I am looking for input on a purchase. I am currently considering buy either and Artic Cat 400 or Suzuki 400 I am looking for your input and pro's and cons of each unit. I am primarily going to be using the ATV for plowing my driveway in the winter and just general riding around in the summer.

 

Both is good ,but the AC 400 has a full size chassis and Diff lock (I think) much larger gas tank for weekend ridding and IRS with higher ground clearance, if that matters to you.

 

Well you're kind of looking at apples to oranges. The cat has IRS and the KQ400 has a solid axle. The KQ400 is going to be more of a budget machine with only the stuff you'd need whereas the cat will have the diff lock and IRS and a few other goodies. Plus the AC is a LOT bigger.

A closer comparison would be the KQ450 vs the AC400. Both have IRS and diff lock and probably have similar prices. The AC is huge, the KQ is a smaller fullsize ATV.

I'd suggest you sit on them and see. I find the size of the AC's to be too large but then again all their ground clearance that comes with that size is sweet. So depends on what kind of riding you do cause any of these 3 machines will plow a driveway no problem.

 

Yeah I like the fact that the AC has the higher ground clearance and the IRS. However I have heard they have some drive train troubles. Specifically the front diff.

 

Here a good Video review of the Suzuki 400 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASmX4ljNIoM

It really seems to be the best bang for your buck ATV there is.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Austin8214

Yeah I like the fact that the AC has the higher ground clearance and the IRS. However I have heard they have some drive train troubles. Specifically the front diff.</end quote></div>

Hmm, well I guess I don't really keep my ear to the ground for that kind of stuff. You might ask around on the AC forums on this site. And if you like the IRS check out the KQ450 too. What kind of tranny do you want? CVT or semi-manual (or semi-automatic depending on how you look at it)?

 

I am looking to get an automatic so the wife can drive it around too. However the thing I am most concerned about is the mechanical reliability of the machine. I want something that is going to last me for a long time.

 

"I am looking to get an automatic so the wife can drive it around too. However the thing I am most concerned about is the mechanical reliability of the machine. I want something that is going to last me for a long time"

The Suzuki KQ400 was originally called the Eiger from 2002-2007. For 2008, Suzuki updated the Eiger's bodywork to that of the King Quad family, and renamed it the King Quad 400. The drive train remains the same. The Eiger has a reputation for toughness and reliability. That, plus its' lower price, put it in my garage. I have the automatic, and really enjoy it.

Gorilla 3000 winch and Rocky Mt Atv "City Slicker" 50" snow plow. It plows great in 2wd, and even better when 4wd is engaged.

BTW, behind the storage box and under the left rear fender is a pre-drilled mounting plate for the winch contactor (relay). There is a pre-mounted tube above the engine/along the left upper frame for the winch power cables. The relay mount plate was an exact match for the Gorilla relay.

 

You bet its reliable. I have about 1700 miles on mine, its been trail ridden often, and used during the past few winters for plowing. The Eiger (KQ 400), has never let me down, engine has always run nice, never a hiccup.

 

If you're looking for a testament to Suzuki quality, I'm riding my 86 Suzuki LT230S and it starts better than all our other wheelers and runs like its brand new!