Pros & Cons Kawasaki Mule SX vs Honda Pioneer 520

[John_Mc]

I'm looking at small UTVs to be used for working in the woods - especially when things are a bit too soft/wet to get out there with my tractor. I'll bring chainsaws and associated gear in the bed or in a small trailer. Occasionally might tow a 750# log splitter. I'd like engine braking - which I find convenient on our hills. I might eventually set it up for light snow plowing. I'm not looking for bigger - when I have a bigger job to do, I'll use my tractor, and the ability to tow it on a 5ft wide trailer is a plus. This is for working in the woods, not high speed joy riding or recreational off-roading. I don't need to go 50+ MPH. (30 MPH max would be fine, and it will spend most of it's life going 5-15 MPH.) Reliability is a major selling point!

Looking for thoughts on pros and cons between the Kawasaki Mule SX and a Honda Pioneer 520. What do those of you who are using theirs in the woods consider "must have" options, accessories, or modifications.

So far, one downside of the Mule SX is that thy say you can have a plow if there is a winch installed. I have not been able to determine if this is the case on the Pioneer 520.

I'd consider similarly sized models from other manufacturers. I like the higher ground clearance and good towing capacity of the Polaris Ranger SP 570 (the smaller, 2-person one), but the lack of engine braking is a bit of a negative for me. (I am wondering just how much of a downside that really is, however.)

 

[Rdrcr]

I don’t have any personal experience with the Mule SX but, I’ve heard they are very well built and reliable machines.

I have a Pioneer 520. It’s fantastic. I bought it for recreation purposes but, I use it way more on my property than I anticipated. It’s a great machine, I highly recommend it.

It fits through all the tight spaces in my heavily forested and hilly property. Stock ground clearance is good and if you wish more, larger tires and/or wheels are readily available. The traction is really good but the turning radius isn’t great though. The transmission shifts hard and aggressively but begins to smooth out after the first service. The ride can be a little rough with the small tires and factory shocks. However, if not not traveling quickly, you’ll hardly notice. The gearing is real low so the transmission is always busy at low speeds and the top speed is low too but, that doesn’t seem like it’ll matter to you. The low gearing and 4WD will definitely help with the snow plow attachment (I plan on getting one sometime in the future…it’ll sure beat the tractor in ability and comfort).

Since the 520 already has the tilt bed, I’d just recommend a roof (maybe a windshield) depending on you climate. However, regarding customization, the sky is the limit. Here’s mine in its current state;

Right now, I’m just waiting for my new shock absorbers.

Good luck with your search and decision. If I can offer any additional insight, I’ll definitely chime in.

Mike

 

[deserteagle71]

I'd consider similarly sized models from other manufacturers. I like the higher ground clearance and good towing capacity of the Polaris Ranger SP 570 (the smaller, 2-person one), but the lack of engine braking is a bit of a negative for me. (I am wondering just how much of a downside that really is, however.)

Importance of engine braking will be determined by how hilly your property is. If you have a lot of steep grades it is VERY important.

We have two Polaris side by sides in our Search and Rescue unit. Having a Can-am and Yamaha myself, both of which have strong engine braking and true 4wd, the Polaris units were a startling revelation. Free wheeling down a steep mountainside will get your attention for sure. Yes, you can get some engine braking by "blipping" the throttle which causes the clutch to catch - but how intuitive is that, giving it throttle to slow down? The other problem is not having 4wd when you need it. Going down a steep hill most of your stopping power is from the front tires - very little weight on the back. The way the Polaris 4wd system works, once the 4wd button on the dash is pushed that allows the computer to engage the front driveshaft...IF it senses that the rear tires are turning faster than the front ones then it will engage the front driveshaft to give you 4wd. If not, despite the 4wd button being activated, you are still in 2wd. With our SAR Polaris units, going down a steep loose hill they will slide sideways because when engine braking does occur it is applied to only the rear tires, not the front (because the rear tires are turning slower than the front ones so the computer won't engage the front driveshaft).

I much prefer driving something that has excellent engine braking AND 4wd when I push the 4wd button, not when a computer decides I need it.

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks. This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for.

 

[Racenut]

Either one is a good machine. It may come down to which one you can get your hands on. A few months ago I was looking at the same ones. Called around and nobody had either and were saying spring 2023 would be the soonest I could get one. We found a used Pioneer 500 and bought it for about half what a new one would be. One big difference between them is the Honda uses a geared transmission, the Kawi uses CVT. I don't know how low the gearing is on the Mule, but the Honda in low gear could climb a wall if if you could get traction. The down side is the shifts can feel a bit clunky at times.

 

[shooterdon]

I have a Mule SX. Only Kawasaki has a three year warranty

I added a roof and windshield

If you intend to plow, adding a large deep cycle battery is a something to think about. I did that on a Ranger 850 I used for a while. SxS plows are iffy for serious snow. For tight spots I use an Ariens walk behind blower. And for light snows, a backpack blower.

Great work unit. Get the model with larger tires for added ground clearance. They are a bit loud. I will likely add an aftermarket silencer this year when the warranty expires.

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks, @shooterdon . It will only be for plowing light snows. I have a 3 Pt hitch mounted snow blower on my tractor (plus I have the loader) for the big stuff. It's slow working with the blower, so the UTV would be for quick passes after moderate snows.

I definitely want a roof. I'm leaning toward getting a windshield as well, but not sure if I'd beat it up too much in the woods (one of the reasons I don't have a cab on my tractor).

 

[shooterdon]

John, I do not believe you will go wrong with either choice. It may matter if one dealer is a dud.

 

[dj1701]

I was all in on the Kawi SX and the Honda 520. I decided they were a bit narrow. I wanted more stability. Plus neither had power steering.

After research I went with the Kawi Mule Pro MX. It's not much bigger but checked all the boxes. So far I'm happy I did.

 

[tradosaurus]

Belt (Kawasaki) vs direct drive (Honda)

Reliability goes to Honda, IMO.

Also consider the dump bed capacity. A 700-4 will give you more dump bed with the second seat folded down. Problem would be the width which is 60" but you needed a bigger trailer anyway.

 

[ArlyA]

Belt (Kawasaki) vs direct drive (Honda)

Reliability goes to Honda, IMO.

Also consider the dump bed capacity. A 700-4 will give you more dump bed with the second seat folded down. Problem would be the width which is 60" but you needed a bigger trailer anyway.

Honda has not done well in the heavy towing world. I'd go Kawa.

 

[tradosaurus]

Honda has not done well in the heavy towing world. I'd go Kawa.

That would be false. I wouldn't call the towing capacity of either "heavy".

Towing capacity of the Honda 520 (1000 lbs) and Kawasaki Mule SX (1100 lbs) are almost identical

 

[ArlyA]

That would be false. I wouldn't call the towing capacity of either "heavy".

Towing capacity of the Honda 520 (1000 lbs) and Kawasaki Mule SX (1100 lbs) are almost identical

OK. You just read the specs? But in the world of towing implements and that is my world, they have flailed and I'd not purchase one. Hows that?

 

[tradosaurus]

OK. You just read the specs? But in the world of towing implements and that is my world, they have flailed and I'd not purchase one. How's that?

Your evidence is anecdotal and doesn't negate the specifications. How's that?

 

[ArlyA]

Your evidence is anecdotal and doesn't negate the specifications. How's that?

real world use does not equate the specs.

 

[dj1701]

Belt (Kawasaki) vs direct drive (Honda)

Reliability goes to Honda, IMO.

Also consider the dump bed capacity. A 700-4 will give you more dump bed with the second seat folded down. Problem would be the width which is 60" but you needed a bigger trailer anyway.

I used to think that way too. Then I realized almost every ATV, UTV, Snowmobile use a CVT tranny. They are proven technology. So far, I'm impressed with mine.

 

[John_Mc]

I ended up buying a used 2022 Honda 520. The key in my initial post was "small UTV". The 50" width suits me fine. I don't need to tow huge loads. I have a tractor set up for work in the woods for the heavier work (forestry grapple on the front, 3 Pt hitch logging winch, dump trailer, forwarding trailer with hydraulic boom/grapple.) There is no way I'll be pulling out those kinds of loads with my SxS - the empty forwarding trailer weighs more than the rated tow weight of any of these, let alone when I get 5-6000 lbs of logs on it.

The main use for this is to be able to get out there when conditions are a bit too soft for the tractor. I can run out and do the felling & limbing, then come back with the tractor and winch or forwarding trailer when things have dried up enough to get heavier work done. I will occasionally haul firewood with the SxS in a smaller ATV trailer.

 

[deserteagle71]

I was all in on the Kawi SX and the Honda 520. I decided they were a bit narrow. I wanted more stability. Plus neither had power steering.

Times 2 on the stability part. I use my SxS on the homestead - but I also take it up into the mountains a lot. I've seen how easily the narrow units (made to fit on a 50" trail roll over. So when I was looking to buy a Side by Side I bought one that was 65" wide. A trail has to be really off-camber to be a problem for my Can-am. Sure, it won't fit where a narrower unit will. But it's a trade-off. I can't fit on a narrow trail - and they don't dare follow me on a side slope. If you want to see what happens with a narrow side by side, scroll to 5:20 in this Matt's Off-Road Recovery video:

 

[tradosaurus]

I ended up buying a used 2022 Honda 520. The key in my initial post was "small UTV". The 50" width suits me fine. I don't need to tow huge loads. I have a tractor set up for work in the woods for the heavier work (forestry grapple on the front, 3 Pt hitch logging winch, dump trailer, forwarding trailer with hydraulic boom/grapple.) There is no way I'll be pulling out those kinds of loads with my SxS - the empty forwarding trailer weighs more than the rated tow weight of any of these, let alone when I get 5-6000 lbs of logs on it.

The main use for this is to be able to get out there when conditions are a bit too soft for the tractor. I can run out and do the felling & limbing, then come back with the tractor and winch or forwarding trailer when things have dried up enough to get heavier work done. I will occasionally haul firewood with the SxS in a smaller ATV trailer.

Awesome. Hope you got a good deal.

I have 40 acres of woods and there are times I wish I had more dump bed capacity in my Honda 700-4.

 

[John_Mc]

The narrow vs wide decision was made long ago. For my needs, bigger is definitely no better. I'm going small/narrow which is why I was focused on the Mule SX and the Pioneer 520. I don't use this for tearing around on steep trails. I use it for lighter work when it's too wet/soft for my tractor and larger trailer. The previous owner did at 1.5" spacers on the wheels to widen things up a bit. Most of my trails are laid out and constructed to avoid steep slopes and have only gentle side slopes. THey are not bothering me, so I left them on. Our terrain is mostly rolling hills (we are on the edge of the Champlain Valley in the foothills of the Green Mountains here). Unless I'm making a run down our dead-end road to get the mail, I'm seldom over 20 MPH, and most of the time running 10-15 MPH. Having run it a bit now, even my wife and daughter see no need for power steering.

If I do need to run in rougher terrain, I have a couple of antique Coots. They are low center of gravity, 64" wide, articulated to keep all 4 wheels on the ground at all times, 4WD, and 4 Wheel steering. Will climb a 45˚ grade and handle a 45˚ side hill (I've tested both. That 45˚side hill sure felt weird, but no indication of imminent roll-over problems.) The down sides: No differentials, so they tear up the lawn a bit when turning and do not exactly turn on a dime (though the 4 wheel steering models help with that some); max 20 MPH top speed (which suits me fine for work in the woods): the only suspension is the low pressure in the tires, so you do get bounced around a good bit on rough terrain. I'd have just kept puttering around with the Coot, but my wife wanted something that was easier handling and easier to get in and out of.

I do need to get rid of one of my Coots to make some room. The basement of the shop is getting too full with all of the toys.