the kodiak 400 only has forward, and the 450 has hi and lo, but both can tow the same weight. What is the difference, and and can the 400 tow heavy loads without too much stress on the tranny and belt?

 

The low gear is designed to rev hi and move slower than High gear. Basically low gear just moves heavier loads with alot less effort. Personally I rarely use low. However it is nice when extra torque is needed.

Hope this helps.