Hello was reading one of the forums where someone had installed lock outs on the honda does anybody know if the AC 500 auto can be done this way not that I need them just one of those man things really have never run into any mud hole in WV I have had trouble with on stock tires...BiLL

Got Mud??? My Cat Does

 

What is a "lock out?"

Tree Farmer

 

He's talking about getting a locker kit, and I have a sneaky feeling that you knew that in the first place. No need to crack off smart questions at him IF thats what you were doing. If not, disregard this.

As for the question, I'm pretty sure that somebody makes a locker kit for the AC, but remember that it will be locked at all times and will steer like crap for regular riding conditions.

If I'm wrong in thinking that a locker kit is what you are asking about, then I'm with Tree Farmer. What the hell is a lock out?

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

As far as the cracks I can take it hehehe tree farmer has been so helpful in me making a decision he could make fun at me all night I have a tough skin I am a police officer in WV and used to ribbing used to be in the dirt bike scene you know with the kaw and the big nobbys and all the other good stuff but am a real green horn on the ATV scene. I must say I am tickled to death with my AC 500 auto the dealer told me that it had true 4 wheel true or improved or something like that anyway that wasn't what I based my decision on, on buying the AC 500 I was talking about the lockers that www.highlift.com sells for the honda yammer and kow I thought if the AC doesnt have all 4 wheels pulling might be a handy item when I ride the wife (which I hope isn't very often) hehehe they are some pretty big mud holes and steep climbs in dem dar hills here in WV only put 100 miles on my bike in the last 3 days but haven't run into anything I couldn't tackle...later...BiLL

Biggest cat made.......and its automatic too

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Oh yes Andy meant to ask you also you said it would steer like hell with the locker on would that still be true since you can disengage the 4 wheel drive back to 2 wheel doesn't seem like it would if it was just in 2 wheel drive...BiLL

Do you know where your AC is tonight...

 

If I'm correct, the locker will lock both front wheels together at all times which won't matter if 2wd or 4wd is selected. Both may not be pulling in 2wd, but I think they will still be locked. I could be dead wrong, but Tree Farmer probably knows about this. Seems like somebody asked that question about a polaris with a locker and this was the answer they got, but my memory could be off. In my mind, I see a locker being usefull in like mud runs or hill climbs, rather than on something that the majority of riding can get it by with a limited slip differential. For me, the trade off in steering effort and turning radius wouldn't be worth the extra traction. I rarely run out of traction with my AC. Mainly in spots that I can go around or in places off of a trail that I just went into to see if I could make it through. A lot of places like this were like short steep muddy hills that even with a locker, I would have just sat there with all 4 spinning and going nowhere. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to discourage you from getting a locker so please don't take it that way.

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Andy Bassham *(1999 Arctic Cat 500 4x4, 1989 Honda 300)*

 

Andy's gallantry won't go unnoticed or unappreciated, but atving needs no champion! He can take care of himself! I'm delighted finding someone on the Forum who can take a joke.

Regarding a locker in 2WD, the steering on hardpack should be easier than in 4WD, because the front driveshaft will not bind the drivetrain in 2WD as it would in 4WD; however, the steering will still be more difficult than with a functioning differential, because, Euclid says, the OUTER wheel in a turn covers more distance in its arc than the INNER wheel; without differential action, ground-scrub between the tire and the ground must account for the difference in wheel path lengths.

How much harder is steering with a locker in 2WD? I don't know; on soft, loose surfaces I doubt you'd notice any difference. The rear wheels are already spooled (except on the Kawasaki Bayou 300 2WD with differential unlocked); minor scrubbing occurs there on all turns, minor because the rear wheels do not turn in the horizontal plane like the front ones.

From your report, atving, the limited-slip front end on your Arctic Cat works pretty well; if it ain't broke . . .

Tree Farmer