New member here but been reading the posts for a while. I'm considering buying the Bruin 4x4 auto because of the price ($5,000 approx.) and what it will be used for (plowing my driveway, very light towing, mostly). Couple of questions:

Reviews on the Moose plows seem to be the best, what size should I go for? And what type of winch or does it matter? & Will dealer install or is that aftermarket?

I noticed there is no odometer, speedometer or gas gauge. Is this a big deal or can these be added or installed also?

Even though I'd like to get the Kodiak 450, all reviews on the Bruin 4x4 auto have been good and both dealers pushed me that way so I don't know if I can justify the extra cash. Any advice would be helpful or recommendations on any other bikes in that category. Thanks in advance.

Nick

 

OK, here goes. I paid $5,850 for my 2004 Kodiak 450 and prolly could have gotten it for $100 less. I did get a Warn 2.5ci winch thrown in for free. I installed it myself in a couple of hours. I'd recommend getting the Kodiak 450 if they'll give you a good price on it.

I also have a Moose plow. It's the 60" plow, but I don't know if your Bruin could handle it. I might go w/ the 50" if I was you. Moose makes very rugged plows, you won't be disappointed. I got my 60" Moose plow, push bar, and mounting kit from Denniskirk.com for $375 out the door w/ free S&H.

I'd also recommend Warn winches, I've always used them on the Jeep and quads and they are very reliable. Sure, dealer will install aftermarket parts for you. A winch isn't hard to install at all though. As for odo, spedo, and gas gauge, I have no idea. Hope this helps.

 

I too was looking at the bruin, it was sitting right next to an Arctic Cat 400i, after looking them over, for 200 more bucks, I went with the cat, but as far as the plow goes, they quad boss plow seems to be pretty sturdy also. I have a 52" Quad Boss blade, with cycle country push bars and I have not be easy on it. No problems at all with it, anyway, I hope this gives you another option or two to help you keep some of your money in your wallet.

 

Nicko, I think you should do a little more shopping around. You should be able to get a one for $300 to $400 less then what your dealers are asking. I have a bruin and am well satisfied with it. I have had 3 atv's and none of them haven't had a speedometer on them. No big deal, just drive the speed that you are comfortable with. A odometer would be nice, but can do with out. As far as a gas gauge just fill the tank up and you can ride just about all day long. Mine has been real good on gas.lol

 

[ I'm considering buying the Bruin 4x4 auto because of the price ($5,000 approx.)



5000 is kinda high...I got my 04 Kodiak 400 for 5000 out the door.

 

Thanks for your answers so far. I've narrowed it down between the Bruin 4x4 auto, Kodiak 450 or the Rancher AT. The Bruin's lower price still makes it the front runner but the Kodiak seems like it would be the better buy for the long term. I spoke with my Uncle today (he has had ATV's since the mid 80's) and said go with Honda. Super reliable and he's never had any problems with any of his. So I started looking at the Rancher's. The AT seems like a good comparison but pricier with less power. I'd appreciate any advice.

Nick

 

Take a look at the Suzuki Eiger. I just picked up an '04 auto in camo for under $5k OTD. Nice quad, plenty of power, smooth ride, best bang for the buck, imho. good luck with your search.

 

I was negotiating with the local dealer today. We agreed on $7300 out the door for the Rancher AT equipped with a warn 2.0 winch and Moose plow. Does this seem like a good deal?

Nick

 

That sounds really high. The Rancher ATs MSRP is 6k, and the winch you can pick up for a few hundred $ on ebay, the plow - my 60" Moose w/ the push bar and mounting plate was $375 OTD from denniskirk.com. That comes to about 6,500k. I'll bet you can talk them down on the price of the quad AT LEAST a few hundred deneros. My recommendation, go w/ the Kodiak 450.

 

That seems very high! My friend got a Honda rancher A/T last month for $6099.99 and a 2500 warn winch for $300.00 for a total of $6399.99 OTD. He used farm exempt.