THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

Maybe out west maneuverability is less of an issue, but it the mountains in the SE US it can be an issue.

There is also a difference in road speed, if I recall.

Without a doubt the 712 has an edge in some off road situations, just more wheels pulling.

As to 710 suspension and ground compliance, the rears are oversprung due to payload. Lighter springs, remove one pair, or airbags all can make significant difference. I've run one pair for years and it absolutely helps offeroad.

Fore/aft cg is better in the 712 just due to length. Too help with that on 710's pay attention to where you carry cargo, avoid roof racks, and learn how to go down hills without panic braking.

The majority of stability issues you see with the Pinz involve pointing downhill, and the driver hits the brakes. Causes an immediate dynamic cg shift forward. Instead, a slight throttle application will shift the cg rearward and allows you to creep through the situation. Can't always do that, but its nearly always a bad idea to slam on the brakes in a hairy offroad situation.

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try locking the front diff and unlocking the rear. with the sliders Tim made for me I just turn into the tree and let the front drag the truck around the trees. Can do about a 4' circle with my 712. The 710 just does not behave the same way when trying this.

pinztrek wrote:The majority of stability issues you see with the Pinz involve pointing downhill, and the driver hits the brakes. Causes an immediate dynamic cg shift forward. Instead, a slight throttle application will shift the cg rearward and allows you to creep through the situation. Can't always do that, but its nearly always a bad idea to slam on the brakes in a hairy offroad situation.

This is normal for most forward control type 4wds - certainly the same for my Haflinger and my Landrover 101FC. The 101 is a little bigger than the 710 and has a completely different suspension system with beam axles, no portals and parabolic leaf springs. Even though it is more stable than a 710 (wider track, no swing axles and lower c of g) it suffers exactly the same going down steep hills that have holes in them - the back wheels can get quite high off the ground and feels a bit tippy - smoothness that minimises weight transfer is the key.

Garry

I'd like a 712 too, but they are worth 150% or more right off the bat. In small spaces, like where I live, I 'm happy with my 710.

I think I've caught some flak over the years from people who say I'm 6X6 biased, but part of the reason is that originally only 712's were imported into Australia.

In the early 1980's I remember having a long chat to Barry J. (owner of Haflinger Sales and Service/later Haflinger Pinzgauer Enterprises) about possibly importing an ex SDP 4X4 demonstator to which he replied he had decided into the early days to only bring in the 712 because for the relativlely small extra cost you got 50% more traction on the ground and the ability to bridge ruts that would cause problems for the 710.
Years ago when I was looking for a TD, I momentarily toyed with the idea of purchasing a P80 716, but once again, Barry's words rang in my ears and well the rest is history.

OK, I'm biased, I prefer 6X6's ....... but I still own a 710 as well.

Like many here I would love a 712 but the reality is the 710 is a better fit for me. Everyone's situation is different, that's part of what makes these discussions interesting.

I was originally going to buy a 710, but ended up with the 712. Gotta say. I love it offroad. Def looks more stable than a 710. The top speed is a tad painful though. Lol


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Pinzi73 wrote:I was originally going to buy a 710, but ended up with the 712. Gotta say. I love it offroad. Def looks more stable than a 710. The top speed is a tad painful though. Lol

Just buy a transfer case out of a 710 and your 712 will go just as fast as a 710!

TechMOGogy wrote:

Pinzi73 wrote:I was originally going to buy a 710, but ended up with the 712. Gotta say. I love it offroad. Def looks more stable than a 710. The top speed is a tad painful though. Lol

Just buy a transfer case out of a 710 and your 712 will go just as fast as a 710!

While you can provide the 712 with the same gearing it won't have the same power to weight ratio.

While you can provide the 712 with the same gearing it won't have the same power to weight ratio.

Unless you get Jims 2.7 conversion with a new cam!

Jimm391730 wrote:

While you can provide the 712 with the same gearing it won't have the same power to weight ratio.

Unless you get Jims 2.7 conversion with a new cam!

and put it in a 710

One mod at a time. Lol


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TechMOGogy wrote:OK - so now you guys are saying I should get a 712 before I even take delivery of my 710

I've had both and taken them on the same trails year after year. Off road, the 712 is king, hands down. More stability, more traction, and your rear pucker doesn't need to hold you in your seat going down hill. Not to mention the 712 is almost unstoppable in snow and mud.
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That being said, the 710 is more fun to drive, peppier, and generally capable of doing medium trails with no problem. Overall, I liked my 712 more; but the extra cost probably isn't worth it unless you are planning on attacking very hard trails.