User Panel
Posted: 9/26/2021 10:29:02 PM EDT
Well I will be moving to my new acreage soon(I hope) and find I may need to have a utv to run around on it and do work.
I have lifted gas golf cart for lite duty work but it has been sitting for 2 years and will have to work on it. Meanwhile I am looking for a utv as an upgrade along with a small tractor. Since I do not know about utv’s, recommend one at a reasonable sub 15k price. |
|
A bit depends on 2 things - what you want to do with it, and what does your property look like. My UTV is slow as hell, but can carry a crap load and tow even more. Plus it is a 4x4, very hard to get stuck.
There are smaller utv's that can get around more easily through closely spaced trees. There are faster ones that are more fun. Most people tend to want UTV's with a greater fun factor and a smaller utility factor. Another thing to consider is how you are planning to move it around. Some of the small ones can be carried on the back of a truck, or lighter utility trailer. Mine weighs a much as a older jeep. It was too large and heavy for my existing small utility trailer. Anyway I have a diesel Kubota with a dump bed. |
|
Intimidators are made in the US with US steel. Get the power steering.
|
|
How tough are new Intimidator UTV's Let's take a baseball bat to one! |
|
If you plan to use it a lot going through water, sell it in 5-10 years before it all starts to rust, seals fail, and bushings needs to be replaced.
|
|
Honda pioneer. It has an actual transmission not the belt that most use.
|
|
One thing I use mine a bit for is moving trailers around. Especailly useful for brush clearing, plus sometimes just easier than hooking up the truck. Again, it is what you want to use yours for - but I think mine can easily pull round bales (again useful when it is wet, does not get stuck easily), also have used it a couple times to play musical trailers (pull out trailer 1 to get to trailer 2, can leave trailer 1 connected while I use trailer 2 with the truck... Convent for getting fencing supplies wear I need them, have a sprayer that I can put on the back for weed control. Drag chain harrows to smooth stuff out. Feeder attached during hunting season.
All that said, I use a Gen 1 Toyota Tacoma for a lot of that now - used Tacoma is cheaper, street legal, and has AC. I flatbeded the Tacoma - made it even easier to use at the ranch. Only 1 real limitation - it can not get between trees as well. One big bonus is it is easy to carry an ATV on the bed to self shuttle equipment around without a trailer. |
|
For those with pioneers
Honda Pioneer bed winch by SB WOOD AND WELD |
|
I am looking at picking up a mid 90's Subaru Sambar for working around on my property.
39 |
|
you just working the land with it or want fun/trail riding too?
each has it merits. I got a Yamaha for reliability--and fun (its more fun that a workhorse, but it does have a tilting bed) if looking for utility, i would lean toward a three wide seat with dump box (whatever brand) note that some (like my Yamaha wolverine) are a bit harder to get in and out of. the more utility ones have lower seat shields and are easier to get in and out good luck finding anything-- in our area, there are NONE to be had go try them out...and get in/out of them several times to see how easy it is. |
|
We have the Pioneer 1000-5 and love it. Rear seats fold out of the bed if you want to haul more people. You can put 1000lb in the bed and pull 2000.
|
|
All depends on what you want to do with it. Work only? Work and play? How much of each?
I have (technically my parents but they live on the property 6 months of the year and leave it here) a Kubota RTV 1100 with cab, heat, AC, hydraulic dump bed. Great for doing work around the place but absolutely terrible for trail riding or going anywhere. Honestly rarely use it, tractor sees a lot more use. Polaris General is a pretty good all around machine. Can Am Maverick X3 Turbo RR is on my list Purely fun |
|
I'm a satisfied owner of Kawasaki mules. I have a 2003, 600 2 wheel drive, and a 2021 FXR Pro 4 wheel drive. Very tough and useful machines. We have pulled loaded straw wagons with the 2021. The mules are definitely more work focused than "fun trail machine."
|
|
Quoted: I'm a satisfied owner of Kawasaki mules. I have a 2003, 600 2 wheel drive, and a 2021 FXR Pro 4 wheel drive. Very tough and useful machines. We have pulled loaded straw wagons with the 2021. The mules are definitely more work focused than "fun trail machine." View Quote My FIL bought a Mule last year new, he loves it! It’s easy to use, was cheaper than the competitors, and has been stone cold reliable. It’s not fast, but I have seen it climb the side of a steep Rocky hill with no issues. |
|
I have an Honda 700-4 on order myself. Should be in Weds!
Btw mods, we really should have a ATV/SxS sub-forum. Not bc I hate seeing utv threads, but just so everything is together for reference. |
|
I’ve been really happy with my Polaris Ranger 900. 2 seater with dump bed. I can get through tight areas and it has the power to do what I need. Between it and my JD 3032, I’m not sure which I use more!
These work for me - just my wife and I on small wooded acreage. Your needs may call for something else. |
|
I got a used Polaris Ranger 6x6 this spring. Steers harder than a 4 wheel model but has a larger than normal bed, which was my goal. In and out is extremely easy. We removed the cab doors for the summer but will definitely put them back in for winter.
|
|
Bought an American Landmaster this spring. I like it. I had orginally shopped for a Kawasaki mule but there were and are none available. Comparing it to a buddy's mule, the landmaster offers more features for the $$ and is all US made.
|
|
Pioneer 1000-5 is what you seek. My 19 was put to work on day one and continues to impress, it is used daily around my farm. We also have a 2020 Ranger crew cab 570 and it’s been solid, it’s loud compared to the Pioneer though.
One note on the Pioneer, the stock suspension on the deluxe is rough. I replaced them with the Fox shocks and also put stiffer front coils on the front to account for my winch, second battery, and farm jack. Rides like a dream now. Attached File Attached File |
|
Kubota diesel is the answer for a work horse.
My 87 yr old dad loves his. |
|
Yamaha is always my first place to start, I have had excellent luck with their products over the last 30 years.
Hard to go wrong with a Ranger or Mule though. |
|
Quoted: you just working the land with it or want fun/trail riding too? each has it merits. I got a Yamaha for reliability--and fun (its more fun that a workhorse, but it does have a tilting bed) if looking for utility, i would lean toward a three wide seat with dump box (whatever brand) note that some (like my Yamaha wolverine) are a bit harder to get in and out of. the more utility ones have lower seat shields and are easier to get in and out good luck finding anything-- in our area, there are NONE to be had go try them out...and get in/out of them several times to see how easy it is. View Quote Attached File |
|
|
|
It seems trendy to bag on Polaris, but we've had a Ranger 500 for four years now on our farm and it has never given us any trouble. It's great for chores and just getting from one place to another quickly and comfortably.
|
|
I've had a Ranger Crew 900 for 6 years and it's been great. I am thinking about selling it and getting a Talon 4 seater.
I originally wanted a Teryx-4, but our local Kawasaki dealer sucks and went with the Polaris. |
|
Your big issue is going to be finding one to buy. New are backordered and used are going for what new should sell for. This is what we ran into. We bought the landmaster new because Kawihondas were within $1k for beat to shit used ones vs new with full factory warranty. Dealer had two in stock so we bought it on the spot.
|
|
|
Just got a 2022 Mule a couple months ago. Put a deposit at the local dealer. I didn't specify a specific model - they called me with whatever model came in that day and gave me first crack at it before they put it on their website. I had two to choose from.
|
|
As a bigger guy (6'4" and 275 lbs), some of the SxSs are difficult for me to get in and out of because of the seat/sidepanel/steering wheel configuration. Make sure you at least sit before you buy and make sure the ergonomics work for you.
I'm shopping for a SxS right now myself, mostly for use around my property and am heavily leaning towards a Kawasaki Mule or a John Deere Gator. |
|
We have a Kubota Diesel for real work. It pulls and hauls a ton of weight and the dump bed is great for all kinds of things. I've had it full of gravel and still able to dump just fine. The 4 seater is nice because the bed is bigger if you fold the back 2 seats out of the way. Rides good, but its slow as can be. Great for work, not for play.
We have a Pioneer 1000 being delivered later this month for something more fun that can still do some amount of work. I'll use it for trips to the range, running around the farm, and taking to WV to do some real riding from time to time. So, as always, the answer is "Get both" |
|
A question for the Honda owners, I test drove a new 520 Pioneer last week and the automatic transmission was terribly jerky, up shifting at lower RPMs and down shifting as soon as I let off the accelerator. Is this something that will brake in and get better? I really thought i wanted a Honda for the transmission and not having a drive belt, but after test driving I really wasnt impressed at all with the jerking.
|
|
I have a Pioneer 1000-5
One thing I've learned is that every UTV has compromises. It'll keep up with most sport UTVs but it won't be as fun. For work it does a good job. The back seats are basically worthless unless it's for kids. And it'll only be good for short trips. I use it all the time for working around the place and moving my trailer around. Having said all that, I wish I had a 4 seat RZR or Talon. It would be more fun on the trails. Not having a bed would suck though. I guess in a perfect would, having a RZR and 1000-5 would be ideal. |
|
Quoted: A bit depends on 2 things - what you want to do with it, and what does your property look like. My UTV is slow as hell, but can carry a crap load and tow even more. Plus it is a 4x4, very hard to get stuck. There are smaller utv's that can get around more easily through closely spaced trees. There are faster ones that are more fun. Most people tend to want UTV's with a greater fun factor and a smaller utility factor. Another thing to consider is how you are planning to move it around. Some of the small ones can be carried on the back of a truck, or lighter utility trailer. Mine weighs a much as a older jeep. It was too large and heavy for my existing small utility trailer. Anyway I have a diesel Kubota with a dump bed. View Quote ^^^ First post nails it. Define what you want to do with it, THEN we'll make a recommendation. |
|
2017 kawasaki Mule 4x4. It does what I need it too!
Was $8k new. |
|
Quoted: A question for the Honda owners, I test drove a new 520 Pioneer last week and the automatic transmission was terribly jerky, up shifting at lower RPMs and down shifting as soon as I let off the accelerator. Is this something that will brake in and get better? I really thought i wanted a Honda for the transmission and not having a drive belt, but after test driving I really wasnt impressed at all with the jerking. View Quote The transmission will smooth out after 500-750 miles. What kills them is putting around in high gear and letting the clutches slip, they are fully locked at 1800 rpms but I try to always keep mine over 2k. You also have to let the machine heat up to operating temp before driving off. On the 1000, the engine and transmission share the same oil. I have no experience with the 520 though, it could be different. My 1000-5 has paddle shifters too and they are quite handy. |
|
Quoted: The transmission will smooth out after 500-750 miles. What kills them is putting around in high gear and letting the clutches slip, they are fully locked at 1800 rpms but I try to always keep mine over 2k. You also have to let the machine heat up to operating temp before driving off. On the 1000, the engine and transmission share the same oil. I have no experience with the 520 though, it could be different. My 1000-5 has paddle shifters too and they are quite handy. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: A question for the Honda owners, I test drove a new 520 Pioneer last week and the automatic transmission was terribly jerky, up shifting at lower RPMs and down shifting as soon as I let off the accelerator. Is this something that will brake in and get better? I really thought i wanted a Honda for the transmission and not having a drive belt, but after test driving I really wasnt impressed at all with the jerking. The transmission will smooth out after 500-750 miles. What kills them is putting around in high gear and letting the clutches slip, they are fully locked at 1800 rpms but I try to always keep mine over 2k. You also have to let the machine heat up to operating temp before driving off. On the 1000, the engine and transmission share the same oil. I have no experience with the 520 though, it could be different. My 1000-5 has paddle shifters too and they are quite handy. One thing I hate about my 1000-5 is the jerkiness. The throttle is too touchy and the shifting is just as bad. The logic for gear changing in auto mode is terrible. Always downshifts at the worst time and throws everyone around. |
|
We've got a Textron (Arctic Cat) Havoc X. It's a cross between a sport SxS and a "working" SxS. You can haul material and tools in the bed and when you're not doing that you can have some fun with it. We also just ordered an electric Polaris Ranger because it'll be a lot more gentle on some of our higher traffic areas, and it'll be waaaaaaay quieter for sneaking up on animals.
|
|
|
|
Quoted: One thing I hate about my 1000-5 is the jerkiness. The throttle is too touchy and the shifting is just as bad. The logic for gear changing in auto mode is terrible. Always downshifts at the worst time and throws everyone around. View Quote |
|
Quoted: That was how the 520 was, I wasn't expecting the down shift and it really threw me forward, I didnt take the time to play with the manual mode, hopefully it is alot better. However my local dealer said Honda isn't even accepting orders at this time, he could put me on a list so that when the are open for orders , but then no idea when you could actually get it. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: One thing I hate about my 1000-5 is the jerkiness. The throttle is too touchy and the shifting is just as bad. The logic for gear changing in auto mode is terrible. Always downshifts at the worst time and throws everyone around. Manual mode is the only mode I use. I wish I didn't have to enable it every time I started it up, but it's not too big of a deal. It's not full manual though. It'll still downshift but it waits a normal amount of time before doing it. |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.