Looking to pick up a 2wd Rancher 420, 2007 or 2008, but can also get a good deal on a like new 2006 Foreman 500 2wd (one of the only years they made a 2wd in the Foreman).
I know the Rancher will handle the trails a little better (more agile, and better suspension)
But wondering how much difference between the 2 quads.
Using for fun/trail riding.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Unless you want a pure work quad, absolutely get the Rancher! I had a 2wd Rancher 350, and it was more sport quad than utility (really just a bigger Recon). I could do amazing things on it, that you would swear would require 4wd. Even use to jump it once in a while.

 

The 420 Rancher screams! It's a sport hidden in utility armor. I prefered it to my 05 Foreman 500.

 

The only negative about the Rancher, is that it is to heavy! At least, the 2wd loses 30 pounds on the front end (where it does the most harm), that the 4wd has to drag around.

Nothing light about the Foreman either, but the Foreman is bigger so you expect it to be heavy.

 

i have not owned a 2wd foreman but i found that my 2wd rancher was to light in the front end while climbing hills other than that i enjoyed it. it was a 07

 

Lots and lots of machines have a power to weight ratio that won't let you keep the front end on the ground if you bomb full-throtle up a steep hill. Most folks consider a favorable power/weight ratio to be an asset....not a liability! Things like power control and body position adjustment, are a small price to pay for having lots of power on tap! Another thing that helps is to not pick to low a gear, and have to deal with a lot of torque.

I had a 2wd Rancher 350 years ago, and it was a pretty remarkable machine! Would do almost anything the 4X4 would do, and with 30 pounds less weight right over the front end where it does the most harm. Handling was in there with the 300EX that I also had at the time.