Artic Cat 4x4

Lazy · Jan 14, 2004

Hi
Well we have read all the feedback post and it was very helpful. We have decided to buy the artic cat 400 automatic after comparing it to the Polaris. We liked both machines and spent all day last Saturday running back and forth between the 2 dealers. The price was $5,500 2 things I didn't like about Polaris was 1. The front wheel drive only kicked in after a slip in the rear wheels and 2. The front struts instead of the A frame suspension. But they might be better it was a hard decision only 200 dollars difference in price I did like the AC salesman better seemed to know more about the machine he was selling. I guess only time will tell if we made the right choice.

thcri · Jan 14, 2004

Lazy,

You made a good decision. I am glad you went to the bigger machine, you will be much more happier. The only thing I want to question is your #1 remark on the 4 wheel drive for the Polaris. I was wondering which model you were comparing with because all of the Polaris's that I have seen have a switch for the 4 wheel drive. Has nothing to do with the rear wheels at all other than you don't want the rear wheels spinning and the front ones stationary when you flip the switch. Both my 500 and 700 will goes right in, I don't need to wait for slippage?

Other than that have fun with it. Post some pictures of it also.

murph

RanchMan · Jan 14, 2004

Good choice. I'm sure you'll enjoy the heck out of it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Lazy · Jan 14, 2004

Hi
The dealer said even though you put it into 4 wheel drive the front wheel only pull when it detects there is slip in the rear wheels and that is why you can put it into 4 wheel drive on the fly. We were looking at the 400-sportsman model. I wish I could afford both the AC and the Polaris I liked both. Thanks again for all the feedback. I will post pics as soon as we get the machine, should be about 2 weeks so the dealer say's.
Charlie

Lazy · Jan 14, 2004

This will explain it much better than I can it must be new for 2004

http://atv.polarisindustries.com/atv/innovationsDetail.aspx?family=Sportsman

thcri · Jan 14, 2004

That is weird. Mine you shift on the fly and if your on even concrete you can tell it went into 4 wheel because the steering gets hard and you can feel the fronts fighting the backs. Another thing on my 700 you are not to put it in 4 wheel while spinning the back tires otherwise you could mess things up. I have done it and you can feel the grinding in the front. They want all wheels going at the same pace to put in four wheel. But you got me curious and now I will have to go to my dealer and check that out.

Anyways, you did the right thing. Artic Cat is a good unit also and if you have good service from your dealer you will be happy.

murph

1bush2hog · Jan 15, 2004

I have heard the Artic Cats are very good machines. You will be glad you went with the 400 also.

I would also like to recommend taking the ATV safety/riding course. Find out from the dealer where it is offered, you won't be sorry. Alot of times the course is paid for with the purchase of your new machine.

A young or ol' dog can never learn enough tricks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ride safe and hope you enjoy your new machine.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jan 17, 2004

AC 400 playing in snow..............

Lazy · Jan 22, 2004

Got the new Artic Cat 400 this afternoon.
thanks to everyone for all the feedback it was a big help.

Charlie

thcri · Jan 22, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Got the new Artic Cat 400 this afternoon.
thanks to everyone for all the feedback it was a big help.

Charlie )</font>

That's great Charlie, have a great time with it. You will enjoy it. But keep it safe especially with kids around. Also pictures are a must so we will be watching for them.

murph

Lazy · Mar 13, 2004

HI
Here is a pic of the AC 400. I think we are gonna like it. thanks again everyone for all the reply's they were a big help in deciding which one to buy.

Charlie

Lazy · Mar 13, 2004

another pic

Lazy · Mar 13, 2004

and one more

Boone · Mar 13, 2004

Nice site.
I noticed nobody was wearing a helmet.
While out in my woods on the ATV and not moving fast at all, I had a branch tip of a willow poke me in the eye. The piece lodged between my eyeball and the socket. A very close call. I was wearing glasses at the time but it didn't matter.

Mark4510 · Mar 17, 2004

My brother in law is looking at a couple of ATV's for the family. Mostly to do some travel on the local logging roads and tooling around his property. Being ignorant on ATV's I have some questions that perhaps the experts can assist with.
1. Is the "Dealer" issue as important with an ATV as it is a CUT?
2. 2WD v 4wd? (again, mostly logging roads, etc)
3. He is interested in an AC 400 he saw locally but think they are made by Kawasaki. Any truth there? (he is not a fan of Kawasaki...not sure why)
4. preference on transmissions? His kids are in HS and College.
5. If he is going to buy 2 should he expect any better than average pricing?

I really want to help him get the right thing as I plan on "borrowing" it for months on end. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks in advance...
Mark

Lazy · Mar 18, 2004

Hi
Mark I’m not an expert not even close. We read all the post here and that was a big help in our decision making process, we bought the AC400 auto because we like the way it was built over the ones we looked at. We like the Independent rear suspension and the A frame front end. We also like the way the 4 wheel drive works, when you’re in 4 wheel drive, the front wheels are pulling and are not dependant on slip of the rear wheels. The engine is a Kawasaki but arctic cat builds the arctic cat. You can get a DVD at the dealer that will explain it all. Or check out the website video. We only have about 12 miles on ours but really like it so far.

http://www.arctic-cat.com/atvs/flash_site/index.asp

Check out the comparison chart.

Had we not bought the Arctic Cat we would have bought the Polaris

Charlie

RanchMan · Mar 18, 2004

Lazy -

Are you sure the engine in your 400 is a Kawasaki? The reason I ask is that for years AC has relied on Suzuki power plants for their ATVs. (their 2004 "sport" model is even a rebadged Suzuki quad, although all their utility quads are unique designs developed by AC - just with Suzuki powerplants.)

It was my understanding that the only AC that has a Kawasaki powerplant is the twin found on the 650 (new for 2004 - and the same powerplant used by the Kawasaki Prairie 650).

Please let me know as my curiosity is getting the better of me.

PS: Glad you're enjoying your Cat. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Lazy · Mar 18, 2004

Hi
Yep you are right it is a SuzukI. and as far as engines go I have no idea which engine would be better. when we were looking we didn't dwell on engine type as I know nothing about either brand. but it sounds like from reading the many post it depends on the person you are talking with and what brand they own.

Charlie.

Mark4510 · Mar 18, 2004

Thanks for the info.

Not sure if the dealer is as important for an ATV as it is for a CUT but I suspect it is important at some level. I will direct him to this site and the manufacturers site for detailed info.

Thanks again,
Mark