Gator HPX or Ranger

RollTideRam · Mar 13, 2006

For real offroad ability, I have a heavily modified Suzuki Samurai. I would be money ahead to get another one, but I really enjoyed riding my nephew around on a atv looking at the cows and such. Now that I have my own son, I want a Utv for the family yard tours.
I'm still undecided on what I'll get, Still waiting to finish my taxes and see if I can get anything. JC

kkilpatrick · Mar 14, 2006

Go with the Gator. I love mine. I rode both. The ride is much smoother in the Ranger but I waited until the '06 Gators with a smoother ride came out. It was worth the wait. The '06 have a smoother ride than previous Gators. Though not as smooth a ride than the Ranger they are close now and you have much more stabler ride. They also seem to be built for more heave duty use. That is why the ride is not as smooth as a Ranger. The new Gator also has true locking four wheel drive. It works great also. It is also hard to beat the John Deere dependability.

Dargo · Mar 14, 2006

( For real offroad ability, I have a heavily modified Suzuki Samurai. )

I've often thought about getting an old Samurai for running around my remote property but I've been concerned about it not being able to make it through some of the really gnarley areas. I'm thinking that to make a Samurai able to go through some of the tough areas I'd have to either have paddles on it or ag tires in addition to having locking front and rear axles. I'm just wondering if making the little Suzuki capable of going through these places wouldn't get the price up to what another Rhino would cost? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif It would be nice to be able to drive to the property rather than trailer there though.

rogdan · Mar 14, 2006

The Ranger is a blast, I never had much use for a traditional ATV but with seating for three its a family vehicle! At one year I have rolled up 200 hours on my 2005 XP Ranger (700cc). I have had no repair or reliability issues to report to date. The PRC site already linked is a great source of Ranger info. and tells the XP heating issue fixed for 2006 models. I don't know if your considering the 500cc or 700cc but the 700 is fuel injected over carb. and has quicker take off but the same top end ~40 mph. The 500cc was $700-$1000 less when I purchased but the XP was new and in tight supply around here. I didn't compare the Gators myself so I have no comment there. I chose the Ranger over the Rhino and RV900 as the best combo for work and play. (likely not the best at either individually) Ranger has many add ons available, the cabs make them all weather.

Dargo · Mar 14, 2006

( I don't know if your considering the 500cc or 700cc but the 700 is fuel injected over carb. and has quicker take off but the same top end )

GREAT point. My Rhino is the only thing I have that is not fuel injected. C'mon Yamaha, what's up with that?! That's part of what I credit Polaris with being tops in innovation. If they have addressed their past reliability issues, that 700 fuel injected unit is certainly the real deal! I apologize for sounding a bit harsh on Polaris, but I get to hear on a weekly basis from my friends complaining about yet another thing breaking and their units being in the shop yet again. It should say something for the ride and drive of Polaris though; if they had something that they didn't really love, there is no way they would keep buying them with all the issues they've had. Another thing that keeps them coming back is the fact that they always buy the extended warranty and their dealer does always provide them with a loaner when theirs is at that they call 'their 2nd home' (the shop).

If Polaris has improved their reliability and durability, I certainly would entertain the possibility of buying a fuel injected 700 Ranger in a couple of years (waiting to see if the issues have really been addressed). Let 'em rip!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Tractors4u · Mar 14, 2006

The fuel injection takes getting used to. I was so accustomed to starting an ATV, lawnmower, my old Gator, motorcycle, etc, etc and waiting for it to warm up. With the fuel injection, you start it and go. As of now, I have only 2 complaints, no speedometer/odometer option from Polaris, but Trailtech will have a speedo/tach combo coming out in a couple of months. The second complaint is the rev limiter. Currently it kicks in at about 44.5 MPH per the GPS.

turbo36 · Mar 14, 2006

I have had my Ranger going on 3 years now with zero problems and we work it hard. For all around use they are hard to beat. "Gator? We do need no stinkin Gator." /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

dballs · Mar 15, 2006

I vote Ranger. The top speed of the HPX is weaker, though speed isn't my thing, it is still nice to have more when you need it. Any machine you purchase could have issues. Even Rhinos have some reliability concerns. Here is a good link where Ranger and Rhino owners list their problems:
Rhino/Ranger problems

RollTideRam · Mar 16, 2006

I ordered my 2520 on Tuesday. The finance girl said she could put the Gator with the Tractor and get the 0% for 36 months. I have a few more days to make up my mind. JC

rtv900 · Mar 16, 2006

You are in a tough spot. They are both wonderful machines. One has some more metal than the other. One has more speed than the other. Tough decision.

I have an HPX and it is a wonderful machine. I use mine for hunting and trail riding. I also use it for work around the house and for my business. I have pounded the snot out of it and I have not had any problems at all. I have not bent anything or broken anything. It is a tough machine. I am buying a Ranger 6X6 this fall for work. I am getting that one because I can get a 6x6 track system for it then and that is what I am looking for. That way I can haul some huge loads in the snow.

I have driven all of the machines and owned most of them at one point or another. I would have to if it was between the gator of the Ranger I would choose both. Just kidding!! I would get the gator again for sure. If you need 6x6 traction then get the ranger. If you dont then go with the reliability and durability of the gator. It is the toughest machine I have ever had.