UTV Opinions/Advice Solicited

[alldaysit]

I know you can buy front racks, cargo storage for the roll bar, rear boxes, etc for the Pioneer 500. I've also read of people putting 26" tires on the Honda for lift compared to the factory 24's. The Pioneer 500 is less than 50" wide.

My family has a Razr and a Ranger. I took the Pioneer 500 for a test drive, and although much slower, it felt like it was what I wanted - something to do work for me and haul my daughter safely while we enjoy the land; with minimal maintenance. We've also had a Honda Rincon for 11 years and have only had to change oil and clean the air filters. I've had the outlander for 4 years and it now needs a head gasket and a new belt, and all the rubber transitions to the belt housing. And it only has 1300 miles on it. Can't wait to get one next year.


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[SIL hunter]

I have a gas golf cart lifted with bigger tires on it, you would be surprised what they do. Mine has a flip up rear seat that can ride 4 or be a bed. We have some pretty good hills on our ground and it will haul 4 adults up them no problem. Also a whole lot cheaper than a utv.

 

[Boll Weevil]

I swapped out the stock tires for 26s, added front/rear racks, a jumpseat and rear roll bar. Again, only had it a year but couldn't ask for a better multi-purpose UTV. Work, joyride, hunt, haul...hasn't given me a bit of trouble and has exceeded all expectations.

 

[buckdeer1]

Which ever you go with start googleing rebates and special deal a month or 2 before purchase and find out when the year end deals are.I ended up with an extra 250.00 for accessories,an extended warranty and an extra cash off rebate for my Polaris.the dealer said they didn't even know about them

 

[yoderjac]

I know you can buy front racks, cargo storage for the roll bar, rear boxes, etc for the Pioneer 500. I've also read of people putting 26" tires on the Honda for lift compared to the factory 24's. The Pioneer 500 is less than 50" wide.

My family has a Razr and a Ranger. I took the Pioneer 500 for a test drive, and although much slower, it felt like it was what I wanted - something to do work for me and haul my daughter safely while we enjoy the land; with minimal maintenance. We've also had a Honda Rincon for 11 years and have only had to change oil and clean the air filters. I've had the outlander for 4 years and it now needs a head gasket and a new belt, and all the rubber transitions to the belt housing. And it only has 1300 miles on it. Can't wait to get one next year.


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Do you have a link for the front racks? The only front rack I could find for the 500 was listed for year 2014 only.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[alldaysit]

Do you have a link for the front racks? The only front rack I could find for the 500 was listed for year 2014 only.

Thanks,

Jack

The 2014 should fit the new 2017 models.

Rear cargo rack:
http://www.sidebysidesports.com/p500-08l79-hl5-a00.html

Front basket:
http://strongmade.com/252-front-basket-rack-for-honda-pioneer-500.html

Front rack that I think would work:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/231307928071






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[yoderjac]

The 2014 should fit the new 2017 models.

Rear cargo rack:
http://www.sidebysidesports.com/p500-08l79-hl5-a00.html

Front basket:
http://strongmade.com/252-front-basket-rack-for-honda-pioneer-500.html

Front rack that I think would work:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/231307928071






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Thanks. I had seen the front basket and rear rack, but not the front rack. Your link for ebay must have expired. It showed nothing. The front rack I saw was from FUSE. When I went to their website, it said that it fits 2014 models. It seems odd to me that they would not update the website to include other model years it fits (if it does). I would think that would significantly increase sales as I'm sure there are other folks like me that would be reluctant to order something that did not say it would fit my make and model.

Just to provide folks with an update. I've been mulling this over for a little while now and I doubt I'll do anything until at least after this hunting season unless forced. When I was at the farm this weekend I took some more measurements. I now believe the 700 will fit in my current ATV shed. While I really like the narrow mobility of the 500 (and lower price), the way I use it, I think the 700 with the dump bed would hold up better to my primary use. I'm also thinking that I may be able to extend the life of my current ATV if I limit it to hunting use. This doesn't address noise with hunting applications, but I'm beginning to believe that no one vehicle will serve all of my purposes well.

So, new question for anyone familiar with the Honda Pioneer:

As I understand it, there are two significant differences besides the price between the 700 and 700 deluxe, Manual Electric Shifting and Electronic Power Steering that the Deluxe models has but are absent in the Base model. I'd like to hear opinions on how much benefit folks find either of these. Do you find them worth the increased price tag on the Deluxe?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Kenny]

I bought a used Kubota rtv 900 for $6k. It's not fast but is a beast. I couldn't be happier.

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[Booner21]

Everyone that I have ever talked to once driving a machine with power steering will never go back. The rangers are very popular here with EPS I would lean towards it if The pocket book allows

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[swat1018]

I had a mule 2510, now have 2 Jap mini trucks. Couldn't be happier, especially they way I use them.

 

[TreeDaddy]

Jack,

what did you decide?

bill

 

[yoderjac]

Bill,

I have not yet made a decision. I'm still doing some research. Here is my current thinking. The silent running was a love to have, not a need to have. With all the issues guys seem to have with EV, I've decided to pass on that for now. I've convinced myself there is no single unit that can do everything. UTVs that are hefty enough to handle my work load are not small and nimble enough to be good at deer retrieval.

The thing that is really killing my Kawasaki is the heavy work load I put on it. I'm now thinking that if I only use it for hunting, I can get quite a few years out of it. So, I'm now looking to buy a UTV specifically for working on the farm. I probably won't get serious until after the hunting season. Right now, the Honda Pioneer 700 deluxe is at the top of my list. I'll probably start test driving right after the season this winter.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[yoderjac]

I dropped my Kubota b2400 off at the dealer for service today. They also sell Honda ATVs. I checked out the Pioneer 700s. I did not take the time to test drive them, but I did sit in one. It is tight but I do fit. Seems like a nice dealership. They don't add setup transportation fees.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[yoderjac]

I'm resurrecting this old thread from 2017. Things have changed and technology has moved forward. My old Kawasaki Prairie 600 is nearing end of life. I had a bunch of carb work done. It has been back twice already in the last year. It keep back firing and eventually won't start. Hunting season is just around the corner and it is out of commission again. I hope to get it back into the shop soon, but they are booked.

So, I'm back looking at UTV alternatives and I'd really like to go electric. The way I use an ATV/UTV range is unimportant. I use it to carry tools, supplies, and stuff out to work on the pine farm out of season and for hunting during the season. I'm looking to go UTV simply because it will be easier to use as I get older.

So, I've started to do a dive into electric UTVs. I'm not finding much out there in terms of actual real user reviews. I'm having a hard time even finding dealers nearby that have them in stock. I plan to drive a couple hours tomorrow to a bass pro that has a 2020 Tracker EV (Textron Prowler). It seems like that and the Polaris Ranger are really the only two with service locally. I did stop at the Polaris dealer today on the way to the farm. They said they stopped stocking the EVs a few years ago because of all of the problems they were having with them. He wouldn't be specific about the issues. The talked about drive train issues and batteries discharging vaguely.

One of my concerns is the lead acid batteries. I've had a lot of experience with lead acid and if they stay discharged for any length of time, their life span is considerably shortened by sulfination. You can leave them plugged in to a smart charger, but then you need to check and manage the electrolyte often. Performance specs seem to be ho-hum for most. Not that I need high performance. I'm not trail riding for thrills. I just putter along, but there are times when I need to go through the woods or fairly rough terrain.

Hopefully, they will get my ATV back up and running before the season and I can post-pone a decision until next year. I understand Polaris has been teasing an all new electric UTV this year, but it won't even be unveiled until December. Given current supply chain issues, who knows how long it would be to even test drive one.

If any of you have purchased and EV UTV in the last couple years, I'd love to here your experiences with it!

Thanks,

Jack

 

[BC Buck]

I hate lead acid battery's and stay as far away as possible. This is a bad time to be looking but if I do it all over again will stick with Honda!

 

[4wanderingeyes]

Jack, usually back fires mean time to adjust valves. Pretty easy to do. YouTube, or Google will walk you through it in a couple hours. It will take you longer to remove plastic then adjust the valves.

 

[yoderjac]

Jack, usually back fires mean time to adjust valves. Pretty easy to do. YouTube, or Google will walk you through it in a couple hours. It will take you longer to remove plastic then adjust the valves.

Thanks, but I think there is something else going on. It ahs been back in the shop with a mechanic working on it several. He gets it working. It ran reasonably well this summer and then it starts again. I'm sure he has adjusted the valves and such. The thing is about 20 years old now, so I'm just hoping he can get it running dependably for this hunting season. I'm sure, even though it might be easy, and amateur like me can make things worse.

 

[Booner21]

I have an older stealth and a lifted Yamaha absolutely love them. Batteries get replaced about every 5-6 years for me to the time of about 1200. You can do a lithium conversion and not have to deal with sla but you can get into quite a bit of money. You may be able to get a 2 wheel drive golf cart mild lift and 48v some decent tires and get through just about anything you should be going through. Maybe an ezgo with a bed. There are a lot of gremlins in the older bad boy stealth textron etc and parts are almost impossible to find.

I have never been stranded with an electric vehicle but they get plugged in every night no exceptions.

Good luck with your search.
Any my stealth in 4 wheel drive will go anywhere my mule will go, due to the torque in an electric motor.

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[yoderjac]

Well, my 2 hour drive one way today was a bust. The only upside was that the bass pro I went to did have some ultrasonic gun parts cleaner that I needed. I took a look at the UTV. It was a 2020 without the independent suspension. The web site inventory show it to be a 2020 Tracker Ev camo for $10,899 base with $239 in options and $550 in freight for a total of $11,688. Well, it had all kinds of options on it and was priced over $13K plus freight! It was in the store. I asked if I could take it in the parking lot and test drive it. They said "no way". The guy told me that he wont' get another one until he sells this one. Well, if they won't let folks test drive it, I have no idea how they think they are going to sell it. I asked if they charge the batteries from time to time. He said, no, it has been sitting here on display since we got it.

With my battery concerns, and no ability to test drive it, it is a solid no-go. He said he could order me a new one but the wait time is 6 months. So, I think I'm going to hobble by with what I have for this year. I can always take my truck out to hunt if I need to and I can use FEL on the tractor for deer retrieval if necessary. Hopefully, they will get my ATV running.

At this point, I think I wait for the full specs on the new Polaris. It is supposed to be unveiled in December. If the facts are anywhere close to the hype and the cost is not outrageous, I'll take a hard look at it.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Triple C]

Well, my 2 hour drive one way today was a bust. The only upside was that the bass pro I went to did have some ultrasonic gun parts cleaner that I needed. I took a look at the UTV. It was a 2020 without the independent suspension. The web site inventory show it to be a 2020 Tracker Ev camo for $10,899 base with $239 in options and $550 in freight for a total of $11,688. Well, it had all kinds of options on it and was priced over $13K plus freight! It was in the store. I asked if I could take it in the parking lot and test drive it. They said "no way". The guy told me that he wont' get another one until he sells this one. Well, if they won't let folks test drive it, I have no idea how they think they are going to sell it. I asked if they charge the batteries from time to time. He said, no, it has been sitting here on display since we got it.

With my battery concerns, and no ability to test drive it, it is a solid no-go. He said he could order me a new one but the wait time is 6 months. So, I think I'm going to hobble by with what I have for this year. I can always take my truck out to hunt if I need to and I can use FEL on the tractor for deer retrieval if necessary. Hopefully, they will get my ATV running.

At this point, I think I wait for the full specs on the new Polaris. It is supposed to be unveiled in December. If the facts are anywhere close to the hype and the cost is not outrageous, I'll take a hard look at it.

Thanks,

Jack

Jack - Regarding the Tracker EV, a very good friend of mine has owned one for more than 2 years. 4WD version. Not a single issue with it. He purchased at Cabela's. I"ve looked at them and really like them. If and when I buy a new one that particular one will be on my short list. I own a custom built E-Z GO I purchased new in 2012. 4WD, locking rear differential and upgraded electronics. It's in the shop with instructions to go through it with a fine tooth comb and replace/repair anything that's worn. Putting my 2nd set of new Trojan batteries in it as well. I expect to get 5 years out of the batteries and spend approximately $2K including new batteries and repairs. It's been a tank. I'm at the farm most every weekend and it's my go to vehicle for cruising around and light work. I love EV's. Not sure the cost comparison in fuel/oil/tune-ups for gassers compared to EV. But, in 10 years, I've never had to go to the store to buy gas. Very convenient.

Other EV's I own:
QuietKat Trike. Had it since 2014. Overpriced. Wouldn't consider another. Son still uses it to go to and from stand.
E-Bike. Off brand from China I ordered from a guy on this forum that imports them from China. I've owned for 3 years. Love this thing until late winter when the interior roads become wet and soggy and don't dry out. My go to for going to and from stand.

Gassers: 2013 Polaris Diesel. Tank. Won't ever get rid of it. It's the work horse at the farm but you can hear it coming from a mile away. Son has a diesel tank on his truck to supply his grading equipment so haven't had to drive to purchase fuel for it which is the reason I bought a diesel.

Cool EV's if money were not an issue:
Polaris lithium powered side-by-side.
Greenworks Commerical lithium side-by-side.

At any rate, just a few thoughts from someone that's owned several different units. Again, love the EVs for cruising around and hunting. Best of luck to you in your search.