Advice on an all terrain vehicle

[marhar]

I have recently injured my legs. I am interested in a UTV similar to a Polaris Ranger (seating for 2 or more, with a bed on the back and 4WD). I need something that is completely hand-controlled. I have never owned an UTV but now I need one to get around the farm.

I have edited the post to reflect a UTV.

 

[jjeff]

Honda 520 or 500 pioneer comes to mind has paddle shifters, reverse and 4wd is engaged with a lever on the dash. Newer ones have full automatic option with the flick of a lever. The 520 has a dump bed I have a older 500 has worked great for me and still does with around 2k for mileage. 50" wide no oem front locker or power steering though. But it's less expensive than most on the market and it's a super reliable Honda.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
The OP is looking for an ATV, not a UTV like the Honda Pioneer 500/520 (great machine BTW).
He needs something that has “hand” controls due to his leg injuries.

Unfortunately, I haven’t owned or looked at any ATV’s in several years. Hopefully some folks will have some suggestions for you soon.

ArlyA, might have some excellent suggestions as they use them frequently in all types of terrain and weather conditions.

Mike

 

[jjeff]

Good point, however the biggest problem I've noticed with older folks and traditional 4 wheelers is getting you legs over the seat. John Deere came out with the "Buck" 4;wheeler a few decades ago no seat to lift legs over. All my Yamaha 4 wheelers require me to depress foot brake to shift into gear despite having handlebar throttle and brake controls. Imo best thing is to try and test these things out if possible before dropping thousands on one.

 

[herringchoker]

The OP is looking for a vehicle "similar to a Polaris Ranger (seating for 2 or more, with a bed on the back and 4WD)".

 

[marhar]

The OP is looking for a vehicle "similar to a Polaris Ranger (seating for 2 or more, with a bed on the back and 4WD)".

You are correct. I meant UTV not ATV.

 

[stevem5215]

My dad had this problem long before UTV's were around. We bought a Bombardier Traxter 500 for him. All hand controls and the center section was cut out so he didn't have to swing his legs over it. The machine is a mini tractor and has outlasted him and probably will outlast me. They are very durable machines. Ours is still running good and in my garage now for duties around the house pulling a trailer. They also were AWD with no switching functions. It doesn't tear up the ground and the viscous coupling AWD is really something to see in action.

 

[BruceSH]

Whatever the choice, I would choose a UTV that has power brakes, if there is such an animal.
The various UTV's I've driven took a hard push on the brake pedal to stop quickly.
I'm not sure how the braking pressure would translate into a hand usage system, as far as leverage is concerned, but this might be something considered.

Good luck with this.

 

[super55]

Good point, however the biggest problem I've noticed with older folks and traditional 4 wheelers is getting you legs over the seat. John Deere came out with the "Buck" 4;wheeler a few decades ago no seat to lift legs over. All my Yamaha 4 wheelers require me to depress foot brake to shift into gear despite having handlebar throttle and brake controls. Imo best thing is to try and test these things out if possible before dropping thousands on one.

I have a John Deere Buck and I absolutely love the thing. Have had it for years and no issues with it. They only made them for a few years which were bombardier traxsters. I believe Can Am bought out bombardier ATV and that was the end of that. They are still around you just have to look hard for them. They even made one with a dump bed. Automatic or manual thumb shift transmission and hand brakes. Its actually a good look workhorse.

 

[jjeff]

One thing I've noticed is both my ATVs and sxs's have great engine braking capabilities. The paddle shifting Honda pioneer in a low gear like 1st or second especially. My Yamahas also are usually more than adequate for me anyway. If running balls to the wall, not anticipating extensive use of the brakes I rarely have trouble with braking.