The Right UTV

[TMR]

I have a 2010 Ranger XP 800...which is the full size Ranger. I would guess that most of the popular brands are fine. The one difference that was important to me is the Range 3 wide seating (3 seat belts)...most others are two wide only. I frequently have two grandkids with me and often my wife, daughter and DIL will take the Range to a local farmer's market on Saturday AM. Where I live the Ranger is street legal on most local roads...non-US highways. They tell you to stay on the shoulder to the extent "safe".

I have found the Ranger great for hauling, riding and most work or recreation purposes. No repairs other than fluid changes. When I bought it was a tough choice with all the alternatives...I am very glad I bought the Ranger. The Ranger is quite popular here in Northern MN. I would guess it is the highest volume side by side/UTV. Great for work and great for recreation. I also just saw a front mount implement option at the MN State Fair...number of different front mount options...think they were hydraulic? A bit pricey but it is a choice...think it had a snow blower on the demo unit.

TMR in Northern MN

 

[PapaPerk]

Good points about matching the machine to your needs.

IDK about "pulling farm wagons, etc." Our RTV900 has a disappointingly low tow rating (1300# but only 110# tongue weight!). They may have increased the rating since we bought ours. Our RTV is rated to carry more weight in the bed than the tow rating.

That maybe the rating but I've seen people move some heavy stuff with RTV 900. They are tough machines! A lot of guys use them to move pulling tractors at tractor pulls. And I've seen people shuttle around wagons, etc on farms. There's even 3 point hitches available for them so you can plow! I think Kubota derated them to deter people from pulling heavy loads down hills... cover their assests. :laughing:

 

[mikehaugen]

I used to work for a guy (~2000) that had me pulling 2 hay wagons with a grizzly 600. I think they were both about 1/2 loaded and it was on a pretty flat area.

 

[RoyJackson]

I used to work for a guy (~2000) that had me pulling 2 hay wagons with a grizzly 600. I think they were both about 1/2 loaded and it was on a pretty flat area.

These UTV's might have the power and gearing to pull a hay wagon...I'd question their ability to brake a hay wagon or control it if the "tail starts wagging the dog".

 

[PapaPerk]

These UTV's might have the power and gearing to pull a hay wagon...I'd question their ability to brake a hay wagon or control it if the "tail starts wagging the dog".

It all comes down to the operator having some common sense.

 

[aczlan]

These UTV's might have the power and gearing to pull a hay wagon...I'd question their ability to brake a hay wagon or control it if the "tail starts wagging the dog".

Gotta go slow and only offroad. Our 500 moves the wagon as well as the B7500 does, but it is a little light in the weight department. I've thought about trying a 400# block in the bed (make a concrete block that sits in the bed and add a "tray" on top so that you can still stack bales on it).


Aaron Z

 

[JRobyn]

Once we get moved to the farm full-time so that I no longer need it as a daily driver, I plan to remove the doors from my '87 Bronco II and replace the seats with a full-width bench! It still runs great and will climb trees in 4wd low. Maybe I'll keep the doors for winter time.

- Jay

 

[RoyJackson]

Once we get moved to the farm full-time so that I no longer need it as a daily driver, I plan to remove the doors from my '87 Bronco II and replace the seats with a full-width bench! It still runs great and will climb trees in 4wd low. Maybe I'll keep the doors for winter time.

- Jay

Those old Bronco II trucks are becoming a collector's car in some areas...

 

[ultrarunner]

Close to 10 years ago my neighbors bought a Gator CX "New" that had been used by the dealer as a demo... under 4k out the door.

They use it daily and the only issue for them was upgrading the tires.

I tried it and found the lack of 4 wheel braking a problem on the steep parts of my land.

I was amazed at how it just keeps going and thrifty on gas...

They use it to haul things around... a bale of hay, fence repair, tools down to the well... etc.

Thought about getting one... just nothing seems to be as versitile as my 87 Samurai... zero on repairs, freeway legal and small enough to go anywhere on my property and ford creeks with no problem.

 

[jcummins]

I like it because I only have to buy one fuel type (since I have a Deere tractor too) and diesel is a lot safer to keep around (less explosive potential).
Long term storage...well, you want it winterized and use a biocide of some sort.
I normally keep about 10 gallons around.

X2...I have 855D for the same reasons. Also pump diesel from truck. No diesel cans for me.