UTV Comparison

[covefarm]

I'm in the market for a full size UTV and have narrowed it down to several manufacturers & models - Polaris Ranger XP 900, Ranger 570 Full Size, Kawasaki Mule (model TBD) & John Deere Gator (model TBD). The primary uses will be general farm chores including using a 25 gallon electric sprayer, winching small limbs up a bank, retrieving our dogs when they run off. I will also use it to hunt waterfowl - carry hunters, decoys & pull a small trailer. I like the bench seats of the Rangers for carrying 3 passengers. Any recommendations or advice on functionality, durability & problems/breakdowns would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AllDodge]

I forget the model number but buddy bought the new model JD and had nothing but trouble with it. Had the clutch replaced 3 times before 50 hours. After many discussions JD agreed to exchange it with the older model and he has had no problems.

Since your looking for the faster models, I would also look at the Honda, no belts

 

[Buppies]

We have owned thru the years all of the ones you mention in earlier forms. Currently we own a 900 ranger which does what we ask of it. It is going on three years old no issues to speak of does what we ask and the engine breaking works very well. We chose camo in color due to lack of fading

 

[Buppies]

Honda is a great choice as well and agree with ALLDodge

 

[628pm]

I currently own a kubota x900 RTV since 2014, it has been great but decided to make a change. Will be receiving my 2018 JD XUV835M Gator on next Tuesday or Wednesday. From what I have read this will be a great machine for my needs. Oh did I mention it will have AC.

Bill

 

[shooterdon]

Had a Ranger 850 and it worked well. I had to add a larger battery for winching. A buddy had the 570 Ranger and it is not enough engine...he traded it for the 1000 after less than a year, and it is sweet. So much less noise. But they are not cheap!! He has over $20k in it.

I also had a RZR 570 for fun riding. Sold both this year. the 570 was barely enough for the RZR and it can not carry much at all.

You will be spending a lot of money on a toy. I decided a used Jeep ($17k) was a better fit for the off road riding we do plus I can use it as a second vehicle. For the work aspect, I have a 2001 Ram 1500 4WD ($3500 with plow bought 3 years ago). It will carry a lot more stuff and it has a plow and cab. So much better than the 850 for those tasks and I do not freeze my butt off in the winter or get soaked in the rain.

I do not regret selling my UTV's. Expensive toys with limitations

 

[Code54]

We have Mule FXT Pro, dont recall the year but it was the first one released so it is a few years old. Having owned Rzr I will say the Mule is MUCH lower maintenance. We like the Rzr but it always had a few squeaks to figure out, or some little thing that needed attention. The Mule has plenty of power and the folding 2nd seat allows me to explain the bed to haul a LOT of wood for a UTV.
I owned two Rhino's in the past and a Honda Pioneer and the Mule fits are use best. It is not fast but has plenty of torque to pull a trailer and carry a large payload. Never had any issues with the belt to the pint I almost forget it is a belt drive.

 

[covefarm]

shooterdon, You make valid points (as does my wife). The Ranger 900 is $12,400 new. I would consider buying used but they are non-existent in my area. I considered a jeep as an alternative with more utility.To get a reliable enough one to use on the road, I would be spending at least another 5k plus tax & $1,000 per year in insurance. I would also be getting herbicide drift on it that I think will be easier to wash off & out of an UTV. Appreciate the input.

 

[covefarm]

AllDodge, Thanks for the reply. I'm actually not looking for speed but some of the models I mentioned have 40 hp or more engines. I check out the Honda's.

 

[covefarm]

Bill, besides the AC, what do you like about the XUV835M? JD has so many models it's a challenge to evaluate the features. Thanks.