rapdaddyR
Oklahoma City
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Joined: 07/13/2008
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I have had great reliability with my Yamaha's. I have 4 1999's utility atv, not one issue with them at all 2 Kodiaks and 2 Grizzlies. To be honest we have not taken very god care of them but they start and run great in all weather conditions. I would back my grizzly into our pond and stand on the back and fish off it. So needless to say they have been really beat up. I also have 2007 Raptor 700 no problems and 09 Rhino.
2006 F-250
2008 Raptor 3612
2007 Raptor 700
2009 Razor
http://toyhaulers.atvowners.com/
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desertmoose
Northern Nevada
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Joined: 10/15/2007
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Actually I normally hang on to things forever. I’m looking more for a reason to keep them than change them out.
It’s not one problem in 4 years, it’s a problem that shouldn’t exist in 60 hours of use.
Reading on several ATV forums shows the actuators on the 4x4 select and engine braking (same actuator) fails a LOT. Fixes range from removing the fork (disabling them) to black tape over the flashing light, to gutting the actuator and replacing the rheostat to rigging up a choke cable to manually engage things and eliminating the actuator entirely.
New actuators run a few hundred dollars. In addition, one mode of failure puts them in a “limp mode” where the engine cuts back to barely above an idle, and the 4x4 is disabled. Not a good thing if you’re at the bottom of a canyon you have to climb out of.
We don’t have enough time to be riding them as much as we want, so I really don’t like having to put time in fixing them when we could be riding. That was the reason behind buying new ones and religiously maintaining them.
Other than the worry about failing actuators, we are quite content with them. They have plenty of performance for our requirements.
As for a good dealer service department…. There was a recall on them for the front steering knuckles. After waiting almost a year for the parts to come in, (with the factory advising to NOT use them until the fix was performed), we finally got the call to take them in. A couple of weeks later we got them back. No charge. Then we went for a ride. Trying to back one of them out of the toyhauler when we got back home showed a problem. One front tire wouldn’t roll going backwards. Getting it in the garage, I found all the mounting bolts missing on one brake caliper, and only one very loose bolt left on the other brake caliper. Looks like the “highly qualified service technician” had failed to tighten the bolts after putting the calipers back on. Probably went to lunch and the failed to remember.
I prefer to work on my equipment myself, but the whole point is with the low usage, I shouldn’t have to be fixing a design defect.
OK, rant over….
I really don’t like going through the selling and buying something else process. Maybe I’ll just buy a couple of spare actuators and keep them on hand.
Sam
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gandude
east bay
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Joined: 02/05/2005
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The prairie 360 is indestructable. I have rolled, flipped, and smashed mine many times. The light is an issue w/belt. The procedure to reset is simple:
Under tank on right side are 3 wire harness connector pairs. Disconnect the 2 wire one and swap the grey and black ones. Turn key on for 10 seconds minimum. There is a switch that detects belt deflection if the belt deflects too far it will trip the switch. The switch is inside the right side plastic motor cover. -easy to inspect. You should check the belt as they do need to be replaced now and then.
The problem I have is the 10% ethonol in gas. It has been eating the carb o-rings in all my small engine stuff.
If your quad runs funny, clean and inspect the carb good. ESP the hidden jet inside carb body next to the main jet.
I am in upper 40s and just like you have no need for serious speed. The Prairie fits that bill perfect. It will take you places you don't want to go. Just pull that yellow lever when terrain gets gnarly.
The 360 is one of the few machines I have not regretted buying. Everyone told me to get one w/more power but for me that's not what it's about. The 360 is a keeper. The only thing that could be better in an IRS, as I am riding in areas where max speed is 3-5 MPH a lot of time. I call mine, w/affection the "mountain goat".
Let me know if you have other questions!
Tahoe 21WTB Toyhauler
06 Dodge 3500 SLT, QC, LB, 4x4, 5.9, auto 370's
03 Kawasaki 360 Prarie
03 Kawasaki 300 Bayou
79 Honda XL 250
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TEXMudder
Dallas
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Joined: 05/11/2009
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The 360s are some good quads. Personally I would trade them for some independant rear suspension quads. The solid axles just have a terrible ride. All it took for my wife was one long trail ride on a solid rear axle and then my bud letting her ride his IRS quad....she was sold for good.
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shawnct450r
Ventura CA
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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Remember that time and usage conditions tend to affect electronics more than operational time does, in most cases.
Also, when reading about problems in any forum, you will see lots of "this thing keeps breaking" posts but you won't hear from the generally larger majority of people with the same machine that have no problems. I would fix the issue as recommended above, and keep the machines. It seems to me that quite a few people here have them and really like them. Sounds like a winner to me.
Personally, I am a honda guy. From what it sounds like your needs are, if you were going to get different machines, find a used Honda Rancher (without the electronic shifting). That quad is bulletproof and has enough power (but is light enough) to go anywhere the bigger ones do. JMHO.
Hope this helps.
Shawn
04 F250 FX4 Diesel
06 WW LE3305
06 Honda TRX450R (CT Racing)
00 Honda TRX400EX (Wife's scooter)
04 Yamaha Raptor 80 (Son's stunt machine)
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rhunter
Washington State
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Joined: 03/27/2006
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NO - don't get rid of the quads. I have a Prarie 360 and it's a great machine that has been trouble free. The light you mention comes on to notify you that the belt needs adjusting - I believe that someone else mentioned the same thing. As I recall, the light is set to come on at certain intervals regardless of whether the belt needs adjusting or not. Kind of annoying.
Also had to have the knuckles replaced on mine - not a problem.
Good luck.
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RVpullinGuy
North Ogden, Utah
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Joined: 07/01/2006
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I don't think you have a reliability problem. The issue sounds minor and can be easily fixed. Your main issue and question is... "What does your wife think?" 
RVpullinGuy
2006 Chevy 2500HD Duramax/Allison CC SB
2005 Sierra T28 Toy Hauler
YamRaptor700, KawiKFX700, (2)Hon400Ex, Hon250EX, SuzLT80
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CliffordG
Central Wyoming
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Joined: 10/01/2009
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My sister and her husband have a set of Prairie 360s that they bought brand new two years ago.
Long story short I have not been impressed with them and their experience hasn't been the best either.
I have also seen a lot of people online complaining about issues relating to the belt drive, and scrambled ECUs.
Just my opinion and experience.
2005 Silverado 2500HD with 8.1L and Allison 1000 pulling a 2007 WW 2800 FSW loaded with an 07 Suzuki Vinson, 07 Suzuki Eiger, 2007 Yamaha TTR50e, and 97 Suzuki LT80.
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Badhabt
Puyallup, WA
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Joined: 09/06/2005
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CAN AM Renegade 500 for her, CAN AM Renegade 800(  ) for you. After riding one, I (we) want them really BAD. Get them just for the heck of it! How about a couple of Yamaha Wolverine 450s (hint hint)? Kidding aside, if you like what you got, get them fixed and save the $$$.
06 F350 4X4 Crew Cab Dually Tow Boss
07 Raptor 3612DS
92 Banshee - sons now
06 YZF450 50th Anniv Edition - sons too
06 Raptor 700R 50th Anniv Edition - mine
06 Wolverine 450 - wifes
07 Wolverine 450 SE - my other toy
04 YZ250F - spoiled sons newest toy
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Rubiranch
Marysvale
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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Y-Guy wrote:From what you describe I don't think you're ready to push them over the edge yet, unless you really want a reason to buy something new. Every ATV out there needs some service from time to time, if the flashing indicator comes back find a competent dealer and seek out some service, you'll save money in the long run. For the type of riding you are doing the ATVs sound like a good match for you. I'd hate to see you go out and buy something new when your problem may only cost you a couple hundred or so.
I agree, I'd keep them.
They sould like great machines and they seam match your riding preferences.
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