Hi
I am new to the ATV market and am about to buy my first ATV. I like the idea of an automatic, but some of what I read about belt problems scares me.

I have zeroed in on the Sportsman 400 or 500HO.
I like the IRS and overall style of the Sportsman. The dealer told me that most belt broblems come from riders not using low when they should. He said any slow, heavy work or climing should be done in low. I can understand that.

He also told me is that if I am doing any constant riding at 15 MPH or slower, I should also be in low.
If I am on flat trail or dirt road scouting along at 15 MPH do I need to be in low? Also does EBS beat on the belt and is it worth having? I don't know how complicated the belt is to change or expensive, but I am a mechanic by trade and would not be as leery of a belt drive if it was an easy repair that I could do myself.
Thanks,
Ringwood

 

They don't burn up or break as easy as some say, as long as you are using low range when towing or going slow. As far as replacing a belt, how does 10 minutes sound? It's VERY easy to change a belt. It's only about $30 and ten minutes of your time to change.

EBS is a nice feature. I don't think it tears your belt up much. It does come standard on the Sportsman 500, but not on the Sportsman 400. If you are getting a Sportsman 400,I HIGHLY recommend getting EBS installed. This is a 697lb. quad we're talking about, and I for one would definately get EBS.

 

Allthough I cant say to which degree,EBS is harder on belt wear.I dont know which atv the above guy is talking about only taking 10 minutes to change?Im also a past master autombile mechanic and my 99 Sportsman and my 00 Xplorer takes me about 30-40 minutes to change correctly.This includes removing the 4 screws on the floorboard and left rear tire.I like LOTS of room to work,this allows just that.After I remove the 4 floorboard screws,the floorboard can than be pulled back away from the side cover to make access MUCH easier.Its not a bad job and dont fear these belt issues.Belt driven ATVs are fine and nice to operate,just use LOW when operating at sustained speeds below 15mph and you'll be just fine.

Bill

 

Bill,
So maybe I exagerated a bit,[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] but it is very easy. It's a little easier to change on the Scrambler. All I do is loosen the fenders from the floorboards, take a ratchet with an extension, remove the PVT cover, change the belt and put everything back. Theres not much to it, just a simple repair is all I was saying.

 

Hi
and thanks for the info. I feel better about belt drives. I don't mind an hour repair, I just didn't want to get stuck on the trail with a 4 hour job up to my elbows in c-rings , gaskets and pullys!

I am looking to buy 2 500HO's this week. (one for the wife). I can't buy one of anything any more!

First I was looking at 2 400's, but figured I'd get a 500HO for myself to have a little more power for yard work. But if EBS is a good idea, I'd want the wifes to have it also. So now I'm up to 2 500HO's! I'd better quit now while I'm ahead....

Where can I get a good service manual for the 500's? I've seen a lot of good tips in these forums and will be writing back, I'm sure.
Thanks again
Ringwood

 

You can download a parts manual from the Polaris website. Thats all most people need. I think all you have to do is hit a "tech tips" and the options will come up. click " parts manuals" and there you go.
Good luck.

 

Offrder15,
I totally agree with you,it is an easy job.I'd also suggust that anytime you need to get into that cover,BLOW away the belt dust be re-assemble.

Bill

 

I always keep a spare belt in my truck it has came in handy a few times.

 

Hi
Thanks again for the info.
I picked up 2 500HO's last night. They look like beautiful machines.
I hope to get to ride them this week. These are my first ATV's and I'm
looking foward to hitting the trails. Any advice on helmets or other riding gear?
Thanks
Ringwood