Need utility Side by Side

[jjeff]

Only was Aware of a front locker button to lock front axle besides some Polaris models with turf mode for the rear axle. Anyways all sxs and ATVs I've ever owned had a locked rear axle all time. However I'll definitely keep my eyes open and I learned something new, thanks.

 

[ArlyA]

I thought most atv/utv manufacturers do this. Some Can-Am Outlander models do have a locking rear differential, or at least the capability to lock the rear axle, often through a system called Visco-4Lok. This system allows riders to engage a locked rear differential for increased traction in challenging off-road conditions.

 

[jjeff]

Yamaha and Honda don't have an option of an open rear differential to my knowledge anyway. Unless you buy a Yamaha golf cart . They do have the option of locking the front differential in worst case scenarios by either pushing a button or turning a knob. Imo a open differential is more parts to break on a small rear differential. Solid axles are a bit tougher I believe. As previously said what I ride definitely doesn't have as tight a turning radius as others with an open rear differential.

 

[LouNY]

My Bennche/Massimo Warrior 800 has electric diff locks for both ends.

 

[deserteagle71]

Yamaha and Honda don't have an option of an open rear differential to my knowledge anyway. Unless you buy a Yamaha golf cart . They do have the option of locking the front differential in worst case scenarios by either pushing a button or turning a knob. Imo a open differential is more parts to break on a small rear differential. Solid axles are a bit tougher I believe. As previously said what I ride definitely doesn't have as tight a turning radius as others with an open rear differential.

Don't know about all Honda models - but the most popular (and utilitarian) Honda Pioneer 1000 absolutely does have turf mode for the rear diff. Scroll down to "Transmission" in this link:

Compare Models: 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe vs 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe at Sovie's Cycle Shop

Compare specifications and features: 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe versus 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe. Both models are available for sale through Sovie's Cycle Shop in Potsdam, New York.

www.soviescycleshop.com

The new Yamaha Wolverines feature turf mode also:

2025 Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 R Spec Features and Specifications - UTV Off-Road Magazine

2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R Spec Features and Specifications

utvoffroadmag.com

The Yamaha Viking is fully locked - no Turf Mode. But the biggest engine in it is 686 cc (if memory serves correctly).

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Almost all have a locked rear, besides maybe some Polaris models I think it has a selector for turf mode unlocks the rear dif?

Both my Kubota 500 and 520 have open diff's with a selector to lock it.

SR

 

[jjeff]

Good to see so many manufacturers putting selectable open rear difs on a sxs especially. I had no idea, older models I own do not, however I can see why they are finally doing it seeing as some areas I've been thru allow and have more sxs traffic on blacktop roads than cars, not to mention being able to tread lightly on lawns. Might have to look at getting a new wolverine .

 

[Gem99ultra]

We have a Pioneer 500. I needed the smaller Pioneer to cross several 48" bridges on our place, whereas the larger models were well over the 4' size. We opted for canopy, windshield and winch. Cost at the time of purchase was $12K OTD.
We also have an EZGo electric golf cart, bought used for $2K. The cart is used 95% of the time due to the convenience of just jumping in and go, easy to drive and quiet.
Both are easy to maintain and reliable. The SxS is used most often to winch the mower out of a bog hole, or towing a trailer load of cut logs; anything where plenty of grunt is needed. My only complaint with the Honda was the tires it came with. They sell with 24" tires which doesn't match the speedometer. They need 27" tires. I replaced the factory supplied tires shortly after purhase with some genuine mud grip tires of the correct size.
Having both the Honda and the EZGo is an ideal arrangement for our mixed uses.

 

[deserteagle71]

Good to see so many manufacturers putting selectable open rear difs on a sxs especially. I had no idea, older models I own do not, however I can see why they are finally doing it seeing as some areas I've been thru allow and have more sxs traffic on blacktop roads than cars, not to mention being able to tread lightly on lawns. Might have to look at getting a new wolverine .

I would love a Wolverine...through the years I've had excellent luck with Yamaha, both motorcycles and ATVs. Currently own a Yamaha XT225 and Kodiak. But Yamaha doesn't make an all-season, all-weather machine which is why I bought the Can-am. I need something I can use when it is 10 degrees out there and the snow is coming down sideways....

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

I would love a Wolverine...through the years I've had excellent luck with Yamaha, both motorcycles and ATVs. Currently own a Yamaha XT225 and Kodiak. But Yamaha doesn't make an all-season, all-weather machine which is why I bought the Can-am. I need something I can use when it is 10 degrees out there and the snow is coming down sideways....

We have an older (2019) 4 seat Wolverine that doesn't have the ability to unlock the rear diff. With a soft cover it stays toasty inside since it's a mid engine. The flip side of a mid engine is that it can get hot in the summer. Not unbearably so, but it's noticeable. Mid engine also means a bit noisier.
One thing I never looked into is appropriate tires for snow. We've got Carnivores on it which are awesome for rocks and mud but have awful traction in snow.