Side by Side for yard work 2x4 ok?

[WVH1977]

Good morning everyone,

I might start looking for side by side for my property. I want it to have a dump bed and it only needs to be enough for 2 people to sit in. Property is rolling but not steep. For those with experience is 2x4 good enough or is 4x4 absolutely necessary? I will be moving around dirt, sticks, maybe pulling a small trailer, driving to mailbox, etc. I don't plan on any real heavy towing or driving in real muddy conditions.

Anyone own 2x4 and happy with it? Don't want to regret not getting 4x4. I appreciate any and all insight on this.

 

[ericm979]

If you're going to be driving on lawn, or on pavement with turns very often, look for one with a rear differential. It's sometimes called "turf mode". My Honda Pioneer 700 has been incredibly useful but I drive it on pavement more than I expected, and since it's got no rear diff, it goes through rear tires faster than it ought to. When I take it on the lawn I try to only make very gradual turns, which limits its usefulness there.

I use 4x4 maybe 10% of the time but for that 10%, it's pretty important. One advantage besides not getting stuck is chewing up the roads less than spinning rear tires would. We don't get mud because the soil drains so well, but that means that it's loose and can have low traction. And our land is steep. On flattish land that's hardpack and does not get muddy you'd probably never need 4x4.

The gas cylinder that helps the dump bed is pretty weak. If there's heavy stuff like firewood in the bed I have to unload most of it by hand.

 

[paulsharvey]

If you're going to be driving on lawn, or on pavement with turns very often, look for one with a rear differential. It's sometimes called "turf mode". My Honda Pioneer 700 has been incredibly useful but I drive it on pavement more than I expected, and since it's got no rear diff, it goes through rear tires faster than it ought to. When I take it on the lawn I try to only make very gradual turns, which limits its usefulness there.

I use 4x4 maybe 10% of the time but for that 10%, it's pretty important. One advantage besides not getting stuck is chewing up the roads less than spinning rear tires would. We don't get mud because the soil drains so well, but that means that it's loose and can have low traction. And our land is steep. On flattish land that's hardpack and does not get muddy you'd probably never need 4x4.

The gas cylinder that helps the dump bed is pretty weak. If there's heavy stuff like firewood in the bed I have to unload most of it by hand.

Also have a Poineer 700-4; and the rears eat of the grass if you drive the same path very often. Now, I will say, with that locked rear, you really have to be in rough stuff to need 4x4. Ours is a pretty stripped model; no power steering; no factory wind shield, no factory roof. We did add an aftermarket "bimini" stay roof.

Don't know if its with all UTVs, but ours is water cooled; but it still acts like an air cooled machine; in that, low speed-high rpms, and/or idling, especially climbing hills, pulling, or if there are 4 adults in it; and you aren't running down the road, it does want to over heat.

 

[paulsharvey]

I should add; its great for picking up cut wood; being able to dump it straight in the burn pile. The dump bed, you might have to manual assist it, if you load a lot all the way forward.

Our experience though, is, the first year or two, we put like 8000 miles on it, and the last year to 1.5 years, it goes weeks without moving.

We wanted something that was 50% toy, and 50% work. I think the Honda nailed that. It runs "43 mph" but we went 1 size up on tires; and actually road speed is 49 mph. I really like the automatic transmission, but it shares "fluid" with thr engine oil, so need to stay on top of the fluid changes.

 

[Farmer495]

If conditions are dry and tires are decent you'll likely be fine with 2wd. I used to do my yard work with a quad and trailer. The quad was selectable 4wd and even towing a trailer I rarely needed to shift into 4wd unless ground was wet/soft. Off road / woods work yes 4wd needed all the time.

Only thing I'll add is no one ever wished they had a 2wd when they get stuck

 

[paulsharvey]

Also; they are noisy, if that affects your thoughts.

Was not happy with the whole dealership stuff. They advertise something at, say $12,000; then bring you a sales agreement for $18k. Dealer prep, dealer installed accessories, ect. Told them to strip the dealer accessories; and did the whole ag equipment sales tax exemption. Still had like $900 in dealer fees.

Honda, you dont have to have insurance if you finance though them; but banks, and some company's do require; so figure another $75-100 over what you planned per month.

We also thought originally we could fit it on a 5ftx10ft trailer. Ours, you needed 5'4" min x 10ft min.

 

[nybirdman]

I learned my lesson on 4wd a long time ago;it doesn't cost that much more and is invaluable when you need it.
We run Yamaha's (2 Vikings,Rhino)+ a Grizzley and a Kodiak.Owned all the major Japanese brands and they are good.I personally don't care for Honda's electric shift(cold weather bothers it) or their 4WD system;but it does have turf mode unlike the Yamahas.

 

[AndyMA]

I have a Honda Pioneer 10000-5. It has 2WD, 4WD, Differential Lock and Turf mode. On my 80 acre farm I run virtually all the time in turf mode (2WD) up and down pretty steep hills, through streams and on the road. Top speed 65 mph.

Andy

 

[MTGreen]

I have a Deere Progator which is made for golf courses. They come 2wd or 4wd with a 5spd manual with a real differential. There is also a lever you can pull to lock the rear differential for more traction. They have a 4x5.5' hydraulic dump bed with a 2000lb capacity and the newer ones can be set up to have twice that. They also have optional rear hydraulic remotes to run a pump or for use as an open center power beyond for say a towed log splitter. I have the diesel 2wd version that I put R4 tires on and haven't gotten it stuck yet in mud or snow but 95% of my property is only at about a 3-4% grade max and I don't use it much when the snow is deep.

New ones are pricey but you may find a used one in good shape, and competitor models are made by Toro and Cushman. I really like mine.
Pic not of mine but mine looks identical:

 

[Unhitched]

Not to change the direction here, but have you thought about a golf cart? I have had Rangers, Gators and Kubotas, I always overlooked golf carts until I bought one to take to horse shows, now it is the main vehicle I use around the ranch. you can add a dump bed, climb hills and tow lighter trailers. they cost less and being electric is actually a plus. My ranch is really hilly and unless it is really muddy I can go just about anywhere on the ranch.

 

[ericm979]

The Pioneer 700 is kinda loud. There is a quiet muffler available in the aftermarket (aimed at hunters) but the company says it saps power and with our hills I have been hesitant to do that. I rarely get it into third gear.

There's an aftermarket power steering kit that I put on to make it easier for my wife to drive.

I haven't noticed it overheating when idling or pulling a heavy trailer up a steep hill.

The oil filter change is one of the more difficult ones I have had to deal with over a long history of maintaining my own vehicles.

 

[paulsharvey]

Couple things with a UTV, not negatives, just things to think about:
Fueling; ours is an 8 gallon or so tank, if you can road run it to a gas station, that's nice; if you trailer it to gas station, great, if you own 5 5gal gas cans, that works, just annoying; and they burn more fuel then you think for a 40hp engine.

Trailering; they are light, but many are wide, needing a 6ft wide clear trailer; they are also pretty long; my 6'4"×16' is perfect; and has lots of tie down areas. At some point, your going to need to transport it.

Local rules on road use; here, its illegal; But, they don't mind on dirt roads and low speed paved roads; but technically illegal; some states allow it to be tagged like a car

Servicing; we let Honda do the 50 hour service, like 2 weeks into owning it, cause they claim the valves need adjusted; that cost like $600, with pick up and drop off; after that, we've done everything at home; not hard and YouTube walks you though it.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I have a Honda Pioneer 500. Sadly the rear differential is permanently locked which means that NOT ripping up the lawn requires careful forethought. I understand that the newer models do have an open selectable differential.

The Pioneer 500 track is only 48" wide which I had to restrict for my use due to narrow bridges and trails on my acreage. It also simply sips gasoline, so that has never been an issue with me.

I also switched tires to 26"; should have gone to 27" to completely correct the speedo to correct mph. The 2 to 4 wheel drive is totally selectable. I think the selectable 4wd is well worth whatever the cost. I did add a 3500# wench to mine, which I've had to use a number of times to both either get out of mud or to pull my mower out . All of those times required 4wd.

As others have said, oil & filter changes are doable but not "easy". Certainly not worth having a dealer do it for XXX$$ for 1 hour of easy work. I've never heard of anyone actually needing the valves adjusted after 50 hours of use. Sure - the dealers give you all that lip about how important that is, but I've not found that to be true. Mine has never had one minute of trouble or needing repairs. I'm thinking that their story is for extra profit.

Cost has gone out the roof, supposedly due to the demand. I have my doubts... I paid $12K total OTD "back then". That included dealer prep, paperwork, and installing the windshield, canopy & wench.

 

[newbury]

I did add a 3500# wench to mine, which I've had to use a number of times to both either get out of mud or to pull my mower out .

Any pictures of the wench?

 

[paulsharvey]

We did look at the Yamaha Warrior or Viking? and considered the Kymco, as well as the JD Gator. Gator we looked at specs for had a top speed of something like 30 mph or so, the Yamaha was wider then we wanted; the Kymco was fine; just didn't know the brand; and push come to shove; I trust Honda engines, and I liked the idea of no belt drive. Polaris, if that belt gets wet, your done till it dries out; but they do have a turf mode.

Honda is known, or was known, for not having sufficient charging for accessories, unless you add a 2nd battery; if that's important for you.

Edit; Don't know if any UTVs/SxSs have the option, but if any come with 120V factory hardwired inverter, that would be Huge. Don't know if the alternators they out in them would support a decent one. If you have a 40 or 50 lbs generator, like the Honda Whisper, might not be an issue; but my generator has too weight 300 lbs with fuel;

 

[bigtiller]

My first gator was my favorite one. It was 20 some years ago. It had 2 wheel drive, no suspension, no power steering and no extra add-ons. It sat low to the ground, which was great because I could drive around the yard and pick up sticks after a storm and not have to leave the seat. Just bend over and pick it up.

But I never drove it in the snow or mud. I never needed 4x4.

The one I have now is 4x4. I still don't need 4x4, but it is reassuring to have just incase I do something stupid.

 

[EddieWalker]

I had a 2 wheel drive golf cart before getting my 4 wheel drive Mule. I never got stuck with the golf cart, but I never took it where I might get stuck.

The Mule is always in 2 wheel drive. The only time it's in 4 wheel drive is when I take it out when it's really muddy out, or when we have a few inches of snow. With 4 wheel drive, and the rear Locker turned on, it pretty much goes anywhere.

 

[ArlyA]

A lower box is a plus for working machines. That was one of the reasons we purchased a new ford ranger a few years ago. Nonetheless, 4wd is a necessary freind here.

 

[ArlyA]

Good morning everyone,

I might start looking for side by side for my property. I want it to have a dump bed and it only needs to be enough for 2 people to sit in. Property is rolling but not steep. For those with experience is 2x4 good enough or is 4x4 absolutely necessary? I will be moving around dirt, sticks, maybe pulling a small trailer, driving to mailbox, etc. I don't plan on any real heavy towing or driving in real muddy conditions.

Anyone own 2x4 and happy with it? Don't want to regret not getting 4x4. I appreciate any and all insight on this.

You never see snow or mud?

 

[Boss 302]

Yes, go with 4x4 you will be glad you did.