Polaris Sportsman Big Boss Is a Six-Wheeled Pack Mule

ATVs & UTVs  /   /  By Dale Spangler

Property maintenance is a daily necessity for farmers, ranchers, and other landowners. Vehicles like the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 800 6×6 Big Boss ATV recently for sale on eBay can make the difference between an expletive-laden job experience and cool, calm, and collected efficiency.

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A Sportsman 800 6×6 is a task-tackling pack mule 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 6×6 ATV concept and the Big Boss name date to 1989 and Polaris’ first Big Boss 250 6×6. 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.

2013 Polaris Sportsman 800 6x6 BIG BOSS -right side - dump up

Polaris re-introduced the Big Boss moniker with the 2013 Sportsman 800 EFI 6×6, the same model as the super-clean machine in this listing.

What gives the Polaris Sportsman 800 6×6 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 6×6’s useful technical features include its 6×6 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 6×6 Big Boss is an entire foot longer than most standard ATVs.

2013 Polaris Sportsman 800 6x6 BIG BOSS dump bed up front rearPolaris 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 6×6’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.

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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.

Rear suspension, frame and driveline.

A few add-ons that give this Big Boss even more attributes for the selling price include:

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Serious Work Vehicle

A Polaris 6×6 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.

Polaris 800 6x6 BIG BOSS - right rear profile

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About the Author

Dale Spangler, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, was introduced to two wheels at eight and began racing motocross at 12. After chasing his professional motocross racer dream in the 1990s, he moved to a career in the powersports industry. That’s where he spent the last 30 years as a writer, marketing specialist, content creator, and podcast host.