Hey guys,

I'm looking to replace my 1995 Honda 300 4x4, and for my price range im looking at either a 2008 rancher 420 roughly 1500 km or 2005/2006 Rubicon with anywheres from 2000-2500 km

Reliabilty is a big thing for me expescially with how far away from cell service and very muddy/gumbo/skeggy situations most of it seems to be up here

These seem to be the averages for the price I want to spend. Which way would you guys recommend or should I maybe look at a foreman instead of rubi

Im liking the 420 just because I love my 300 for its small size and it's proven it's self by usually doing better in the muskeg then my buddy's with their formans. But my 300 is annoying with it's trouble on steep hills and more power is definitly needed

Use of machine would be

all day trail rides on and off during summer
hunting almost all fall
drag a moose out of the bush (though i've done this with 300 before so im sure 420 can do it)
tow a tub trailer once in a blue moon (though for the annual moose hunt there are bigger quads that usually tow trailer)
driving on lake in winter for ice fishing

looking for some advice on which way you guys would lean towards

with 420 independant rear suspension how will it perform with towing and dragging heavy wait compared to solid rear axle

Thanks Dan.

 

the rancher AT is the only rancher with IRS. it does not have a low range. it could probably do what you want it to, but i must give my props and vote to the rubicon. it will more than handle everything you want and the hydrostatic tranny is second to none. good luck with your decision!

 

Those are both good choices. I have owned both and can say there is not much difference between the two as far as handling, but you will love the power of the Foreman. If you can find an 05 or 06 Foreman or Rubicon in your price range, snap it up. It is extremely reliable. Its the ultimate work horse and is still quick and nimble on the trail.

 

Why not look for a good used 450 Foreman? I have a 2004 450 ES and it will do all you are wanting too and be extremely reliable plus you would save a lot of cash over a newer one! I believe the 450 foreman is the best utility ever made for climbing steep hills. My 450 climbs like no other machine I've seen!

 

I also think you shpould consider he Foreman. Especially since, with a solid axle, towing heavy weight will not lower it.

 

I cannot put down a foreman. I LOVE EM! BUT, if you gotta spend money you prob want to spend it and get another, but your statement about hill climbs makes me think your clutches are worn................aint never saw a hill I would be scared to try in a good 300. They are some of the best hill climbers ever made. Ive climb hills on 300s that were so steep you needed spotters on the side of the hill every so often to push the front end back down to the ground!

 

I got the 2008 420 rancher and I wouldn't have gotten through the past 2 hunting seasons with out it, it ran awsome on trails over rocks and small trees across the road and through the big snow storm last hunting season

 

His problem with the 300 is probably because of the low power... i have one and on a long steep hill climb like the kind you need a **** ton of momentum to get up or your going over backwards.. they lose all the power you start in 3rd flying and near the top you need to downshift and that can be dangerous ...

I would certainly get the honda rubicon if the choice was presented to me.. it's got decent power and the best tranny in the atv industry, not to mention it's pretty much the most reliable machine ever made next to the 300 you already have. i would try to get a model with disc brakes though, for all the mud riding you do..unless you have become comfortable with the drum brakes and actually maintain them.

 

I have both foreman an a new rubi ,I really wish that they were both rubis !!!!