Buying Utility Vehicle Help

[PapaPerk]

PapaPerk, I found the Ranger to be reliable. It did use fuel more than I expected, but it ran well. I did not do trail riding. It was strictly a mobile tool box with a roof rack for carrying lumber and ladders. It carried a lot of firewood, some stone and gravel. I hope yours gives you plenty of maintenance-free hours. Cheers.

Thanks for the feedback sir! Mine does a little of everything... For a Swiss Army knife of UTVs I have not found anything better for the price. I love that it can be used for work and then also be used on atv trails or run on the road at 45 mph. Handy as a pocket in a shirt! (0;

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Something I've not seen mentioned here: Be sure you know what year your unit was manufactured. These things are a lot like tractors, in that they can sit in inventory for a long time. It can be difficult to distinguish between units that may actually be a few years apart. Check the serial number! I bought a BRAND NEW utv that was 3 years old. Works fine - but I was extremely irritated to learn this after the fact. If I ever decide to sell/trade, this mistake will cost me $$$$.

 

[PapaPerk]

Something I've not seen mentioned here: Be sure you know what year your unit was manufactured. These things are a lot like tractors, in that they can sit in inventory for a long time. It can be difficult to distinguish between units that may actually be a few years apart. Check the serial number! I bought a BRAND NEW utv that was 3 years old. Works fine - but I was extremely irritated to learn this after the fact. If I ever decide to sell/trade, this mistake will cost me $$$$.

Excellent point! Sounds like a crooked dealer.

 

[oldtimer 66]

I have a 2010 JD 825I and it has 3800 miles on it now. Had the extended warranty extra 2 years. Muffler developed a hole in it and front head lights leaked . These problems were fixed under extended warranty. I also took it back for a starting problem during the extended warranty and they said there was nothing wrong. I fixed that to the tune of $ 270 for 2 injectors that were leaking. I have info on the injectors in case anybody needs information on them. Other than these thing mentioned it is an excellent machine. Ride, handling and brakes. I had the previous diesel model and the brakes sucked on that one and the handling was NG. It had a 30 MPH top speed and that was scary. The new 825I is the machine to get for all around usage. On both of my Gators I worked a deal such that I installed all of the accessories for I think a discount and then maybe I got nothing. I do not know. Later. By the way these pics are when the machine was new. It does not look that crisp and clean now.

 

[trollingfever]

are the jd and kubota the only diesel utv's out there? i haven't checked jd yet, but was quoted $10,140 after cash rebate of $400 for a basic kubota x900, the work site model included a hyd bed lift and front bumper guards was $11,100. i think the jd quoted here for $12,000 with roof, wheels, bed lift, and tire upgrade, sounds like a good deal.

 

[Xfaxman]

are the jd and kubota the only diesel utv's out there? i haven't checked jd yet, but was quoted $10,140 after cash rebate of $400 for a basic kubota x900, the work site model included a hyd bed lift and front bumper guards was $11,100. i think the jd quoted here for $12,000 with roof, wheels, bed lift, and tire upgrade, sounds like a good deal.

This was my favorite diesel UTV. Made by Club Car for Bobcat.

Polaris is now making the one that Bobcat sells: Bobcat Utility Vehicle Specifications - Bobcat Company

And the Polaris diesel.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use two golf carts to run around my place. Electric (48v) is very capable in heavy snow, even with standard turf saver tires. I pull utility carts and my 4 place snowmobile trailer all around the place without any trouble. Best features of golf carts are easy on and off and no starting delays.

Sure they are not the he-man vehicles that some use to make up for other deficiencies. But a really good used one for farm use is only $1500. Safe and enjoyable for the other members of the family and a lot less likely to be rolled over than these other vehicles. Even one of my black lab dogs can drive one. (Can't stop it though...)

All kinds of tires (including R1s) are available and lift kits if you need more ground clearance. Turn radius is very important to me. Mine can U-turn within it's own wheelbase. I added the folding rear seats to mine. Gives you a great work platform for saws, hay bales, fence posts, garbage containers, deer feed and deer processing results. Easy on the fields, too. Neighbors with UTVS have their fields, driveways and lawns all tore up because of the high speed and torque capabilities. Even the horses accept them without fear.

 

[RJJR]

I use two golf carts to run around my place. Electric (48v) is very capable in heavy snow, even with standard turf saver tires. I pull utility carts and my 4 place snowmobile trailer all around the place without any trouble. Best features of golf carts are easy on and off and no starting delays.

Sure they are not the he-man vehicles that some use to make up for other deficiencies. But a really good used one for farm use is only $1500. Safe and enjoyable for the other members of the family and a lot less likely to be rolled over than these other vehicles. Even one of my black lab dogs can drive one. (Can't stop it though...)

All kinds of tires (including R1s) are available and lift kits if you need more ground clearance. Turn radius is very important to me. Mine can U-turn within it's own wheelbase. I added the folding rear seats to mine. Gives you a great work platform for saws, hay bales, fence posts, garbage containers, deer feed and deer processing results. Easy on the fields, too. Neighbors with UTVS have their fields, driveways and lawns all tore up because of the high speed and torque capabilities. Even the horses accept them without fear.

Everybody has different needs and experiences but I had a 48 volt Club Car golf cart and a 350Yamaha Big Bear 4 wheeler. The 4 wheeler was fine but I Had constant battery problems with the Club Car and a good set of batteries is worth a about the same As the cart in some cases. Instead, I sold both and bought a Polaris Ranger mid size and it has 2 wheel drive, all wheel drive and a turf mode that only allows one wheel to pull so not much yard damage in that situation. I'd buy a gas powered golf cart if I were convinced I wanted a golf cart instead of a UTV or a battery powered cart.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

are the jd and kubota the only diesel utv's out there? i haven't checked jd yet, but was quoted $10,140 after cash rebate of $400 for a basic kubota x900, the work site model included a hyd bed lift and front bumper guards was $11,100. i think the jd quoted here for $12,000 with roof, wheels, bed lift, and tire upgrade, sounds like a good deal.

Kioti has a diesel UTV as well. Personally, I'm looking at the Yamaha Vikings but then I don't want a winter diesel issue either.