Help graduating from a golf cart. Kawasaki Mule?

[Piston]

I went to look at the Pioneer 700, and the Ranger 900Xp. I also looked at the Yamaha Viking, and test drove the Kubota 1100RTV with cab. I REALLY wanted to love the Kubota, I was sad I didn't. I even had my wife and toddler in there with me, driving around the tractor dealership :laughing: She didn't like it either, I was really disappointed in that.

I didn't like the Viking. I loved the Ranger, even though I went in with 99% certainty that I was going to want the Honda. I just didn't like the ergonomics of it for some reason. I'm still weighing the options between the Pioneer and Ranger.

The main thing is though, being used to a golf cart, I really love the maneuverability of the small platform. I like how I can drive through my fence gate, and turn around in the smallest spaces. Sitting on the larger machines makes them feel huge, almost as big as a Jeep, just lower to the ground. This is when I started looking at the smaller machines, like the RZR, although it's a little too "sporty" for my tastes. Then I found the Pioneer 500. It really seems like a nice fit and a nice compromise. I like the transmission a lot.

My hesitation with the smaller machine, is the lack of payload, tow capacity, speed, and power. I really like power. I actually want to hold out now for the 2015 900XP Ranger, because it has a 13% boost in hp, up to 68hp. Will I EVER use this power??? NO, probably not. So it's stupid of me to want it, but you know what, I do.

Practically speaking, I think the Pioneer 500 makes good sense. For instance, what do I need payload and tow capacity for when I have a tractor? For the most part my golf cart is enough for me, I mainly just drive through the woods looking at trees while crawling along drinking a cold beer and enjoying the wilderness. I don't need 68hp to do that!

Sorry for the useless post, I guess I'm trying to say that I think the Pioneer 500 is going to be a very practical machine at a good price point. I may be trying to convince myself that I should think some more about the practicality of it, and keep some money in the bank at the same time!

 

[aczlan]

Might also try the RTV500. Its a smaller platform than the 1100 and is more maneuverable.

Aaron Z

 

[newbury]

<snip>
The main thing is though, being used to a golf cart, I really love the maneuverability of the small platform. I like how I can drive through my fence gate, and turn around in the smallest spaces. Sitting on the larger machines makes them feel huge, almost as big as a Jeep, just lower to the ground. This is when I started looking at the smaller machines, like the RZR, although it's a little too "sporty" for my tastes. Then I found the Pioneer 500. It really seems like a nice fit and a nice compromise. I like the transmission a lot.

My hesitation with the smaller machine, is the lack of payload, tow capacity, speed, and power. I really like power. I actually want to hold out now for the 2015 900XP Ranger, because it has a 13% boost in hp, up to 68hp. Will I EVER use this power??? NO, probably not. So it's stupid of me to want it, but you know what, I do.

Seems you've found what's practical 68hp is far more than my first car, a '67 Beetle.

Practically speaking, I think the Pioneer 500 makes good sense. For instance, what do I need payload and tow capacity for when I have a tractor? For the most part my golf cart is enough for me, I mainly just drive through the woods looking at trees while crawling along drinking a cold beer and enjoying the wilderness. I don't need 68hp to do that!

Sorry for the useless post, I guess I'm trying to say that I think the Pioneer 500 is going to be a very practical machine at a good price point. I may be trying to convince myself that I should think some more about the practicality of it, and keep some money in the bank at the same time!

It's only a rumor until you provide pictures

 

[PapaPerk]

I went to look at the Pioneer 700, and the Ranger 900Xp. I also looked at the Yamaha Viking, and test drove the Kubota 1100RTV with cab. I REALLY wanted to love the Kubota, I was sad I didn't. I even had my wife and toddler in there with me, driving around the tractor dealership :laughing: She didn't like it either, I was really disappointed in that.

I didn't like the Viking. I loved the Ranger, even though I went in with 99% certainty that I was going to want the Honda. I just didn't like the ergonomics of it for some reason. I'm still weighing the options between the Pioneer and Ranger.

The main thing is though, being used to a golf cart, I really love the maneuverability of the small platform. I like how I can drive through my fence gate, and turn around in the smallest spaces. Sitting on the larger machines makes them feel huge, almost as big as a Jeep, just lower to the ground. This is when I started looking at the smaller machines, like the RZR, although it's a little too "sporty" for my tastes. Then I found the Pioneer 500. It really seems like a nice fit and a nice compromise. I like the transmission a lot.

My hesitation with the smaller machine, is the lack of payload, tow capacity, speed, and power. I really like power. I actually want to hold out now for the 2015 900XP Ranger, because it has a 13% boost in hp, up to 68hp. Will I EVER use this power??? NO, probably not. So it's stupid of me to want it, but you know what, I do.

Practically speaking, I think the Pioneer 500 makes good sense. For instance, what do I need payload and tow capacity for when I have a tractor? For the most part my golf cart is enough for me, I mainly just drive through the woods looking at trees while crawling along drinking a cold beer and enjoying the wilderness. I don't need 68hp to do that!

Sorry for the useless post, I guess I'm trying to say that I think the Pioneer 500 is going to be a very practical machine at a good price point. I may be trying to convince myself that I should think some more about the practicality of it, and keep some money in the bank at the same time!

Just remember the Pioneer has a LOCKED rear diff.... It will not steer easy and will damage your lawn, gravel roads, etc etc. Mule and Ranger's rear diff unlocks.

I own a Ranger 400 and love it! It's not built as well as my Honda 450 Foreman but runs well and is super handy!

 

[rwork]

Have you taken a look at the Ranger 570? For 2015, they've increased the hp from 40 to 44, and they also added the full-size Ranger 570 to their lineup.
I'm beginning to get the itch, as well!

 

[Duwop]

Pioneer 500 has rack only but looks like it could be modified and box built , Honda Pioneer 700-2 & 700-4 have dump bed. I have 700-2 I find it to be quiet, dependable auto trans no belt to slip, research this has been issue for Polaris and others. It has been a great help to me around the mini farm property. It can tow 1500 lbs and bed can carry 1000 lbs.

 

[PapaPerk]

Pioneer 500 has rack only but looks like it could be modified and box built , Honda Pioneer 700-2 & 700-4 have dump bed. I have 700-2 I find it to be quiet, dependable auto trans no belt to slip, research this has been issue for Polaris and others. It has been a great help to me around the mini farm property. It can tow 1500 lbs and bed can carry 1000 lbs.

I would love to have the Pioneer 700... Would buy one tomorrow if it had an unlocking rear diff.

 

[nc redneck]

I have had a golf cart for years. I looked at adding positive traction to it but never did. I bought a Honda 700-4 about 6 months ago great machine. My only problem with it was fit for the back of my 5th wheel Toy Hauler. I had to tow RV to check fit before purchase about 1/4 inch front and rear on 10 foot box. I have not worked on tie down system yet but know it will be tough to eliminate any movement.
Read about Honda 500 several months ago, called dealer and put deposit on one (clearance problem solved ). It came in about 3 weeks ago went and test drove it. Told dealer I would take it and be back Monday. Got home after 3 hour drive and lots of thinking. Got 700-4 out printed spec sheet on both to compare. About 9K with top and W/S for 12 inches less in length and 10 less in width. No dump bed, no 4 seater, and a lot of other things. In the end I called and canceled the next morning at 8:15.
I believe the 700-2 is a much better deal at 9K + unless you are a serious sports rider. 700-4 at 10K is the best compromise .
I am a big believer in Kubota, Kioti, Honda and Yamaha products based on my experiences. Probably could not give me Polaris. Not knocking them never owned one. I did own Polaris , Yamaha, Jet Skis. Enough said.
Scott

 

[flybikedave]

I've owned the Mule 610, Mule 550, Mule 4010 Trans, Terex 750, Yamaha Rhino, Kuboto 1100 and 5 EZGO golf carts. You can't go wrong with the Mule 610. A proven workhorse and as you said, very quiet, allowing you to converse with passengers. My Mule 550 is 14 yrs. old and has been thru **** and back, but starts every time and just seems indestructible. Had the Mule 610 for 2 yrs. and although it was great, it was wider than the old 550 and I could not cross bridges on my property with narrow handrails like the Mule 550 would. Had too many UTV's so I sold the Mule 610 and Rhino, but now miss them both. GET THE MULE 610, good value, guiet, goes anywhere, lasts forever. Only negative: without lift kit, clearance can be an issue on really rough terrain, deep mud or sand, so without a winch, I did need a tow once or twice, but only because I went where I should not have gone. The 610 will climb a mountain in low and a sandy or muddy mountain with diff. locked in. What's also nice is the rear differential is not locked, so you won't destroy your lawn when you turn around the house. AND, the slower speed over the Ranger will make you feel better when friends, family or children drive off on it. Good all around choice.

 

[Piston]

AND, the slower speed over the Ranger will make you feel better when friends, family or children drive off on it. Good all around choice.

That's a really good point with all the crazy speeds these things have nowadays!

Some makes can actually limit the speed now. For instance, polaris has a special key that you can buy (I think it's $50) that will limit the amount of power available and of course top speed. This is with the 900xp but I imagine other companies do the same.