Currently using a 1999 Honda Foreman 450 ES Great Quad .Best and most reliable tool on the farm. Going to replace it in 2006 and am not up to speed with new models. What do you recommend

 

If you need another work quad, the 450's replacement in the Honda lineup is the Foreman 500.

 

if its only work on a farm.. i would sort of down grade to the rancher.. it will save you some money.. and will be able to do the same things on the farm

 

The Foreman has Traxloc 2WD/4WD switching while the Rancher is full time 4WD. Also the new Foreman has front dual disc brakes and I believe the Ranchers still have front drums. The new Foreman has dual oil coolers vrs single on Rancher. The Foreman has 4.2 gal gas tank vrs 3.4 gal on Rancher.

 

May I suggest a 05 Rubicon. I just bought one. $6400 OTD for quad only. I added a winch and plow. I bought it specifically for "farming" purposes. The 06 is not much different and you could probably get a deal on an 05. The auto is awesome and you can also shift electronically if you wish, through push buttons on the grip. Don't worry about it failing or whatever. If you don't want the auto then something in the 500cc range will do but stick with the Honda. Rincon 650 is more of a "sport" quad. Rubicon: Solid axle makes towing weight evenly distributed on the axle. Great power. Low gears but the thing will fly(had mine up to 59 in the Electronic shift mode). Selectable 2w-4wd. Only drawbacks or "so called drawbacks" are low ground clearance, 7.5" (your not going to miss 2 inches on the farm), and lack of a front locker. The ATV is actually 3wd but unless you are going "mudding" then you will never notice the difference. A aftermarket locker is available but you won't miss it that bad. Just write down your needs and then buy the quad to fit them. Hope that helps. Good luck in your quest.

 

thanks.. for all the negative for the rancher.. i was just saying.. not like he need all of those things...

 

Thanks for taking the time to respond and advise looks like it will be another Foreman 500 with 2 and 4 wheel drive.
Although I installed a warn 4 2 4 on my current quad its not dependable slipping back into permanent 4wd regularly.
Has anyone else had this experience??

 

Somebody posted on this before. Thy a search. The solution is cleanding someting............

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: jonnyyellow
I wouldn't really classify any of the differences between Rancher and Foreman as dissadvantages. The switching 2WD/4WD on Foreman is just extra weight for many riders. If you never need the disc brakes and dual oil coolers then they are just extra cost. Same for larger gas tank.
Too many features on new quads are just more things to break, extra weight, and extra cost. And the 70 pounds extra weight of Foreman FM vrs Rancher FM is big plus for Rancher.