I have a Polaris 500 sportsman 4 stroke and a Polaris 400L 2 stroke.
I think you would appreciate the 4 stroke much more than the 2 stroke as the 2 stroke is much more tuned to fun than work and there are some maint issues to look for when buying a used 2 stroke polaris. The Sportsman is a real workhorse, the HI-LOW-REV variable trans in the sportsman is a great thing for us older guys as you just hit the throttle and go, no shifting to mess with.
When you do any towing or dragging of animals you will want to put it in low range to save wear on the belt. I do a lot of riding in remote areas so I replace the trans belt every 2 years to avoid any problems but I also have been told I'm anal about maint. on my machines.
I think any of the main brands with a 4 stroke would suit you fine, just look for it to be taken care of because if you don't do your own work some machines will be cost prohibitive to fix.
Just remember good maint is key to a dependable quad no matter what the brand.
