So I broke down and purchased a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) to help.
So, here we have it...
This is a 2017 Arctic Cat HDX 500 XT that I purchased at G5 Powersports in Plant City, Florida. This particular UTV was a demo model that was heavily discounted. It normally has a $12,000 msrp. I added the optional roof ($350) and a 3000 pound Warn Winch ($450) and got an out-the-door price of just over $11 grand.
The Cat's power train is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 433cc single-cylinder engine with a CVT transmission (Continuously Variable) providing Park-Neutral-Reverse-High-Low. It has a selectable 2WD/4WD dash-mounted switch.
The HDX 500 does not have power steering.
Fuel capacity is 8.74 gallons and, for what it's worth for a utility vehicle, I'll run some mpg numbers after the running in.
Stock treads are both Duro-Kaden 3-Star 14 inch mudders with a 9" on the front and a 11" on the rear. Braking is provided by hydraulic discs on both front and rear. The Cat has 10" of travel both front and rear and 10" of ground clearance. The shocks are not air adjustable, like the HDX700s, but they have a 5-Position Pre-Load Adjustment (spanner wrench included).
No, those tires aren't the most aggressive that are available, but the CAT isn't planning any mudbogging. The tread pattern of the Duro-Kadens is about as aggressive as you want and need for utility purposes. Even at that, they're quite capable of ripping up the ground pretty good if you're not careful. Go with a tamed 4WD in real wet conditions or you'll have some major ruts to fill when things dry out.
The main attraction for me to the Cat was the enormous dump-box with hydraulic lift assist. To be honest, the reason I went to G5 was to buy fish food for my pond...and there it sat. When I saw the size of that box compared to what I'd been using I knew I had to have one of these side-by-sides.
The box size is 57" wide x 42" long x 14" deep and has a 600 pound weight capacity. As you can see, the box has an adequate number of tie-down points. Pivot levers are provided on each side of the box for convenience in lifting. Finally, while I have not done this yet, you can remove the sides of the dump box and turn it into a flatbed.
Additional storage is provided under the hood and on each side as shown in the following photos.
The operator's compartment is very roomy. While the steering column is adjustable the three-person bench seat is not adjustable. Two cup holders on the floor are convenient.
The following two photos show the dash. The dash provides for 5 switches; the 2 standard switches are 2WD/4WD and a Reverse Override. The Reverse/Override eliminates the effect of a reverse rev-limiter. The third switch on my dash is the optional Warn Winch Switch.
Lighting includes from LED lamps and LED driving strips and a rear running/brake light. Lighting and reflectors on the HDX 500 XT conform to Florida's Agricultural Vehicle Exemption for incidental road use...make sure the light switch is ON, though!
The digital meter display is easy to see and provides multiple push-button readings as follows:
Note that while the display appears to have four indicator lights at the top, only the left light is in use. That light is red and comes on when the driver's seat belt is not locked as secured. Also Note that where the driver's seat belt is not locked as secured, a 15 MPH speed limiter is engaged.
Operational Experiences:
This section is largely just stream of conscience. I'll post my observations and experiences as I go along:
Speed: My top speed during the mid-to-late running in periods is 46 mph has verified on my GPS. However, I rev-limiter clearly kicked in at that speed. I was able to prove the odometer and trip meters to my GPS trip meter, as well.
Operational Power: The HDX is really proving to be a workhorse; thankfully, that's why I have it. You really can never tell with things like this until put to use, but even at 433cc, it's very powerful and pulls through the sloppiest of conditions with ease, loaded and unloaded. The box load capacity of 600 pounds is a little on the light side, but fortunately, I don't have that big of a property that multiple trips aren't easily accomplished.
Also on the the load capacity, as previously mentioned the rear shocks have 5 pre-load settings...and they're currently at the softest setting. That shows a little in the saggy rear. When I do the 100 mile service, I'll move them to the middle setting and see how that works.
CVT: The continuously variable transmission can be a little twitchy. The shift lever can seem to get stuck in place from time to time. I've found a little touch on the fueling pedal helps that condition. The other thing is that it sometime makes a noise like when I'm sharpening knives on a stone next to a loud speaker. I called the dealer and they said that's normal for the CVT...let's hope.
Turning Radius: One issue is the turning radius seems pretty wide. Is that something normal in side-by-sides? Don't know, but I have a lot of trees on my property so it can get a little interesting getting around with the Cat.
Insurance: Unlike motorcycles and ATVs I found that there are very few insurers that insure these side-by-sides. It's a lot of money invested to have someone drive off with it. Or, if it's ever used for recreation, and uninsured injury could be a big problemo. Ultimately, we got our homeowner's insurance...Farm Bureau...to cover it with a rider on our home policy. It wasn't expensive. No problemo.
Winch: I purchased the optional 3,000 pound Warn Winch and had it installed prior to delivery. The winch has both an in-out switch on the dash and a release on the unit itself to pull the cable cable. It has a 50' stainless cable. So far, I have not had to winch the Cat out of trouble, but my wife seems to have gotten more aggressive on where she mows with our Husqvarna Mower, and I've had to winch that thing out of trouble with it a bunch of times. Overall, as you would expect, the Warn works well; really good accessory and worth the money.
Maintenance Experiences:
This blog should not be considered a how-to. You're only reading my experiences in performing maintenance on my Cat. Similar to the section above, this section is nothing more than stream of conscience on items of interest from my experiences.
So, here we have it...
This is a 2017 Arctic Cat HDX 500 XT that I purchased at G5 Powersports in Plant City, Florida. This particular UTV was a demo model that was heavily discounted. It normally has a $12,000 msrp. I added the optional roof ($350) and a 3000 pound Warn Winch ($450) and got an out-the-door price of just over $11 grand.
The Cat's power train is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 433cc single-cylinder engine with a CVT transmission (Continuously Variable) providing Park-Neutral-Reverse-High-Low. It has a selectable 2WD/4WD dash-mounted switch.
The HDX 500 does not have power steering.
Fuel capacity is 8.74 gallons and, for what it's worth for a utility vehicle, I'll run some mpg numbers after the running in.
Stock treads are both Duro-Kaden 3-Star 14 inch mudders with a 9" on the front and a 11" on the rear. Braking is provided by hydraulic discs on both front and rear. The Cat has 10" of travel both front and rear and 10" of ground clearance. The shocks are not air adjustable, like the HDX700s, but they have a 5-Position Pre-Load Adjustment (spanner wrench included).
No, those tires aren't the most aggressive that are available, but the CAT isn't planning any mudbogging. The tread pattern of the Duro-Kadens is about as aggressive as you want and need for utility purposes. Even at that, they're quite capable of ripping up the ground pretty good if you're not careful. Go with a tamed 4WD in real wet conditions or you'll have some major ruts to fill when things dry out.
The main attraction for me to the Cat was the enormous dump-box with hydraulic lift assist. To be honest, the reason I went to G5 was to buy fish food for my pond...and there it sat. When I saw the size of that box compared to what I'd been using I knew I had to have one of these side-by-sides.
The box size is 57" wide x 42" long x 14" deep and has a 600 pound weight capacity. As you can see, the box has an adequate number of tie-down points. Pivot levers are provided on each side of the box for convenience in lifting. Finally, while I have not done this yet, you can remove the sides of the dump box and turn it into a flatbed.
Additional storage is provided under the hood and on each side as shown in the following photos.
The operator's compartment is very roomy. While the steering column is adjustable the three-person bench seat is not adjustable. Two cup holders on the floor are convenient.
The following two photos show the dash. The dash provides for 5 switches; the 2 standard switches are 2WD/4WD and a Reverse Override. The Reverse/Override eliminates the effect of a reverse rev-limiter. The third switch on my dash is the optional Warn Winch Switch.
Lighting includes from LED lamps and LED driving strips and a rear running/brake light. Lighting and reflectors on the HDX 500 XT conform to Florida's Agricultural Vehicle Exemption for incidental road use...make sure the light switch is ON, though!
The digital meter display is easy to see and provides multiple push-button readings as follows:
- Top right: Time, RPMs, Speedometer
- Middle right: Odometer, Hours of Operation
- Bottom (Bar Gauge): Fuel Level, Engine Temp, Intake Temp, Voltmeter
- Middle left: Gear Indicator
- Top left: (photo currently shows empty) 4WD Indicator, Differential Lock Indicator (see Updates below)
Note that while the display appears to have four indicator lights at the top, only the left light is in use. That light is red and comes on when the driver's seat belt is not locked as secured. Also Note that where the driver's seat belt is not locked as secured, a 15 MPH speed limiter is engaged.
Operational Experiences:
This section is largely just stream of conscience. I'll post my observations and experiences as I go along:
Speed: My top speed during the mid-to-late running in periods is 46 mph has verified on my GPS. However, I rev-limiter clearly kicked in at that speed. I was able to prove the odometer and trip meters to my GPS trip meter, as well.
Operational Power: The HDX is really proving to be a workhorse; thankfully, that's why I have it. You really can never tell with things like this until put to use, but even at 433cc, it's very powerful and pulls through the sloppiest of conditions with ease, loaded and unloaded. The box load capacity of 600 pounds is a little on the light side, but fortunately, I don't have that big of a property that multiple trips aren't easily accomplished.
Also on the the load capacity, as previously mentioned the rear shocks have 5 pre-load settings...and they're currently at the softest setting. That shows a little in the saggy rear. When I do the 100 mile service, I'll move them to the middle setting and see how that works.
CVT: The continuously variable transmission can be a little twitchy. The shift lever can seem to get stuck in place from time to time. I've found a little touch on the fueling pedal helps that condition. The other thing is that it sometime makes a noise like when I'm sharpening knives on a stone next to a loud speaker. I called the dealer and they said that's normal for the CVT...let's hope.
Turning Radius: One issue is the turning radius seems pretty wide. Is that something normal in side-by-sides? Don't know, but I have a lot of trees on my property so it can get a little interesting getting around with the Cat.
Insurance: Unlike motorcycles and ATVs I found that there are very few insurers that insure these side-by-sides. It's a lot of money invested to have someone drive off with it. Or, if it's ever used for recreation, and uninsured injury could be a big problemo. Ultimately, we got our homeowner's insurance...Farm Bureau...to cover it with a rider on our home policy. It wasn't expensive. No problemo.
Winch: I purchased the optional 3,000 pound Warn Winch and had it installed prior to delivery. The winch has both an in-out switch on the dash and a release on the unit itself to pull the cable cable. It has a 50' stainless cable. So far, I have not had to winch the Cat out of trouble, but my wife seems to have gotten more aggressive on where she mows with our Husqvarna Mower, and I've had to winch that thing out of trouble with it a bunch of times. Overall, as you would expect, the Warn works well; really good accessory and worth the money.
Maintenance Experiences:
This blog should not be considered a how-to. You're only reading my experiences in performing maintenance on my Cat. Similar to the section above, this section is nothing more than stream of conscience on items of interest from my experiences.
Below is the Maintenance Intervals Schedule for the Service Manual:
Oil Filter:
On the removal and install of the filter, it's sitting in a good place on the front of the engine....still need to take the seat, seat bottom and console out before it's accessible. I was fortunate to have the specific size oil filter cup-wrench (I have a bunch that I've collected over the years). The size is T 65 14 Flutes.
Air Filter:
The pre-filter stage of the air cleaning systems is a cylindrical filter shown the photo below; the primary air box filter is shown in the background. The only maintenance on the smaller filter was to wash it out with soap and water.
Well kept air filters should last a long time. However, in December 2020, some mice decided to make home in my air box and ripped up the pre-filter to get access. They did not damage or pass through the primary air filter likely because it is oil laden and that probably doesn't taste good.
The OEM axle was a whopping $325 but I found a number of cheaper aftermarket axles, all of which claim to be stronger that the OEM axle. The axle that I ultimately went with was the OPEN TRAIL OE 2.0 AXLE REAR p/n 500-017033 and the price was $109.99 + $9.35 shipping = $119.34.
Service Manual:
Most power sports equipment comes with an owners manual, but I've found that the Manufacturer's Service Manual is more useful when it comes to maintenance and repair. Well, that continues to be true for the Arctic Cat HDX...but not by much.
Dismantling:
Dismantling:
There is a significant amount of dismantling associated with the maintenance. The seat, seat base and center console floor need to be removed. There is a fairing over the radiator under the hood. The seat base and center console required a T-30 Torx. There is also a plastic skid plate with holes strategically located for draining (oil, rear, front diff). However, the holes didn't line up very good. In fact the rear-end drain misses the hole altogether making for a nice mess on top of the skid plate to clean up.
Spark Plugs:
Spark Plugs:
I found a discrepancy between the spark plug part number in the Owners Manual (CPR7E) and the Service Manual (CR7E); two very different spark plugs. I noted that Arctic Cat OEM Parts Dealers list CR7E. My dealer confirmed that it takes a CR7E.
Oil Port:
The oil filler hole is very difficult to reach and requires a little contortion to deal with. A "flexible" long neck funnel is in order for oil changes and top offs.
Oil Change Costs and Value:
As it relates to the engine oil, Arctic Cat offers an oil change kit that basically includes the oil (0W40 synthetic) and the OEM filter. My dealer charged $54.99 for the kit.
It should be noted that the normal spec oil change interval of 300 miles is increased to 1,000 miles when the Artic Cat all season 0w40 is used. An oil change using after market items (oil and filter) is about $30, which is obviously much less than the Cat Kit referred to above. However, with the interval increase, you get a 3-to-1 ratio, pushing the Arctic Cat Kit well into the better value as follows:
Oil Changes in a 1,000 mile interval:
- Arctic Cat Kit = 1 @ $55
- Other Products = 3 @ $90
The differential fluids are not included in the Arctic Cat Kit. I replaced the front and rear differential fluid with Bel Ray 75w-90 Hypoid Gear Oil. Note that "hypoid" gear oil is required for this service.
Oil Filter:
On the removal and install of the filter, it's sitting in a good place on the front of the engine....still need to take the seat, seat bottom and console out before it's accessible. I was fortunate to have the specific size oil filter cup-wrench (I have a bunch that I've collected over the years). The size is T 65 14 Flutes.
Air Filter:
The air filter is a two stage systems with a foam pre-filter and a primary foam filter; both require cleaning and re-oiling. I use a basic Uni Clean/Oil Kit for these types of filters.
The pre-filter stage of the air cleaning systems is a cylindrical filter shown the photo below; the primary air box filter is shown in the background. The only maintenance on the smaller filter was to wash it out with soap and water.
Well kept air filters should last a long time. However, in December 2020, some mice decided to make home in my air box and ripped up the pre-filter to get access. They did not damage or pass through the primary air filter likely because it is oil laden and that probably doesn't taste good.
The OEM Pre-Filter (P/N 0470-834) runs approximately $40 on online power sport part websites. UNI makes an aftermarket air filter that is a perfect match. The UNI filter is UP4229 and I purchased it on Amazon for $16.
UPDATES:
UPDATES:
Broken left-rear axle (axle, brake caliper and brake rotor replacement).
It's now October 2020, sitting at 305 hours and 1072 miles....and an axle snapped on me. It was the left rear. The break was at the end of the hub where the threads start, just before the spline; that is, on the outside of the actual wheel. When the wheel came off, it bent the brake rotor and the caliper requiring replacement of both of those parts along with the axle.
That type of break is generally attributable to one of three things. Either hitting something, over torquing the axle nut or the axle itself is defective. Given that the cover on the hub was undisturbed, I didn't hit anything. I've never had that wheel off so I didn't over torque it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't over torqued at the factory or where ever assembled. Believe it or not, the torque on that nut is 200 foot pounds (220 N.m). I'm thinking, how does one "over torque" a 200 foot pound spec.? That leaves...
Basically, we'll never know...
This photos shows damage to the caliper.
I purchased an OEM brake rotor from RMATV for $45.55.
I found a "used" OEM brake caliper (complete with good pads) off of an HDX 700 on eBay for $50. The new OEM price for the caliper was about $436; however, the actual bent bracket plate, which is usually sold separately for around $100, was on backorder under December according to RMATV. Overall, I got a nice caliper and a good set of pads. Easy install.
The axle replacement process was covered in my Service Manual and, overall, was relatively uneventful.
Overall, this has been the most serious issue I've encountered with the Cat and it's not necessarily an off-the-wall problem. Normal operation will lead to a lot of stress on the axles. It's the reason there were so many aftermarket sources for it.
