Honda Rancher 400 Auto/AT?

[JCM]

Has anyone used the 400 Rancher with the Hondamatic transmission that can be switched to ES?

This model doesn't have a low/high range setting on it.  I'm wondering about the ratios when it is switched to ES in the lower computer ratio controlled "gears".  I haven't ridden one but I'd like to know if the low gears would be okay for basic pulling, nothing huge but something like moving a 16 foot boat for a short distance on level ground and small trailors with dirt/rock.  

Any feedback on the Hondamatic transmission would be great as I haven't used or been around one.

Thanks,
JCM

[markc]

the only Honda ESP tranny I have ridden was a foreman I believe and not the Rancher.  I don't know for sure if you are okay to tow in ESP mode or have to switch to a manual mode to tow.  Hopefully someone will have a Rancher or similar model with that tranny setup.  It was an interesting setup that I rode, but not necessarily one that I would be all that thrilled about.  I think for work I would prefer a dual range transmission so that I could switch to low for hauling, towing or extreme off road stuff,  and high for cruising.

[JCM]

Thanks Markc,

I think the 400 Rancher is the only Rancher with the automatic transmission.  It doesn't have a manual mode, but can be switched from computer controlled automatic to the ESP, user controlled electronic shifting.  I've ridden several Ranchers with the ESP shifting, but they actually have a manual transmission that is shifted to gears.  The automatic doesn't have the manual, but will shut the computer control off to allow the rider to control the pre-set ratio that the engine will run in.

I'm just wondering if the lowest pre-set ration is orientated to pulling.

Here's a link to a little info on how the Hondamatic transmission works:
http://www.atving.com/editor/press/honda/hondamatic.htm

Here's a link to info on the Rancher AT:
http://www.4x4review.com/quads/honda/rancher-at/2004-fourtrax-rancher-at.asp

Thanks,
JCM

[leadthrower]

I have a friend that owns a Rancher with ESP and I have ridden it a little bit.  In Auto mode it shifts smoothly, it is like riding any of the other auto quads, but in Manual mode you can still drive it like a sport quad shifting any time you want at a push of a button.  As far as towing it seems to have fairly good torque. My friend uses his for work around his place, towing small trailers, trees, etc.. and hasn't had any problems with it.  About the only thing I don't like about the quad is the top end speed, which is quite a bit slower then many of the other quads.
LT