I'm in the market to buy a 4x4 ATV that I can do light-duty work with such as plow snowing snow from my driveway and hauling a light ultility trailer around my farm.

But.

Just as importantly I want a machine that I can have fun with. I want something that Isn't too big and heavy and that can handle well at decent speed on trails. I'll be on gravel and mud roads often and on frozen rivers in the winter.

What I'm saying is that I want a good combination of work and play. I like the Honda Rancher 420 but from what I know it doesn't have a independant rear suspension or a low range.

Advice???

 

When I compare the Big Bear and the Kodiak on Yamaha's web page I can't see much difference between the two 400's. What would be a better toy.

 

I asked about the Big Bear 400 IRS 4x4 on here not long ago and didnt get any responses. I thought it would be a nice step up from a Recon for working around the farm for pops when he pulls his trailers around.

 

I have been looking at 06 leftover Kodiac's.

2006 models

Kodiac Bear
15 more cc's
Liquid cooled air cooled
Rear IRS swing arm
Rear Disk Brake Rear Drum
1.1" more ground clearance
200lbs more towing capacity

Did this on yamaha's website in 10 minutes BTW

 

That did not post right, need to put some space between the two above. You can figure it out.

 

I think the BigBear is still a manual transmission (5 gears) and the Kodiak is Auto (no shifting). From what I read the Big Bear is geared lower for better pulling. I used to have a 400 Kodiak and it was a fun machine with plenty of power for light duty work and plowing.
Buck

P.S.- Looks like the Big Bear has diff-lock. Good thing if you like to play in alot of mud.

 

The Big Bear is 5 speed and geard much lower. The Kodiak is better suited for faster speeds. Ive driven both. I think the big bear was more fun in the woods but the kodiak was better in the open fields because it was faster. Also the kodiak has a little more power.

 

How big of a difference are you talking about with top speeds? Do you know what the top speeds are? I thought the big bear should run a little over 50 no problem.

 

I just want a machine that I can have a bit of fun with on gravel and mud roads and forest trails. I wouldn't work it too hard, just plowing my driveway and light duty stuff.

How important is stuff like an independant rear suspension and liquid cooling?

I want a fun quad that can still do a bit of work that won't cost me a fortune. If I could I'd buy a 700 Grizzly with EFI and power steering but that isn't really in my budget.

 

Just an educated guess but the Big bear hits around 55 and the kadiak 60ish