Yeah, I know another what should I buy? question. But most of you guys know all the manufacturers products and It would save me time trying to wade through all the mags.

Thanks for your help. Money is not a limiting factor on this purchase. These are my requirements:

1. Small utility quad used for forestry work. Should be 300cc or so. Must move between trees not over them. Therefore 650s are out.

2. Must have lever locking front axil. No compramising, sorry. Been there.

3. Prefer manual shift and prefer low/hi range. But if I have to go to auto, please no vibration/belt problems.

4. Should be a good performer in mud. No rocks or hills in my area.

5. Accessories to include, winch, hitch and racks.

OK great gurus.... And the answer is????????

 

Suzuki King Quad, or Kawasaki Prairie 360, Yamaha Kodiak 450, Bombardier Traxter 500.

 

Looks like I have to go with an auto. I am not sure about the Suks, if they are manual or not. Not interested in the Bombing manufacture. Prairie was my first choice, but I've hear they are nosiy and vibrate. Nice brakes and good locking differential though. Wish Artic Cat would make a locking front end and move thier engines up on the smaller ATVs. Kodiac looks good, perhaps a bit big, but may be the best. Guess I need to look at the Kingquads. They may be a bit smaller and have manual transmisions.

 

The Suzuki King Quad would be a good choice for working since it has the locking differential with three selectable gear ratios totalling 15 forward gears and three reverse. It has a 280cc single cylinder four stroke. 3.2 gal gas tank, 590 lbs. dry weight, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

 

The Suzuki King Quad meets all your criteria and not only has high and low range, but super-low as well. In essence a triple range transfer case. It has a 5 spd manual shift tranny. And you can adjust the suspension to handle heavier loads.

John

 

My friend told me he thought that the King quad's locking differential can only be used in super low range and you must be at a stop to put it in. Anyone know if this true or not?

 

The King Quads come from the factory with the diff-lock option available in super-low range. Some guys have modified theirs to enable the use of diff-lock in all ranges. Using diff-lock with any speed however, would make the quad very difficult to steer and the cv joints won't like it. I could see how the mod would help increase wheelspin during mudding, but I'd disengage it immediately afterward. And yes, you need to stop before engaging or disengaging it.

John