Looking at either a 2004 Rancher ES or 4x4. Would it be wise to spend the extra $$ and go ahead and get the 4x4? I will use it mostly to play around on and to hunt with, as well as some trips to mnts on some jeep trails. what does everyone think about the ES shifting option? how well do you think that ES shifting will hold up?

 

If you think you might need 4x4 and you can afford it. I'd say get a 4x4. The ES is a matter of preference. There has been a couple concerns posted about the ES systems.

 

Never had a problem with the es on my 01 rancher 4x4. that quad has been through more than its fair share and no problems to speak of. The 4wd has come in handy a lot of times, but on the old ones its full time so its hard to compare it with 2wd. I just know ive been through a lot of things and climbed a lot of hills that im sure i couldnt have with a 2wd model.

 

Get the 4x4 ... save for a Warn 424 ... you can get that for it right? Best of both worlds.

 

Just in case you get a quad that has a chain in the rear, i must tell you it was pretty damn nice yesterday when i was out jumping my polaris scrambler 4x4 and broke the rear chain on a hard landing but was still able to drive over a mile home in front wheel drive.
So there's another argument for 4wd...an entire backup drive system to get you home.

-Ron-

 

My 2X4 Rancher can go a lot of places you would not imagine a 2wd could!! But, my primary requirement is high ground clearance on rocky mountain roads. Here in the arid southwest, we just don't have the mud and snow that you have in other parts of the country, so traction isn't the major issue. When we are riding in a group, if the 2wd gets hung up on a rock, it is no big deal for us to just pick it up and carry it. It has a fairly sporty ride, and can double as a sport bike out in the open desert.

That said, I really wish I had another 4X4!! The extra security is nice to have. The 4-wheel engine braking is a real asset on a tough technical descent. Spend the extra on the 4X4!!

 

quote "That said, I really wish I had another 4X4!! The extra security is nice to have. The 4-wheel engine braking is a real asset on a tough technical descent. Spend the extra on the 4X4!!"

Couldn't agree more with reconranger, especially the added engine braking on steep down hill descents.

The ES I think is a preference. It is one more thing that may go wrong but ours has been trouble free and we would buy another ES in a heartbeat.

 

Get the Rancher AT and you get the best of all worlds - selectable 2wd or 4wd, auto or es, and the smoothest, most beautiful ride you'll ever experience. The bullet proof Honda reliability is icing on the cake!


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04 Honda Rancher AT

 

About a year ago I started pondering the same thing - fretted over it for a couple of months, asked lots of folks, even posted here before deciding. Finally, on New Years Eve I bought a new Rancher 4x4 ES. Gotta tellya that was a wise move on my part. I spend a LOT of time out prospecting deep in the high desert - some sand but mostly in and out of rocky areas my Jeep won't handle.

The Rancher is a workhorse - goes everywhere, pulls like a tractor, and carrys tools, equipment, and other necessities with power to spare. I'd buy another in a heartbeat - with the ES and with the 4x4.

Best mule an ol' desert rat ever had..........

 

Get the 4X4, that's what makes an ATV an ATV.