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Joined: Dec 2005
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Anyone use/own one and what are your thoughts on them? My dad is looking to purchase one and doesn't want to go with a bigger machine. This one will fit in the box of his truck.

I know it doesn’t have power steering or locking front differential, but any other issues or concerns?

Purely used during hunting season.

Thanks for any help


Rob
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I wouldn't pay that kind of money and not get a front locker.


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We took a Pioneer 500 and a Pioneer 1000 to Montana last month. I drove both and was not impressed with the 500. It felt under powered, rode stiffly and I wasn't a huge fan of the paddle shifting. For the money, it might be fantastic, I don't have that much experience with the things; I would suggest he spend time in one before deciding if its the right unit for him. The owner of the 500 I drove uses it for pushing snow on his residential property and he likes it. Two guys going up hill in it seemed to tax it substantially.


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I don't really know that the 500 is much different than the 520 outside of the bed. I can tell you that my 700 takes 3 people up hills in the mud with NO problems. I might be convinced to look at used 500s before getting the 520, you might get a better deal and building the bed for one is no problem if you don't need a dump bed.

The paddle shifters on the 500 are nice and easy to use and having it fit in the back of a truck is also convent and there is a ton of after market stuff available for them.

The 500 will be a little underpowered but if your not trying to drag a ton of sh*t up the hill it should be fine for 2 guys with packs and guns/bows. Honda makes good power and I've seen guys on much smaller 4 wheelers load dear out with no issues.

So look for a used 500 if you can and know that it's a Honda and should run forever if you take care of it.

I would also add that if you can.....think about power steering, mine is a bit of a bear to steer in tight spots but overall not too bad. Roof and windshield are a must but are both easy to install

Last edited by Soulfly; 12/01/21.

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You can get an aftermarket front locker for a 520 for a mere $430. It also fits the 500's and the newer 700's as a replacement if the factory locker fails.


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I think he is going to go with the 520. Used, if you can find one is going to be almost new price here. He’s 71 yrs old so not doing anything wild with it. Just easier for him to use be his Foreman 500 he has now. Doesn’t need or want a power house, really be waste for him.


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Originally Posted by harv3589
I think he is going to go with the 520. Used, if you can find one is going to be almost new price here. He’s 71 yrs old so not doing anything wild with it. Just easier for him to use be his Foreman 500 he has now. Doesn’t need or want a power house, really be waste for him.
I have a Polaris RZR 800. Except for engine size, it's very little larger in size. They're great for just running around but are also very trail capable. They're quite easy for an older person to handle and drive.

BTW, I'm 73 and I guarantee that us gray hairs can get a lot wilder with one than you might think. Has he looked at the Polaris RZR 570? I know 2 guys who have them and they do very well on the trail. They also have a front locker. The one drawback, also with the Honda, is lack of clearance. I put a 2" lift on my 800 and it made a world of difference.


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I own a pioneer 500 and a Yamaha Viking. My brother just bought a pioneer 520. I run chains on the rear of the 500. Run logging roads in a very steep narrow hollow on the NY/VT . The Viking has front locking but I prefer the 500 . No problem what so ever with the pioneer not having power steering nor front locking.


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Good to know , looking at them myself

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He ended up buying the pioneer 520 and we will see how it works soon I hope. Need to get out and remove some tree stand and cameras


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Harv3589---- The stock tires that came through on his 520 were not to his liking---- He sold them and bought 4 Bighorn Maxxis ----- He's very happy with them. The 500 comes with different tires , but by running chains on the rear ,that little machine will amaze you. Speed is not in my vocabulary when it comes to ATV,s or UTV,s... Hope he likes it. I'm giving my 2019 500 to my son and I just ordered a 2022 500 for myself. Web


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I hope he does get a better tire and go up a size to a bit more clearance. I run a similar tire to yours on my atv, traxion gripper max and really like them. We are no speed demons or mud bigger either.


Rob
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There is a lift kit available for the 520. It's only 1.5" but in rocks, that can make a big difference. LIFT KIT
We have lots of rocks here. I put a 2" lift on my Razor and it made a BIG difference.


“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
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It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.

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