I was wondering about the need for a low range. I've been looking into the new Kodiaks and they seem like real nice machines from what people have mentioned. I've also looked into the Bruin, primarliy because it's cheaper and would probably be very reliable. It's doubtful that I would rarely need 4x4 because I'm going to use it at the farm for chores and stuff and it usually doesn't get too muddy around here. I was thinking that the Kodiak would sure be nice, but the Bruin would probably get me by. My hangup is with the low range. I may occassionally pull a small trailer for picking up junk, but wouldn't be all that often. Is it bad to haul anything without a low range? When you look at the specs they both have the same towing capacity of 1102 lbs. Or should I look into a Big Bear with a manual. I'd like a auto for the ease of use.

 

I have a '03 Kodiak 400 2wd and I havent found any need for low range. I think you should be fine without it. Also to me, I feel the Kodiak has plenty of low and higher rpm power and will work fine for what you said you would be doing. But please remember thats my opinion.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

So if you were pulling something really heavy or pushing snow, a low range really isn't needed? For light towing it shouldn't wear the belt or tranny if using the high range?

 

you should be fine

 

Yeah you should be alright[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Well, do not really need it, but hey, it sure is fun just to know its there. My old quad had high low and superlow. I was in superlow most of the time, that quad had quite a painful life, 5th gear wide open thrown into reverse for 11 years, sunk more times than i can think of, flipped, rolled, you name it, and just finally stopped running last summer. It was a true heartbreaker when it finally gave.

It was a 1993 suzuki quadrunner 250. sooo amazing.

Anyway, low isnt really ever needed, but its nice to know its there.

 

If its an auto and you don't have low range just be careful when you hook up to something heavy. If your tires don't break loose and you have the throttle pinned for very long, the belt eventually starts to slip and you'll put on a really nice smoke show. Happened to me when I was trying to crawl around in tight places on my dads 500 a few years ago. Something has to give, either the tires, the belt, or your thumb [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

On the upside, I learned how to change a drive belt lol. Being on a farm like I was though, I'm sure you have enough sense to realize when your being hard on machinery though, and a big motor'd fourwheeler can get a LOT done in just High range. I've pulled a buick century in high range on gravel, and a 3/4 ton pickup....if that gives you an idea of what one can do in High. Just keep an eye on things...

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning towards the Kodiak because of all the extra features, I just have to save up a little more money!