850XP or 550XP?
#11
05-20-2009, 06:51 PM
I've never ridden at anywhere near that altitude, but I think therein lies the answer to your question. Since both the 550 and the 850 will lose power at that altitude I would think you would want all the power you could get to begin with so that you will still have plenty after what you will lose for altitude.
#12
05-21-2009, 07:17 AM
I have a 550 and the sole reason I didn't pick up the 850 was for their extra fuel consumption. When I go on long rides (4-8 hrs), I don't have to stop riding to fuel up with my old sportsman 500. I could get over 115 miles out of my '96 500 so I'm hoping to get at least that with this 550. I've heard of a few 850 owners get 1/2 that out of a tank but since their are so many variables I'm not sure how apples to apples that would be. I ride pretty hard, I ride fast, I do like to do stupid crap and the 550 is plenty for me, for now. lol
#13
05-21-2009, 03:52 PM
Hiya Folks,
I think I'm in the market for one of the new Polaris XP's. Without a doubt, I'd like to get the 850 version but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra cash for it vs. the 550. I plan to use this primarily for plowing snow and trail riding at altitude (approx. 8600' - 12000'). No hunting or heavy hauling etc... Can any of you that perhaps own each of these or perhaps have driven both give any insight into whether I will forever kick myself for not getting the 850? Or perhaps, the reasons to get the 550 instead (aside from costs)?
Thanks much,
cc
I think I'm in the market for one of the new Polaris XP's. Without a doubt, I'd like to get the 850 version but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra cash for it vs. the 550. I plan to use this primarily for plowing snow and trail riding at altitude (approx. 8600' - 12000'). No hunting or heavy hauling etc... Can any of you that perhaps own each of these or perhaps have driven both give any insight into whether I will forever kick myself for not getting the 850? Or perhaps, the reasons to get the 550 instead (aside from costs)?
Thanks much,
cc
Good luck.
#14
05-21-2009, 04:55 PM
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You have to plow slow while in low range so how would a 850 have a advantage over the 550? There both are going to over rev in low range after 20 mph even a 350 in low range would.
The only advantage a ATV has over another for plowing is the heavier the better and traction due to its tires or use of chains or a true AWD system of some type.
The only advantage a ATV has over another for plowing is the heavier the better and traction due to its tires or use of chains or a true AWD system of some type.
#15
05-21-2009, 06:29 PM
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Thanks folks for all the advice. I'm still a bit on the fence but one thing's for sure, I need to find a dealer locally that isn't exhorbitant on their pricing. I see dealers in other states offering much better deals but alas, they are not able to ship per their agreement with Polaris. I'll look around Colo, AZ, Tx, and maybe OK for the best deal I can find. Depending on what I find, that may determine what I get. Thanks again for all the insight.
Cheers,
cc
Cheers,
cc
#16
05-21-2009, 08:47 PM
Now tell me you think that both engines have the same amount of torque at 3500-4000 RPM's. Then tell me that you don't think an engine with more torque can push more... with everything else being equal.
#17
05-21-2009, 10:38 PM
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#18
05-21-2009, 10:45 PM
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You have to plow slow while in low range so how would a 850 have a advantage over the 550? There both are going to over rev in low range after 20 mph even a 350 in low range would.
The only advantage a ATV has over another for plowing is the heavier the better and traction due to its tires or use of chains or a true AWD system of some type.
The only advantage a ATV has over another for plowing is the heavier the better and traction due to its tires or use of chains or a true AWD system of some type.
#19
05-21-2009, 10:53 PM
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In snow plowing traction is the limiting factor. I've never run out of power before blowing the tires off while plowing snow. In fact the My XP out does a Grizz 700 same blade size and the XP takes the pile about 17 Feet further with the blade straight pushing side by side.
#20
05-22-2009, 05:38 AM
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That because a the Polaris weighs 100 lbs more than a Grizzly and its hard to keep the Grizzly in diff lock 100% of the time while plowing.
My old 350 Big Bear would snap a axle before it would ever run out of wheel turning power in 1st while in low range. If I put chains on its tires and added 300lb of sad bags on its racks It would out pull my 500.
My old 350 Big Bear would snap a axle before it would ever run out of wheel turning power in 1st while in low range. If I put chains on its tires and added 300lb of sad bags on its racks It would out pull my 500.