4 wheeler

[Four Paws]

I would like to buy a 4-wheeler sometime in the next year, and need some input/guidance from folks who have knowledge and/or personal experiences.

I want to use it for utilitarian purposes; spraying weeds in my pasture, pulling a small utility type trailer for wood gathering activities, pulling an ice fishung sled, accessing remote areas when hunting.

Since we all know saws, I want a 4-wheeler that's like a 695 Shindaiwa, 357xp Husky, 6100 Dolmar, 044 Stihl.

I want a strong, capable, reliable, compact, no-frills machine. Something manageable in size and tough as nails. Good on gas or a large tank for good range. I do not need power steering, a ridiculously large engine, a snowplow, etc. I do not need a new machine, although I would consider one.

So, what brand? What model? What year? What do I need to watch for if I buy used? What should I be considering if I buy new?

 

[Wagnerwerks]

Honda 400 rancher. 2000-06. Look for low miles old man used..
.

 

[T.Roller]

Honda 400 rancher. 2000-06. Look for low miles old man used..
.

+1 hard to beat a good honda

 

[jakethesnake]

I've had most all of em honda seems to hold up the best for me I'd avoid the auto transmission ones. I have a rubicon with the auto tranny no problems with it but it acts funny at time

 

[Wagnerwerks]

The rancher is the auto clutch, push button shift. I have 3 buddies with them and they are very reliable and capable. As soon as I can stop wanting to hit jumps and pull wheelies, I'm getting one.

 

[backhoelover]

We have a 88 foreman.cranks up every time

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Arctic Cat 700

 

[bigbadbob]

I have a 700 grizzly and a 2003 Honda Rubicon its a foreman 500 hondamtic, I have put 10,000 (6500 miles) kilometers on it and just had to do one wheel bearing, I dont beat on it but ride it hard,, pretty reliable machine IMO Been upside down a few times and plows snow every winter.
It is a full time 4x4, can make you tired , so I put a Warn 4 to 2 front driveshaft disconnect, works very well much easier to steer to.
BBB

 

[srb08]

I have three Polaris 500 sportsmans. Two are 4wd and one is 6wd. The oldest is a 1998 and the newest is a 2003. Other than putting new tires on them, I've never had to replace anything. I have friends with Honda's, that love them. I have a friend with an Artic Cat, who has not had a good experience.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Honda or Polaris.

 

[jakethesnake]

I'd recommend a 3 or 400 anything much over that they get to be kinda big. You gonna put it on a trailer or load in a pickup? Or like me an just go mount up when you wanna use it. I can take or leave the 4 wheel drive I've had both I've gotten both stuck also. I wouldn't even be afraid of an old honda but honestly stick with the ones with the gear shifter by your foot I have a lot of faith in that setup It's tried and true

 

[skidooguy]

Honda rancher or rubicon would fit your needs very well. Honda seems to be the most durable machine out there and I've pretty much ran every brand out there and used them hard. I currently have a can am and it's awesome but not as work friendly as I would like. I believe that can am makes a 400 or at least did previously and the ranchers around me loved them. Kawasaki used to have a 360 prairie that was bulletproof but I don't think they are in production anymore.

 

[USMC615]

I've got an '02 Yamaha Kodiak 400 4x4 that has been bulletproof all these years. Tires are the only expense and replaced the winch cable on the Warn winch yrs ago.

 

[skidooguy]

Those years of the Kodiak were bulletproof for sure. I had a 2001 and the guy I sold it too still has it and never had any problems with it. They were definitely a solid machine.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

Those years of the Kodiak were bulletproof for sure. I had a 2001 and the guy I sold it too still has it and never had any problems with it. They were definitely a solid machine.

I agree with this completely. They were good wheelers.... no doubt.

I made a mistake. It's a 450 foreman.... not the rancher. The 350 rancher is a solid wheeler, but my buddys are 450s

 

[Guido Salvage]

I sell both Yamaha and Polaris and the majority of them are Polaris. If you are looking to buy now look for a 2016 as they are giving rebates. A Sportsman 450 can be had pretty cheap.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

I have three Polaris 500 sportsmans. Two are 4wd and one is 6wd. The oldest is a 1998 and the newest is a 2003. Other than putting new tires on them, I've never had to replace anything. I have friends with Honda's, that love them. I have a friend with an Artic Cat, who has not had a good experience.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Honda or Polaris.

Your lucky, unfortunately Polaris is one of the cheapest and most under designed units out there. Worked on my fair share....all a big pain. Just worked on a 570 Ranger. Almost couldn't get parts for the dumb thing! And it ain't even 2 years old!

 

[srb08]

Your lucky, unfortunately Polaris is one of the cheapest and most under designed units out there. Worked on my fair share....all a big pain. Just worked on a 570 Ranger. Almost couldn't get parts for the dumb thing! And it ain't even 2 years old!

I agree on the Ranger. I have a friend with an older Ranger and he's constantly working on it. Lots of electrical problems.
I also have friends with Razor's, who haven't had any issues and they run the crap out of them.
The OP asked about four wheelers. I merely related my experience with Polaris and friends experiences with Honda and Arctic Cat. I certainly wasn't trying to bash your Arctic Cat. I'm sorry if I gave that impression.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

I agree on the Ranger. I have a friend with an older Ranger and he's constantly working on it. Lots of electrical problems.
I also have friends with Razor's, who haven't had any issues and they run the crap out of them.
The OP asked about four wheelers. I merely related my experience with Polaris and friends experiences with Honda and Arctic Cat. I certainly wasn't trying to bash your Arctic Cat. I'm sorry if I gave that impression.

Oh no offense taken at all! Sorry if I sounded that way! There are a few Polaris units that really had my attention, and that's why I said Unfortunately. Just relating my experiences to. haha The 570 happened to be one of those really odd units. Nothing available aftermarket....even the dang spark plug wouldn't cross over. lol

 

[e.fisher26]

$1k 6 years ago and hasn't given me a problem since.


-Efisher26-

 

[merc_man]

I got a 2003 suziki vinson 500 manual trans. Been a great machine. I use it for.plowing multiple laneways for snow. Getting wood out of bush and i got a log arch i use sometime to get logs out for a buddy.
Its been a good machine. I tore the hitch off it this year from pulling logs out (lasted longer then i figured) Just beefed it up a little and good to go again. Few sets of brakes.( muddy sand is hard on breaks).