Seeking orientation on side by sides, differences between brands/models/designs

bigsnowdog · Sep 7, 2013

I have just read through about 15 pages of this forum. I have a lot to learn. My interest is in learning more about side-by-sides before I buy one.

Many of you know a lot about the differences between brands; advantages and disadvantages, types of transmissions, and other design and mechanical differences. My interest is in a machine with all-wheel drive and a cargo bed. I have 15 acres of trees and I would use it on this property. For all practical purposes the ground is flat no steep grades at all.

Please, give me an introductory class in what you see as the important differences among major brands and models. I would say at the outset I am not interested in anything from China.

Thank you for your assistance!

prehm · Sep 8, 2013

bigsnowdog,

I have a 2011 Kubota RTV 900 xt because it is non-belt driven and is robust. Honda also has the Big Red that is non-belt drive. It has a 3 speed automatic transmission, but not nearly as robust. The Kubota cost an additional $2k.
The Kubota is not for play, but will certainly work. Have pulled a 6600 lb tractor on dry ground. Pulled an S10 Chevy pickup that was broke down to the house, about 1 mile up and down a few hills. Standard with power steering and 4wd. 21.6 hp diesel engine.

If you're after a work model, this is the one.

ovrszd · Sep 8, 2013

I agree with prehm. Kubota is top of the line for a workhorse side by side. You'll spend a little more and get a lot more machine.

If you aren't as heavy into the workhorse and want a little sport, Polaris has a broad line to choose from.

The next step to the left is Sport models. I have a Rhino and like it fine. Top speed of 40mph, mechanical tilt bed, very comfortable seating, very dependable powertrain. Belt drive. Friend of mine has a Kawasaki Teryx. Very similar in design to the Rhino, tough as a boot.

Next step to the left is full on Sport models. Polaris makes several of those. I don't think that's what you are after.

I take it from your description you are looking for basically a small 4wd pickup to do chore work with. If so, prehm has the best for that. Several posters on TBN run the Kubotas. Hopefully they can chime in and give you some more insight.

Another workhorse model that I've never heard anything bad about is the Kawasaki Mule. There are several of those on here also.

Good luck with your shopping!!!

C4Ranch · Sep 8, 2013

I got a new Ranger 500 crew in April and my Bro-n-law has a mule trans. I need a 4 seater.

I chose the Ranger over the mule because its perfect for my land, ride quality is amazing and extra speed on tap which Im glad i had when I hit a soft mud bog and needed wheel spin. Only con for me is the plastic bed and flimsy tailgate that u can't even sit on. I frequently have ~400lbs in the bed and stand on the bed rails while filling feeders with no problem.

I like the mules steel bed and the trans is nice because you can extend it. Ride quality is terrible at speed and the top speed leaves you wanting more.

PapaPerk · Sep 8, 2013

Check out the ranger mid size UTV. Comes in 400, 570, and 800.

Also check out the 500 and 900 Kubota RTV.

pwright · Sep 9, 2013

What do you expect to do with your UTV? Will it be worked hard hauling around 1000-2000 lb loads in the bed all the time or mostly just driving from point A to point B with a few hand tools in the back? As you have tractors I don't see you using the UTV for any serious ground work.

Will you need to carry standard sized pallets in the bed?

Will you need to use it in the winter? Are your winters cold enough to want/need a full cab?

Kids and/or grandkids?

I'm very happy with my two Polaris Rangers and use them for work and play in very rugged terrain.

bigsnowdog · Sep 9, 2013

pwright said:
What do you expect to do with your UTV? Will it be worked hard hauling around 1000-2000 lb loads in the bed all the time or mostly just driving from point A to point B with a few hand tools in the back? As you have tractors I don't see you using the UTV for any serious ground work.

Chainsaws, fuel cans and support tools, fencing repairs.

Will you need to carry standard sized pallets in the bed?

No, but what would a standard size be?

Will you need to use it in the winter? Are your winters cold enough to want/need a full cab?

Yes, winter. Cab may be too pricy.

Kids and/or grandkids?

I want to be able to take people for rides/tours.

pwright · Sep 10, 2013

bigsnowdog said:
Chainsaws, fuel cans and support tools, fencing repairs.

So not huge loads. Any of the UTVs from the big names would be sufficient.

bigsnowdog said:
No, but what would a standard size be?

The most common size is 40" x 48" but they of course vary considerably. You can load a pallet of that size in the back of the full-size Rangers and up to 2000 lbs. The mid-size are smaller and only have 1000 lbs capacity. Some of the other make UTVs have similar capabilities and some less.

bigsnowdog said:
Yes, winter. Cab may be too pricy.

Cabs are pricey. You can get a proper glass front windshield along with canvas doors and back for the Ranger and I would assume most others. At the very least you'll want a front poly windshield and back window.

bigsnowdog said:
I want to be able to take people for rides/tours.

As many as 4? Then you ought to look at those with two bench seats. The midsize Rangers really only seat 4 adults but they are quite a bit less than the full-size that can seat 6.

Do yourself a favor and visit all the different dealers that you can and take some test drives. This way even if you end up buying used you can have a basis of comparison when you inspect it. They all have their strong points and weak points.

nwltruck · Sep 10, 2013

I looked at it as a work to play % when I was shopping for a UTV. In order from work to play I would rank them as Kubota, Mule for work. Honda, Polaris Ranger for a mix. Rhino, tyrex, CanAm, And Polaris Razer at the play side of the spectrum. That is not to say the play toys won't "WORK" but are more limited in there uses.

Xfaxman · Sep 10, 2013

Gas, Diesel, or Electric?

I have had all three over the years, and for my use now, which is similar to yours, I prefer Electric! :thumbsup:

Gas

Traded that in on Diesel

Traded that in on Electric

This Polaris mid size wheelbase is narrower and and shorter than the others. It has more power and speed also.
And is quieter

RoyJackson · Sep 10, 2013

The "Grandaddy" of these machines is the Deere Gator...probably more comparable to the Polaris machines then something like the Kubota RTV versions. The Gators are work horse, like all the other side by sides. Until a few years back, they were more of a work horse then a work and play machine.
I think they're all good (although I'd pass on an electric version...but that's just me). I can't say the Kubota drive train is any better or worse, since no experience with them...but you don't read too many posts on drive train problems (the CVT) with any of these machines either here on TBN or the dedicated ATV/UTV forums around the internet.
You'll also read folks posting about towing hay wagons and such. Well, a 1500 lb (more or less) machine towing a 2 ton wagon....no doubt they can get them started...stopping or controlling such loads (if the tail start wagging the dog) might be a different story.

I'll recommend a couple things though...unless you have a serious need for speed, consider one of the diesel models. Safer fuel to store or carry with you, the engines are much more frugal on consumption. My neighbor has a fully dressed Gator 825i...it's fast, no doubt. Drinks a lot of gas too, even though I don't think he's ever used the speed potential of the machine.
Get the windshield. You may not need or want a full cab, but that windshield would be nice (I don't have one yet).
IF you intend to carry loads close to the weight rating of the bed, get the power lift.

Good luck in your decision! And do check out as many ATV/UTV forums as you can...

Good luck with your decision

Piston · Sep 12, 2013

pwright said:
?..or mostly just driving from point A to point B with a few hand tools in the back? As you have tractors I don't see you using the UTV for any serious ground work.

This almost describes my uses for a UTV to A Tee.

I can see why a lot of people go with the heavy duty work only UTV's, but for me, I'd use my tractor for any hard working chores that need to be done, and use the UTV for transport and light work/towing, as well as fun.

Im also interested in being able to carry my son along with my wife and I. I don't like how some of the 4 person capable machines are so large.

I recently learned about Hondas replacement to the Big Red, the Pioneer. It seems like a really good choice for someone like me, sort of a "Jack of all trades" in the UTV world, size wise seems similar to the Rhinos?

It has 2 seats in the bed that fold away, giving you full use of the bed, and turning it into a 2 seater, then when you want more seats you fold up the seats, losing the use of the bed.

Sounds like its also a good value as it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that others have, plus its shaft drive as well.

nwltruck · Sep 12, 2013

Now that seating capacity has been brought up. I bought a ranger full size for this reason. I can put 3 adults in it, not exactly comfortable but it works. 2 adults and a kid is perfectly comfortable. This means that when me and my boys go hunting everyone fits in one machine. Now the wife wants a Razer so we can all go four wheeling together. Of course she gets the Razer.......

Egbert · Sep 12, 2013

I bought a new Cub Cadet Volunteer EFI 4x4 with 748cc engine. Rides great, seats two, full cage, front cargo rack, tilt bed w1000lb carry or tow, top speed about 40mph. One MAJOR complaint - Cub Cadet Customer Service s_cks! The other, it has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), meaning you give it gas to go - no shifting. This is good and bad ... as long as you're not trying to inch up to something, no problem - otherwise, you may just lurch forward and go crunch

pwright · Sep 13, 2013

nwltruck said:
Now the wife wants a Razer so we can all go four wheeling together. Of course she gets the Razer.......

That's great. Point her at the RZR 4 900 with four seats.

crazyal · Sep 14, 2013

I've got a Big Red and other than being limited to one passenger it'll do everything you need. I would look at Honda's new pioneer with the 4 seat option. I don't know about others but some of these 4 seaters are just way too long. Between the center getting stuck on a high spot and just not being nimble enough in the woods they wouldn't work for me. This time of the year I use mine to haul firewood. It's easily handle any amount of wood I can fit into it. I often put the chainsaw in the back, block up a tree and haul it out of the woods. Sometimes I'll tow the log splitter with me other times I'll tow a trailer and fill that with wood. Between the BR and the trailer I can haul close to a cords worth of wood. The BR doesn't have a belt so the transmission has compression braking, kind of nice.

nwltruck · Sep 14, 2013

crazyal said:
I've got a Big Red and other than being limited to one passenger it'll do everything you need. I would look at Honda's new pioneer with the 4 seat option. I don't know about others but some of these 4 seaters are just way too long. Between the center getting stuck on a high spot and just not being nimble enough in the woods they wouldn't work for me.

This is why I went with the standard ranger. The crew is so big it would almost be better to buy a small truck.

foggy1111 · Sep 15, 2013

Just to throw a little gas on the fire. Honda just came out with a Pioneer 700-4. Auto tranny, tranformalble dump bed that goes from bed to two forward facing rear seats - with side door(s) access no less. Hauls 1000 lbs and tows 1500. Goes 43 mph. Sport and Work combo. Fair price too!

I just bought one. Also getting a full roof and a windsheild. (maybe a heater for winter use)

jimrs · Sep 20, 2013

Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

foggy1111 · Sep 21, 2013

jimrs said:
Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

One thing about those big Vikins and JD 825 Gators......they are pretty big to manuver thru the woods and to trailer......and here in MN they are not allowed on the class 2 trails. MN has a limit of 800 cc's and 1500 lbs. on the trails. Honda's fit my trailer, are more nimble and go on the trails. Case closed!

Oh....and it transforms from 2 seat utility to 4 seat fun machine......in seconds.