[RacerX400600]

I have a lot of experience in both. Biggest difference is suspension and over all noise and vibration. Big red has solid mounted engine while pioneer is rubber mounted. Big red suspension is made to cruise around the farm but pretty terrible on the trail. Pioneer sus makes it fun on the trail. Power feels about the same between p4 and br. But p2 feels faster due to better power to weight. Also pioneer is narrower by a little bit so helps with maneuverability feel. Good luck!

 

[texn]

New member here kinda transferred over from the Honda ATV forums. Have a question regarding the Big Red vs Pioneer.

We ranch quite extensively in Texas and currently use kawasaki mules and Honda atvs. However, we are looking into getting another UTV. My main complaint with the Mule is the low ground clearance. From researching the BR, it seems to be much tougher than the mule. From what I understand, no belt is used. That correct? In fact, I wasnt even aware that the Pioneer has replaced the Mule. From what I read, its a sporty version of the BR without the air intake problem. Any other major differences? What about engine and transmission durability?

My question is this...you guys that have experience with both...what would you recommend for me? I dont care about speed. I do care about engine dependability and low maintenance cost. I need power more than speed. Ground clearance is needed, however compared to the mule, I am sure the BR is adequate. I would prefer the lower priced of the two if it doesnt sacrifice any in the dependability department.

If I do end up with a BR, are there any year models to prefer over another?

 

[ckhenshaw4]

New member here kinda transferred over from the Honda ATV forums. Have a question regarding the Big Red vs Pioneer.

We ranch quite extensively in Texas and currently use kawasaki mules and Honda atvs. However, we are looking into getting another UTV. My main complaint with the Mule is the low ground clearance. From researching the BR, it seems to be much tougher than the mule. From what I understand, no belt is used. That correct? In fact, I wasnt even aware that the Pioneer has replaced the Mule. From what I read, its a sporty version of the BR without the air intake problem. Any other major differences? What about engine and transmission durability?

My question is this...you guys that have experience with both...what would you recommend for me? I dont care about speed. I do care about engine dependability and low maintenance cost. I need power more than speed. Ground clearance is needed, however compared to the mule, I am sure the BR is adequate. I would prefer the lower priced of the two if it doesnt sacrifice any in the dependability department.

If I do end up with a BR, are there any year models to prefer over another?

First of all, WELCOME aboard texn. If I were you, I would buy the Pioneer 700-4, and have the best of both worlds. Work, and some play !!!!

 

[texn]

First of all, WELCOME aboard texn. If I were you, I would buy the Pioneer 700-4, and have the best of both worlds. Work, and some play !!!!

Are there any aspects of the Big Red that are better than the Pioneer? Besides price.. In other words, did the Pioneer not carry over certain attributes that worked well in the Big Red?

 

[tundraman]

Are there any aspects of the Big Red that are better than the Pioneer? Besides price.. In other words, did the Pioneer not carry over certain attributes that worked well in the Big Red?

Of course the Big Red looks better than the Pioneer, other than that the Pioneer is superior in every area.

 

[toodeep]

Are there any aspects of the Big Red that are better than the Pioneer? Besides price.. In other words, did the Pioneer not carry over certain attributes that worked well in the Big Red?

That depends on use and needs. The bed on the BR sat lower so loading heavy loads by hand is a little easier. The BR has the open rear final drive so when turning tight around the yard you leave less tracks. The BR has a touch bigger cab area but not a lot.

The Pioneer sits a little higher so more ground clearance. The motor is mounted on it's own sub frame to there is less vibration, quieter. It has a dual shift mode (cruise/sport) so when going slow it will shift into a higher gear sooner keeping the motor revs down (quieter). The exhaust sits a little farther back on the Pioneer which helps with the noise level also. It governs at 45mph vs the 40 mph for the BR. The pioneer has a lot more acc available for it compared to the BR.

The air intake is a wash to me since I would snorkel either of them if using it in dusty conditions. Both are dependable and the only problems with the BR was some of the first 09 had camshaft issues and the 09/10 has an update for the stator (which is still going on).

 

[texn]

That depends on use and needs. The bed on the BR sat lower so loading heavy loads by hand is a little easier. The BR has the open rear final drive so when turning tight around the yard you leave less tracks. The BR has a touch bigger cab area but not a lot.

The Pioneer sits a little higher so more ground clearance. The motor is mounted on it's own sub frame to there is less vibration, quieter. It has a dual shift mode (cruise/sport) so when going slow it will shift into a higher gear sooner keeping the motor revs down (quieter). The exhaust sits a little farther back on the Pioneer which helps with the noise level also. It governs at 45mph vs the 40 mph for the BR. The pioneer has a lot more acc available for it compared to the BR.

The air intake is a wash to me since I would snorkel either of them if using it in dusty conditions. Both are dependable and the only problems with the BR was some of the first 09 had camshaft issues and the 09/10 has an update for the stator (which is still going on).

So correct me if I am wrong...

The engines in both are basically the same...except for mounting?

How do the reliability of the transmissions differ?

I guess what I am getting it is the prices for each seem to be a huge difference. $14k for the pionner compared to around $9k for a slightly used BR. I understand looks of the pioneer win hands down, but I would give up a lot on looks for $5k

 

[toodeep]

The motor and transmission are the same (except for the new 15 model that has a redesigned head). Basically they are the same as the old Rincon (lower output gearing on the SXS) that has been out since 2003. I see a lot of those 4 wheelers with over 20,000 miles on them and still running strong. Keep the oil changed when needed and they will last a long time. Both are going to be dependable machines if taken care of. The best is to drive both and you can see the slight differences yourself and then be the judge. I like the Pioneer better but my brother prefers the BigRed. Everyone has different opinions...

 

[Fishinbound]

I have a 2013 BR. Some people call it a SLUG. Some say it sucks, but at the end of the day, I went where they did. Went through what they went through and got stuck in some holes and not in others.
The biggest issue is speed and size. It is not fast and it is really wide compared to the Pioneer. But I can ride 3 people wide and it runs 45 with 29.5s.
I can plow over trees, pull people out, carry everything and still play.
I have plenty of videos if it in action in the Florida Mud.
All stock except the tires, snorkel and 2" lift block ($69).
If I had to choose again, I would choose the BR for the extra room. (but I am old lol)