My 350 Yamaha Big Bear was full time 4wd and my 350 Grizzly is selectable 2wd/4wd.
On slow paced trails you really can tell if your in 4wd or 2wd.

Any 350cc or up will get a deer out or plow a driveway. But a ATV with a low range is a nice advantage.

 

reply:- I have an 06 trx350 with the foot shift, all time 4x4 the handling on the 4x4 takes a minute to get use to if you’re like me and like to whip the rear end around because those front wheels keep on spinning. All it really does is make it take a little longer to turn on mud, and your turn radius is smaller than on a 2x4. But if haven’t got the dang thing stuck yet. The 1st gear is SUPER low I don’t even use it unless I’m pulling trees down or up my hills at low speeds. Also weird fact about these four wheelers is the engine oil and tranny fluid are in the same reservoir and lubricate with the same oil. Interesting set up actually. There’s also a pull start that you can use if your starter goes out and I don’t even use my starter button anymore, it pulls on the first try! And if you’re wanting to make it 2x4 cheap, just pull the front driveshaft and seal up the holes. You’re good to go buddy! Have fun! I hope this helps people with older ATVs in the year 2020

 

Honda makes good stuff but they have also created some problems over the years. Buggest is the electric shift transmissions, in my area you have to give them away as repair costs are way high. Manual or auto clutch modelas are more desirable. The full time 4x4 is not a problem but does nake the machine much harder to steer especially at low speeds. I owned a 2000 Praire 300 for 16 yrs with no issues. Great machine, plowed 300 ft of driveway every winter and climbed some awesome mud hills. My only complaint was the full time 4x4 as I could not slide thru corners on a sporty run. Today I have a machine with in and out 4x4 plus a diff lock and it goes anywhere! Most machines made are good if taken care of. Worst thing you can do to a machine is let it set for long periods of time! They are made to run, if they just sit, your asking for issues, no matter what brand....

 

Not much point in reviving an ancient post from someone who didn't know what they were on about. All auto (400) Ranchers had switchable 4WD. All manual and ES 350s were permanent 4WD. All 420s have a big lever to engage 2WD/4WD. The exception being the 350s and 420s that were 2WD only.