Honda Rancher or Polaris 500

[doonan]

Wondering everyones thoughts on these two models? Are they big enough machines to handle the ice and snow? Cold Starting? Any help at all is appreciated.

[FISHFORPIKE]

Wondering everyones thoughts on these two models? Are they big enough machines to handle the ice and snow? Cold Starting? Any help at all is appreciated.

I have a buddy with a Polaris 500 efi and he has NO problem.  Last year I used a Yamaha 400 (no problem) and have a new Polaris 550 this year.  Looking forward to the efi on the new machine and not having to deal with a choke.  I know folks with Hondas that have no problem as well.

[surflizard]

I have used both brands, no real issues with either brand. I have a Polaris xplorer 400 now and love it, it handles all of the plowing and pulling of our ice gear ! The one thing that I will recommend is a Winch, they are worth every penny !

[doonan]

Ground clearance on the rancher looks to be around 5 inches shorter than the Polaris. Do I need to concern my self on that?

[surflizard]

5 inch's, really ? That is a big difference ! I've gotten myself in some hairy spots and I'm glad I had the clearance I did !

[doonan]

Polaris 500 is 11.25 and Rancher is 6.5

[james]

I have a polaris 500 X 2 and so far it has been a good machine.

[Skipper]

The Polaris will go through a heap more snow. The ground clearance and ability to get traction do not compare.

[Seedtree]

We use Honda Ranchers year around at work and they are good in the mud, snow and cold.  I haven't used that model Polaris, but we have a 1994 Sportsman 400 Polaris that has been a real workhorse. 

Higher ground clearance is a two-edged sword.  Some of the bigger ATVs we have sit higher but are less stable side to side.  I prefer my butt closer to the ground in the rough stuff.  Ground clearance hasn't been a problem with the Ranchers.  Also, the Ranchers, which are all 4wd, handle a foot to a foot and a half of snow easily enough.  If you routinely ride in snow deeper than that, probably a snowmobile might be a better choice than an ATV.
 
I would not buy a new ATV without EFI and a water-cooled engine.

That said, I have been impressed enough with the Ranchers we use at work that I just bought myself one.

[stumper]

The polaris will actually have 4x4 with a locker,where the Honda is actually only 3wd with no locking differential on the front. . Combine that with the extra  clearence and the Polaris will fit the bill better.

[Skipper]

Polaris has a nice low center of gravity and a low seat compared to other big wheelers. Some Arctic Cat machines are tall and tippy. I have thought for sure I was in serious trouble on my sportsman before, and it always came out the other side.