Anyone own a polaris ranger?

[jhoward000]

I have a 2000 Polaris Ranger 6x6 and it is terrific. We have 61 acres and I use it to pull, haul, ride, dump, hunt, etc. It is a strong worker, and will go absolutely anywhere, which is important not only for recreational riding, but work as well. I can conficently pull a trailer loaded with firewood out of the messiest and muddiest of areas.

Speed is also a factor, because I can be more productive getting back an forth to the barn, house, or wherever. The suspension is outstanding. You can comfortably ride pretty fast over very rough terrain. It is much smoother than any 4-wheeler I have ever ridden. I have the electric dump lift, a winch, top, and windshield.

Lots of factors led to my selection of the Ranger, but the thing I liked most was just how heavy-duty and bullet proof it is built. It is very tough. To me, the Gator or Mule were not even in the same class. I just looked at the new Yamaha Rhino on their web-site and it looks good, too. I would have to see it in person to compare.

I have some steep hills on my property, and freewheeling has never been a problem. You drive it just like a truck, so you use the brakes anyway, which are strong.

The Ranger is also a great kid hauler! Especially with the smooth drive.

Okay, what are the downsides? Well, it's a little noisy when you are driving or riding it. Some maintenance items are hard to get to. The 6x6, with the rear 4 tires being positive traction, can be rough on the lawn. It is expensive, and accessories are expensive.

Polaris engines are very tough. They've been around a long time and have been proven. The same is true for their transmissions.

I like mine!

Jeff

 

[40Kchicks]

I have a hard time looking at the prices of the new 4 wheelers and utility vehicles. I bought a used Polaris sportsman 500 which has done very well for our applications but I still had to give $3800 for it. What my friend did is really interesting. He bought a used Suzuki Samurai 4X4 for a couple thousand and put swamper tires on it. He uses this to get around his two beef ranches. It was cheaper than a 4 wheeler, has heat, and keeps the rain off. It will also haul a small trailer. He could license it and insure it but right now I don’t think he does, it’s just used for farm chores. I realize it has it’s limitations but I thought it was a pretty good option compared to buying a $6000 utility vehicle.
What do you think?
Eric

 

[cowboydoc]

I have an old Toyota that I do the same thing with. Problem is it's too big to go alot of the places the Gator and Mule does for one. Secondly the next day I can't tell where I went with the Gator. With the Toyota you see the tracks for awhile. The impaction is the biggest issue with me. Also the Gator or Mule is more maneuverable, easier to drive, handier to get in and out of, etc. It's tough to get the Toyota in the barn or pull my manure spreader or other small trailers that we hook the UV's to. Also you can't see near as well in the toyota as the UV's. If I had to pick I would take the Gator or the Mule.

 

[gysgtspencer]

I checked out all of the UTV's that were comparable to the ranger, then purchased the ranger 4X4. If you are looking for a vehicle that can be used for working it is far better than any of the competition. Beats them in all areas especially in the ability to carry or tow. My property ranges from 3/4 mile gravel road (40 mph with the ranger) to creeks, open fields and steep wooded hillsides. The Ranger goes everywhere, places that I would never attempt to take a tractor or 4X4 truck. The only areas of my farm that I haven't taken the Ranger are areas that are difficult to walk on because of the steep angle. As for noise, driving up my drive I have driven up on groups of wild turkeys getting within 30-50 feet before they hear me and run, my wife says that all she needs is a baseball bat to get our Thanksgiving turkey! Anyway after looking at and trying the other UTV's (Mule, Deere) I made my decision and couldn't be happier! Good luck with your choice.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I have to agree with 40Kchicks. I used to sell these things years ago when they were much cheaper. Nowadays, I would have to always bite my tongue if I was still selling them. The price can get you a very decent 4X4 that you can drive to the store. Don't get me wrong, if I had plenty of $$$ I could easily see having one because they will go places a Jeep won't. Narrow trails and deep goop that has a "slight crust" which an ATV can travel over without breaking thru. But, that stated, here in Texas it is legal to drive down most of the beaches IF your vehicle has a license plate. No ATV's. So there are places a Jeep can go where by law, an ATV can't.

We used to sell a machine that was belt driven. When the belt got wet, you were stuck until it dried. Not a good thing if you were crossing a stream. Shaft drive is best, O-ring chain next best.

My 2 cents....Kyle

 

[Docsknotinn]

I bought a Golf cart this fall with a Lift Kit, ATV tires lights and a P/U style rear bed. Less than 1/2 of a ranger and not much slower. Lots of fun and gets the job done.

 

[Tonester]

I considered all the UTV's for the farm. We have a lot of riding trails to maintain on 170+ acres, plus just getting around. I ended up with a leftover Polaris 600 Sportsman Twin for less than the Gators etc. Reason? I figured I could haul 1500lbs towed, get in tight areas, pull my roller, spreader, harrow etc. where the tractor won't go. I have had NO problem with freewheeling whatsoever. This rig will go anywhere! I have been through serious mud, hills, pulled fallen trees, stumps - you name it. Came with a 2500lb warn winch. i mounted two tool boxes and made a portable workshop out of it for fence repair and such. Will be picking up a utility dump trailer this spring for the back to give me hauling capacity. Only downfall is the single seat, but I wouldn't use it much anyhow. Great rig, I recommend it highly. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (my 2 cents...)

 

[Mowman]

I use my Ranger 4X4 to pull a LARGE brush mower with a 22hp Kohler. The Ranger has a set of MATTRACKS track drive on it. This thing will go thru ANYTHING. I have driven in stuff that when I had to get off to stop the mower, I sunk up to my knees (over the top of my rubber boots). I use mine for a specialized purpose, but love it.

 

[Alan L.]

If money is an object, then thats why someone like me would buy the mule over the Ranger. The next thing is the Mule 550 that I have will only go 20 and thats as fast over our rough terrain as anyone should go - 40mph would be very dangerous.

It does freewheel, thus wouldn't be much good on a mountain road probably.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Alan, Isnt the Mule 550 powered by a 295cc Roberts engine ? You can get a Golf Cart Lifted with ATV tires and a PU Bed for about 2k less. Same engine, same clearance. I will try to get a photo of mine in the woods tomorrow and post it this weekend. A real $$$ saver. I got mine at www.evansgolfcarts.com Click on Custom for a view. It has worked well for me but will not go any place like those with the tracks or The larger mules but is directly compareable to the 550. For those who need tracks a few of my neighbors have the Argo. One guy takes his Duck hunting. Pretty coool toy....er I mean tool /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Dave