Folks -

I am going to be looking at the two models noted. If anyone could provide some "unbiased" opinions as to the pros and cons of purchasing either, I would greatly appreciate it.

I will be mostly using the unit for snow plowing, towing utility trailers, and basic general chores on a small farm. Trail riding would be very minimal.

Thanks for any constructive input on these two models

 

we have a prairie 400 and it is great. We don't plow with ares so i i can't tell you it it will be good
for plowing. There 2 or3 450 es in are club and they a very capable machines. If i were puying for
plowing i would go with the 450. With the prairie it has a belt drive and not sure how it will hold
up to the plowing.


just my 2 cents

 

The 450 is a Real Work Horse.

 

A Friend of mine has the 400 and has no problem plowing snow at all. He replaced his belt once it's a 99 model but both bikes are reliable it's more of a decision of if you want to shift gears or just punch the gas and go.

 

I had a 98 400 KVF and I did plow with it and put 24000km on it no problems. I towed trailers etc.. as well it's a rock ride is GREAT. Clutch is very good you can expect to get 7000-13000 per belt. I wouldn't say the 450 ES is more of a workhorse I would say both are equal on the ability.

Gatron welcome to the fourms and it's all ways sunny in Halifax compared to the rain etc.. in Dartmouth.

PM and I'll show you some trails[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I assume you're buying used, as the 400 Prairie is no longer made... If you are refering to the 360 Prairie, it is a whole different animal...

the 400 Prairie is water cooled, the 360 is air cooled, with an oil cooler... the 400 P is full time 4 X 4, while the 360 is selectable, with a front diff locking lever... the 400 P, shares the sucky shifter with the 300 P, the 360 has the very nice gate shifter ( the 400 & 300 P's shifter is terrible for plowing ... push the button, move the shifter, push the button, move the shifter... to go from low range to reverse ...etc )... the 360 has the great rear brakes, the same as the 650

I plow our 1/4 mile driveway with our '01 - 300 Prairie ( only because I don't want the boat anchor hanging from my sporty 750 )... the quad has been abused tremendously ( plowing, pulling trailers, mud bog racing, ATV pulls, even hare scramble raced it a few times... it has the original belt )... the belt drive is not a problem... I would be more concerned about the 450, if it has the auto trans with no low range...

the 450 is a great quad, but so was the 400, & is the 360... I would be comfortable with both ( all ), with what you are planning on using them for... more importantly is finding a quality dealer close to you, & percieving what you are purchasing as a good value...

 

I used to own a 450ES and it is a work horse! I recently upgraded to a P700, so I have no personal experience on the old 400 on current 360. The big difference I found to be extremely helpful with the praire is you are always in your power band- great for playing and working. With the foreman, I would find myself in situations (plowing/working/etc...) where I would need to change gears and then quickly shift back down. I was nervous to switch to a belt driven machine coming from honda, but have no regrets. System works great and has been rock solid- just maintain it like anything else and you'll have many years of fun. Also you need to thing what else you are doing with it and as previously mentioned how well your dealer is taking care of you. Guz

 

I own the 400 and think it is the best overall unit I've rode.
Comfortable and REAL reliable, always starts, no belt noise, power is great. Smooth and quiet.

 

bubbaNcolo: I agree 100 percent. I think you should put the warn 2x4 switch on it and you will be extreamly happy with it.... just a thought!

 

My friend with a 450 Foreman rode my brother's P400. Now he hates the 450 since the P400 is a lot more comfy, sporty ride, better handling. He doesn't use it as a workhorse or he would appreciate his 450 more. My bro does use his P400 to tow stuff once in a while, and the P400 is actually a stout workhorse too.

The Warn 424 only says for Kawi P300. I think they didn't make it for the 400. Plus the driveshaft is not the same P/N on the P400 and P300 either.