OT Polaris Sportsman 550 XP

tom-ky · Nov 24, 2011

Looking to replace a old Yamaha. Anyone run the Polaris? Good or bad? This one has power steering.

Gun guru · Nov 24, 2011

I had a Polaris 400, 4wd. I just sold it 2 weeks ago. I paid $ 6000 for it new, I got $1500 for it. It needed some work. A buddy of mine from my church wanted a 4 wheeler, So I sold it. It is 8 years old.
My Polaris had some problems, an electrical short, the starter pull cord was cheap, Idle was messed up. I will never own another one, I dont care what brand/model---Never. Too much money for what it is and the inability of it do any real work. You are far better off owning a used lawn tractor then a 4 wheeler. I am told that Honda makes the best 4 wheelers. I have never rode an Arctic cat.

Gun guru · Nov 24, 2011

I forgot...The main reason I bought mine was to plow snow, What a joke. Any snow deeper than 5 inches it would just slip and slide all over, even in 4wd mode. If the snow was 10" deep then I would spend 2-3 hours outside trying to push. A 4 wheeler doesnt have the torque or weight to push snow. I am done 8itching now.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 24, 2011

I have a Polaris 425 I like. My first Polaris
was a 350 2x4 1989. Traded for larger 425 in
1999. I use it to pull sprayer in field. When
it is tied up I bought another one different
brand and has needed lots of repairs to keep it going.

Cold Beer · Nov 24, 2011

I have to disagree with you. I have a Kawasaki 750i with a 5 foot blade on it. It does all the snowplowing in my 1000 foot driveway in Central Michigan. Only thing I don't like about it is the handlebar style steering.

4010 puller · Nov 24, 2011

We had a mid-late 90"s model 400 utility 2 stroke, it was terrible. Water pump, starter, and some other issues. Glad it was very cheap and we didnt end up having over $1000 total, because then it blew up. I now own a Polaris Ranger 700 XP (2008) that I bought used and is very nice for checking my cattle and spending time with my dad for deer hunting and moving tree stands and such. Its very handy and runs well. I would recomend a newer polaris (about 2008 or newer) but nothing old. Another thing for its class (ie. polaris 550xp vs honda foreman or rubicon) the polaris is going to be wider and taller (a little more unstable)which is unhandy if youre going to be trail riding, but may ride a little better due to its independent suspension. If buying new, it would be hard to beat a honda as I mentioned. Cheaper than polaris and maybe more durable.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 24, 2011

Nothing but Hondas on all6 adjoining farms here.
The Rancher AT with PS is the tidiest unit.

Glen SW Wi · Nov 24, 2011

Had a Polaris 6x6 500 for ten years. Never had any problems. Sold it to the neighbor after I convinced him that he needed a real usable machine. The box on the back beats a four wheeler for work around the farm. He did have to replace the drive belt after having it for a year.

I replaced it with a Polaris 6x6 800 Big Boss. These machines are a lot more manuverable than the Ranger. We do a lot of running around in the woods, cutting fire wood, deer hunting, etc.. The 800 has independent rear suspension which make it a whole lot more stable on the hillsides were have around here.

I would for certain buy another Polaris.

Bryan inIowa · Nov 24, 2011

They all break ! Stay away from 2002 sportsman 700. Crank problems, crank is 842 dollars ,,ask me how I know this !! I'm just gonna put a used 800 in it .

Gun guru · Nov 24, 2011

Well it is like this see.......The first pass down the center is okay. Now it is 6" deep + the snow that you just pushed over on top of the 6inches, then you have to drive down the other side, etc. I dont like getting stuck, and if the snow is wet and heavy, forget about it.
A tractor is better suited to push snow. My Polaris weighed 700 pounds + my weight, and all speed, no torque. My Deere diesel utility tractor is a way better snow pusher.

Mokicker · Nov 24, 2011

I have a 98 sportsman 500 that I use like a tractor; pushing dirt/snow, pulling logs and heavy trailers in all kinds of conditions. Put the first belt and plug in it this summer just because. Had to replace starter couple years ago. Bought the wife a new one last Xmas an so problems with it. A lot of my friends run the Japanese units with good success trail riding and such; however, they don"t seem to standup under heavy use as well as the Polaris. Several friends who use them like I do switched from the Japanese bikes for farm use. Nothing against Japanese units, I have two Kawasaki motorcycles.For heavry use, I"d have nothing but the Polaris because of heavier cranks and bearings. For top speed, any of the Japanese units should be fine as long as it"s four stroke.

TMo · Nov 25, 2011

I have that exact machine. Love it!

Scott 730 · Nov 25, 2011

I've got a 96 Polaris Explorer 400 with just about 5,000 miles that has been absolutely bullet proof. 1 belt, 1 battery, put gas and oil in and drive.

OT Polaris Sportsman 550 XP

tom-ky

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Gun guru

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Gun guru

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Anonymous-0

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Cold Beer

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4010 puller

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Anonymous-0

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Glen SW Wi

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Bryan inIowa

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Gun guru

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Mokicker

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TMo

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Scott 730

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