Finally Got my New Gator

[RollTideRam]

Like I said, I don't know anyone that has a Ranger, How reliable is yours. I have read a few places that claim they are less reliable than other makes. My BIL has a polaris atv and has not had any problems with it. I am supposed to be getting a quote from the Chattanooga dealer on one. JC

 

[Dargo]

I have several friends who have Polaris units and know the local dealer. They are known for their innovation, but certainly not for durability or reliability. Every single friend I know who has, or had, a Polaris has experienced numerous issues; some serious and some minor. If you opt for one, make sure you have a close by dealer that has a loaner plan if yours ends up in the shop (if they don't I'd pass) and I'd go for the extended warranty. I've been around numerous Polaris vehicles for the last 10 years and I still like them, but I wouldn't own one.

 

[RollTideRam]

I guess I should make my own post and butt out of someones new gator post. JC

 

[jcmseven]

Ditto for me. I bought my father a Polaris 500 HO a couple years ago, and although it runs great overall, he has had numerous small (aggravating) problems from it. I do not own an ATV just my Gator, but I would say I would go another direction here. To me, although the Mule is nice and the Yamaha fast, the Kubota and JD seem to make the most reliable units. Although my diesel Gator is not as fast as some, it is strong as an ox and will pull about anything.

John M

 

[Tractors4u]

I only have 13 hours on my Ranger so far. I did buy a 1995 Polaris Sport 400 new in '95 and it was very reliable. I had only a couple of small issues with it. I had a Gator 6X4 before this Ranger. I decided that I wanted to upgrade to something with more bells and whistles. I decided that I wanted something that could work and play. The work part ruled out the Rhino, it didn't have the cargo capacity. The play part ruled out the RTV and I was really close to buying one. I just didn't feel that it could run on the same trails that my buddies were running their utility 4 wheelers. I have been amazed with the trail riding capabilities of the Ranger. As for work. I did pull a five disk with the Ranger. In low range 4 wheel drive it didn't even grunt. This was done by attaching a chain to the front of a 3 point hitch type disk. I don't recommend this because the rear of the disk kept poping up because I had it chained too high on the front of the disk. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

great lookin gator man. keep me posted on how you like it and how the new 4x4 system holds up.

 

[coolcall]

Changed the oil about a week ago for the 8 hour break in, and let me tell you i wanted to kill someone... They have it so you have to get on the ground and reach up over the axel in a little space about 6x8 inches.. and then the tool that fits over the replacement didn't fit over the factory filter so after about an hour i decided to just call john deere and have a service tech come out and take the thing off.. he spent about an hour on it and finally after removing the fuel filter got it off.. So yeah pain in the butt..

So if you plan on buying a new gator have john deere replace the oil filter with theirs first and then go buy yourself a tool that goes over the top of the filter and you'll be in great shape..


Other than that its awesome pulled about a ton with it the other day and didn't even grunt.. Also pushed some snow about a week ago and man the thing didn't even slip once. Wet snow too. What once took three or four hours to plow with a tractor now takes half an hour..

The push button four wheel drive is probly the nicest feature. I was losing traction the other day in two wheel, pressed the button and instantly felt the thing grab. didn't even let up off the gas.
So other than the oil filter an awesome piece of equipment.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

the gas verson has the filter right in front of the motor and the oil drain is right on the side . it takes about 15 minutes to change the filter and oil. the only reason it takes that long is i let it drain for a few minutes. it gives me time to change the plugs.