic Cat 500 4x4 Auto. The spec sheet was impressive enough, but the machine itself was another story. The dealer was a great help as well. I was there for nearly an hour and a half, going over all different brands, makes, models, etc., then he grabbed a couple sets of keys and said we should go for a ride. It was pretty cool, not much to really judge it with, as all we had to ride through was sage brush and small hills, but still gave me a good idea of what I was looking for.

My first choice would be the AC 500 4x4 Auto, which is going for $6,190 out here, with the Foreman 450 ES a close second, at $6,399. I am looking at the 2000 models. I wasn't very happy with the service at either of the two Honda dealers, and both were fairly well set on their prices. They also said that it would be close to an additional $1,000 for a winch and snow plow installed. The winch was a Warn 2000lb., while the snow plow was the Cycle Country brand.

The AC dealer seemed like he would negotiate a little on the price, and said that I could have the winch and plow installed for an additional $700 or so. Again, the winch here was the same Warn 2000lb., with the exception being a Moose brand plow. He also said that I could upgrade to a 2,500lb. winch for an additional $100, but suggested I actually buy it from a local aftermarket company who sells it for almost $150 less than what AC suggests, then bring it in for the install.

As far as warranties went, both the Honda, and the AC had 6 months factory warranties. Honda said I could buy an additional 18 month warranty for several hundred more. The Arctic Cat is offering your choice of one of the following:
The Warn 2000lb. winch for $69 plus install,
Two Motorolla Talk-A-Bout two way radios,
(these are great on hunting trips by the way!)
Or an additional 18 month warranty.

Anyhow, progress has been made, so now it is time to get the finances in order. Can't hardly wait! Well, thanks again for all the info.

Mike.

 

Get the Artic Cat for sure it has much more power than the 433cc Foreman,I did not know it was also cheaper to buy(BONUS).

 

Cowboy, Have you considered the Grizzly? I have done a lot of research and for what you say you will be using it for I think it might be the best for you. It has 595 CC's for power and has auto with engine braking is selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive. It is rated to tow over 1200 pounds. I'd check it out. and it is in the same price range as the AC.

 

Cowboy- (or other AC riders)
Please let me know how you like the AC 500 Auto. I farm here in NW Ohio and am in the midst of deciding also. Have always had Hondas - 79' Z50, '83 Big Red, '85 Big Red and now I have an '86 Foreman that has been absolutely a trouble free stump puller!!! (full wagon loads of hay 6,000 lbs. no problem) But... I really like the spec sheet on the AC 500 (low range would be very nice) Would be very interested in your opinions. Thank you, Jeff
jhahn@wcnet.org

 

Jeff:
I'm sorry I can't really help you on a decision at this point. I haven't purchased the AC 500 Auto as of yet. I am still in the process of looking for the best machine to suit my needs at the present time. However, the AC has really impressed me thus far, and I think my mind is made up. Overthehillatver has suggested I take a look at the new Grizzly though, as it is rated at over 1,200 lbs. tow capacity, for around the same price as the AC. I'm going to take a look at it before I decide for sure. It sounds though as if you have had some pretty good luck with the Honda line. Have you tried the 450 ES? Or is it just time for a change? The AC is quite impressive though.

Out of curiosity, if I read it correctly, you said that you were able to pull a fully loaded hay trailer with around 6,000 lbs. with no problem. I will assume it was a dual axle flatbed, with either a 2 5/16 ball, or a pintel hitch, and if this is the case, did you have to weld a bracket to the rear axle, with a riser in order to pull it level? If so, will the welding weaken the rear end enough to worry about? I was also curious about tongue weight. I would like to pull the same type of trailer with the AC, if that is what I decide on. The standard trailer hitch looks like you could fairly easily weld a bracket on to accept a 2" receiver, with a riser in order to pull larger trailers. Just curious.

On a side note, I had seen a Polaris ad with a few accessories, such as a cultivator, and small mower. Are these Polaris-only accessories, or will they operate off of the Arctic Cat 500? I couldn't find any specs on either of the two, only pictures. Anyhow, good luck on your decision. Sorry I couldn't help.
Mike

 

Cowboy, It seems I was in your situation about 4 months ago. I was looking for an ATV mostly for utility purposes, getting in and out of my timber, plowing, towing, etc.
I did a lot of research with the various models. There are three guys at work that all have Hondas, two 450es's and a Rancher. I had a lot of pressure from them to just go buy a 450es and get it over with. I told them I was also looking at an Arctic Cat and their basic response was "a what?" My final two choices were the AC500 auto and the 450es. I ended up with the Arctic Cat, it just better suited my needs. I use the low range quite a bit. I also like having the choice of 2wheel/4wheel drive. So far the AC has been a good machine. I bought the winch and Moose plow with it - - the setup works real nice. I think the Honda is also a good bike. You just have decide what's best for you.
BTW, check with the Arctic Cat dealer and see if they still have the Warn winch for $69. I ended up getting the winch and 50" plow for less than $400 (not installed).
Good luck with your choice!

 

Hey Trent, glad to hear your input. That is the exact setup I'm looking at, and really leaning towards. Yeah, they still have the $69 winch, but it is your choice of either the winch, 2 two way radios-motorola brand, or an additional 18 month warranty.

You mentioned your timber. I've got 1,200 acres up in the mountains of Washington, about a half hour south of Canada. I was also planning on some general "clean-up" type work, including dragging felled logs, and other such timber. Have you had any problems doing this, or have you tried? I've got a bunch of tamarack, and a ton of that damn lodge pole pine. Nothing wrong with the tamarack, but that damn lodge pole grows to a certain age, then just dies and eventually falls over. Had to clear 40 some odd logs out of the road just to get into the cabin last summer. Using a truck, or a caterpillar is just not feasible, as I would have to clear the entire place just to turn around. I think the AC 500 would be perfect up there, and would also help to round up a few stray cattle.

Anyhow, thanks for the input, glad to hear your setup is working so well.
Mike