Side by side UTV's

[Thall303]

I have had a 4000 for a year now!

Plain, comfortable, quiet and a real workhorse.

Only regret is not buying it sooner.

 

[JRobyn]

I solved the LOUD problem by buying a Polaris electric. I like it a lot. My overall impression of the entire Polaris lineup is that they are very well engineered for their intended use - not over or under, they have the best/smoothest ride, they are among the most expensive, and they have very high replacement parts costs.

I also strongly considered several of the Kawasaki Mules, and both Kubotas (900 & 1100). Eddie is absolutely correct - an in-person visit and test ride is extremely important.

 

[teejk]

Check this: Side by Side Utility Vehicles - Intimidator 4x4 UTVs

Classic
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Crew Cab
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Truck
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Nice! Looked at the Polaris Ranger today (dealer is only a few miles away). Bench seat (fine) but front leg room seemed to be a bit cramped.

 

[teejk]

I solved the LOUD problem by buying a Polaris electric. I like it a lot. My overall impression of the entire Polaris lineup is that they are very well engineered for their intended use - not over or under, they have the best/smoothest ride, they are among the most expensive, and they have very high replacement parts costs.

I also strongly considered several of the Kawasaki Mules, and both Kubotas (900 & 1100). Eddie is absolutely correct - an in-person visit and test ride is extremely important.

I forgot about the Kawasaki line. I'll add it to the list. My biggest problem now is the dealer network...all of the "majors" (Honda, Yamaha, etc.) are a long drive away and in separate directions...guess it will be a full day of shopping for me. I did look at some of the specs and am amazed at the "curb weight"...probably have to get a new trailer also. I can get onto the trails within 2 miles and our hunting spot is 10 miles away but I don't think my 5.5x10 utility trailer is rated for that weight.

 

[TomDedrick]

We have been very happy with our JD 825. Use it more than I thought we would. Like a miniature dump truck. Only complaint is leg room at wheel wells.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

As some others have mentioned you will find more uses for the UTV than you anticipated. I bought a used Bobcat 2200. Made by Clubcar....polaris makes the bobcat now. I bought mine for work. I have driven it all over my land. Some of the terrain is rough and debris covered from recent logging. No problems negotiating the obstacles. The payload on this thing is amazing. I have had well over 1000 lbs of cement bags on the back of it with no issues at all, and it has an electric dump bed. I can not say how nice it is to only touch debris and rocks once instead of twice. No way I would ever be without one again.

 

[ArlyA]

Some people have UTV's for work and do nothing but that with them. We purchased one for trail work some 10 years and would not be without one today. Here is the review I did of the latest one we got, a can-am Defender HD10.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/355357-can-am-2016-defender-hd10.html

As some others have mentioned you will find more uses for the UTV than you anticipated. I bought a used Bobcat 2200. Made by Clubcar....polaris makes the bobcat now. I bought mine for work. I have driven it all over my land. Some of the terrain is rough and debris covered from recent logging. No problems negotiating the obstacles. The payload on this thing is amazing. I have had well over 1000 lbs of cement bags on the back of it with no issues at all, and it has an electric dump bed. I can not say how nice it is to only touch debris and rocks once instead of twice. No way I would ever be without one again.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I wouldn't call anything with a snowmobile belt drive tranny, a tractor with a bed. You will pay dearly if you use it as such. And I mean DEARLY!

I put a (mild) lift kit and kevlar tires on my Mule. Those OEM dinky tires and poor clearance make the thing all but useless in anything more then a little snow. I may be damaging the driveline prematurely in doing this as well.

It's true though. A cruising around machine isn't usually the same as a work machine. You forgive some noise on a work machine, but not if you want to enjoy nature.

Sadly, now that I have an E-Gator, the Mule sits parked, collecting garbage in the bed. It will come back into it's own, when a little snow comes our way.

 

[joefromga]

The Arctic Cat trail is a 50" wide machine and thus will be allowed on all park trails and state areas since it's no wider than most full size 4 wheels.

It has a lower center of gravity and drives great. It's sporty and faster than most all side by sides.

Not really a work machine but a winch can be added and the small bed on the back is plenty for a days worth or gear and being a little smaller it fits on any 5x10 trailer or a long bed pickup with gate down.

If you want utility AC makes a great prowler as well.

I love my AC Trail and it's super easy to drive and is rocket fast and has great suspension and won't beat you up.

The dash had a nice digital display with lots of info available.

It also fits inside my van!

 

[dalroo]

I have the Mule 610XC and works well for me. I use it mostly to haul for projects, or while hunting, but if you are going to be traveling longer distances, the 25 mph limit may be a factor. It is a bit slow, but capable, and I am too old to need to go zipping around anyway!

Deciding factors for me were size, price, and reliability. The nice thing about the 610 is it will still fit in bed of pickup when I don't want to mess with trailering. The price was very attractive, and it had good reviews and a good warranty.

Downside in my experience - speed is limited, and the ride is rougher than some others I've driven. Again, around my property these aren't huge factors, but if you are going to be traveling miles of trails, could be a consideration.

The upsides I didn't consider before purchase - comparatively my Mule is quieter than most of the others I've been around. The smaller size means pretty nimble, and I've yet to get stuck or high-centered, even in my pretty rough part of Texas. And the Mule is pretty simple - not a lot of bells and whistles, but fewer things to break - I call it utilitarian!

 

[teejk]

I have the Mule 610XC and works well for me. I use it mostly to haul for projects, or while hunting, but if you are going to be traveling longer distances, the 25 mph limit may be a factor. It is a bit slow, but capable, and I am too old to need to go zipping around anyway!

Deciding factors for me were size, price, and reliability. The nice thing about the 610 is it will still fit in bed of pickup when I don't want to mess with trailering. The price was very attractive, and it had good reviews and a good warranty.

Downside in my experience - speed is limited, and the ride is rougher than some others I've driven. Again, around my property these aren't huge factors, but if you are going to be traveling miles of trails, could be a consideration.

The upsides I didn't consider before purchase - comparatively my Mule is quieter than most of the others I've been around. The smaller size means pretty nimble, and I've yet to get stuck or high-centered, even in my pretty rough part of Texas. And the Mule is pretty simple - not a lot of bells and whistles, but fewer things to break - I call it utilitarian!

Thanks! I'm narrowing it down now. Measured my 5.5'x10' utility trailer and see that the bed is truly those dimensions...and it is good for 2,300 lbs. of load. I will be 60 soon and my need for speed evaporated a long time ago. I have no problem taking a leisurely ride on our massive trail system (and I mean MASSIVE) that I guess I have been paying for but never used. Would like to buy the Polaris simply because the dealer is only a few miles away but I didn't like the leg room (seemed to be a shin-bruising machine the way they configured the driver compartment). So next I take the long drive to check out the Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki models. I set a $10,000 limit but quickly learning that will probably not be enough.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I love my old Kawi. Utilitarian design and one that allows the passenger to stretch their legs out totally forward, for a very comfortable ride. Not like a Value Jet seat.

 

[Gunny]

My 2004 Yamaha has been trouble free except for a battery and a fuel pump. Between me, the wife and the grandkids, its run to death in the warms months, only me in the cold ones.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have the Mule 610XC and works well for me. I use it mostly to haul for projects, or while hunting, but if you are going to be traveling longer distances, the 25 mph limit may be a factor. It is a bit slow, but capable, and I am too old to need to go zipping around anyway!

Deciding factors for me were size, price, and reliability. The nice thing about the 610 is it will still fit in bed of pickup when I don't want to mess with trailering. The price was very attractive, and it had good reviews and a good warranty.

Downside in my experience - speed is limited, and the ride is rougher than some others I've driven. Again, around my property these aren't huge factors, but if you are going to be traveling miles of trails, could be a consideration.

The upsides I didn't consider before purchase - comparatively my Mule is quieter than most of the others I've been around. The smaller size means pretty nimble, and I've yet to get stuck or high-centered, even in my pretty rough part of Texas. And the Mule is pretty simple - not a lot of bells and whistles, but fewer things to break - I call it utilitarian!

Actually decided on a Mule XC... went in to do the deal and was presented with a lot fees... assembly, freight, warehousing and documentation... when only freight was mentioned when shopping.

As luck would have it, a Kubota 900 was for sale and so far so good.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

timely topic, I'm also looking. My wife was talking about how our friends have one, and how it's nice for doing yard work. I jumped on that and said, yes, we need one. lol
liked the price on the cub cadet, but then found out they are made by MTD, so I won't go there. Plus, had a hard time getting in and out of it.
there are so many versions, it's hard to pick one. I want a roof and windshield, but not doors. winch and a dump bed.

 

[ultrarunner]

The glass windshield are costly but won't yellow or scratch... was pleased the Kubota came with one and the roof option.

The hydraulic dump bed works real smooth...

Got some very steep trails so the hydro provides plenty of braking...

 

[teejk]

My 2004 Yamaha has been trouble free except for a battery and a fuel pump. Between me, the wife and the grandkids, its run to death in the warms months, only me in the cold ones.

2004? You realize that the 2017's are now coming to market...your machine is 13 years old! And if your battery (probably good for 4-5 years regardless) and fuel pump are your only issues, you should not be allowed to complain on anything!

 

[teejk]

Actually decided on a Mule XC... went in to do the deal and was presented with a lot fees... assembly, freight, warehousing and documentation... when only freight was mentioned when shopping.

As luck would have it, a Kubota 900 was for sale and so far so good.

They all seem to "tack on" all those hidden fees. I don't get it...they are big...but not that big. Seems that a semi-trailer could haul quite a few of them.

 

[nybirdman]

2004? You realize that the 2017's are now coming to market...your machine is 13 years old! And if your battery (probably good for 4-5 years regardless) and fuel pump are your only issues, you should not be allowed to complain on anything!

As I stated earlier the Yamaha's are very reliable.That being said my four-wheeler(Kawasaki Prairie 400) purchased new is a "1998"and still runs and works fine only with a minor gasket replacement between the jug and base.

 

[ultrarunner]

They all seem to "tack on" all those hidden fees. I don't get it...they are big...but not that big. Seems that a semi-trailer could haul quite a few of them.

Reminds me of the transportation fee we paid Toyota for Mom's Corolla... I think $500 at the time and the factory was in view of the Dealership in Fremont CA...

I had my BMW shipped from inside Germany to the port, then by ship to California and then by truck to my Dealer for $550 and it cost $500 to go 1 mile?

One Dealer was advertising a $6,999 610 XC... with fees and charges on a cash sale 7k became $9,200... bought the RTV900 for 7k