Property maintenance is a daily necessity for farmers, ranchers, and other landowners. Vehicles like the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss ATV recently listed on eBay can make the difference between an expletive-laden job experience and cool, calm, and collected efficiency.
item 1 of 17
A Sportsman 800 6x6 is a task-tackling pack mule - opens in new window or tab. that loads, hauls, and dumps payloads efficiently. It’s for those who prefer an ATV/quad-style machine with motorcycle-style handlebars and a saddle rather than today's ubiquitous and more car-like UTV/SxS machines.
Be Your Own Boss
The 6x6 ATV concept and the Big Boss name date to 1989 and Polaris’ first Big Boss 250 6x6. Big Boss appeared in model names through the late 1990s and returned in 2013 when Polaris recognized it had a reputation among utility-focused customers for reliable, workhorse vehicles.
Polaris re-introduced the Big Boss moniker with the 2013 Sportsman 800 EFI 6x6, the same model as the super-clean machine in this listing.
What gives the Polaris Sportsman 800 6x6 its workhorse reputation? This is a purpose-built utility vehicle. There won't be any weekend time trials or trail ripping with this beast. It's big. It's built for work. Full stop.
Six-Wheel Drive
The Sportsman 800 6x6’s useful technical features include its 6x6 drivetrain, torquey twin-cylinder engine, and cargo capacity. Full-time six-wheel drive and tandem rear axles provide traction in loose, muddy—or any—conditions while delivering better load distribution. At a whopping 94 inches, the Sportsman 800 6x6 Big Boss is an entire foot longer than most standard ATVs.
Polaris installed a 760-cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder EFI engine to push that extra length (and weight) forward. It is tuned for low-end grunt, not speed. The standard electronic fuel injection provides reliable cold-weather starts and consistent performance at elevation. This is especially helpful for those living where the air is thin.
The 6x6's tilting rear dump bed can carry up to 800 pounds. An additional 1,500 pounds of towing capacity is available at the rear hitch. The composite front rack and rear dump bed have integrated tie-down points for securing cargo.
Plush Yet Stable
The ATV’s suspension consists of front McPherson struts and independent suspension on both rear axles. The system delivers a plush yet stable ride when hauling heavy loads. The Big Boss may not be nimble, but it is a stable and reliable workhorse made for getting things done.
A few add-ons that give this Big Boss even more attributes for the selling price include:
- Polaris 3,500-pound winch - opens in new window or tab. with winch controller on handlebars
- Front rack extender
- 2-inch rear UTV hitch - opens in new window or tab.
Serious Work Vehicle
A Polaris 6x6 Big Boss as clean as this one seems like a steal for landowners and those seeking a serious all-season work vehicle. The Sportsman 800 Big Boss splits the difference between ATV and UTV in one robust package. It combines ATV-style rideability with UTV-level utility and carrying capacity. With only 520 miles of running time and the original OEM tires, this Big Boss has a lot of work ahead of it.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.