I've been out of the ATV scene for a while but I'm looking to get back in. I'm wanting a medium sized quad. I will be using to pull cart around the yard, push some snow, ride on the county roads (it's legal here) and also play in the woods some.
Some feature I'd like to have it automatic with low range, independant rear suspension and selectible 2wd/4wd switch.
I've started out looking at Yamaha's but would consider the other big three. Also, I'd like to keep the price under $6000.

I've been looking at the Grizzly's, Rancher AT, Prairie 360 and others so far.
If the Grizzly 350 IRS had a low range it would be perfect.

anyone have a suggestion as to what I should be looking at?

thanks

 

Try not to fixate too much on the $6K. If you do you may feel that you could of had something you really wanted for a few $ more.

I'm not saying that you should just go out a buy a Grizz 700 EPS (although we would probably all love one), but don't short change yourself.

If it was me wanting a midsize all around utility quad, I would get exactly the same Kodiak (Grizzly) 450 I have now (well maybe with the new wet brake). It has the low range, it has the independent suspension, it has decent performance and it appears well made. That plus it looks good.

See if you can find a non-current model, '07 or even '06 Grizz 450 which may bring the price down to close to $6K.

 

suzuki eiger, or cat 500. you can get the cat for bout $5500

 

A fresh used quad wouldn't hurt either. I don't know much about utility ATV's, but I do know if you want something with some more HP but you wantthe same price, look into used quads.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Some feature I'd like to have it automatic with low range, independant rear suspension and selectible 2wd/4wd switch</end quote></div>

I was going to say the 400 Grizzly but it also has no Low range. The 400 Big bear has low gearing and needs no low range but is not a Auto. For Yamaha a 450 Grizzly is the cheapest way to get all of the features you like at once.

I think the cheapest Priced ATV with all those features is the Arctic Cat 366 4x4.

 

is a new model a good idea? i have never bought one, but i hear its best to wait a year or so. but i have heard the 366 is pretty good, just short on power

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>

I think the cheapest Priced ATV with all those features is the Arctic Cat 366 4x4.</end quote></div>

Cheapest priced does not necessarily mean best deal. If that was the case then more people would be coming on our rides with those Chinese made units.

When they have proven themselves, then I may change my outlook.

IMHO Bombardier and Arctic Cat, and Polaris make excellent snowmobiles, but have not been in the ATV business long enough to be beating their chests. Yamaha and Honda have been into everything.

That said: Yamaha and Suzuki and Kawasaski have been into sleds, bikes and the ATV's for some time now. Honda has been into ATV's and bikes forever as well. I feel that AC and Canam need to step it up a notch. It's not just about how much power and speed you can offer, but also the reputation, durability and customer service offered of said product. How else would Honda and Toyota have been as successful as they are in cars, etc.?

You ultimately must decide what brand and what model will give you what you want, what you can rely on and for how much $ you want to spend.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>IMHO Bombardier and Arctic Cat, and Polaris make excellent snowmobiles, but have not been in the ATV business long enough to be beating their chests. Yamaha and Honda have been into everything. </end quote></div>

I would think making sleds would experience when making ATVs. With 90% of ATVs being belt drive they are really just sleds with wheels IMHO. I think AC has been making ATVs for 10 years and Polaris for over 15 years.How long do you need to learn how to build a ATV?its not like there a complicated space shuttle or something.

If Honda or Suzuki built the first Snowmobile this year I would be confident they would get it right first try, even if they never made one before.

PS I,m not sure but I think Suzuki may of made sleds in the late 60's or early 70's.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

I would think making sleds would experience when making ATVs. With 90% of ATVs being belt drive they are really just sleds with wheels IMHO. I think AC has been making ATVs for 10 years and Polaris for over 15 years.How long do you need to learn how to build a ATV?its not like there a complicated space shuttle or something.



If Honda or Suzuki built the first Snowmobile this year I would be confident they would get it right first try, even if they never made one before.

</end quote></div>


Each manufacturers' product will have characteristics that will appeal more to certain people. It's what make us individuals and gives us a chance to discuss it here.


It's mostly the Chinese stuff that I would question as far as durability. They are making copies of other brands and I don't think the quality or customer support is up to par with the others yet.
They are making them look like other manufacturers units but I doubt they are as good.

 

If you want the capability of 4wd w/ Differential Lock, the Grizzly/Kodiak 450 will be your best bet...