This is my first post.. HOpe its in the right section.
I've been looking pretty hard at the Gator 825i and the Pioneer 700. Things I like about the gator are of course the power steering. The engine seems smoother, quieter, and a little more powerful. And it will carry more firewood. I can get an 825i with Power steering , roof and brush guard for the same money as the Pioneer, and Deere has better financing deals right now.
Other than power steering I like the Honda quite a bit, just because I've always owned Honda ATVs and had very little trouble with them, and resell is good for both machines I think. I've never been around Gators and am a little concerned about the belt drive and Chinese engine. although I've read they are pretty reliable. I've heard the belt drive might not be as good for hauling loads at low speeds all the time.
As far as usage, hauling firewood out of my woods will be its main chore. We like to ride trails in the woods at our place, my wife and daughter will drive it and they don't have a lot of arm strength but never had trouble steering our lifted club car around. I won't be able to get them to go with me to test drive them because its a fair drive away, but I want to make sure they'd be able to steer it around. I drove the Pioneer myself and it seemed ok but I'm used to non power steering ATVs with handle bars. The gator was great with PS but I didn't get to drive one without PS.
What do you guys all think about the steering of the PS and non PS models Have any of your kids or wives complained about the steering on any of them?
Thanks!
I've been looking pretty hard at the Gator 825i and the Pioneer 700. Things I like about the gator are of course the power steering. The engine seems smoother, quieter, and a little more powerful. And it will carry more firewood. I can get an 825i with Power steering , roof and brush guard for the same money as the Pioneer, and Deere has better financing deals right now.
Other than power steering I like the Honda quite a bit, just because I've always owned Honda ATVs and had very little trouble with them, and resell is good for both machines I think. I've never been around Gators and am a little concerned about the belt drive and Chinese engine. although I've read they are pretty reliable. I've heard the belt drive might not be as good for hauling loads at low speeds all the time.
As far as usage, hauling firewood out of my woods will be its main chore. We like to ride trails in the woods at our place, my wife and daughter will drive it and they don't have a lot of arm strength but never had trouble steering our lifted club car around. I won't be able to get them to go with me to test drive them because its a fair drive away, but I want to make sure they'd be able to steer it around. I drove the Pioneer myself and it seemed ok but I'm used to non power steering ATVs with handle bars. The gator was great with PS but I didn't get to drive one without PS.
What do you guys all think about the steering of the PS and non PS models Have any of your kids or wives complained about the steering on any of them?
Thanks!