I want to use a 4 wheeler mostly for working and hauling around the house and of course I want to play hard sometimes. what are the pro's/ cons of automatic trans. I have always had manuals.
can someone help?

 

If you are mainly going to use it as a work horse, then get an automatic. Two main drawbacks of an auto. 1) You can't pop a wheelie. 2)auto's have air intakes to keep the belt cool. If you submerge your machine deeper than those intakes, you will take on water, your belt will slip. And until you drain the water out, you won't be going for. I have a Yamaha Kodiak 4wd and I'm very pleased with the performance even with the draw backs of it being an auto.

 

Wheelies can be popped with an automatic. Gregsims can do them with his SP500. I have seen it with my own eyes. Not all autos use belts. The Honda Rubicon does not have a belt and I think the Traxter does not have a belt so water does not matter with these.

 

I am considering a polaris sportsman 400. I like the idea of true 4wheel drive. or the kodiac.
any complaints/comments

 

I would have to disagree there. I would figure that a manual transmission would be the best fit for straight utility use. Much stronger and 100 times more reliable. Gear selection favors utility work. Remember that I said strictly utility. Seems like the best choice to me. For ulility use, I would take the 425 Expedition over the Sportsman. Same engine with a manual tranny and a straight axle that suits towing better than the IRS. The front wheels stay planted firm compared to the weight pushing down on the rear suspension of the IRS quad and lightening the front end.

 

Coolbreeze:
It basically comes down to your own personnal preference. If you prefer gears, then go with that, however if you like the ease and simplicity of the auto, that is the one for you. One thing to consider though, if others such as family or friends may end up riding your machine at get-togethers and such, the auto may be easier for them to operate if they've never been on a machine before.

If you're concerned about how hard you can work the auto, go to the arctic cat forum and look for a couple posts on "anyone using auto for hard work" or something of the sort. I've got a rather lengthy post there of what I've done with my auto. I think there's also a post from waco4whlr about the same subject, so there's several examples of how they work. I think the whole belt drive thing has been blown way out of proportion, they're a lot stronger than most people give credit. Personnally, I don't think you can go wrong with an auto, they're much easier to operate, don't have to worry about gearing when running hills or deep mud and anybody can drive them. If you're worried about running in too deep of water, just snorkel it and seal everything up real well, you'll be fine.

Best of luck with your decision, and make sure you ride each before you buy just to get an idea of how they feel.

Mike

 

Sorry, wrote the first bit this morning, but didn't post until just now. Andy's got a point about the IRS of the Sportsman, I'd stick with a strait axle myself for pure utility work. The Sportsman is a great ride, but if you're working a lot with it, I'd be affraid of the IRS in the rear of the machine. Strait axles are just plain tougher in the utility department.

Just a thought.

 

thank you all for your replys.

 

Coolbreeze, I have only one major complaint with my Kodiak. The rear brake pads are CRAP! Due to the excellent engine braking of the Kodiak, I rarely use my brakes and I'm already having to replace my rear pads (less than 3 months old). Other than that, I think it's a fine machine (utility with some sport).

 

I would have to say Honda Foreman or rubicon depends on how big you want 450 should be plenty they are both tough tourqy and reliable i love mine stay away from belts for hard work i had a polaris and i thought it was the biggest POS ever in the shop every time i rode and im not a hard rider id never go back.