New Polaris Ranger 900

[RollingsFarms]

I believe I read somewhere that Polaris changed their clutch design and it's supposedly way more reliable and belts are lasting much longer. I will say that the key to long belt life is using low range as much as possible.

 

[weathda]

I didn't get to do the test drives this weekend. Weather was not cooperative. Will have to reschedule.

Have been trying to keep an open mind on all. Even been researching the diesel Polaris and JD models and even Kubota RTV since we have a diesel supply at the property where I'll be riding most. I read where the earlier Polaris diesel models had trouble with transmission not wanting to allow gear changes. Read where they went to the same transmission and clutch as what the gas models have. Will most likely go with gas. Wish Polaris still offered the nanny key for limited power. Sounds like for 2015 they went to a safety feature tied to the seat belts. Will not go over 15 mph unless the belt is fastened. Can anyone confirm or deny?

 

[TnWV]

I didn't get to do the test drives this weekend. Weather was not cooperative. Will have to reschedule. Have been trying to keep an open mind on all. Even been researching the diesel Polaris and JD models and even Kubota RTV since we have a diesel supply at the property where I'll be riding most. I read where the earlier Polaris diesel models had trouble with transmission not wanting to allow gear changes. Read where they went to the same transmission and clutch as what the gas models have. Will most likely go with gas. Wish Polaris still offered the nanny key for limited power. Sounds like for 2015 they went to a safety feature tied to the seat belts. Will not go over 15 mph unless the belt is fastened. Can anyone confirm or deny?

On my 2015, if the driver seat belt is not buckled it will not go over 15. Not a great dilution to the nanny key since the rider, who is most likely new to operating the machine, would be missing the safety feature of the belt itself. If I'm just putting around or carry stuff around the property, I often just buckle the belt behind me, to make constant in and out easier.

 

[TO_Bud]

Weathda, I own the 2013 900XP Ranger. For the most part I really enjoy my machine. I combine northern Michigan trail riding with putzing around my 5 wooded acres at home doing various chores. Owned a 800 Ranger XP before this one, and there is no comparison between the two, the 900 is a clear winner in ride quality, noise and generated cab heat. Don't have any experience with the Viking however but have read they are quite noisy and vibrate. The belt slippage problem is from water entering the clutch housing from pillar mounted air intakes, both left and right. Right side is for the clutch, and water can enter from washing the machine or in heavy rain. Even though I know the intake is there I still seem to splash water that way when I'm washing it. Simple cure is to remove the drain plug and drain. The newer models have frogskin covers over the intakes to limit any water problems. If you want to read almost any opinion on the 900 log into http://www.prcforum.com/forum/154-ranger-xp-900-discussions They talk about all the pros and cons as well as lengthy discussion on pumping up hp. In my opinion the machine has more than enough hp as a stock machine. As far as passengers go I equate utvs to pole barns, as soon as you get either you wish you could more into it

 

[weathda]

Finally got around to a test drive this weekend on the XP 900. Was just what others had mentioned, very quiet. I was in the neighborhood of the Shoals mega-dealer and stopped in. Didn't intend to buy on Saturday, especially before trying out the Viking but they hooked me good. My wife was egging me on so that didn't help. Plus they had trailers which made everything pretty convenient. I got numbers and negotiated a deal where I thought it was as good as it was going to get and left. Came back about 15 minutes later and said if I could have the one out back with plastic still on the seats I'd take it. They said, whatever to make you happy. Signed the paper work and took the manual home with me. It was a pretty exciting Saturday. Was not prepared to pull it home, so I'll be going back on Tuesday to get it.

 

[weathda]

Wife and I both settled on the Black Pearl. It's a 2015. Got the top and a front windshield. Will also be getting a rear window too, but might go aftermarket on the rear.

Let's see if I can add a picture or two.

The trailers had just been delivered. That also helped in my decision. They had a fresh stock of 6x14 and 6x12s. I got a 6x12 for $1099.

 

[TnWV]

Congrats Weathda, I know you will enjoy it!! I almost got the black pearl, it was a tough decision, they all look so good.

Sounds like you did well and got a pretty good price on the trailer. I am planning on a new trailer this spring as my 5x8 just won't work. I used a friends 6x10 to haul it home and it took up most of that trailer. 6X12 is probably the right way to go.

I spent the day yesterday working on a trail yesterday that will eventually allow me to drive all the way around my property staying in the woods. There were a couple difficult spots and the Ranger handled them easily. Just a fun machine to operate and a great way to spend time with the family! Enjoy it!

 

[weathda]

Thanks TnWV. They do all look good. I'm about an hour away from Shoals. I had family over in that area and we traveled over this weekend to see them. Buying the trailer there will keep me from having to haul a trailer all the way over there. I'll be pulling it with my swagger wagon (2013 Sienna) cause that's the way I roll. lol! Should be interesting. It's got the tow package and tow rated at 3500 lbs. Hoping it will pull okay. I have a little work truck, but I'm more apt to trust the van with power and braking for that distance.

Trail cutting will be on my agenda as well. I'd like to cut a perimeter road around the property like you mentioned. Definitely, looking forward to this being a great way to spend time with the family.

This spring we have a few burn piles to rid. Hauling our accelerate and burn tools will be made much easier with this. Also have a few limbs to pull with it as well. I have lots of little jobs for it.

I've been reading in the manual and it says there is a 25 hour break-in period. The first 3 hour break-in is critical. I'll probably put around in it for the first little while. Did you guys do anything special?

 

[TnWV]

I just cruised around in it for a few hours, and didn't run it hard. Really didn't do anything special. I did make sure to do the 25 hour service right on time. The oil coming out was as clean looking as what went in. Oil filter is a bit of a pain as you have to remove a small guard and it's still tight. Not easy to get a good grip and twist. I don't like the location as it's impossible not to get oil on the engine and it's tough to get in there and clean it off.

I towed mine with my wife's Traverse. Not sure of the tow rating but I definitely knew it was there. Power wasn't a problem but really felt it when breaking. I'm sure you will be fine.

 

[weathda]

The finance guy was sure to remind me of the 25 hour oil change. Seems like a waste, but I'll do it. Better safe than sorry. They also told me that if I did oil changes and maintenance myself to be sure and keep the receipts.

Will be a little cold tomorrow, but I plan to put some run time on it when I get it back home. Hope I sleep tonight