Hey out there im just wondering how well does the rancher climb steep hills and also ive heard there not good in mud now is it from the tires or the new 4by4 system and if anyone has a rancher 4by4 s model can you tell me how you like them
because i still don't like the es models and also
can you tell me if it is any different in with the mud?

 

They climb well. The have a very low center of gravity. They handle great in the mud. The stock tires are not the best for mud travels, but the 4x4 systems works like a charm and can give you tru 4 wheel drive.

 

Rancher doesn't have 'true' 4wd, but does have a limited slip front end that puts drive to the wheel with traction as opposed to conventional limited slips which put drive to wheel without traction. It should be better than most in loose traction situations, but not as good as true locked front end machines.

 

no mud experience yet, I'm sure more aggresive tire will help it however. as respects the es, I was a little concern about it also, and now love it. it's a personal choice, I'm sure you'll like either but the floorboards and lcd are great, especially for 200 bucks. almost forgot the rancher is a great climber in the snow.

 

I did say "can" provide true 4-wheel drive, meaning, if both wheels do not have traction, they will both spin. A limited slip design is far easier to handle on hardpack. I think that many 4x4'rs only like a lock axle because a limited slip design has never worked. It does now and may prove to be a winning method.

 

Who wants 4wd on hardpack surface?

 

Tim1 brings up a good point about who wants 4x4 on hardpack?But with the newer Diff on the Rancher,it's my bet that you wont even know your driving a 4x4 on hardpack.=====BILL

 

You know it is a 4x4. There is no question. As far as who wants to ride on hardpack with a 4x4. Sometimes you have to run on hardpack to get to the mud. I didn't buy mine for hardpack, but in Texas, you take what mother nature gives you..

 

know on the honda rancher 4by4 s model is the tires any beter in the mud?

 

the best tires to get for it are swamplites or zilla' tires. but, you must get 12'' rims to get bigger tires although, it is very much worth getting them