Looking At New UTVs 500cc to 700cc

M

MParr

Joined
Oct 28, 2017
Messages
5,419
Location
Americus, GA
I am getting tired of our 2019 Kawasaki Mule SX (KAF400J). It's always fouled plugs fairly early. I replaced the carburetor with an Amazon All Carb brand. That didn't work too well. I rebuilt the original Nikki carburetor, using a Shindy 03-122 kit. I installed the rebuilt original yesterday.
I don't have much confidence in the Mule.
Any input on Polaris, Honda, or Can Am units would be appreciated.
I don't need anything fancy or 4 seats. I primarily use the Mule for hauling yard debris.
 
your list isn't a good one. I've broken everything on all of them. clearly the 'mule' didn't live up to it's name. Reason i chose a worn out chevy tracker.

good luck on your go-karts. check craigs-cruisers, they might have some old ones to sell.
 
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chorty said:
your list isn't a good one. I've broken everything on all of them. clearly the 'mule' didn't live up to it's name. Reason i chose a worn out chevy tracker.

good luck on your go-karts. check craigs-cruisers, they might have some old ones to sell.
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Whatever. Thanks for the positive feedback on the question. 🤣🤣🤣
 
Not what you are asking for but have you considered a mini truck? I wanted a utv during covid but they were no where to be found (at sane prices) . I stumbled upon a dealer selling mini trucks and could not be happier, 4wd, dump bed, ac and airbags :)

Anyway just thought I would throw it out there.

PXL_20220618_185611432.webp
 
BeerCan said:
Not what you are asking for but have you considered a mini truck? I wanted a utv during covid but they were no where to be found (at sane prices) . I stumbled upon a dealer selling mini trucks and could not be happier, 4wd, dump bed, ac and airbags :)

Anyway just thought I would throw it out there.

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I'm looking to keep it kind of small. All that I have for hauling one around is a 10' utility trailer.
 
Out of the three you listed, for utility use I personally would look into the Hondas. The other two use belt CVT transmissions which aren't the best for low speed heavy pulling use.
 
Big E said:
Out of the three you listed, for utility use I personally would look into the Hondas. The other two use belt CVT transmissions which aren't the best for low speed heavy pulling use.
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Do you know which would have the best EFI system.
 
Big E said:
Out of the three you listed, for utility use I personally would look into the Hondas. The other two use belt CVT transmissions which aren't the best for low speed heavy pulling use.
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Exactly my issue!!!

Running chains on all 4 tires to actually be productive in snow/ice is a game changer on how good a unit is built/designed.

I can't imagine running chains on a little UTV/ATV scooters. I'm breaking front CV shafts too often on this Chevy tracker as is.

But if I don't Run chains, I can't get around the 300 acres in January!!

Nothing will ever be better then the traditional torque converter. Hands down.
 
MParr said:
Do you know which would have the best EFI system.
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I couldn't tell you which is best as far as the EFI systems. I have a 2008 Can Am Outlander 800. The EFI system has never been a problem even though its been run on ethanol gas mostly. It's always fired right up and never misses a beat even after sitting for weeks.

Most ATV/UTV EFI systems are not as complicated as automotive systems. They use a fixed program instead of various sensors to adjust the air/fuel ratio on the fly.

I used to keep up on this kind of stuff, but have not for awhile.
 
I recommend CFMoto Uforce, very affordable, comes with many standard features which are extra on other brands. Such as roof, winch, alloy wheels, fender extensions, etc. I have owned other brands and CFMoto has been trouble free.
 
I will be looking at the Polaris Ranger 570 SP this morning. It has many of the features that I'm looking for.
 
In the group I ride with, the Polaris guys were the only ones that ever had to be towed back to camp. That's been my experience. Yours may vary.

Here's a shot of my Can Am playing tow truck. The Polaris' rack and pinion blew out after clipping a rock out on the trail.
20180905_162051.webp
 
Big E said:
In the group I ride with, the Polaris guys were the only ones that ever had to be towed back to camp. That's been my experience. Yours may vary.

Here's a shot of my Can Am playing tow truck. The Polaris' rack and pinion blew out after clipping a rock out on the trail.
View attachment 288089
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I want be doing any of that type of riding.
I will be using it around my property for general tasks, such as hauling or towing.
 
a road legal mini truck would be great for many of us, NOT the typical TANKS sold today!!! even a basic no frills standard cab, manual shift + 4WD for a decent price $$
 
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I've nothing bad to say about JD Gators. Got 4 diesel SxS ones in my snowmobile club on tracks pulling 1k lb. grooming drags through the hilly woods in winter. Zero machine drivetrain issues, track bogies are the biggest wear item not the machines. Oldest is a '14 with 3500 miles of winter work a few Saturday fall cleanup runs pulling a crew trailer. Not as speedy as gas powered but torque monsters and fantastic on fuel usage.
We had a Polaris in the past, not even in the same league. That's why they are called Pullaris's.
I wouldn't have any issues with a used one that was decent looking either since its for yard duty.
 
Have you considered a gas powered club car and a trailer behind it? That is my setup and I can put 4 people on it when not in use for yard duty. Tractor Supply has some good sized composite pull behind trailer that you can even put sides on if desired and they tilt to dump.
 
thastinger said:
Have you considered a gas powered club car and a trailer behind it? That is my setup and I can put 4 people on it when not in use for yard duty. Tractor Supply has some good sized composite pull behind trailer that you can even put sides on if desired and they tilt to dump.
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I looked into the Club Cars and EZ-GO. They both have the same single cylinder Kawasaki 400cc engine as my current Mule. I don't want another vehicle with that engine and Nikki carburetor. That Nikki carburetor has been a pain in my rear.
I've decided on the Polaris Ranger 570 Full Size.
Thank you for your suggestion.
 
MParr said:
I looked into the Club Cars and EZ-GO. They both have the same single cylinder Kawasaki 400cc engine as my current Mule. I don't want another vehicle with that engine and Nikki carburetor. That Nikki carburetor has been a pain in my rear.
I've decided on the Polaris Ranger 570 Full Size.
Thank you for your suggestion.
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Ok good deal. Strange that you are having issues as mine is 20 years old and on the OEM carb which I have never had off the cart.
 
thastinger said:
Ok good deal. Strange that you are having issues as mine is 20 years old and on the OEM carb which I have never had off the cart.
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You may have the Mikunu carburetor.
The Nikki carburetor on my Mule has carbon fouled the plugs from day one.
 
I purchased the Polaris Ranger 570 Full Size. I like that the engine and transmission are behind the cab. Access to maintenance and service is excellent. There is a shock assisted bed lift. That shock can easily be detached from the bed. This allows for the bed to be tilted even further for access.
 
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