Buying a side by side

dougrout · Nov 9, 2011

Hi everyone - I've been very impressed with the forum on this site. Many great ideas and suggestions are available, so I thought I'd get your opinion on which side by side to purchase. I will be using the ATV in the bush behind my house where there are many hilly trails that need to be maintained. The trails are generally wide enough for my John Deere 3320 (but too steep for my comfort level on the tractor). I will want to haul small logs with the side by side for short distances, so it will need power. I don't care about the speed of the ATV.

There is also a swamp that I would like to be able to get across, so ability in mud and some water would be a plus. In the winter I would like to get a set of tracks so that I can groom cross country ski trails - again I suspect that I'll need power for that application. I have narrowed down my choices to the Polaris Ranger (diesel would be nice), the John Deere 625 or 825 (or even the 855 diesel - diesel is my preference), or the Kubota RTV.

Oh yes - I would like a cab for the cold winter months when I'm grooming the trails.

I would appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks

cdaigle430 · Nov 9, 2011

When I was in the service, we had Gator Diesel 6x6's, man those things were to tough and virtually impossible to tip.

robs660 · Nov 9, 2011

If your pockets can handle it check out the offerings from Bobcat. They have a few toolcat models that are pretty amazing. You can get it with all the power you would ever need. We have one on my inland farm and it gets more use then any other motorized thing down there. Price will scare you so make sure you are sitting down when you research

dougrout · Nov 9, 2011

Thanks - I'll check them out.

PAfarmer · Nov 9, 2011

If you what a reliable hardworking side by side then its either a Yamaha Rhino ( sporty) or a Polaris Ranger..........I have owned mnay and those two are by far the best in all the areas you mention and go forever little nothing more than standard maintence...........The others are not as good IMHO

cowpatty · Nov 9, 2011

+1 on the Yamaha Rhino. I had a 450 and it was a workhorse. The 450 has as much and maybe a little more bottom end power than the 660 and 700's due to lower gearing. They have softcabs availiable among other upgrades. The 450 Rhino will also be one of the better priced "popular" units. Have fun w/ whatever you decide

BoneDigger · Nov 9, 2011

Of those you listed, probably the Ranger would suit your needs well. The RTV Kubota is not much for mud. The Mule is okay too since speed is no issue. If you want a good little machine that won't break the bank, look at the Mule 610XC. It'll go very well in the mud, but it's no speed demon.

Todd

Dmace · Nov 9, 2011

For the work you list, I would stick with diesel. Logging and pulling a trail groomer are tough on an engine and would kill a gasser in no time. I was going to recommend the new Kioti Mechron since it's got the same proven diesel engine in the Kioti CK20 tractor's and people are getting them brand new with 4x4, hydraulic dump bed and off road tires for under $10k. Those other diesels will be way over that price new. They don't have a cab option though so it may not work for you. Sounds like a Polaris Ranger diesel may work best.

earljr59 · Nov 9, 2011

Doug, without turning this into a brand loyalty I want to agree with the earlier posters.Yamaha Rhinos [and Grizzlys]are as tough and dependable as any.My son and nephew each have 4000 miles of use and abuse on theirs.Just basic maintainance.My Brother likes his polaris ranger real well.Both of my sons have worked at a shop that sells Honda/yamaha/kawasaki/suzuki and kabota.My cousin sold them for over 15 years and they all agree that the yamahas are in the shop for repairs the least.The kabotas are too new and few miles of use,but everyone we know that has one likes it.The kabota enclosed cabs are by far my favorite.If you need year round comfort/quiet with ac/heat they are fantastic. I think the boys said loaded out around $15000. Guess i will keep my old Kawasaki. I hope this helps and goodluck.

dougrout · Nov 10, 2011

I hadn't considered some of the machines mentioned so I'll broaden my research.

No one has recommended the Gator 855D - I like the local JD dealer and would give him the business if the machine is up to the task. Anyone have experience with the 855D?

One last question - can I put tracks on any side by side? I know that the Polaris Ranger and the Gator will take tracks, and I've heard a rumor that JD will be manufacturing their own tracks for the Gator (maybe fewer fit problems that way?) What about the other machines?

Thanks for all the input

Doug