hey everybody i plan on getting a new 4 wheeler soon but im not sure what to get. I will be doing alot of work such as pulling out deer, elk and possibly bear. Money is tight(4,800 max) and i just don't know what to choose. the terrain will change alot going from flat land to pretty steep mountains. I've eliminated the ozark 250 and am thinking honda for the most part. So is the rancher any good or should i just pass it and keep looking?

 

Great machine!! Not to big and not to small. I have 2 and they have never had the slightest problem and you don't see many posts about them having problems.

But, you will have to decide if it has enough power for what you want to do.

 

We bought an 02 Rancher 350 ES 4x4 as our first ATV before we knew anything about ATVs. Since we have check out nearly all ATVs and figured out we made a really lucky choice. The Rancher is fantastic, and new have we had the first problem (750 miles in about 15 months). Other ATVs tempt you with independent rear suspension, belt drive automatic trans, better ground clearance, etc. but the Rancher is one of the cheapest yet most reliable available. I suggest 4X4 (hard to get stuck) and the ES (electric shifter- provides a full floorboard). I rode the Rancher 400 auto this week...also a winner. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Reliable and dependable. Have you ever noticed how few Ranchers are for sale in the newspapers? The owners like them and just keep them.

 

My nephew bought a Rancher on Monday. He absolutely loves it.

 

u really r crazy, huh, country boy askin a question like that...:-) ....but like every post here says, it is an absolute awesome wheeler never here of problems....but not any problems with the foreman s either.... (i recomend the s as have heard of problems with the es models)...except sum people whine about the ride to rough...well this is cause its for haulin...plus its a 450 not a 350...never will you lack for power and if you look good bet you could find one in your price range...mayb get 1 thats a little older...if u want to be able to go 2x4..4x4 switchable 2002 has it factory and the older machine('98-newer) have an aftermarket warn 424 ..i think it is,available for them to allows this and you may want the little heavier suspension if'n u got a bear on the back and an elk on the front..:-)...but the 02 foreman's are at the top of your budget...but more on line with your needs i think..but as far as your question goes...yes the rancher is very much so worth having...but see if you can't step up a notch for the load capacity and find a foreman in your price range any thing from 1998 to present pretty much the same bike...'02 model is not full time 4x4, if thats a concern

 

I would get the Rancher 4x4 . Like dailyatvuser said they're hard to get stuck and its true . I have a Rancher 4x4 and love it . I have only got stuck four times in two months and its not hard to get stuck where I ride . I quit counting how many times I pulled my brothers and friends Recons out . Look what I am getting to help out my Rancher on my signature . You may consider getting some of the items thats on my signature if you are afraid of getting stuck which you shouldn't be . Thats just my .02 .
OutlawRancher

 

I use mine to work my ranch in the desert, to haul heavy steel targets and stands, and for prospecting in the desert in some very rough and unforgiving terrain.

For me, the Rancher 4X4 was an excellent choice. I've had an instant of regret and if I were starteing over knowing what I know now....... I'd still pick the Rancher.

 

thanks alot you guys all the info was great and i probably will get a rancher. I will be looking up some more stuff but so far i guess im going with the rancher, because of it's durability and cheap price. thanks again everybody

 

I just brought a 2003 Honda Rancher Es 350 4x4 in feb. of this year. It is a great atv, and fun to ride. I have only had one problem on my atv, but nothing major. I had a seal that stayed wet with oil, I took it in and had it fix and I am back on the trailes. I have added better stick stoppers, tusk 2000lb winch, brush grads, and a back rack with a basket to carry stuff when me and the group go out rideing. I have 475miles on it and love it. I am going to add a 2" lift kit, and better tires. I love my rancher and glad I got it.