Side by side UTV's

[teejk]

I don't think you can go wrong either way between your choices. All of these machines these days seem pretty darn capable of what the average person uses it for.

Just out of curiosity, why are you so concerned with the dealer? Are you planning on going back and forth there on a regular basis? I am just trying to understand why the dealer has such an importance in your decision, not putting it down or anything, just wondering if there is a reason you haven't mentioned yet?

Maybe I'm a little cynical in thinking many things are engineered to keep the dealer service department in business (seems that's true for trucks and autos anyway). Apart from normal maintenance parts and accessories, the dealer location is only a big concern for the duration of the warranty. On-line shopping is great but sometimes it's nice to actually see the product first. I'm capable of fixing most things myself but the "fine-print" on so many of them now will void the warranty if a DYI'er goofs something up. If I go Honda I'll pick up a few oil filters and put them on the shelf next to all the other oil filters.

 

[EddieWalker]

Just out of curiosity, why are you so concerned with the dealer? Are you planning on going back and forth there on a regular basis? I am just trying to understand why the dealer has such an importance in your decision, not putting it down or anything, just wondering if there is a reason you haven't mentioned yet?

I can only speak for myself. In my experience, I break things, they wear out, and sometimes, you just need help in fixing what's broke. I'm fortunate in that I have good dealer support for 4 out of five tractors, and also in my Kawasaki Mule. I've been to every dealer that I own equipment from and the good ones have always had what I needed, or told me where they go to get a better deal. Kawasaki has performed warrantee work on my smog system years after it was out of warrantee without even bringing it up. They said the original system was flawed and it's their fault regardless of how long it took to need fixing.

I guess it all comes down to how much and how hard you use what you buy.

 

[Piston]

Maybe I'm a little cynical in thinking many things are engineered to keep the dealer service department in business (seems that's true for trucks and autos anyway). Apart from normal maintenance parts and accessories, the dealer location is only a big concern for the duration of the warranty. On-line shopping is great but sometimes it's nice to actually see the product first. I'm capable of fixing most things myself but the "fine-print" on so many of them now will void the warranty if a DYI'er goofs something up. If I go Honda I'll pick up a few oil filters and put them on the shelf next to all the other oil filters.

Nothin wrong with that. I was just curious, thanks for the reply. Interested to see which way you end up going. I agree that the full size side by sides like the 1000 really are LARGE. Especially when you get into the crew cab style.

Eddie, I'm like you, I use my stuff HARD, and usually beyond what it's designed for I'm lucky in that I have 6 months of vacation a year so I don't mind having to drive an extra hour once in a while when needed, so I don't put much weight into the dealer. From your posts, I know you really work your equipment as well.


teejk,
Do you plan on using the side by side for snowplowing at all? That is one of the things I'm considering a major use for it. I figure for any large storms I would use the tractor, but I think it would be fun to plow with a heated cab and my boys sitting next to me. For plowing, I assume the heavier the better, in addition to low range would be an advantage.

 

[teejk]

Nothin wrong with that. I was just curious, thanks for the reply. Interested to see which way you end up going. I agree that the full size side by sides like the 1000 really are LARGE. Especially when you get into the crew cab style.

Eddie, I'm like you, I use my stuff HARD, and usually beyond what it's designed for I'm lucky in that I have 6 months of vacation a year so I don't mind having to drive an extra hour once in a while when needed, so I don't put much weight into the dealer. From your posts, I know you really work your equipment as well.


teejk,
Do you plan on using the side by side for snowplowing at all? That is one of the things I'm considering a major use for it. I figure for any large storms I would use the tractor, but I think it would be fun to plow with a heated cab and my boys sitting next to me. For plowing, I assume the heavier the better, in addition to low range would be an advantage.

Piston...I have learned (the hard way) that plowing snow with ANYTHING will shorten its life. We pay the town $75/season to keep the driveway cleared. When I had my old Ford (1969 or so and probably pre-dated the "F") with a Western plow I spent that on repairs every year so the town option is the best deal going as long as they continue to offer it. I'm finally getting back to putting my old 1250 CubCadet back together and have a plow for that to clean-up the front of the shop. For the small garage apron attached to the house we have 3 snow blowers (only need one but never know which one is going to start).

 

[ovrszd]

Ford "F" started in the early fifties.

I think you are doing a great job of thinking thru this. Stick with your gut instincts.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I didn't think the Honda has a real mechanical 6 speed tranny? I was thinking it's hydraulic drive and just pushed fluid through 6 different size holes to simulate shifting?

That's the way the Honda tranny was presented to me that I "think" is in the 1000, but I'm NOT positive.

For my money, Kubota has about the best work tranny and Yamaha has the best for everything else where more speed is wanted... It's NOT a belt burner like the others...

SR

 

[ultrarunner]

When I looked at Honda it was explained as a dual cone paddle shift gear transmission... I know Ford uses this on the "Auto" Fiesta and has had tons of issues...

There were a few Honda problems reported when it first came out with the trans...

 

[DieselBound]

I paid $1000 for my Samurai and worth every penny... had it almost 20 years and ZERO repairs... just use if off road mostly and to pickup fuel for the equipment.

I'd love to have one. I'd put in a VW ALH TDI motor

I paid just about as much for our Polaris Brutus (older demo model, it was a LOT cheaper than new) as I did for our two, used, VW TDIs! Every time I think of this I feel kind of stupid; but, I was able to do so because I bought used cars; the UTV is used a LOT (on the property).

To the OP: figure terrain. Pay attention to ground clearance. I'm not one to be focused on going the fastest, but if that's what you want then pay attention there: there's always a limit on how fast one can go- on my property you're not going to be going fast, regardless of the suspension (the suspension on the Brutus is pretty decent, I think better than all the other work UTVs]). I believe that there's narrow trails that limit vehicle width (less than full width UTVs), so if you're wanting to go on them then you're going to have to go with one of the mid-sized UTVs. I studied everything, starting from electric golf cars (and outfitting them with independent up-front electric motors for 4wd) to Polaris electric and then to gasoline UTVs and I liked the Hondas the most, but they didn't have a real cab setup for their smaller UTV so I went back in the Polaris direction (I think their cab system is pretty good) and stumbled across the demo diesel (I am a tractor guy, so slow things are just fine by me ).

 

[ProjectKing]

I didn't think the Honda has a real mechanical 6 speed tranny? I was thinking it's hydraulic drive and just pushed fluid through 6 different size holes to simulate shifting?

That's the way the Honda tranny was presented to me that I "think" is in the 1000, but I'm NOT positive.

For my money, Kubota has about the best work tranny and Yamaha has the best for everything else where more speed is wanted... It's NOT a belt burner like the others...

SR

That's incorrect. The Pioneer 1000 uses a geared 6 speed transmission with dual clutches. This is the same system that many automobiles use.

Also Honda has used this same transmission design on 4wheelers.

 

[Code54]

The Hondas are nice UTV's. I have however noticed a few complaints about the 1000 ingesting water and causing engine damage so you may want to check into that. (no personal knowledge just some internet chatter on the Honda sites)
I personally owned a Pioneer 500 and it was a good machine, ended up selling it because we use our Mule FXT all the time and while the 500 was good at trail riding it was just too light for other tasks. We have owned several ATV's, a mule 300, Rhino 660, Rhino 700, the Pioneer and the Mule FXT. The FXT has been the best hands down (and I really liked the Rhino's) TONS of torque, good ride, lots of space and just plain well made. While it is belt drive I can say it is impressive. Have loaded it with wood to the top of the roll bars, towed 1500lbs trailers up STEEP trails, and have taken it in 12" deep snow to rescue neighbors that were stuck in a 4x4 truck all with out any problems or having the belt slip once. Not really fast but is fine for me and the family.

 

[DieselBound]

Bought a 2016 Polaris Ranger Crew 570XP-6 this spring. By your description I wondered if you were looking for a midsize. The full size version has much more leg room. But is wider. Plenty of power and you will like the turf mode. Basically it has an electric locker in the rear end. Open differential and locked. I run open 80% of the time.

2 complaints (actually thinks I would change to make it better)
1. A parking brake. It has park in transmission but when parking on steeper hills and winching I'd like a parking brake to relieve the stress on transmission.
2. A mid range. Low tops about 7-10mph. High about 50. I find high is too high and low is to slow.

Bought it for work. Over 400 miles since April. But with a wife and 2 boys, I couldn't see buying a 2 or 3 seater. The crew makes it longer and less maneuverable but you do get used to it.

Happy shopping.

The parking brake issue really is a pain. On my Brutus if you don't put the gear selector in park when you shut it off it's a pain to restart: I end up rocking it around to get it to free up. Lots of folks complaining about this. Not a show-stopper though.

There is ample space in the full size. I actually wanted something smaller for the wife, but things just ended up going in this direction: no one seems to offer adjustable seats, so it didn't matter if mid-sized or full-sized I was stuck with her having to reach (with the hydrostatic trans the reverse pedal is readily reachable for her, so at least that's a plus).

My HST does maybe 7mph in low (I think it's supposed to be 10mph or so) and 25 to 30 in high. The wife is fine for running around everywhere in low: it's great because you only need to let up on the accelerator and the vehicle comes to a stop- she doesn't have to reach for the brake pedal)

Not wanting to promote these vehicles (I don't think I'd buy a new one). Just wanting to point out some things that I've noted about operating it. Only had it about 6 months; time will tell whether it holds together (I figure I shouldn't really have any problems with the little Yanmar diesel).

 

[Sawyer Rob]

That's incorrect. The Pioneer 1000 uses a geared 6 speed transmission with dual clutches. This is the same system that many automobiles use.

Also Honda has used this same transmission design on 4wheelers.

That's good to know...

SR

 

[rmk700]

I didn't think the Honda has a real mechanical 6 speed tranny? I was thinking it's hydraulic drive and just pushed fluid through 6 different size holes to simulate shifting?

That's the way the Honda tranny was presented to me that I "think" is in the 1000, but I'm NOT positive.

For my money, Kubota has about the best work tranny and Yamaha has the best for everything else where more speed is wanted... It's NOT a belt burner like the others...

SR

Here is a good video explaining Honda's DCT.

Honda Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission - YouTube

 

[groundcover]

Honda really raised the bar with the six speed DCT but they are able to bring all the R&D from their cars and bikes not just snowmobiles . It is a game changer but pricey, then again no one is giving these things away ! I am very happy with my Kubota RTV 900 but use it for work not trail blasting.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Here is a good video explaining Honda's DCT.

Honda Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission - YouTube

Thanks... That's pretty cool, but I do kinda hate the way it's getting so everything today depends on electronics... I'm like "to pull or press "this" and see that over there "move"! lol

I like my tractors and other important "tools", with LESS electronics...

SR

 

[Industrial Toys]

My feelings exactly. What will the replacement cpu module cost? Will it even be available or deemed "obsolete"?

I have no issue with a belt drive, if it's cheap and easy to replace. The Mule is unfortunately neither.

 

[ultrarunner]

I do have concerns as to how Electronics will age... especially when it is integrated into every aspect of the propulsion system...

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a couple of circuit boards here, a guy bought me out of a seven year old Samsung clothes washer. Parts no longer available and I can't do a thing with these in terms of repair!

What good is all that Fanciness? My Dad is using his washer from 1965! Made by GM! It even has a suds saver feature!

 

[ovrszd]

I on the other hand have no desire to pull the manual choke and pump the throttle, after adjusting the points of course.

Nothing mechanical makes me long for the "Good Ole Days".

 

[ultrarunner]

Simple lasts... whether this is important is another topic...

I've know people actually upset with the their cars, appliances, etc because they keep working... crazy, I know.

Just look at all the Model A's and T's that have survived a 100 years... same goes for old Tractors and some are still highly sought after today as working tractors.

As with most things... when everything works and is under warranty... life is good.

I see a lot of rust free, clean cars heading to the salvage yards because they cost too much to fix even if the drive wonderfully... mostly high end BMW, Audi, Mercedes... etc. with emission issues.