Need a new 4 wheeler after 36 years

[Glaciers]

I bought a Honda 4 Trax 4 wheeler when they first came out in 1986. Since then I’ve warn out 2 for sure 3 maybe set of tire chains. It’s also warn out 2 different snow plows. Has a trailer behind it most of the time.
Honda’s are awesome. Period. I’ve had generators, numerous outboard motors from 2 hp to 25 hp, also a Honda trimmer. Used Honda generators in the construction jobs for years. Honda’s don’t fail.
But they do wear out. Especially when parts are no longer available.
So my 350 Four Trax is starting to have minor problems. Small things, cables, fuel pump, muffler, things starting to fail more frequently. So thinking about a replacement. Would like a side by side. Looking at the Honda 520 Pioneer, the smallest one made. Don’t need big power, or fancy stuff, just reliably, fuel efficiency, basically a work unit. My 4 wheeler has only left the valley once in the 36 years that I’ve owned it.
I prefer Honda but there are other side by sides out there that I’m not familiar with. I need to plan ahead as I called the dealer and there’s about a 4 month wait.
So advice on what’s out there would be appreciated.

 

[Rick]

I avoided the side by side because of the turning radius vs the quad, I got a Tracker quad. As much I dislike buying imports though I confess Honda has the small engine thing down pat regardless of what it's in.

2021 was a terrible year for all brands with nearly nothing coming out of the factories, mostly due to electronics shortages (no chips coming out of China). Buying anything was nearly impossible. I looked from Springfield, Mo to Little Rock and every dealer of every brand during 20221, nothing. When the Tracker 570 showed up at the local dealer I jumped on it, the Tracker is the old Artic Cat. Not disappointed but it does get light duty. The local Can-Am dealer started to get a fair amount of stock in earlier this year, mostly side by sides. I wouldn't shy away from any of the major brands, what's available maybe your deciding factor.

 

[JonB]

Do you think it'll be used for transporting a passenger fairly often?
Cuz, IMHO, that's the only reason to get a SXS.
For what I do, a small ATV is the best choice...and if you've used that 350 all these years, I'm guessing if you go with a larger (larger foot print) unit, you will not be happy.

My first ATV was a Polaris 250 4x4 (1990). Then I came into some company stock money in 2003, so I bought a new 2003 Polaris 700 twin ATV. While that was still a ATV, it felt like driving a truck, especially when driving in the woods. I hated it. So, a year later, I traded it for a Honda fourtrax 450, which had a similar footprint to my old 250. I've been loving that Honda 450 for 18 years.

Good Luck.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

I cant argue much against Honda you know what they bring to the table.

I have owned a Kawasaki and Suzuki Dirt bikes. Zero issues.

I bought a Suzuki Quad Sport when they came out. It too was 100% trouble free. Went a few years with none then in 2006 I bought a New Polaris 2007 700 twin. I rode that Quad over five years. Again Zero issues I changed normal stuff and upgraded some. Traded that in 2014 on a brand new 2015 Polaris RZR Trail side by side. I still have it today. I love it but its not for all. Its a fun trail machine NOT much of a working machine.

I think every maker can make a looser a lemon. But largely all are really good. So Id advise you to buy Honda as its what you know trust and want.

CW

 

[popper]

Just stay away from Hisun (Coleman/JD and others). Noticed that Lowes just started handling them. I got a Suz. Quad 500 last year, for a country wheelchair and like it. Had Kaw/Honda/Suzu bikes before with no real problems. Daughter has a JD 4 seater 1ltr 3cyl, had a minor few problems. Lots of time on it, workhorse.

 

[Glaciers]

Well the Rancher ATV is 47 inches wide and the SxS Pioneer is 50 inches. The Rancher has a 9.5 foot turning radius and the Pioneer has a 12.5 foot radius.
The ATV is 40% less money so that’s a major factor at this point in my life. But being able to have a windshield and roof cover is very desirable. But $4,000 more makes it less important.
When I’m out working get wet or cold kinda goes with the territory. Another but here, I’m getting older and like a little easier experience.
I don’t trail ride or do racier stuff. I don’t think the size difference is an issue, the SxS is not much bigger.
What I would really like is a Kobota SxS diesel, but that’s some big bucks. Only people that can afford one are Government agencies who have your tax dollars to play with.

 

[Winelover]

I have a Polaris 570 EPS Ranger SxS............fully enclosed cab. I went with Polaris cause we had a local dealer. Nearest Honda dealer is in Springfield, 90 miles away and a 2+ hour drive. If I knew then what I know now (Polaris dealership closed) I would have went with Honda................. Honda SxS don't have belt drives.

Turning radius be damned. I'm too old to be straddling a ATV. Even with our moderate weather, I'm glad I optioned for the enclosed cab. I just drop the front windshield and bungie cord the door/doors open weather permitting.



Plow saved my bacon the last few years.

 

[Bret4207]

Do not under any circumstances, even for a second, consider a Coleman/Cub Cadet/Hisun UTV. Just trust me, you don't want anything to do with one of them! I think Bass Pro/Cabelas and maybe Home Depot also sell them. RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!

I've got the junk Coleman and a Honda 4 Trax. I can tell you this much- the Honda ATV is exhausting to drive. The Coleman, or any SXS is worlds easier, and so is getting in/out, on/off. The SXS is more versatile but the ATV is smaller, lighter and less expensive to run. In either case I can't image trying to low any significant amount of snow with either one. I'd find an old Jeep or pickup for that.

 

[popper]

Most of them use a CV transmission that use a 'belt'. IIRC Honda has a transmission/clutch system that is problematic. Check the ATV sites for reviews, most are honest. I think most ATVs have locked rear end, mine does. Front is a diff. Makes turns wider. Power steering reduces kick back in rough terrain. Seems used prices are real high now, trade in?

 

[Rick]

I should have mentioned that, yes, you definitely want P/S no matter what you get. At 20 years old it probably wouldn't matter much but I'm not 20 and it is a huge plus.

 

[Rick]

Do not under any circumstances, even for a second, consider a Coleman/Cub Cadet/Hisun UTV. Just trust me, you don't want anything to do with one of them! I think Bass Pro/Cabelas and maybe Home Depot also sell them. RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!

That's probably about the best thing I ever heard about the Coleman.

Bass Pro is the mfg. of the Tracker.

 

[Rick H]

I have a plain and simple 2014 Honda Rancher. So far it has been bullet proof. I wish I had the Canadian version that included a recoil manual starter along with the electric but they stopped selling those in the states. I have not needed it, but would feel better if it was available WHEN I do. Oh, yeah still on the original battery.
I can see where power steering would be nice, but my machine has done everything I have asked of it.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

Power steering and orig Battery in my 2015 too!

Most have it offered today and I completely agree GET IT! The polaris (most companies) it is variable meaning MOST at idle and least @ speed. This was one of the biggest reasons we went with the RZR. My wife didnt feel she could safely drive the Quad. She LOVES driving the RXR!! Its quick nimble and fast! Suspention is cushy and plush & adjustable. Seats are form fitting buckets. It has a bed a d hitch. Can pull 1500# but only carry 150# in its NON dumping or tailgated bed.
When we hunt it we drag deer not carry them. (Works fine)

You COULD add a plow.

CW

 

[Rick]

I bought the Tracker 570 without P/S, after the first time out with it over at Winerlover's acreage I took it back and traded up for the same unit but with P/S, winch and a few other options. Best move I've made in a long time. The difference between the P/S and no P/S is night & day. Dealer treated me right, got back every dollar I paid for the first one, only had to write a check for the difference for the more expensive one with the options.

 

[Glaciers]

Honda SxS don't have belt drives.

Turning radius be damned. I'm too old to be straddling a ATV. Even with our moderate weather, I'm glad I optioned for the enclosed cab. I just drop the front windshield and bungie cord the door/doors open weather permitting.

Plow saved my bacon the last few years.

Good points that are on my mind. There will certainly be a plow, a must have. Like you I have a long driveway. About 250 - 300 yards. What works good for me is plow the drive then use the snowblower to remove the berm.
Not fond of belts.

 

[popper]

My wife didn't feel she could safely drive the Quad
Mine didn't either till she did. I didn't get the winch. Got stuck but backward was only way out so would do no good. SIL used the winch on his to pull me out. Don't find the quad uncomfortable to ride but did move the throttle stop so GKs won't race. Still hits 30 on good road. Old with bad knees make it difficult to get on/off but if I scoot to the rear, leg swings over pretty easy. In North with cold weather I would get SxS with top & windshield. I can bundle up if going to sit in stand or just pass on doing field work. Kid's place so I got the option. She says toy but it's transportation around 130 acre for me.
Honda uses a 'standard' M.C. transmission with computer operated clutch.

 

[Michael]

We went and looked at some SxS's a couple of weeks ago, never really had the need to own one, have always hunted on foot including getting the game out. Almost had sticker shock to be completely honest, a simple Kawasaki Mule was $16K, some other units were over tw tw tw twice that. While we at the dealer a gentlemen came who was trading in a 5 year old IIRC, Commander for a new one, the new one was only 5K more than what his old would cost us through the dealer.

I boggles my mind, I ended up the my dad's 07 Cadi with 41K miles, it spent most of it's life garaged, clean, no issues, pretty cherry, most dealers offered $3-4K, private party might bring 7K. I know there is likely an extensive list of why the difference, I just don't see it, call me blind if you will. Not many roads where we live that a SxS or a quad can get that I can't get into with my truck. If someone is elsewhere, they shouldn't be there in motorized vehicle anywhere, stay on the *&^%#@ road vs making new ones where they don't belong. Sorry. I have heat, good payload, can drive hundreds of miles and not worry about fuel, carry anything/everything one could need, sleep in it if need be, and don't need a trailer to haul it around. Even at $5/gal, $12-15K will cover a lot of miles. For us it would an expensive toy, for one of our neighbors, they run several hundred head of cattle, therefore a necessary (deductible) tool.

Friday we stopped in a RV place. Used 19' NoBo toy hauler, just under $35K, same model new $39,995.00. New 17' regular trailer with single slide, $30K and up. I must have been hiding under a rock all of these years. Holy Mother of God...


I won't say never and I am keeping a open mind along with my eye on what y'all are recommending.

 

[Kevin Stenberg]

Glaciers You mite want to consider a blower for moving your snow. I got a Barco from Canada. It cut my clearing time for my 1/4 mile drive down to half of what it took with a plow. Mine is a 52" with the larger motor. But it was around 5500$

 

[Petrol & Powder]

A lot of the UTV's on the market are more toy than tool.
I'm with Michael, I think a small truck is likely more useful in the long run.

A compromise, and I understand this isn't for everyone, but one of the Asian mini trucks like a Daihatshu Hijet or Suzuki Carry gives you a lot more than a UTV. They are fairly small, have a useful bed, a real cab and can be had with 4WD. I'm not saying that's a solution for everyone, but it is another option.

Kei truck - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There was a large junkyard/auto graveyard/farm near where I lived as a kid. They had a "fleet" of running junk vehicles they used to for various tasks. They mostly consisted of cars and trucks with all but the driver's seat removed. Some had doors, some didn't. They were essentially free to that business and when the vehicle died (or someone purchased a critical part off of that vehicle) they just selected another one. Those vehicles fit the definition of "utility" vehicle better than anything I've seen.


There are a lot of side by side UTV’s on the market but the prices for those things make me cringe when you look at what they are called upon to perform. A true utility vehicle to me is something that is going to be abused a lot.

 

[Mainiac]

I have a plain and simple 2014 Honda Rancher. So far it has been bullet proof. I wish I had the Canadian version that included a recoil manual starter along with the electric but they stopped selling those in the states. I have not needed it, but would feel better if it was available WHEN I do. Oh, yeah still on the original battery.
I can see where power steering would be nice, but my machine has done everything I have asked of it.

I have a 2000 rancher,,,23 yrs,and ive replaced battery,starter,thats it!wouldnt consider anything but a honda,,have a 700 pioneer buggy,,,it has been boring honda so far,,,just add gas,and change the oil,,,,,