Need utility Side by Side

[John_Mc]

I own a 2022 Honda Pioneer 520. I already have a tractor, dump trailer, logging trailer, & etc for heavier work. So I was looking for a smaller, lighter UTV, that I could take out on my trails and work in the woods when conditions are still to soft to use my larger equipment.

The Pioneer 1000 you are considering is a great machine and capable of heavier work (higher towing capacity, larger payload in the bed, etc.), if that is what you are looking for.

Two things affect my choice of the Honda:

• They have a very well-earned reputation for reliability - with only minor preventive maintenance, they just keep on going. (At the time I was shopping, Kawasaki Mule and Yamaha also have good reputations for reliability.)
  
  
• I really like their transmission and the way the engine braking works. For some UTVs, operating in hilly terrain can take some getting used to: as you let off the gas you get engine braking only down to a point, then the clutch on the CVT transmission "lets go" and you have no engine braking. You have to keep the engine RPMs up slightly to keep the clutch engaged. Yes, you can always just step on the brakes instead, but to me this is just counter-intuitive: step on the gas to go slower? All of the Honda Pioneers have great, predictable engine breaking. (Personally, I like the transmissions in the 520 and the 1000 better than the one in the Pioneer 700, but that's just my personal preference.)

Many of the larger UTVs with CVTs have addressed this in their more current generations and adding some mechanism to improve engine. Last I checked, that upgrade had not happened on number of the smaller units. If you operate in hilly terrain, it's worth checking out whether you like how that feature operates before you buy.

I bought the Pioneer 520mostly for work on our 144 acres. It had been used for one year by the previous owner for light work and trail rides. He traded up to something faster so he would keep up with his buddies on the trail rides. (something to consider if you ride with others and are into speed.)

I really didn't need (or have any interest in) a "go fast machine". It will do 40+ on the speedometer, but the previous owner replaced the stock 24" tires with 26" and I have not checked the actual speed with a GPS. Most of the time I'm at 15 MPH or less, though I have cranked it up to make the 1 mile run to our mailbox on a couple of occasions. It handles comfortably at max throttle.

No power steering. There are people who add it with an aftermarket set up. I really haven't found any need for it in a machine this light. My wife and my daughter handle it with no problems as well.

 

[cbg8670]

I have the ranger. It is about 4 years old. Been in shop once for something in head that broke. I do not like the transmission on hilly terrain it will freewheel if you let of gas.

 

[klm]

Do not even consider a Massimo, Axis or whatever they are calling themselves lately. I have a Kubota RTX850 for my 310 acres and it gets used hard, no issues.

 

[tscheuzger]

I've had a 2011 Polaris Ranger 800XP that I bought new towards the end of 2010. I wanted something for the same reasons you list, though most importantly was so I could attach a hydraulic plow for our winters - something I'm assuming wouldn't matter to you, but also for the turf mode that only keeps one wheel driven to protect your lawn. Hi and low range 4x4 and 2WD are the other choices. Mine does have an e-brake, but no power steering. That wasn't an option when I bought mine, and I suppose it might come in handy when plowing, but I don't really miss it.

I added Fox air shocks to the front to offset the weight of the plow in the winter; during the summer I run with them deflated. I upgraded the seats with cushier ones made by FlexSteel, added tubular bumper guards for the bed, diamond plate floor and roof (which is really nice to be able to stand on when trimming tree branches), & LED light bars. Around here Polaris is just about all you see because they're local.

I also built a bed insert to haul brush back to the burn pile. It has a boat winch attached to one corner so I can easily strap down large loads. Once I get to the destination, I unstrap and use the dump bed to empty in one shot. I love that part.

The only real issue I had with it, several years ago now, was to replace some wiring harness connectors that would cause the engine to idle higher than normal which in turn made it difficult to shift. Something about the OEM harness lacking some length/flexibility near a couple engine connections. This was a well documented problem that I discovered on a Polaris Ranger forum, such that one company offered premade repair kits to fix the problem. Since I did that it's been flawless, and for a 15 year old machine I have no complaints.

I'm on just the second battery as well. The OEM Polaris battery lasted about five years at which time I replaced it with an Odyssey AGM based on a recommendation of the PRCForum (Polaris Ranger Club), which has been in there ever since, going on 10 years now. The Odysseys are pricey, but another example of you get what you pay for.

I would search out some independent forums based on the models you're considering - those are usually the best places to get first hand reports of any potential issues. I did that before I bought mine and it was enlightening.

Rangers are made in Alabama.

Where Is Your Polaris Made? ATVs, UTVs, Slingshot and ... - TimeForWheels | Your Ultimate ATV and UTV Guide

 

[Shady oak]

I have a Kubota rtv 500. 2014 model. This is a gas machine. 2 cyl. 950 hrs and no repairs. I like the hydrostatic. It won’t win a road race but is handy and reliable. If you want something bigger that will get more done, the diesel versions of these are built like a tank. Plus it’s likely a Kubota diesel will outlive its purchaser.

 

[John_Mc]

I'm on just the second battery as well. The OEM Polaris battery lasted about five years at which time I replaced it with an Odyssey AGM based on a recommendation of the PRCForum (Polaris Ranger Club), which has been in there ever since, going on 10 years now. The Odysseys are pricey, but another example of you get what you pay for.

Were you able to find an Odyssey battery in a size that fits a UTV, or did you have to figure out how to shoehorn a car battery into the UTV? I did not spot any Odyssey or Optima batteries that would fit my UTV when I was looking a couple of years ago.

 

[ArlyA]

I have a Kubota rtv 500. 2014 model. This is a gas machine. 2 cyl. 950 hrs and no repairs. I like the hydrostatic. It won’t win a road race but is handy and reliable. If you want something bigger that will get more done, the diesel versions of these are built like a tank. Plus it’s likely a Kubota diesel will outlive its purchaser.

What is your top end speed?

 

[Bad Boy Biker]

We went with a Pioneer 700 back in 2014. It has been a good machine.

 

[tscheuzger]

Were you able to find an Odyssey battery in a size that fits a UTV, or did you have to figure out how to shoehorn a car battery into the UTV? I did not spot any Odyssey or Optima batteries that would fit my UTV when I was looking a couple of years ago.

Mine is a PC925L. It was a bit shorter than the OEM Polaris, so I added a couple pieces of 1/2" plywood under the rubber strap to hold it place. No issues at all.

ODS-AGM28 - ODYSSEY Battery

Edit: Here's a photo. I have the battery turned on its side but it fit in the tray perfectly:

 

[JLinOK]

Hello all,

So, I really could use a utility side by side for around my 8 acres. Mainly for fence repair, general maintenance, irrigation repairs and target setting out to my 200 yard range. And of course some trail riding while camping. I am looking at five different machines. Most are three seaters. No need for a six seater. Here they are not listed in any particular order;

1 CFMoto UForce U10 Pro
2 Kawasaki Ridge/Ranch Edition
3 Polaris Range 1000
4 Honda Pioneer 1000-5
5 Can Am Defender X MR

I know there are others on the market. I was really interested in a Massimo T-Boss 1000, but they are not available in Kalifornia. My main focus here is ease of service, riding comfort and durability. So, if you happen to have one of these machines, can you kindly chime in as to what you do and don't like about it. I have ridden in a Honda Pioneer before and it was a great machine. I kicked the tires on a Kawasaki Ridge and it looks like a great machine, but getting to the air filter looks like a pain in the rear. I have yet to sit in any of the other three. Mainly because there are none on dealer floors in the Stockton area. I really want to look at the CFMoto. A Tracy dealer is expecting some in early May.

Ok, thanks guys/gals. B.

I have a 14 year old JD that starts and runs as long as the battery is good. Bought it for less than 3k. 4wd and I have replaced the belts once. Everything is pretty easy to work on. It goes anyplace I am willing to try. I sure would not fork out for a new one, but I would buy the new one before I considered the 1 cylinder Chinese junk.