I know my 06 TRX400FA Honda is named Rancher, but is it really capable of ranch work? I am considering buying 14 acres to farm. I'll need my 4wheeler to push snow, pull hay, haul gravel. the normal stuff. pull a mowing deck. Is this bike made truly for this? Thanks, David from WV.

 

Yes, I suggest using the ESP mode when working it hard though

----- Gimpster -----

 

I'd say yes, definitely. I've got a '500' Foreman and it'll haul my little 4x7 wagon-trailer loaded to the gills with brush or firewood without problem. It'll haul my 18' flatbed loaded with 2 layers of firewood, but you can tell the difference from the little trailer. Got the mower (heavy 6' zero turn) stuck in mud three times last spring (yeah, takes me a while to learn...) and it pulled it out without problem. But I'd advise against trying to rope a mad bull with it.
Ride Happy - Ride Safe
DC

 

i live on 22 acre farm and my mom has a rancher 4x2 and it does a lot around here. we use it just as much as my dads 500 foreman.

 

A couple things to think about. This quad is refered to as the Rancher 400AT. It has an automatic transmission like the Rubicon. (Google "Rubicon Transmission" and you can read about how the tranny works.)

Honda discontinued this model after only a couple of years. You can take that for what it's worth! Whether because of problems with it or just slow sales I don't know, but that is probably why some dealer is willing to cut you a deal.......

The quad has a reputation for being down on low end power. There are several posts on the board right now where folks are having tranny shifting problems, so you might want to look for those and read them.

Personally, for a quad that is primarily for work, I would suggest the manual tranny Foreman 500 instead! I would also take the manual tranny old Rancher 350 or better yet the newer 420, over the 400AT.

 

I have to agree reconranger. The local mechanic told me that pushing or pulling with mine will compromise the tranny. I', gonna email Honda over this issue and see if I've been sold an inferoior product. I'll keep you updayed . thanks, David
UPDATE: I have contacted my local dealer and told them thay sold me an inferior machine after discontinuing it only after 2 years and the drivetrain/transmission problems I feel decieved by Honda and want this made right. After all it is called first and foremost a "Rancher".