I'm thinking about getting the Rancher 4x4 manual shift, but I have a question that isn't answered on the Honda web site. Is it a full-time 4wd, or does it have a selectable 2wd/4wd? If it is a full-time 4x4, how does that affect the turning radius? I really don't want to spend the $ to step up to the Foreman, but I like the idea of a selectable 2wd/4wd.

Thanks!

 

It is full time 4x4! owell

 

It's a full time 4x4. For approx. $300. or maybe less you can have a Warn 424 unlocker installed. This will give you selectable 2x4/4x4.

 

I think I'd be better off spending the extra bucks to upgrade to the Foreman 4x4 manual, or the Rancher AT. They come with the selectable 2wd/4wd.

 

I am looking at getting either a green or yellow 05 RancherES 350 4x4! I seriously think that I would buy an unlocker.

 

I think I'll stay away from the ES models. I'd rather shift with my foot than with my thumb. There are times when you need to drive one handed. The ES models would make it tough to do that.

If it's a Honda, then it's either going to be the Rancher AT 4x4 or the Foreman 4x4 manual, both in olive. I may have to give a strong look at the Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4 and the Yamaha Big Bear 4x4. I'd rather have a manual, but I think I want a selectable 2wd/4wd more than I want a manual.

 

That has to be the dumbest argument I've ever heard against getting an atv with ES. I'm not sure how much you ride one handed, but you could always leave the machine in the same gear. If you are only steering with one hand you shouldnt be going that fast anyway.

 

I have farm, ranch customers who will not buy an electric shift model for that reason, during calving season, there are a lot of times a calf has to be carried on your lap, tieing up one hand to hang on to it, same when fencing, a foot shift leaves your left hand free to use.

----- Gimpster -----

 

And you will be accellerating at such a rate that frequent shifting witll be required when you are carrying a calf in your arm?

Forgive me, but my family's cattle and horse ranch in Wyoming has never proven to be a poor environment for thier ES equipped machines.

 

i kind of agree with mad dog, i drink while i ride my quad and have no problem with my es, how fast u going that u need to change gears, but eh to each his own