2002 POLARIS Sportsman 500 HO 4x4 | OVERVIEW!

[@margaretbedwell58]

So glad you were able to get this machine. I think all homesteads need at least one. Working smarter not harder. Homesteading is not easy for sure. Have a Blessed day, hope I get notified when the next video comes up.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

I hope you do too! I think a lot of subscribers aren’t getting notifications actually. Thanks for watching as always!

[@glennbrooks9933]

Nice machine and good video not to mention great price for the 4 wheeler!

[@intheshoptv]

Thank you! (Replying from my new channel)

[@Bex-rg8pj]

Happy you were able to get a new machine!

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks Rebecca

[@hawkman302]

My sportsman has an interrupter switch for the winch. I have to flip the switch that is on the body to supply power to the winch solenoid to be able to operate. I love that feature. It would resolve your worry.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks for the info!

[@jackgainer1947]

Have the same quad, great for the farm with a winch

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Been working out great so far! Thanks for watching

[@genecaruso5506]

I have a 2000 sportsman 500 , only had a few issues

[@johnk7093]

I picked up a 2001 Ducks Unlimited version. first thing I did was tear out that switch for the winch, bought a replacement "in out" from amazon, put it up on the bars, WAY better..... have had mine for 8 years, new fluids and tires is all I have done to mine.... treats me well and never quits. these years are great machines.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

That’s what Im hearing! I think a lot of the “issues” people hear about come from people who use these machines for playing hard in mud and rivers. This is a hunting/trail/farm machine for me. So far so good - its a beast!

[@johnk7093]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead yes, you also might want to check out a PVC Strut spacer for the front, You add a 2" PVC coupling to under the springs on the strut, raises the front... helped on mine with the snow plow.

[@bryantjones8039]

Congratulations on your new bike opps, your new ATV. I've been looking at a few lately and I'm not very sure about the automatics. I also have the 2001 Yamaha Bear Tracker 250.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thank you! I wasn’t sold in automatic either but so far Im really liking it! Took a little getting used to. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@bryantjones8039]

I went to pick up a new to (me) atv 4wheeler. Yes it's a automatic as well.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

@@bryantjones8039 congratulations and best of luck with it!

[@joerutkowsky3261]

@@bryantjones8039 what did you get ? Don’t worry about the automatic transmission. Just take care of it like put it in low when you tow anything or going slow. This will save your belt. And change your transmission oil on a regular maintenance interval. And it will last you forever. I have a Polaris 2006 sportsman 500ho since new. And I change all my fluids once a year. Transmission. Diff. And motor oil. And never had any issues with it. And it still has the original belt on it. I am changing that this year. Not that I have to but just peace of mind.

[@bryantjones8039]

@@joerutkowsky3261 I got a 2011 Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4. It was used very little and is in excellent condition. I've only had it for a little over a month. It's been just Great. I truly appreciate it information and sound advice.

[@twotwentyswift]

The 500 H.O. has a 2mm larger carburetor and a mildly more aggressive camshaft for a little more power. That winch switch is made by Warn and I didn't like it either. I switched mine over to the rocker switch on the handlebars which makes running the winch a lot easier when I'm using it with my snowplow. I've owned my '96 Sportman 500 since the summer of 95 and love it. They do require more maintenance than the simple straight axle Honda's but the ride quality and performance are far better and worth it to me. I sold my Honda and kept my Polaris because it makes riding much more enjoyable. The only time I miss my Honda is when I'm working on my Polaris, LOL.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

THANK you! Thats really cool to know, I wasn’t able to find that info despite researching a bit.

[@wyattchambers6348]

hell yeah man. I have an 01 and it’s sweet. Just gotta make sure you keep grease in the bushings

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Yes! Thats actually on my to do list when this snow clears out

[@smckee9063]

The best way to steer a trailer when backing up is to put your hand palm down on the bottom center of the steering wheel. Don't move your hand off the wheel. If you want the trailer to go left move the bottom of the steering wheel left. If you want it to go right move the bottom of the steering wheel right. remember don't move your hand from the bottom middle of the wheel. Works every time!

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Yes! I’ve heard that many times. Truthfully I just turn the wheel in the opposite direction I want the trailer to go. When I was younger, I worked in a boat yard and used to jockey boats around on trailers more than I care to admit lol.

[@smckee9063]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead Oh well, maybe it will help someone else.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

@@smckee9063 For sure. Im sure It helps many more already. I think my way is in the minority.

[@Hammerback0]

The camshaft in the H.O is supposed to be a slightly different grind, so says Polaris. I have an 05 HO I got this past March. Had a heck of a time for a few months, long story short, the stator was bad, replaced it, and it’s been great. I changed all bearings, bushings, tires, and I work it every day hauling a trailer of firewood, use it to hunt etc, and it’s great. Beats the hell out of a wheelbarrow Also, on the winch, I put a 4500 pound winch from Amazon on mine, the brand is “Fieryred” it’s an off brand I suppose, but came with synthetic rope, and has been great for cheap.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thank you! Im glad you got it all sorted out! im loving this machine so far. Thanks for watching!

[@geoffreytryhorn8560]

Well it looks a nice machine hope it serves you well Good luck

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks Geoffrey. Me too!

[@DavisFamilyLife]

Vroom, Vroom! Nice ride! I know this will be a big help for you and the family on the homestead. Hope you are all doing well. 💛💛💛

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks guys… you’re videos are still making me hungry though 😜

[@DavisFamilyLife]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead You're welcome. 😊 That's great! It means we're doing something right. 💛

[@bigmun10]

I found this video because im looking to get me a 4 wheeler soon and i wanted some info on this particular one. Im going to use mine pretty much only during deer season, so it wont be taking a huge beating. So since this video is 2 years old, how is it holding up?

[@HomeWithTheBuffingtons]

Congrats on the new ATV. Glad GoFundMe was able to help towards replacing the stolen one. I just donated to a GoFundMe for some kids that are friends of my kids. Their apartment complex caught on fire and they lost everything. Pretty rough for some 20 something-year-old kids to deal with. I like the effect of the outro.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Oh man that’s awful!!! Great of you to offer help though. Hey thanks! Congratulations, I’ll bet you’re one of only a a handful that watches to the very end!

[@HomeWithTheBuffingtons]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead Probably because I hope that viewers watch my videos entirely as well. what is that saying? do unto others as you would have them do unto you or something like that? I know it helps your channel with YT.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

@@HomeWithTheBuffingtons yessir! All the channels I watch, I let their videos play all the way through… ads and all. I know how much work they put it. I thank them however I can.

[@susanelliott1970]

Have fun with the atv and hope your wife is healing quickly.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks Susan!

[@timberray9572]

WD 40 will get that tape residue off, I also have a 500HO and it gets used mostly for hauling a homebuilt 4x6ft trailer loaded with firewood and plowing snow. I have a few vidjas if your interested, I have none of me snow plowing yet but they will be coming up.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks! Yeah I used that “goof off” stuff and it worked great! I really like these machines so far.

[@DanKlein_1]

I have that breaking system on my side by side. It is convenient and a nice safety feature. When an inexperienced driver is using it, it is nice going down a hill that the machine slows down rather than speeds up. Also, it is more of a pain when you live on a hill like I do to worry as I go down my drive and I am messing with cargo or a dog, whatever, I can just let off the throttle and be safe whereas if I had something that free wheeled downhill I would pick up speed and have to worry about breaking. Hope you find it useful when you get used to it.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Do you have a ranger? Im thinking I see one in my future, for the dump bed and having a passenger alone, I think they’re worth their weight in gold.

[@DanKlein_1]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead in 2018 I bought a used 2016 yamaha viking SE that has the braking system and the electronic power steering. (EPS). 3 seater. (1 row seating). It is a bit loud though even with an add on silencer for the muffler I bought afterward. My brother has the big 2 row seating kawasaki mule and it is a much quieter machine. only thing about ours that I can say I mind. Not overbearing and probably fixed since 2016 but if I could change anything, that would be it.

[@Hammerback0]

I have the EBS on my sportsman 500, I like it, but, apparently it the EBS is actually the clutch, many people complain that the EBS clutch has wearable washers or spacers of some sort in it, therefore if and when they replace the clutch they go with the non EBS clutch. My thinking is, 15 years out of an atv clutch would be fine with me, I wouldn’t complain if mine went after that long.

[@levicarrol9401]

love my ebs on my four four wheeler

[@footplate0]

Now is the time to fit an alarm/immobiliser to it and also some sort of post that is set in concrete that you can chain it to. You really want to have 3 lines of defence to stop the "kids/joy riders" from taking it. You will never stop the hardened criminal but you can stop the kids. As always thanks for posting

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Yeah Im going a little overboard with security this time

[@TBone1234561]

Nice looking quad! Love a polaris have owned one all my life the 2 strokes all chain drive 4x4 on demand were the best of my opinion but just got an 02 that was in the hurricane got hit by a tree but held up pretty good got frame work to do but if there's a will there's a way! Also invest in a 3/8 m18 as well I use all milwaukee at the shop some kobalt the 24v kobold 3/8 is also a great choice get 4 a.h. battery with it my battery regularly used at the shop lasts almost 2 weeks also love the organization and box!

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thank you! Im kind of chomping at the bit to build a shop soon… as organized as I am - Im still a fish out of water without a shop. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@bugler6447]

The difference between the H O and the standard machine is the H O has bigger carb and cam.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thank you. I recently learned about the larger cam, didn’t know the carb was upsized. Is it the same carb as the regular sportsman- just jetted differently?

[@frankiemclain8996]

How do I get the front axle out of my 2003 Polaris 4 whiller 4 by 4

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Ive not done it myself yet but Ive heard mention of a c-clip that has to be removed. Cant confirm though

[@IanKeith1]

In your opinion, stock exhaust. Do you feel like it’s quiet?

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Its more quiet than the little Yamaha Bear Tracker 250 I used to have but I wouldn’t say its real quiet compared to some newer machines

[@Truthandlight66]

Awesome! Congrats on the new machine :) can always get bigger racks for the back instead of messing with the wiring. Or a yard cart? Be safe.

[@Truthandlight66]

Oh and prayers and hugs to all :)

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Thanks for the kind words, Melissa. Yes, we have a dump cart that we found for $20 at a yard sale and refurbished a while back! Its been great around here. Its in an older video of ours I believe.

[@gregj2647]

I think you’ll like the bigger atv and you’ll be able to do more with it. I carburetor overhaul might be needed and you should be set for a long time. 👍

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

I had thought that too, but he had an OE carb installed about 6 months ago! I dont know what type of gas he was running but Ive since filled with non-ethanol. Yeah, it definitely has a lot more power and (not that this is important) but the thing is FAST!

[@gregj2647]

@@HiddenCreekHomestead fuel type may make a difference. If he replaced the carb, then one would assume that he also replaced the fuel filter and spark plug. I’d run it for awhile before doing anything major. Could just be the engine.

[@robertmckinnon2832]

Only problem on them, bushings are plastic and wear often

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Yeah, I grease fairly often as Ive heard the same

[@bugler6447]

standard sportsman 500 has I believe a 38 m carb and the H O has a 40.

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Awesome thank you!

[@jaywinters2483]

i watched it until the music started. now im exiting out. wanted to hear your machine, not your empty-head music

[@HiddenCreekHomestead]

Cool. Well thanks for making another view count and helping the algorithm by commenting! Appreciate the help!