[randy60]

Hi New member here. I am thinking about buying a new 2017 Uforce 500 HO with EPS. I will be using it mostly for plowing snow and some trail riding. Any thoughts and opinions on this model would be great. Thanks!

[NMKawierider]

Welcome. Just a personal opinion- with all the issues the 500 has had...I would recommend getting the 800. Besides, you might wish you had the 800 when plowing snow anyway.

[ctdls]

If you start closing the cab in the 500HO gets quite buzzy with added vibration. The power is good & low range will get the job done 

My comment about the 500 vs 800 if it's a budget thing the 500 will get it done. If it's not a budget thing then try them both, I would suggest a roof, frt & rear winders if you can for the demo.. Then think of those nice long trial rides with a pleasing loafing along sound vs buzz & vibration 

[impact]

I only have 150 KM on mine and the fit and finish is OK. The 500 has plenty of power however its weak point especially if plowing I would say is the dry clutch which is easy to smoke IMHO. Ironically it is manufactured in Canada and touted as being a cut above the rest. I believe it is heavily used by other ATV manufacturers as well such as Can-Am, etc.

Coming from a Yamaha Grizzly and having zero problems with the CVT and belt in 12 years of ownership I am a bit disappointed in this system as I was led to believe when I purchased that it was a wet clutch. It is not!
The 800 does have the wet clutch so could be a better choice in your application.   

[Z8rider]

Keep it in low when you are plowing or generally driving under 15-20 mph.

The clutch has a very quick up-shift in my opinion. Imagine starting off in 2nd gear in a very low-torque car. Thats kind of what the clutching is like on the U5, so keep it in low and it wont stress the belt as much.

[randy60]

Thanks for all the info! Greatly appreciated!