Blog

Being a die-hard ATV (4 wheeler) fan can really feel like a lonely place today. I’m unsure precisely when it occurred, however any ATV fanatic should admit that we’re now residing in a world dominated by UTVs or “side-by-sides.” I suppose I first seemed on the streams of mud- and tundra-churning buggies crawling over hills and hogging out trails with the identical disgruntlement that many hikers or horsemen have all the time expressed in the direction of ATVs. I didn’t like them.

However I’ll admit there are good causes for the recognition of UTVs. They’re extremely helpful instruments. They will haul a lot of gear, trip extra comfortably, and are extra household pleasant than a 4 wheeler. Whereas my willingness to simply accept them could also be progressing, I rejoice in the truth that there are nonetheless some purposes for which a 4 wheeler is a greater possibility—and all the time shall be.  

A type of purposes is my annual moose hunt right here in Alaska. For that hunt, an ATV is a necessary instrument, and this 12 months I used to be ready to make use of a Polaris Sportsman 570 Utility HD. This hunt has a little bit of the whole lot for a 4 wheeler: mud, muskeg, heavy towing, thick brush, and infinite soggy, bumpy tussocks. I’ve been utilizing 4 wheelers in nation like this for greater than 20 years, and trendy, high-performance machines like this one make me smile; I do know the 4 wheeler won’t ever die.

See It

Polaris Sportsman 570 Utility HD Specs

Engine: 4-Stroke Single Cylinder DOHC, 567 CC
Horsepower: 44 HP
Torque: 35.4 LB-FT
Drive System: One Contact on-demand AWD/2WD
Dry Weight: 792 kilos
Floor Clearance: 11.5 inches
Car dimensions: 83 in. (L) x 48 in. (H) x 47 in. (W)
Payload capability: 485 kilos
Hitch towing score: 1,350 kilos 
MSRP: $10,100  

Polaris Sportsman 570 Utility HD Options

Digital Energy Steering
Trip Management
Managed descent engine braking system
Below-seat storage
Dry storage beneath entrance rack
Tow-equipped entrance brush bumper
Back and front metallic utility racks
USB Charging
1.25-inch hitch receivers on rear and entrance brush bumper

Newest in a Lineage of Polaris ATVs

The Sportsman 570 HD Utility version options the acquainted Polaris physique model, wide-spaced wheels, gear shifter, unbiased suspension, and fundamental operation as Sportsman fashions relationship again to the early 2000s. However, in some methods, it’s a world aside. Although the 44hp single-cylinder motor is medium-sized in comparison with bigger machines just like the 78 HP Sportsman 850, it has extra energy and higher gasoline economic system than lots of the earlier fuel-injection and carburetor-fueled motors. The digital energy steering system is excellent, and with a brush bumper and metallic gear racks, it’s certainly one of my favourite Sportsman fashions but. 

The creator has been utilizing the Polaris Sportsman 4 wheelers to get out and in of tight spots for years. Tyler Freel

It’s a machine that’s able to be loaded behind a truck or, in our case, into the entrance of a ship. The 48-inch-wide footprint supplies a number of stability in comparison with another ATVs, however nonetheless falls inside the 50-inch-wide dimension restrict for off-road automobiles on some public lands right here in Alaska. The place it would lose floor to a side-by-side in consolation, it wins with comfort and maneuverability. Moose camp is only one of many locations I wouldn’t dare take a side-by-side.

Electronics and Controls

This new Polaris Sportsman has working and trip controls which can be above and past what I’ve ever wanted in a utility 4 wheeler, however a few of these options are fairly sensible and good. The digital energy steering is great, and simpler than what I’ve used on another manufacturers. This wheeler additionally has a swap that permits you to function in three totally different driving modes: economic system, commonplace, and sport. The economic system mode is nice for saving gasoline and regular putting-around operations the place you don’t want entry to a number of torque or energy. Sport mode, then again, offers the consumer very sensitive throttle response, which is nice once you want fast entry to energy. This got here in helpful when towing heavy masses by swampy terrain. An excessive amount of throttle on the incorrect time will get you caught, however a responsive throttle can preserve you shifting extra successfully when used accurately.

One large plus for Polaris is that they equip these machines with wiring for traditional plug-and-play equipment like hand hotter grips and winches. A winch is a non-negotiable merchandise for any 4 wheeler I’m utilizing, and so they don’t come commonplace with this machine. I acquired a Polaris model winch, which is simple to put in and requires no extra wiring. Different machines just like the Suzuki King Quad I examined a number of years again required that I set up all of the wiring and a solenoid. 

Even in reverse, the Sportsman 570 has loads of energy to maneuver a bull moose. Tyler Freel

Tires and Suspension

For so long as I’ve used them, the Polaris Sportsman 4 wheelers have had among the most comfortable-riding suspensions in the marketplace. Just like many earlier fashions, the Sportsman 570 HD Utility has unbiased A-arm suspension, and every particular person shock may be adjusted for preload—a stiffer setting accommodates heavier riders and rougher use, however softer settings enable a gentler trip. The preload is really easy to regulate that any consumer can fine-tune their machine in a matter of minutes, and it’s a wonderful trip over tough terrain.

This machine comes with inventory 25-inch tires, that are uninspiring to say the least. Granted, they’re standard-level inventory ATV tires, however they don’t do the 4 wheeler any favors in efficiency. For farm or ranch, and even some backcountry driving, the tires are tremendous, however for what we put them by right here in Alaska, they’ll simply piss you off. As soon as I acquired the machine, I instantly switched them out for ITP Mud Lite II 26-inch tires. 

It’s vital to seek the advice of your seller for compatibility, as a result of tires which can be too large can require clutch upgrades. Additionally, the Polaris Sportsman requires that I add 1-inch wheel spacers when utilizing these tires, in any other case the entrance tires rub on the tie rod ends. Outfitted with higher rubber, you really have a greater take a look at the aptitude of the machine. With good tires, I used to be by no means under-powered with this single-cylinder motor. We hauled, towed, and dragged an infinite quantity of drugs out to moose camp, after which towed tons of of kilos of meat again out.

Boot guards don’t come commonplace, and although those that I put in from Polaris present the axles and CV boots some safety, they’re fairly flimsy in comparison with how older fashions had been geared up. Tyler Freel

Racks, Bumpers, and Towing {Hardware}

One among my few constant gripes with Polaris Sportsman 4 wheelers over time has been the plastic gear racks on the back and front of their machines. They’re appropriate, however not as sturdy or user-friendly as metal tube-frame racks. Plus plastic racks typically climate and tie-down factors break over time. 

Racks are important as a result of I’m consistently utilizing them to strap down backpacks, meat, fuel cans, chainsaws, and absolutely anything else you’ll be able to consider. Properly, Polaris will need to have heard me complaining, as a result of probably the most pleasing options on the brand new Sportsman 570 HD Utility are its metallic racks. The rear rack is tube-framed, with a flat sheet metallic floor, and has loads of tie down spots along with being appropriate with Polaris’s cargo equipment. Atop the plastic dry storage cowl, up entrance is an elevated metallic tubing rack that’s excellent for strapping down a chainsaw or different gear. The racks work properly with bungees or ratchet straps, and are constructed to carry as much as arduous work and use. 

The Polaris Sportsman 570 HD Utility comes with a hefty entrance brush bumper that does a very good job of defending the headlights, and contains a 1.25-inch tow hitch receiver. That is nice for exact trailer shifting, but additionally means straightforward setup for a snow blower. The rear portion of the body has a built-in 1.25-inch hitch receiver and, like on all of the earlier Polaris Sportsman fashions, I really feel that it is a weak level. It’s widespread, right here in Alaska, whereas towing heavy trailers by tough terrain, for the hitch pin gap to wallow out and ultimately fail. Many Polaris customers round right here find yourself drilling one other hitch pin gap from prime to backside earlier than reducing out and changing the hitch receiver solely. It could actually profit from a heavy-duty 2-inch hitch receiver.

The Sportsman 570 HD Utility options an elevated metal tubing rack up entrance, metallic rear rack, and a brush bumper with hitch receiver. Tyler Freel

Below the Cowling

Like most different 4 wheelers, it is a liquid-cooled machine. It has a small radiator on the entrance, just below the entrance storage rack. On this place, the radiator catches the wind greatest, and is aided with an electrical fan that pulls air by it to maintain engine temperature at or under 200 levels. The radiator is well-protected from low sticks, and there’s a detachable panel in entrance of it that facilitates straightforward cleansing—the radiator can get clogged with mud, grass seeds/cotton, and so on. 

The dry space for storing beneath the entrance rack is a good addition and might match some clothes, gear, or instruments. We had some gloves, bug spray, wire, wrenches, and a cordless drill on this one. The fuses and battery for this Sportsman are well-protected and accessed by opening the dry storage space. I’ve burned up the fuse panel in my older Sportsman 400 HO by getting it moist in deep water.

The airbox and engine air filter are beneath the seat, as is a rear non-dry storage bag. In some methods, I choose the older rear-opening dry storage containers, however this under-seat entry is simpler to maintain clear, and nonetheless a fantastic place to retailer a tire restore package and instruments.

Polaris Sportsman Misses

There have been solely two issues that I actually didn’t like in regards to the machine—and neither would probably be a deal breaker for me. Each are comparatively easy, but when unaddressed, might trigger some main complications in sensible conditions the place this ATV is perhaps used. 

First, I used to be stunned to see that this Sportsman mannequin had no protecting guards or shields for the entrance suspension arms and axles. My previous 400 has plastic fenders mounted to the suspension arms that forestall sticks and brush from getting caught across the axle or damaging the CV boot. For a utility mannequin, crashing by the comb with out some safety for the CV boots would really feel like leaping right into a pool of sharks with a chain-mail shirt however no pants. I did get some Polaris boot guards to put in, however I choose the previous model. 

The low location of the clutch vent duct, pictured beneath the rear left fender, is somewhat regarding for deep water crossings. Tyler Freel

The second factor that caught my eye was the clutch cowl vent duct, which sits open within the left rear wheel properly. On some older fashions, that vent was routed up close to the air consumption by the highest of the gasoline tank, defending it from deep water. Until I’m lacking one thing, it looks like water might freely run into the clutch cowl in case you’re crossing a deep stream or pool, and as soon as your belt will get moist, you lose energy. The clutch covers may be drained simply, however this design does make me surprise how simply it might be to swamp the automobile. There are aftermarket filter caps that you would be able to set up on the top of the vent to assist preserve particles out.

What the Polaris Sportsman 570 HD Utility Did Finest

This machine supplied loads of energy and management, nice dealing with in tight areas, good gasoline economic system, and is a sturdy platform for arduous work. The facility steering is top-noch, and I actually appreciated the drive mode options. The metallic cargo racks are an enormous plus too.

The place the Polaris Sportsman 570 HD Utility May Enhance

I believe this machine would profit from a bigger commonplace hitch receiver that’s extra strong. Moreover, I wish to see some commonplace safety for the entrance axles and CV boots, and a clutch cowl vent opening that’s positioned increased on the machine.

Learn Subsequent: Polaris Ranger 570 Northstar Lengthy-Time period Overview

The creator tows his moose meat again to camp with ease. Tyler Freel

Last Ideas

I believe there’ll all the time be a spot for a hard-working 4 wheeler. So long as there are tough-to-travel locations and can-do attitudes, there shall be people hauling them round of their boats, vehicles, and even stuffing them in small airplanes. I believe that Polaris made some large enhancements to an already stable line of ATVs with this utility mannequin. Outfitted with a very good winch, some brush guards, and good tires, It’s most likely the most effective Sportsman mannequin they’ve made.