CJ4
Gold Member
Well gentlemen,
I've looked and read posts and specs for sometime now and would like to run some things by you all.
1. My wants and needs are for a 2 seater (4 or more occupant) machine. I've physically look at JD and really like them. I like the looks, the quality, the "kick the tires" of them, but they don't make a 2-seater so they're out.
2. Bobcat makes one but way out of price range (got a quote for $18k range)
3. Kubota IMO has a good machine as well but I just don't get the "gut" for it. (you know what I mean??? That "gut" feeling it's what I want). Again, mostly no 2 seater....(wonder if some of these manufacturers are missing the boat? Guess they're smarter than me tho)
4. It was narrowed down to the Kaw Trans Mule.....Looked at em, kicked the tires for a year now, like them ok. After driving one today I really didn't like the governed speed for sure, but I think I could be happy with it. I prefer the diesel, my wife tended toward the gas...I hate carburetors though, maybe theirs is ok.
Then I discovered on here that Polaris makes a new 08 Ranger Crew cab. Don't know anything about Polaris, for some reason though I've always had the impression that they were pretty quality built. I called around and since they are so new they are very hard to find in my area. I found one, a red one, my color, so I went to look at it. Here's my discovery:
1. Immediately the "gut" felt good. Ya know??? It's a beautiful machine. Wife went by later alone relunctantly and was so happy she did. Her response.....I love it!!!
2. In reading and comparing the specs to the Mule ........
Bigger fuel tank
Gas only , but Fuel Injected.
44mph vs Mule 25mph
40hp engine vs. Mule 18hp
Mule diesel has power steering now, Polaris don't.
Storage, style, design, quality of seats blows them all away. My wife even recognized this.
Bed does not however expand like the Mule into the back seat area.....no big deal to me really.
Polaris "lock n ride" sytem.....a thing where the bed has holes which you can buy so to speak "quick attach" accessories such as water jug holder, tool holders, gun racks, gas can holder and on and on.
Now here's where i'm not too sure........
1. Is their engine and tranny good?
2. Supposedly they have a electronic "AWD" which is true 4x4. I think a Positive track locking rear differential. Independent Rear Suspension which is suppose to be better......4 Wheel double piston caliper disk brakes.......
3. Not sure yet but salesman says he thinks 6 month warranty but maybe 1 yr...didn't want to mislead me on that but it was closing time and said he would find out.
I really think we've made up our mind but I just don't want to be surprised if any of you know something about the power train that I don't. They won't budge off list price of list price of $11,300 which is $700 more than the Mule diesel. The price difference really isn't that important to me but happiness with it is. Give me some talk boys!
I've looked and read posts and specs for sometime now and would like to run some things by you all.
1. My wants and needs are for a 2 seater (4 or more occupant) machine. I've physically look at JD and really like them. I like the looks, the quality, the "kick the tires" of them, but they don't make a 2-seater so they're out.
2. Bobcat makes one but way out of price range (got a quote for $18k range)
3. Kubota IMO has a good machine as well but I just don't get the "gut" for it. (you know what I mean??? That "gut" feeling it's what I want). Again, mostly no 2 seater....(wonder if some of these manufacturers are missing the boat? Guess they're smarter than me tho)
4. It was narrowed down to the Kaw Trans Mule.....Looked at em, kicked the tires for a year now, like them ok. After driving one today I really didn't like the governed speed for sure, but I think I could be happy with it. I prefer the diesel, my wife tended toward the gas...I hate carburetors though, maybe theirs is ok.
Then I discovered on here that Polaris makes a new 08 Ranger Crew cab. Don't know anything about Polaris, for some reason though I've always had the impression that they were pretty quality built. I called around and since they are so new they are very hard to find in my area. I found one, a red one, my color, so I went to look at it. Here's my discovery:
1. Immediately the "gut" felt good. Ya know??? It's a beautiful machine. Wife went by later alone relunctantly and was so happy she did. Her response.....I love it!!!
2. In reading and comparing the specs to the Mule ........
Bigger fuel tank
Gas only , but Fuel Injected.
44mph vs Mule 25mph
40hp engine vs. Mule 18hp
Mule diesel has power steering now, Polaris don't.
Storage, style, design, quality of seats blows them all away. My wife even recognized this.
Bed does not however expand like the Mule into the back seat area.....no big deal to me really.
Polaris "lock n ride" sytem.....a thing where the bed has holes which you can buy so to speak "quick attach" accessories such as water jug holder, tool holders, gun racks, gas can holder and on and on.
Now here's where i'm not too sure........
1. Is their engine and tranny good?
2. Supposedly they have a electronic "AWD" which is true 4x4. I think a Positive track locking rear differential. Independent Rear Suspension which is suppose to be better......4 Wheel double piston caliper disk brakes.......
3. Not sure yet but salesman says he thinks 6 month warranty but maybe 1 yr...didn't want to mislead me on that but it was closing time and said he would find out.
I really think we've made up our mind but I just don't want to be surprised if any of you know something about the power train that I don't. They won't budge off list price of list price of $11,300 which is $700 more than the Mule diesel. The price difference really isn't that important to me but happiness with it is. Give me some talk boys!