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I live in the South, hunt a lot...particularly ducks. Therefore, I am in a lot of water. Not deep water, but rice fields, ditches, etc. I also deer hunt. I wouldn't mind an occassional joy ride as well. Here is the deal: All my buddies have either Honda's or Yamahas...a few Polaris. The early Polaris' with the belt problems in water turned us ducks hunters off. I am seriously considering an AC 400 4x4. I really like my AC dealer and feel he shoots me straight. He sold me a boat, and we have become friends. I have researched all the 4 wheelers until I am blue in the face. I really want the AC, but am somewhat skiddish since Honda is the most popular in my area. Although, I have never minded being different...even preferred it. So do you guys see any way I can go wrong? Do you highly recommend the AC? Thanks a lot for the help. The last ATV I owned was a 3 wheeler...Yamaha 225 DX...so I am old school ATV'er, but things have changed a little. Any input would be great.

I have the same questions as you do and was going to post a message also. My main usage would be ice fishing, some trail riding and hunting. I'm drawn between the Artic Cat 400 FIS auto, 400 TBX or the
Honda Rancher 400at.
The Honda gives no load or towing capacities. That is a specification that I would like to compare. I do like the 12 inch clearance the Cat has and the larger cc displacement the Honda has. I hope someone has some real time comparisons to offer.
I'll be watching your responses with interest.

Here are some of my findings and issues: You cant argue with the ground clearance (12" no comparison). I like the Ind. suspension and am told the ride is great....critics argue that when stuck, that you cant easily pick up the atv and get it off the ground (the wheels stay put). The receiver hitch has to be convenient. The MRP rack system, although somewhat over-marketed, is cool, and I can see where when you get bored with the atv, you could tinker with the racks....the ice fishing package for example would be cool for you. I am torn over Auto vs. manual and would love input there....are the manuals better for water? I like the no greasing aspect...old schoolers still remain skeptical of that. I had reports that around 99 or 2000, Cat's were bad to overheat...I do not know. I think the Honda popularity is a mindset, especially in the South. The 110, 185s, Big REd put honda on the map, and people cant get over that. Also southerners know nothing about snowmobiles and associate Polaris and AC with snowmobiles rather than mud and water beasts...I think that is big hangup. So these are some of the things I am interested in hearing about. Thanks to anyone for input on these or other AC matters.

I did allot of reserve to choose the ATV that would work for me and AC was the final choice. I own a 04 500 manual and it is great, lots of power, great riding comfort, I like the truck style hitch over the ball hitch, the digital Speedo is a nice feature. The only prob I had is the dealer I bought it from did not check the fluid, both difs where low and the coolant was also low so I would advise all new Cat buyers to check things out before any long rides. Just in Case!

Where do you live Lefty...and what kind of terrain to you ride on mostly? thanks for the input.

Saskatchewan Canada allot of flat land, we really have to do some traveling to find good trails. We have some good hills and bush in places we can always find some muck to play. I am in the southern part of SK but the farther North you go the better it gets. Doesn't matter the Cat will crawl or climb threw anything.

You won't regret it!~

Powerrrrrr, pullinggggg, torqueeeeeee, etcccccccc.

Some will say no speed, but I'm satisfied with my 2003 400 that gets up the 52 mph on gravel! Fast enough for me. Pulled three deer out of my woods this fall with not a problem. Have been plowing snow that we are finally getting this year with no problem. Pulls 8ft length timber out of my woods with no problem.

We also have a 03 250 Cat, we put a blade on it and it works great I was out for 5 hrs last week pushing snow and didn't have any problems what so ever, I was impressed on how much snow it could move, works good in tight spots and it sure beats the shovel, cant wait for the next snow fall.

We have two '04 400i 4x4 auto Cats and we LOVE them. I've never been able to see what the top speed is because the roads we ride don't lend themselves to top speed runs. I'm guessing 45-50 mph, but if I can go that fast, I'm on the wrong road anyway - ha. We haven't got complaint one on either of them. We've ridden in the mountains near here, the desert, and recently, the snow up in the mountains. Good times always. Sometimes it's a pain to start them in the cold after they've been sitting outside for a couple weeks, but once started (and they always DO start!) they are fine.

All quads are good, but I'm now partial to our Cats - of course.

My dealer is an implement(John Deere) and the 400 with IRS is his most popular seller with the farmers. I ended up with a 500 TRV but he told me anything over 400 is a waste because you will lose traction before you run out of power. Keep in mind he was referring to working type situations. The farmers pull hay and grain wagons with them and my dealer says they have several out that have 3500 plus miles on them. I believe it would work very well for hunting with better rack capacities than Honda etc. The A/C will definately go where the Hondas(stock) will not as I ride with several guys that have Hondas. The Ground Clearance makes a big difference!