Between those two, I'd absolutely, positively get the 420. The 400at was a fairly reliable nice little machine, but not very snappy at all.

The 420 is way more powerful, probably the punchiest thing in it's class, though you would have to shift it.

 

Thanks guys. I think I already had my mind made up, just needed a little pushing!
They have the 07's in stock in Red and Olive only, but had my heart set on a nice, shiny Black one - which just happens to be available in the 08.

Just wanted to make sure I was making my mind up with my head and not my heart! lol

 

07 and 08 are the same thing, but 08 has black Rancher.

 

Good that you are doing your homework. I'd also suggest riding a few machines before you decide. Opinions on forums are helpful, magazine reviews should be taken with a grain of salt but are worth reading, but in the end there is no substitute for a personal ride.

 

I plow with my 07 420 ES. It is outstanding. Also used it to haul out elk, and go trail riding, and pulled stumps last fall. It really has done it all while being fun.

Go with the 420.

 

07 & 08 ranchers are both 420cc, fuel injected and liquid cooled. I have a yellow 07 rancher 4x4 es and it runs flawless. We had a stretch of below zero weather up here in Wisconsin this past week or so and that thing hadn't been run in 2 weeks. It fired right up. I'd have to say no one builds a better machine. The price was $5100 and It's like having a big yellow tonka toy. I mostly run hilly forest trails, but today I got it out on the ice and zipped around...what a blast. So get your cash out and go get that rancher with the 4x4 and the es.

Jon

 

The 07 Rancher that switches between auto and manual he was talking about would be the 07 Rancher AT, which was 397cc, air cooled, carburated, hydrostat transmission...

In 07 the EFI liquid cooled 420 was also available, in geared transmission, and is much more powerful and a different animal all together.

 

my 07 Rancher is waiting on me this weekend. Also yellow, 4x4, esp. I rode my cousin's 06 or 05 350 and it was a blast. Can't wait to get mine.

 

Let me put in my $0.02-I just bought a used 07 Rancher 420ES 4WD and I love it! I rode this weekend with 2 friends who were on Rincons and had no problems with the quad keeping up with them for the most part (Only problems were from my inability and lack of experience). I had a shifter problem, called the local dealer and they told me there were no problems with the angle sensors on 07 models-A BIG FAT LIE! I called another couple dealers and they said they were selling about 3 per month of the new design. So I bought a $39 sensor, put it on in about 5 minutes and it has been running tops ever scince. Go with the ES, I realy like it! I'm not saying you'll outrun Rincons in a flat field, but in the woods and on the trails it is a superb machine. I put some Mud Lite XLs on it, and I would really like to put an aftermarket muffler on it, otherwise, its spot on!

 

Can you elaborate on 3 per month of the new design....I'm not sure I am following you? What is the difference in design? Is yours the new, or old? Did you stand the bike up on end to change the sensor?