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Posted by: RobAlford
I think the 375 air/oilcooled would be okay in the conditions described. I have a Bayou 300 4X4 (air/oil cooled; oil cooler added) and have done some heavy towing, downed trees and two cross ties at a time probably the most severe, in the heat of the the Mississippi summer. Although this is more than I should ask of the Kawi. it has handeled it well, it does get hot though. I do agree that water cooled is better, but I believe the cat 300 with the locking mod would be ideal for his needs if money is an issue. I've seen '01 300 4X's for around $3900 around here and the '01 500 4X as low as $5050. If I can sell the Kawi I would like to snag one of these '01 500's and join the "pride" myself.
Posted by: BONER
For those of you not considering the 375 for work because of it not being water cooled, I must remind you that the Oil cooler on this bike is just as big, if not bigger than the radiator on our water cooled models. So I don't believe it would be a problem.
The auto seems like a good choice for pushing now from what I hear since you don't loose momentum when shifting. But if you got a 500 you could pretty much leave it in 2nd gear and push snow all day.
I don't think you could make a bad choice by getting ANY of the 4wd cats, even the 250 would be more than powerfull enough to handle what you are talking about if you ask me. So I would make my choice based on how much you could afford.
Posted by: cowboy
First off, welcome both JBurgland and IceCat to the Pride! Though I realize you don't have your 'Cat yet, and may not even end up with one in the end, none the less, welcome to our little 'Cat forum here. I think you'll find we have a great bunch of guys and gals willing to help in any way we can, and while we each do very different things with our 'Cats, we all stand together as a whole, or a "pride", for the common goal and pleasure of atv'ing.
Now, to your question-I definately agree with IceCat about the 2wd/4wd issues. In my own opinion, I can't see owning a 2wd atv unless it's a sport quad. Reason being, for me, I depend on my 'Cat, just like my truck, to get me in and out of places far off the beaten path when hunting. For working, whether towing logs, or plowing snow, a 2wd just can't handle the same type of jobs that a 4x4 can, I don't care what anybody tells you. Sure there are a lot of 2wd atv's plowing snow, and with weight on the back and possibly chains, they do quite well. But, like IceCat said, get a good grade to plow up or down, mix that with some loose gravel underneath, or loose snow for that matter, without the front wheels pulling, you'll eventually have troubles-especially when the snow gets REALLY deep. A 4x4 simply handles the jobs much easier with all four wheels pulling.
As for what size would be best for you-from the sounds of things, you have a pretty open ball field there. I generally as a rule recommend buying a larger machine than you think you'll need for working with, just because I'd hate for somebody to end up "underpowered" when it comes to work. Just like taking a tool set out to fix your truck, then realizing you forgot to pick up your 9/16" end wrench that you last used fixing something else, and didn't put back in your tool box. You'll need the right tool for the job and unlike wrenches, you can't just run back and get the next size bigger-unless you've got an extra $6,000 just for that reason alone! However, if 300 lbs. towing is about the maximum you'll be towing or hauling, you'll be fine with just about any 'Cat. The 300 would be a good place to start. Great featurs on this machine, such as IRS for the smoothest possible ride out there, 3 range tranny with hi, low and super low, along with 2/4wd availability and with a quick modification, true 4wd lock. It will make quick work of any plowing you need to do, and be a dream to ride on the trails, though top speed won't be all that impressive.
That's one thing you have to consider about the entire AC line though-top speed is NOT their forte. These are utility quads, built tough to handle every day abuse and working conditions, not high speed trail riding. If you will really be doing mostly fast paced trail riding and need that extra speed, look elsewhere, AC probably won't be fast enough for you. Since you mention hunting and work though, you'll be hard pressed to find something better, especially for the dollar value.
With the new 375 out, I don't really see the need to keep the 400 around-it's only a 371cc engine. The new 375 should be a great machine for about everything, and is rumored to be pretty "peppy" as well. Then you have the 500's. For the most power in the line, highest torque ratings and fastest machine in the AC class, it is a great all around machine. I've abused the hell out of mine towing logs and other various work up at the ranch for over 1,200 miles without missing a beat. Sure I had a little wreck here not too long ago, but that was my own sheer stupidity, and under the circumstances of what happened, no machine would have survived what I did to it without damage of some kind. I'd say a couple broken ball joints, 2/4wd shift lever and a cv boot were pretty easy going considering. This machine handles the really large chores with ease, begs for more. It is great for the really rough, technical trails, or for following deer and elk trails, where you'll often have to make your own trails eventually just to keep up with the critters.
With IRS available on most of the line now, you'll have to decide whether you want a really great ride, sacrificing some clearance when towing or hauling, or whether you prefer the strait axle/swing axle design. If you go with the strait axle, rest assured AC has the top of the line design for that rear articulating swing axle-there is nothing that even comes close to keeping all fours planted firmly compared to other strait axle quads.
I guess maybe see what your budget allows if you can't decide on a particular cc range. With that in mind, you'll have a good idea of what to range to stay in, though AC really does offer the most "bang for your buck" with all their machines. If that is of little concern, go see if you can test ride each, see what fits you best, try to assess how much work you think you might end up doing after you realize exactly what the machine is capable of. I think it will surprise you just what these things can do when you ask them!
Best of Luck with the decision, it's definately not an easy one-course that's half the fun! BR>
Mike
Posted by: cowboy
The Count-
Oops! Sorry, my bad-yeah, I forgot entirely about the 375 being air/oil cooled like you mentioned. I do agree with you for doing hard work, I'd opt more for the liquid cooled machines. Will be really interested to see how that thing performs though once it's out!
JBurgland-
No Problem! Just glad to try and help, whatever you end up with I'm sure will fulfill your needs, not to mention be a blast to ride.
Best of Luck, Happy Trails,
Mike
Posted by: wildweav
Hey, jburglund
I'm only about 100 miles southwest of you and without a doubt you will need a 4X4. You may be buying your cat to just plow the driveway but you will find that you will use it for so much more. I use mine for farming mostly and I need the four wheel drive and all 500cc's for towing and hauling equipment. I would at least get a 300 4X4. I have had my '01 500 MAN for over a year now and my only complaint is the gas gauge and gas mileage. But you trade gas mileage for tourque. I suggest getting a winch, it has got me out of more jams than I can count. Be Warned: Riding is addictive!
2001 500 MAN, 2000 lb Warn Winch, Rear Drop Rack (recently added for farming)
Posted by: KingQuad0014
here is no doubt about it that 4wd is a neccesity to plow. Last winter was an odd one for us here in New England, we got the most snow fall seen in about 5-6 years, and though i don't know what your winter was like in Penn. i would think it was similar. We had several 22 inch storms and the drifts at points were 3.5 ft+. Now, i plow with my little old 89 Suzuki 250 4x4 with a 48" blade and in the last 20 inch storm i lost one of my front cv, and being a "limited-slip" i lost all front wheel drive, unless in D-lock, which is way to slow. Well as soon as my front wheels when my day was over i could barely even touch the 6" on the side walks, it would plow a good 10ft then the pile became to much and i was stoped. So with that said the 4x4 is needed.
I have never had a problem with it being air cooled and i had about 10 customers in my neighborhood who kept me busy all day long, but never did it seem that i was overheating, so i really wouldn't worry about the cooling, especially since it seems to only be your own drive-way.
Now weight was a big problem, my little suzuki gets pushed all around and it often made it hard to push the big piles and the jobs would take considerably longer, but when i had my cat there(doesn't have a plow)just driving around it was a lot easier becouse the tire would hook up better and not float, which was a problem with the suzuki.
With that said the cat's are definitaly the pushing kings with there high weight's, good tires, and POWER and you CAN'T GO WRONG BY GETTING A CAT.
In my opinion i would go with the 375 4x4 becouse of the simplicity of being air cooled, good power and weight, it would probably have a more reasonable price for your purposes, than the 400 or 500 models(but i'm not sure of the MSRP's)ood luck!
Posted by: TheCount
I agree with IceCat and Cowboy in that 4wd is definitely the way to go. Although, I'm not sure that AC's new 375 is the right machine for general work and plowing since it is air/oil cooled. I'm new to this myself but I would think that a liquid cooled engine is more suitable for this type of use since there is less chance of overheating. Would be interested in hearing everyones take.
Good luck.
Rob
Posted by: pooh
hey cowboy's right get a atv bigger that what you need,and 4x4,but i personally would not an auto trans,and i would get the one with the oil cooler,less chance of of things going wrong
Posted by: IceCat
I'm not the most experienced ATVer (I'm fairly new to it as well), but I would recommend a 4x4. On a gravel driveway, you often don't clear it as close to the surface as you would a paved driveway. If any of the remaining snow freezes into ice, you would likely want as much traction as you can get (although chains on a 2x4 may get by). Also, I don't know much about the climate in Pennsylvania but up here we can get fairly heavy and deep snowfalls. If your weather is similar, a 4x4 is probably your best bet. As for bore size, anything in AC's lineup will likely do. I recommend looking through the brochure and talking to the dealer to determine the best machine for what you want to do (at the best cost too). The new 375 4x4 is a nice quad and is certainly more than capable for work and play. Hope this helps.
Posted by: jburglund
I have pretty much decided to buy a 'Cat, but I am unsure what model would be best for my needs. I will be doing some light (under 300 lbs.) towing, hunting, trail riding etc. The main reason for getting it is to plow snow. I have a 250 foot gravel driveway, that slopes down (not real steep) away from the house. I have been told from some people that I HAVE to get 4WD, but others say that since I will be pushing slightly down hill, that a larger 2WD will work fine. Would weights on the plow and tire chains make a 2WD work well enough? Any suggestions? (BTW - I have never owned a ATV before so any other suggestions for what to purchase would be greatly appreciated!)
Posted by: jburglund
Thanks to all of you for your input. As for winters around here - when we get snow, we usually only get 4-6 inches. The problem I have is drifting. It's been over 18" deep at the entrance to the driveway, and only a 4WD truck can get through it. (I know - nothing like what you see out west). The drifting is not a problem near the garage (where the ATV would be kept), and I would be pushing downhill. Temperatures usually would be between 20 and 35 F. I don't know if this further info changes any of your suggestions, but again - thanks for the input.
And Cowboy - thanks for the welcome to the "Pride". Hopefully soon I'll be a real member instead of a wanna-be!
Posted by: jburglund
Well, I think I will probably be getting a 300 4x4 next spring - if the dealer has any left by then. If not, I guess I'll have to wait for the 2003 models. BTW, the local dealer is asking $4600 for the 3004x4, plus $100 for the 2500# winch installed. How does that sound to you guys? Thanks for all your help.
