what is the best mudding atv

I've owned both. The Outlander has more raw power and a better suspension for whoops, but the belt system does need extra care in deep water. I had to change my belt twice in two seasons. The KingQuad is more conservative but the belt stays dry thanks to the snorkel setup. If you're doing serious mud holes, I'd lean Suzuki.

Don't sleep on the older Grizzly 700 either. They're known for bulletproof reliability in mud. The KingQuad is good but parts can be pricier. I've seen guys run a Grizzly through two feet of water with no issues. Make sure you check the snorkel height on whatever you buy.

I think the Can-Am is overkill for most people. I ride a 570 Outlander and it does fine. The 650 is heavy and you'll pay extra for maintenance. The KingQuad is lighter and easier to winch out if you do get stuck. Also check the frame rust on used ones – Suzukis hold up better in salt.

Belt issues on Can-Ams are real but not as bad as people claim. The trick is to not ride the throttle in deep water – let the machine crawl. A lot of it comes down to how you install the snorkel kit. If you don't seal the intake properly, you'll suck water into the CVT. I've seen that on a KingQuad too.

I disagree with the previous reply – I've had more CVT problems on Suzukis than Can-Ams. My KingQuad 500 would slip after every long mud run. Swapped to a Can-Am and never looked back. Maybe it's about luck of the draw. Always carry a spare belt regardless of brand.

Ground clearance is the real key. Both those bikes have around 11-12 inches, but the Outlander has better skid plates stock. The KingQuad has a lower center of gravity which helps stability. I'd test ride both in a muddy field if you can. Check if the tires are matched to the terrain – stock tires on both are junk for deep mud.

Whatever you get, budget for aftermarket tires and a winch. Stock tires are garbage. I run Interco AquaTorques on my Kodiak and they hook up great. Also install a radiator relocate kit if you plan to submerge. The Can-Am has a less protected radiator than the Suzuki. A small mistake can cost you a lot.

I've been mudding for fifteen years. The best machine is the one you maintain. I've seen a beat-up 2002 Polaris outlast a brand new Outlander because the owner didn't clean the clutch. If you buy used, check the air filter box for mud traces – that's a red flag. Also ask if they ever replaced the belt.

Don't forget about the Honda Rubicon. Not as fast as the Can-Am but nearly indestructible. The foot shift models are awesome for mud because you can control the torque better. No belt to worry about. Downside is less aftermarket support for snorkels and lift kits. But for pure reliability, it's hard to beat.

One thing nobody mentioned: weight. Can-Am Outlanders are heavy pigs. If you get stuck alone, you'll struggle to lift it out. KingQuad is lighter but still not a featherweight. I'd add a winch mount to your budget. Also check if the rack can carry a spare tire – I've snapped two axles on heavy machines.

I went from a Suzuki to a Can-Am and regretted it. The Suzuki had better throttle response in deep mud and the CVT seemed less prone to overheating. The Can-Am runs hot and the fan kicks on all the time in slow going. Some guys add a cooling fan override switch. Just my two cents before you spend money.

If you're on a budget, look for a used Yamaha Kodiak 700. Same engine as the Grizzly but cheaper. Great reliability, decent ground clearance, and the belt stays dry if you keep the snorkel stock. I've sunk mine to the front racks and it kept going. Plus parts are everywhere.

I think the Suzuki KingQuad is the safer choice for a first mudding ATV. It's more forgiving, easier to work on, and the engine is bulletproof. The Can-Am has more torque but also more things to break. I'd rather have a machine I can fix with basic tools on the trail. Suzuki parts are also cheaper.

I've seen too many guys buy a used Outlander and quickly blow the belt because the previous owner rode it in water without a snorkel. If you buy used, inspect the CVT housing carefully. Pull the cover and look for rust or water stains. That tells you if it's been submerged. I dodged a bullet that way.

Agree with the belt check – also look at the frame around the rear hitch. Both brands can crack if you tow a lot. But the Suzuki frame seems thicker. I know a guy who snapped his Can-Am frame after a hard stuck. Might be rare but it happens. Check for welding marks on used ones.

If you're serious about mudding, get a machine with a locking differential. Both the KingQuad and Outlander offer it, but the Suzuki system is simpler and less prone to failing. The Can-Am system uses electronics that can short out if water gets in. I've replaced two actuator motors on a friend's machine.

I'll throw the Arctic Cat Alterra in the mix. Not as popular but well built and parts are cheap. The 600 has good low-end torque and ground clearance. I ran mine through two feet of slop and it didn't skip a beat. Plus you can find them under $7k used. Worth considering if you have tight budget.

I think everyone is overthinking this. Just get a Grizzly 700 and be done with it. They've been proven in extreme mud for decades. I've seen guys run them with 35-inch tires and no issues. Parts availability is excellent. The only downside is they're more expensive used. But you get what you pay for.

I disagree with the Grizzly recommendation. I've seen the front diff fail on two of them after heavy mud use. It's a weak point. The KingQuad has a stronger diff stock. I'd rather have a machine that doesn't require a $800 repair after every other trip. Do your research on model years.

Make absolutely sure the model year you buy has a sealed CVT intake. Some earlier Outlanders had a design flaw that sucked water in even with a snorkel. Check forums for the specific year. Also ask the seller if they've done the belt drain mod. If you don't, you'll be replacing belts constantly. Buy smart.