i don't know if I want a 2wd or a 4wd. I want to get a new quad as cheap as possible, and I was wondering if I could get away with a 2wd if I bought a good winch, and learned to negotiate trails properly.

 

Rudnik:
It all depends on what type of riding you want to do, and if you would like to add a plow, or possibly a mower, disc, etc., in the future. For simple trail riding, and fun type riding, a 2WD would be just fine for you. However, if you plan on riding in the mud, or do any hill climbing, more difficult type riding, you would want the 4WD instead. What type of bikes do your buddies ride? If they are going everywhere with 2WD machines, chances are, that is all you need. However, if your buddies are riding mostly 4WD's, I would recommend sticking with a 4WD machine. Reason is, it's no fun getting stuck all the time, or being pulled out by everyone else. A 4WD machine will go much farther, and in much more difficult terrain than a 2WD, even with an experienced rider, simply because with the front wheels pulling, you have much better chances.

Now, as far as the winch goes, I believe they are the best investment you can make for an atv. Besides getting yourself out of a stuck position, you can also use move the plow with it, string fence, etc., any type of utility work. They are priceless. A winch on a 2WD machine will definately allow you to go places that you wouldn't be able to go without it, but you might want to consider your riding conditions again. Are you willing to keep getting on and off, riggin it up, etc, when quite possibly, a four wheel machine would allow you to just keep driving, regardless. Another thing-it doesn't matter what you drive, whether 2 or 4WD, they will all get stuck. This is where the winch comes in handy. Hope this gives you something to think about. Price is probably the biggest concern for everyone buying an atv, yet some things you just don't skimp on.

Best of luck in your decision.

Mike

 

When i was thinking about buying a quad i had the same problem.I had the green but didnt know if i wanted a 2x4 or 4x4.I did about 6 months of looking, reading, and asking other atv owners a lot of questions.I ended up buying a 4x4 and im glad that i did.After i got my quad the first thing i put on it was a winch.There are a lot of things to consider when buying a quad.But the bottom line is that you are the one who is going to be riding it and you should be happy with what you get. Good hunting.....Bob

 

Cowboy and King both gave you good advice. I have a two wheel drive and a 4X4. The two wheel drive always amazes me on where it will go. But no doubt, the 4X4 will always do better in mud and hill climbs. Consider what and where your buddies are riding. Sport riding on a two wheel drive is as much fun as mudding with the 4X4's. But, being the only one trying to mud on a two wheel drive or jump on a 4X4 when your friends are doing the opposite isn't as much fun..

 

I can hang with my friends 99' Kodiak 4x4 with my 2WD Honda 200SX until we hit deep mud or a slimy uphill that i cant get a run at, Otherwise I am right behind him I have also seen 400EX's blast up hills at high speed that no ult 4x4 could do beause of the rough terrain not allowing them to build the speed that the sport 2WD could due to its rough ride, rare case though, and a sport 4x4 like the wolverine or sportsman 500 could also take the rough stuff and blast up it. One thing to rember, if you buy say a recon 250 2WD and get stuck, you can just lift it up and set it on better ground while the heaver 4x4 is a pain if stuck all in all, it is the type of rideing you do. Joe

 

would I be able to jump and slide on the Rancher 4x4 anywhere close to what I would on the 4x2?

 

would I be able to jump and slide on the Rancher 4x4 anywhere close to what I would on the 4x2?

 

in a word yes, but reamber that the rancher is full time 4wd and whatever brake you pull it will brake all 4 tires so no nailing the rear brake to do a fast turn around, and that you cannot throttle slide it like you can a 2wd, but they are just as fun and can jump ok.

 

I just totally frogot that my friend Ryans Rancher is 2WD and my other friend with the 4X4 Kodiak cant shake him ever, when they hit deep mud or snow he just leans back to keep the front end light on the 2WD and blasts threw. But when pulling a doubble trailer full of feed threw mud the 4x4 is a must

 

If I ever pull anything it will be just around the yard. so I'm not worried about needing 4wd for that. Would there be a way to modify the braking so you can lock up the rear wheels only and keep the front wheels spinning. I'm gonna be
riding on pavement, and mostly dirst trails and hills. I will also be using it to Hunt where there trails are usually muddy. If I keep weight on the rear racks would that give me better traction in mud?