Arctic Cat Mud Pro 700 [2009 - 2016]: A Mud Warrior Tested Beyond Limits
Introduction
The Arctic Cat Mud Pro 700 isn’t just an ATV—it’s a declaration of war against terrain that would send lesser machines whimpering back to the pavement. Produced from 2009 to 2016, this generation carved its reputation as a no-compromise mud specialist, built to tackle swamps, rocky trails, and water crossings with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. With features like factory-installed snorkels, aggressive tires, and a bulldog-like stance, the Mud Pro 700 was designed to be the ultimate off-road accomplice. But how does it hold up under real-world abuse? I took a 2014 Limited EPS model through its paces in a weekend of soggy, axle-deep chaos to find out.
Design and Build: Rugged by Default
Exterior and Chassis
The Mud Pro 700’s design screams purpose. Its steel bumpers—front and rear—aren’t just for show; they’re battering rams for bushes, rocks, and whatever else dares block its path. The snorkel system, rising like a periscope from the front rack, signals this machine’s amphibious ambitions. By 2014, Arctic Cat upgraded the bodywork with automotive-grade paint (available in bold greens, oranges, and blacks), which resists scratches better than typical ATV finishes.
Standout features include:
- Beadlock wheels (post-2012 models): These keep tires glued to rims even at ultra-low pressures, critical for gripping slick terrain.
- Integrated winch: A 3,000-lb Warn® winch comes standard on many trims—a lifeline when you’re buried up to the axles.
- SpeedRacks: Front and rear racks haul up to 45 kg (100 lbs) and 90 kg (200 lbs) respectively, with a towing capacity of 476 kg (1,050 lbs).
Ergonomics and Practicality
Climbing onto the Mud Pro 700 feels like mounting a tractor—it’s tall, wide (47.5 inches/1,207 mm), and unapologetically heavy at 362 kg (800 lbs). But the seat is generously padded, and the handlebars fall naturally to hand. Later models (2012 onward) added Electronic Power Steering (EPS), a game-changer that reduces arm fatigue during marathon rides. The analog/digital dash is basic but legible, showing speed, fuel, and 4WD status. Storage? Forget it—this isn’t a grocery getter. But the 21.6L (5.7-gallon) fuel tank ensures you won’t be stranded.
Engine and Performance: Torque for Days
The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the Mud Pro 700 lies a 695cc (42.4 cu-in) single-cylinder four-stroke engine—a configuration chosen for simplicity and low-end grunt. Liquid cooling keeps temps in check during slow, muddy crawls, while EFI delivers crisp throttle response even in altitude. Don’t expect sport-ATV speeds; this mill is all about torque. Arctic Cat’s CVT automatic transmission pairs seamlessly, offering High/Low ranges and reverse.
Key numbers:
- Bore x Stroke: 102 x 85 mm (4.0 x 3.3 in)—a square design favoring torque over top-end.
- Driveline: On-the-fly 2WD/4WD with a differential lock. Engage 4WD, and the front wheels bite like a hungry gator.
On the Trail
In practice, the Mud Pro 700 is a slow, unstoppable force. Throttle response is immediate, and the CVT never hunts for ratios—even when clawing up a 45-degree sludge hill. The engine’s 42 horsepower won’t win drag races, but it’s enough to drag you through waist-deep mud or tow a trailer of firewood. Noise? It’s there, but the exhaust note is a satisfying burble rather than a raspy scream.
Handling and Off-Road Capability: Where It Earns Its Name
Suspension and Tires
Double A-arm suspension on both ends provides 254 mm (10 inches) of travel—enough to absorb logs and ruts without spilling your coffee. Ground clearance sits at 356 mm (14 inches), letting you straddle rocks that high-center lesser quads.
The star of the show, though, is the 28-inch Maxxis Zilla tires (2011+ models). These directional treads act like paddles in mud, throwing rooster tails of dirt with every spin. At 10 PSI, they balloon to create a massive footprint, floating over terrain that swallows smaller tires.
Mud, Water, and Mayhem
I tested the Mud Pro in a reclaimed mining area turned mud pit. In 4WD-Low, it crawled through axle-deep muck without hesitation. The differential lock, engaged via a dash button, eliminated wheel spin on side slopes. The snorkel? It works—I forded a 76 cm (30-inch) deep creek without a hiccup. Winching out a stuck Jeep Wrangler felt almost too easy.
Weak spots? The sheer weight makes it a handful on tight, technical trails. And while the brakes (hydraulic discs front/rear) are adequate, they’re overwhelmed during downhill mud slides.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Workhorse, Not Show Pony
Ride Quality
The Mud Pro prioritizes durability over plushness. The suspension is stiff, transmitting every rock and root to your spine at low speeds. But once you’re moving faster, it smooths out predictably. The EPS (on 2012+ models) is a revelation—steering effort drops by 70%, making it feasible to maneuver in tight spots or during long days.
Practical Touches
- Handlebars: Wide and upright, with a rubber damped grip to reduce vibration.
- Footrests: Serrated metal plates that shed mud and grip boots.
- Lighting: Dual halogen headlights (pre-2015) punch through pre-dawn fog adequately.
Competition: How It Stacks Up
Yamaha Grizzly 700
The Grizzly matches the Mud Pro’s engine size but leans toward all-around utility. It’s lighter (320 kg/705 lbs) and nimbler, with a superior Ultramatic transmission. However, it lacks factory snorkels and the Mud Pro’s out-of-the-box mud tires. For pure swamp dominance, the Arctic Cat wins.
Can-Am Outlander 650
Can-Am’s Rotax engine is smoother and more powerful (52 hp vs. 42 hp), and the Outlander’s suspension is plusher. But the Mud Pro’s rugged extras (winch, bumpers) add value for hardcore users. Can-Am also sits higher in price, pushing budget-minded riders toward Arctic Cat.
Polaris Sportsman 800
Polaris’s 800cc twin-cylinder engine outmuscles the Mud Pro, and its AWD system is more refined. But the Sportsman’s reliability in submerged conditions is questionable—snorkels aren’t standard. The Mud Pro is the safer bet for dedicated mudders.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Critical Upkeep Tips
- Belt Drive: The CVT belt is vulnerable to mud and heat. Inspect it every 100 hours; replace with MOTOPARTS.store’s high-temp aftermarket belts for longer life.
- Snorkel System: Check airbox seals regularly. A failed seal can hydrolock the engine—costly!
- Brakes: Flush hydraulic fluid annually. Upgrade to MOTOPARTS.store’s sintered pads for better wet performance.
- Suspension: Lubricate A-arm bushings every 50 hours to prevent squeaks and wear.
- Tires: Maxxis Zillas wear quickly on hardpack. Consider MOTOPARTS.store’s hybrid treads for mixed use.
Recommended Upgrades
- Winch Line: Swap the steel cable for synthetic rope (lighter, safer).
- Lighting: LED light bars from MOTOPARTS.store improve night visibility.
- Armor: Add skid plates for rocky terrain.
Final Verdict
The Arctic Cat Mud Pro 700 isn’t the fastest, lightest, or most comfortable ATV. But for riders who live where trails are measured in mud depth and winch pulls, it’s a legend. Its factory-ready extras and unkillable engine make it a rare breed—a machine that works as hard as you do. And with the right upgrades from MOTOPARTS.store, it’ll outlast the apocalypse.
