New Pioneer 520 Arrived

[Milo]

Thanks I'd be interested in your one year review if you don't mind. I'm sure it's under warranty but I had similar shifting issues with mine. I adjusted the clutch which was pretty easy cleared up the lurching and hard shifting a lot.....

My P520 is only 5 months old but I'll offer my short term impression. As I mentioned doing I did add a Tusk 1/2 shield and 26" wheels and tires. The abrupt shifting when new smoothed out dramatically over the first 30-40 miles to the point that it's not objectionable at all now. The only thing I've done is the first oil and filter change. I will say changing the filter is more involved than either of my Mules or previous Polaris. As I recall the seat and seat back along with a couple plastic panels secured with a dozen or more push pins, along with the airbox snorkel have to be removed just to be able to get to it. Way too much, come on Honda! Fortunately it doesn't have to be changed real often. I think I should find a source and order a couple dozen puch pins to have on hand though.
Compared to the little Mule 610 (now named Mule SX) the P520 is superior in most ways, it's far faster and more powerful and rides better. The little Mule has around 14hp and while it can get to 22 mph or so on level or down hill, it may drop to 10mph up a grade. The P520 seems geared pretty low and be governed to 37mph but will get there pretty quickly and can do so up grade w/o losing much speed. The 2" taller 26" tires seem to be a win win, they help both the ride and gearing. Its small size makes it a breeze to ride on my wooded trails and the bed makes it more useful than an ATV. There's a chain saw and loppers in mine practically all the time. It comfortably fits two large adults, or 1 adult and two smaller people such as myself and two grandsons 6 and 8, but there's only belts for two people. I like the throaty sound of the single cylinder Honda engine. I find it to be a fun little SxS that's fast enough and functional.
However compared to a larger SxS such as the Polaris midsize Ranger 500 or my Mule Pro MX the little Pioneer rides choppy, or maybe I should say the larger machines ride smoother allowing them to go faster over rough ground. The infinitely variable CVT shifts seamlessly where the Pioneer lurches a bit shifting up and down between the 5 gears. But it's nice being able to short shift the pioneer up in to a higher gear to lower RPM when say on level and not needing the power. Neither the little Mule nor the Pioneer have power steering and it's really not required IMO, but my Mule MX's PS does make slow speed turning effortless.

 

[Rdrcr]

Thanks for the update and feedback!

Mike

 

[gatorguy7]

Thanks for the update! My P500 does not have the automatic shifting so I always have to manually shift and there is no lurching. The computer does de-throttle a little when you grab the shift paddle. I guess it doesn't do that as cleanly when the computer does the shifting. By the way, you can tighten the retainer nuts on the reverse cable so you don't have to pull the reverse lever when you want to go into reverse. It does not affect anything and the computer won't allow you to go into reverse unless you are not moving anyways.

I've thought about upgrading my 2015 P500 to a 520 but I don't see enough of a difference. I agree adding tires makes a huge difference! I also added Elka shocks which dramatically increased the ride and suspension performance.

 

[MoKelly]

Looks great. Then again, everything looks better with a dog inside!!!

MoKelly

 

[Rdrcr]

Those coilover shocks look like quite an upgrade!

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Well, I just got the phone call. It seems a 520 is coming in next month!

Mike

 

[ArlyA]

I do like to see reviews of new machines via operators. Your Honda Pioneer cost quite a bit less than the 6x6 outlander we have on order does.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I like the Pioneer 520 for it’s small size and perhaps cost. I like the fact that it’ll fit into the bed of my truck and has the ability to maneuver on narrow trails. It’s perfect for my needs.

If I’m being completely honest with the price, it’s rather expensive when compared to pre-owned 1990’s Japanese mini-truck imports which can be purchased for around $10K with low mileage, 4WD, and turbo Diesel engines and can be driven on the roads without any additional cost.

That said, I’ll be moving forward with the 520. Though, I really don’t have a proper place to store it at the moment.

Mike

 

[jjeff]

Before I seriously consider upgrading my bullet proof 500 pioneer I'd like to see the 520 with a front locker, and power steering I'd be willing to pay an upcharge for both.

 

[Code54]

There is an aftermarket kit for power steering for the pioneer. I had on ours and it worked perfectly, and I would highly recommend it.
Here is a link to a writeup I did on the install and a bunch of other people's comments.