Vehicle Class:
Utility ATV / Light Agricultural Tractor
Intended Use:
Off-road utility, hunting, farming, property maintenance, and light towing.
Key Competitors:
Can-Am Outlander, Arctic Cat 500/700, Yamaha Grizzly, Kawasaki Brute Force.
Segment Niche:
The 'Forest Tractor' designation suggests a focus on enhanced utility and potentially a more robust build for demanding work environments, differentiating it from pure sport ATVs.
Powertrain:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for improved throttle response, fuel economy, and cold-weather starting.
Transmission Type:
Polaris Variable Transmission (PVT) with engine braking.
Drivetrain:
On-demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, potentially with 2WD/4WD selection.
Suspension:
Independent front and rear suspension for improved ride quality and ground clearance.
Utility Focus:
Heavy-duty racks, towing capacity, and the 'Forest Tractor' designation implies a focus on work-oriented features.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the engine, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, valve train, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Fuel System:
EFI system diagnosis, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, sensors, and related components.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plugs, stator, CDI unit (if applicable), and related wiring.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable), and mounting hardware.
Transmission Drivetrain:
PVT (Polaris Variable Transmission) operation, belt inspection and replacement, clutch service, differential service (front and rear), and driveshafts.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Steering System:
Steering column, tie rods, ball joints, and steering rack/gearbox service. Includes information on electronic power steering (EPS) if equipped.
Brake System:
Hydraulic brake system components, master cylinder, calipers, brake lines, brake pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures. Parking brake mechanism.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator/stator), starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and diagnostic connectors.
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, and coolant specifications.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, weld points, and general chassis integrity.
Bodywork Plastics:
Body panel removal and installation, fender, hood, and rack components.
Tractor Specific Features:
Information related to the 'Forest Tractor' designation, potentially including specialized PTO, hitch, or hydraulic systems if equipped.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, belt checks, fluid level checks, tire pressure, spark plug replacement, air filter service.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls, including specifications and tolerances.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools; interpretation of wiring diagrams for fault finding.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners, critical for proper assembly and preventing component failure.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Factory Level
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including sensor data interpretation and component testing.
Rebuild Capability:
Suitable for complete engine, transmission, and component rebuilds.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, accurate, and component-specific wiring schematics.
Schematics And Diagrams:
Includes hydraulic diagrams, electrical schematics, and exploded views for easy part identification and assembly.
Length:
Approximately 83-85 inches (211-216 cm).
Width:
Approximately 46-48 inches (117-122 cm).
Height:
Approximately 47-50 inches (119-127 cm).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 50-52 inches (127-132 cm).
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 10-11.5 inches (25.4-29.2 cm).
Front Rack Capacity:
Approximately 100 lbs (45 kg).
Rear Rack Capacity:
Approximately 200 lbs (90 kg).
Dry Weight:
Approximately 650-700 lbs (295-318 kg).
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 1,500 lbs (680 kg).
Gcvw Rating:
Not typically specified for ATVs, but relates to towing capacity.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or 6 months (whichever comes first), more frequently under severe use.
Air Filter Cleaning Or Replacement:
Inspect every 50 hours, clean/replace as needed, more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inspect at 100 hours, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific type and gap).
Pvt Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 200 hours, check for wear and damage.
Brake Fluid Level Check:
Check at every service interval, flush and replace every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
Polaris Synthetic 0W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.8 - 2.0 Quarts (1.7 - 1.9 Liters).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
PVT belt wear, suspension bushings, tie rod ends due to off-road use.
Efi System Considerations:
Potential for injector clogging in very dusty or dirty fuel conditions; sensor failures (e.g., TPS, MAP).
Cooling System Maintenance:
Importance of coolant level checks and radiator/fan cleanliness to prevent overheating.
Drivetrain Maintenance:
Regular inspection of CV boots and differential breathers to prevent water ingress and contamination.
Polarise Heritage:
Polaris Industries is a long-standing manufacturer of powersports vehicles, with a strong history in ATVs, snowmobiles, and side-by-sides.
Sportsman Lineage:
The Sportsman line has been a cornerstone of Polaris's ATV offerings for decades, known for its utility and comfort.
400 Model Positioning:
The 400 EFI model typically represented Polaris's mid-range utility offering, balancing performance and value.
Forest Tractor Variant:
The 'Forest Tractor' designation indicates a specific trim or package tailored for forestry, agricultural, or heavy-duty work, potentially with enhanced features not found on standard models.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in the USA (e.g., Roseau, Minnesota).
Production Period Indicator:
Specific to the 2012 and 2013 model years as indicated by the manual's title.
