I have been looking for a quad 4x4 lately. My biggest concern is starting in cold weather, so I have been thinking EFI, do I need it? Because those machines are usually bigger and more costly?

bentrod

I bought an Artic Cat 400 this year has carbs there is a primer lever on the carb for cold weather I have started it down to 10 deg. with out having to prime it yet.
Terry Wilson

I've got a Yam Grizzly 660 non-efi. I have a blade and use it to push snow in the winter. Its stored outside in my non-insulated steel shed. When it hits about -20C, its definitely tougher to start, but I've never been in a situation where its never started, eventually its fired and taken off. Some have suggested pulling on the manual recoil once or twice when its really cold to get rid of some of the compression to make it spin over easier with the electric. Never tried that yet, but I plan on it. Started it today, its -5C here today, nice and balmy! Fired up after just a few seconds. Should also say it runs fine in the cold once it gets cranked up too.

A buddy has the KingQuad 700, its EFI, and basically fires right away, regardless how cold it is.

Guess it depends on what you're using it for and how many times you'll be needing to start it in cold weather. Personally if I had the choice, I'd have efi, but was no choice for me, I wanted the Grizz, and at that time the 700 efi was not made.

Also another suggestion, tires make a huge difference. I switched from stock tires to Mudlite XTR's, what a diff, go thru stuff in 2wd that I needed 4wd before, and much better traction on snow and ice when pushing with the blade.

I have a Polaris 400 Explorer, no problems. We had 0 for temps last week, pulled the choke, it fired right away. I do have to feather the choke for a few mintes but it always starts.

BIRDDOG

I have an Arctic Cat 400 also and like Hairy Pout said they have a primer on the carburetor if you have problems with starting. I live in SD and have not had a problem starting it at anytime. It started like a dream all last winter, and when I am on the ice it sits outside at night. I use 0W40 synthetic oil in it and that may help. :cheers:

I also have a Polaris 400 Explorer. It starts down to -15F. Leave the choke on for a few extra seconds and it runs great.

Heck, my Arctic Cat starts better when it's 10 below than when it's warmed up. Generally, I think they all start pretty well in cold weather, and you always have the rope pull if there is a battery problem. The most important thing is, carry a back-up spark plug with you at all times!!!

As far as a bigger more costly machine, I personally think they sure are nice, but actually overkill for most icefishing applications. I'm amazed at what I've seen 350cc and smaller quads do.

If you are looking at purchasing new, make sure to haggle with the dealer on some items. At least get a free winch out of the deal.

I guess I have always felt that I don't need to buy an ATV that is any bigger than what I need for what I am going to do. I know there are a lot of people that think that the more power you have the better off you are. I bought a 400 because I didn't need any more than that for ice fishing and deer hunting. I looked at a 660 and just couldn't justify the extra power for my needs. Where I live there are no mountains and things like that that might require more power. :cheers:

I have a Polaris 400 sportsman this unit has been getting me for 4 years has 3500 miles on it no problems, I also wondered about the 500 -800 and found that if they made the 330, in independant suspention I would have had enough power to get me around with no problem , as for cold stating there has never been time she has let me down.

I was thinking of the Polaris and Cat, but didn't want the 750 lbs that goes with them. Here in SW Michigan we don't get as much ice as I would like. So I got the Can-AM Outlander XT 800, weighs in at 600 lbs. More power than I need but there is always the fun factor. I will do a lot of trail riding with this, ice fishing and hunting. I can't walk anymore and needed transportation outside, at least this is the story I used on myself to justify spending this much money.

Really looking forward to ice and setting my machine up for the task at hand.

Hey Bentrod,

Just curous, as I have not gone and priced, but what is a ballpark price on the XT800? Not exact if you don't want to, but within a few hundred or so. I have looked at some used prices but nothing new. I would use mainly for ice fishing and some fun riding in summer (have an ATV Trail Park nearby).

Thanks,
-Box

I agree with the others. I run an '02 Honda Rancher 400 (carb) between the farm places...365 days a year, twice a day, for chores. I have NEVER had this machine not start on a cold day (down to -20 F) Pull the choke, she fires every time. I do run synthetic 5w 30, which maybe helps. I dont think you need to worry about going to an EFI just for the reason of better cold weather starts.

>Hey Bentrod,
>
>Just curous, as I have not gone and priced, but what is a
>ballpark price on the XT800? Not exact if you don't want to,
>but within a few hundred or so. I have looked at some used
>prices but nothing new. I would use mainly for ice fishing and
>some fun riding in summer (have an ATV Trail Park nearby).

It will be about 9 OTD, less than 2k more than a Suzuki King Quad 450 set up the same. But the XT800 is an awsome machine and extremely comfortable, which is a huge factor for me. I can't walk more than 1/4 mile anymore, some days not even that far. And just maybe I have listened to the guys on this board... "max out the horse power, you won't regret it."

bentrod