Artic Cat 4x4

Lazy · Jan 4, 2004

Hi
I'm looking at a new Artic Cat 250 4x4 would anyone care to comment on the good bad and ugly of this brand? I have never owned an ATV so I Need all the help I can get before I make the purchase. the list price is $4,799

charlie

RanchMan · Jan 4, 2004

AC makes a great ATV. Quite frankly, I think they are the best kept secret in the industry. The price you mentioned is high though (depending on State, I've seen it advertised for as low as $4099 for the same buggy.)

If you're going to be doing some utility work, I'd recommend going up a couple of steps in engine size. Depending on the grades you'll be climbing or loads you're towing, those extra CC's are a big help.

I know that the 250 comes with a manual transmission (kindof funny shifter on those - heel/toe vs. standard motorcycle toe type shifters) but if you go up a couple of notches in engine size, you can get an automatic which is really nice and you can also get the MRP system, which is a REALLY slick deal. 'Course all that costs money, but it's worth considering as the utility of those features is pretty big.

AC's are built really strong but are kindof heavy for their size (another reason for a big engine). Personally I'd prefer strength over speed any day.

Don't let any of the guys who own other brands try to scare you off of AC. There are other good brands of ATV's out there, but bang for the buck, AC is hard to beat.

Here's a couple of links you might be good to check out...

Artic Cat Web Site

Place to compare prices

thcri · Jan 5, 2004

Lazy,

Can't say much about the Artic Cat machine. I live and bleed Polaris but that doesn't mean Artic Cat isn't any good. I am sure they are, just haven't been around any. Our group or crew is pretty much Polaris and Honda.

But it might help us some here if you would tell us what your plans are for your wheeler.

For trail riding the 250 might be a tad bit small.
For work the 250 would be a tad bit small.
For just riding around the house, letting the kids drive it and wife it would be ok. But then if it is around the house then skip the 4 wheel drive.

Would I go used to get a larger machine, absolutely not unless you knew who had the machine before and how well he took care of it.

I can't help you on the price, but I do think it is high, but I personally think it is a tad bit small?

That is just my opinion based on experience.

murph

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jan 5, 2004

I aquired a 2004 arctic cat "400" 4x4 on a forklift sale to the local arctic cat dealer. I can't give you too much of a review as I've only got 10 miles on the machine so far. They are running a special right now that gives you a free 2 year extended warranty. As I took this on trade against one of my fork trucks, I can only tell you that I had to pay sales tax and title fees on a $5750.00 figure when we worked out our deal..............The price on the 250 seems a bit high tho...........Tom

thcri · Jan 6, 2004

You can get a Polaris 500HO with independent suspension and full 4 wheel drive for around $5700.00 Brand new. The Sportsmen 500HO is a pretty nice machine.

murph

Lazy · Jan 6, 2004

This will be for the wife we have about 50 acres with some steep hills. we are now thinking about going to the 400 so we can get the automatic. She thinks she would like the automatic better. We have also looked at the polaris. I didn't see that much difference in the price for the same size machine, we have only looked at 2 dealers. Her comment was I like the red one. would you want a full time 4 wheel drive? I would think it would be better if you only used 4 wheel drive when it was needed. I appreaciate the comments and help

charlie

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jan 6, 2004

Charlie......My new arctic cat 400 is an automatic with selectable 2 or 4 wd. It has 4 wheel independent suspension (fully adjustable) and a built in receiver hitch on the rear. It's huge compared to the old 125 suzuki we had before..It's really stable...........my wife compares it to riding a golf cart or gator rather than a 4 wheeler..........She doesn't get the thrill of getting stuck like she's used to with the old one. I don't have alot of time on it yet but I like it...........Tom

thcri · Jan 7, 2004

Charlie,

What I meant by full 4 wheel drive is Polaris is one of few that actually lock all 4 wheels when in 4 wheel drive. You do have the option to click in and out of 4 wheel on the fly. I am not sure how Artic Cat does there's but some of them only run one of the front wheels when in 4 wheel??

Just pick the one you are most comfortable with. Artic Cat is a good company and will take good care of you.

murph

Will_C · Jan 7, 2004

I did some research before I bought the Honda Foreman, and thought about the locking front differential. The Honda I bought does not have it; it has what is referred to as "three wheel drive.' In my admittedly short time driving the machine, I have not found anywhere it won't go in 2wd. I can certainly imagine situations that a locking differential would be nice to have, but for what I imagine most of us would use an ATV for, it would not be necessary. I would not let it stop you from buying the machineyou like the most.
There sure is a bewildering array of choices out there. Take you time and look them all over. Good luck,
Will

thcri · Jan 7, 2004

Will,

Here is a place where the Honda's just don't quite make it. Now I am not bashing the Honda's as I think they are more reliable than the others out there, but where we go they are the first to get stuck.

Up North

Click on wheelin and you will all kinds of dates and just getting stuck. Even a couple of mpeg movies.

Under "Wheelin" Check out the date June 03

murph