TEST: MASSIMO T-BOSS 550F
MASSIMO T-BOSS 550F
Massimo extends the T-Boss 550 line to three, with the original 550 being joined by the 550X Golf with rear seats instead of a bed and the 550F with a long bed. Although roosting a golf course with a UTV sounds like fun, we got the Massimo T-Boss 550F utility machine for testing.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The T-Boss 550F is $8,495, while the 550L is $8,999 and the 550X Golf is $9,495. Honda’s Pioneer 500 starts at $9,199. The Polaris Ranger 500 is $9,499, the 570 is $10,199, and the full-size 570 is $10,499. Can-Am’s Defender HD5 starts at $10,299. The Arctic Cat Prowler 500 is $9,399, while the Tracker 500S is $7,999. Hisun’s Strike 550 is $9,799, and the Sector 500 is $8,799. Massimo also has the more utility-styled Buck 450 for $8,799 and the T-Boss 410X for $6,999.
WHAT EXTRAS ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT?
The T-Boss 550F comes with a hard roof, fold-out windshield, side mirrors, front bumper, 3,500-pound winch, turn signals, quad LED taillights, over-molded tilt steering wheel, nerf bars/rock sliders, A-arm guards, over-fenders, and black aluminum wheels. The dash has cubby compartments for radio or other electronics, in addition to a large glove box, USB power port and six pre-cut blanks for accessory switches. The 550F also has an unlocking rear diff and locking front one. It also has a parking brake and blanks in the front fascia for quad headlights.
HOW IS THE T-BOSS POWER?
Sedate and tractable. The 33-horsepower single doesn’t do anything very quickly, so it has no-surprise delivery. Depending on the hardness of the soil, it’ll top out at 35–38 mph in High and around 30 mph in Low.
WHAT ABOUT THE DELIVERY?
It’s super smooth. The EFI throttle map is smooth, as is the CVT clutch engagement. The CVT doesn’t have any engine braking system, but the rear diff unlocks for Turf mode, and the front locks for maximum traction. The gated shifter on the dash could be smoother, but it gets the job done.
HOW DOES THE T-BOSS HANDLE?
It’s agile on the trail. With a 73-inch wheelbase, the 550F turns quickly and is great on twisty trails. It has a rear torsion bar to fight body roll in turns but not a lot of power to break the rear tires loose when traction is ample.
WHAT ABOUT THE SUSPENSION?
It’s basic, but it has more travel than a Pioneer 500. Independent A-arms at each corner yield 6.9 inches of front and 6.5 inches of rear travel. The non-reservoir shocks are good at smoothing out small bumps but are taxed when pushed in rougher terrain.
HOW IS IT IN MUD AND ROCKS?
Surprisingly good. We had plenty of both during our test, and the 550F tackled them like a Pro. While only 25-inchers, the Duro tires have big side lugs for grip in mud ruts, and the over-fenders catch most of the mud roost. Engine and CVT intakes are fairly high for deep crossings. It is impressive at climbing rock-infested hills, too, but it would be better with a lower Low range.
HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES?
Pretty strong. Four perforated discs are squeezed by hydraulic calipers, and the tires have plenty of braking traction. Use a little trailing throttle on steep hills to get compression braking.
WHAT ABOUT CREATURE COMFORTS?
They’re the 550F’s strong point. The bench seat is comfortable for two but tight with three, and the fold-down center console is very nice. So is the molded steering wheel with tilt adjustment. Tubular side bolsters and nets add security, and the nets have automotive-style seat-belt clasps. While the passenger hand-hold is high on the cage upright, the rest of the package is loaded with handy features like side mirrors, turn signals, rock sliders, A-arm guards, winch, roof, fold-out windshield and convertible bed. The instrument panel has a large analog tachometer, digital speedometer, drive mode, and fuel bar, and indicator lights. Vibration and engine noise in the cabin are also low, and ride quality is good.
WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Massimo packs a lot of standard features into its UTVs, and the new T-Boss 550F is no exception. It’s both agile and durable, and it doesn’t do anything to surprise the driver or passenger(s). The 550F delivers a lot of bang for the buck, and it has the bed to handle bucks if hunting is your passion. It’ll get you to and from the hunting camp or job site with no fuss, and it tackles some challenging terrain. If you get in too deep, the standard winch will get you out.
SPECS:
MASSIMO T-BOSS 550F
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Single cylinder, liquid cooled, 4-valve,
OHC, 4-stroke
Displacement 493cc
Bore x stroke 87.6mm x 82mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Additional cooling Auto fan
Induction EFI
Starting/back-up Electric/none
Starting procedure Turn ignition key
Choke location N/A
Air filter:
Type Fabric pre-filter and pleated paper filter
Access Tool-less, tilt seat forward and undo 4 clips
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/reverse
Reverse procedure Move range selector to “R”
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD w/
front and rear diff-lock
Final drives Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 6.9 gal.
Wheelbase 72”
Overall length/width/height 117.7”/58”/75.6”
Ground clearance 9.2”
Dry weight 999 lb.
Bed weight limit 400 lb.
Hitch 2” receiver
Towing limit 1,200 lbs
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame Steel round tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms w/preload adjustable shocks/6.9”
Rear Dual A-arms w/preload adjustable shocks/6.5”
Brakes/actuation:
Front Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Rear Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
Parking Lever on console
Tires:
Front 25×8-12 Duro 4-ply
Rear 25×10-12 Duro 4-ply
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet Console
Lighting:
Front 2 35W headlights
Rear LED brake/tail light
DETAILS
Instrumentation Analog & LCD digital multimeter
Colors Blue, Red, White, Orange, Green, Sand, Camo
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $8,495
Contact Massimo, (877) 881-6376,
See UTV Action’s guide to UTVs under $10,000 here: https://utvactionmag.com/10-utvs-under-10000/
Comments are closed.