[Nkunka]

Hi there I'm new here. I'm looking for a new used quad, my quad mechanic says Honda is the best for what I need. I'm looking at an '01 Rancher 350es, but I'm wondering if that is a problematic year? I use my quad daily moving hay and pulling a small dump cart. This year seems like the es may be a problem. Any advice on what I should look for in the new quad I'm looking at?
Thanks

 

[Jeepwm69]

Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't say the 350ES's are a big problem because they can be converted to footshift fairly easily, and unlike some of the other ES bikes, the transmission in the 350ES is the exact same as the transmissions in the footshifts.

I don't like ES machines, but picked up an 06 for my kids to ride, and plan on adding a footshifter to it and not using the ES feature.

The early 00-01 350 Ranchers had a weak shift drum that could break off, and it's a big deal labor-wise and $$$ for the part-wise to do it.

http://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/repair-maintenance/10931-shift-drum-2.html#post110344

That said, if you get the bike for a reasonable price, and it shows the correct gear on the display then it could be ok.

 

[XplicitRacing6]

I would recommend the Honda Fourtrax 300, Picking the right quad is all on preference.... for example... some people love foot shift and some people would rather have the es.... some people need 4wd, some only need 2wd. It's all up to the buyer

 

[Jeepwm69]

The thing I like about the 350's is you can swap disc brakes off of a 420, a selectable from diff from a 400AT, and you basically have the comforts of a 420 but the simplicity of a carb'd 350. The 350 rear end is also the good fully tubed type vs the crappy rear ends in the 300 and 420.