Polaris Ranger 6x6

[Dargo]

Rip,
I just returned from about 5 hours of riding with my kids and their friends at some property I own. The general consensus is that nobody wants to have to ride the RTV after riding the Rhino. I'm going to have to drop by my local Polaris dealer tomorrow to see the 700 EFI unit. Do you know by chance if it comes with a power lift bed? If so, it may be really tempting to sell my RTV while it is still like new and get another "fun" side by side, that can also do work.
I've heard that the Ranger 4X4 is wider than the Rhino? I'd really love to have the Ranger 6X6, but the big attraction for me is the EFI 700 engine. After having the power of a slightly hopped up Rhino, I'm afraid that the 6X6 Ranger will feel sluggish. Besides, I really want EFI. I'd have to assume that the 4X4 Ranger will run with the Rhino. I'd hate to see my RTV go, but it just could... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Rip]

I believe a power bed lift is still available for the new Rangers... I know it was available in '04.

The Rangers are about 5' wider than the Rhinos, but I have not found it to be a problem and it makes for a very stable vehicle. The rear differential in the Rangers is nice too.

From what I have heard, the 700 is very quick off the line, but is factory limited such that a stock 500 will keep up with it or even beat it under most conditions. I also hear that there are easy ways to unleash more of the 700 potential which is certainly more than the 500 could muster (although the 500 can be opened up as well).

As I mentioned, I may be looking at a new 4x4 in addition to my 6x6, so will be considering both engines.

 

[yooperdave]

One of my local Polaris dealers wants $14,500 + tax for a demo 2004 6x6 with a soft cab, doors, and a plow.

One of my other local Polaris dealers wanted $10,200 + tax for a new 2005 6x6 - no options. He later lowered his price to $9,600.

Is the independent rear suspension quite an improvement for the 2005 models?

Are these prices in line?

Thanks

Yooper Dave

 

[Panache]

Polaris of Chatanooga Tn has them for $9083 out the door. Probably not an option for you but gives some idea of their cost.

 

[Rip]

Dave, The '05 6x6 still have the same front & rear suspension as the '04 & '03. Only the '05 4x4 got the all new rear IRS. The 6x6 has an incredibly smooth ride along with matching traction though with full independent mid-axle and swing-arm rear axle.

The new models are quieter, have the new style cargo box (nice, but weaker tailgate hinge), a 2" hitch receiver instead of 1 1/4", and a 250 lb higher overall weight rating although I think this is just a numbers adjustment as the older ones would carry more than they were rated for in the first place.

If it were me (and I have both an '04 6x6 and a '05 4x4), I would be happy with an '04 6x6 for the right price.... you are not gaining much with the '05 on this model. The Curtis or Glacier plow is pretty good, I would be warry of other brands.

The cabs on either will make for a noisier ride inside with the hard cabs being worse. This is nothing unique to Rangers, just the various accoustic laws at work. On the other hand they make riding in cold or bad weather a better experience.

They are both real nice machines for work or pleasure.

 

[Burt_Fuller]

This is my first post, so please be understanding if my "forum edicate" is not what it should be.

I have a 2004 RTV WS and a 1999 Ranger 6x6. We operate a catfish farm and a day-hunting & fishing operation.

If you've got tough places to go the Ranger is the ticket. Mine is very old (650+ hours), but we still use in to get to the really muddy and steep places. It rides much better than the RTV; no comparison at all! And it's much faster. It is a work horse. We tow and haul just about everything. But it does have its downside. Belt drive; it is shaft drive AFTER it is belt drive. The shield around the belt leaks (even after being replaced, twice!) and cause the belt to slip. It doesn't turn very tight. And it's almost impossible to find a competent and honest mechanic.

The RTV is nothing short of incredible. We bought ours in December, 2004 and now have 120+ hours on it. No major problems have occurred. There is an issue with the locking differential and a small hydraulic leak on the dump mechanism. I'm planning to replace the WS tires. They are tough, but woefully inadequate for farmlife; no traction in the mud. The RTV is strong, but slow. We have pulled a feed buggy with over 2.25 tons of feed over uneven terrain without any problem.

I love the Ranger, but if you need a machine that will work (and play a little) then you need the RTV (but get some ATV style tires, not the WS). Polaris has probably addressed some of the weaknesses with the Ranger, but until they get rid of that belt and train some mechanics (at least in this area), I will not recommend or consider purchasing another Ranger.

Hope this is of some help.

 

[arkieshooter]

I have both the Polaris 6X6 and the new Kawasaki Diesel mule 3010. The mule is a great little flat ground machine, but it won't go where the polaris will. 42 hrs on the mule and it is really stingy on fuel. EPS is nice also. The only problem I've had with the polaris has been the wiring harness for the throttle position senson. Wiring is too short and it was pulling apart inside the plastic connector causing all manner of crazy symptoms. removed the connector and wired/soldered things back together and now no problems. The Ranger isn't as quiet as the kawasaki, but will carry and pull lots more. Lots harder on fuel than the Mule. Ranger is a better machine, especially with the bigger tires and wheels. If you add a winch, make sure it's at least 4000 # and use snatch blocks.

 

[farmboy12]

A bit of a late reply, dont ya think?

 

[rox]

arkieshooter, Welcome to TBN! I did the same thing when I first joined. Trust me I was pulling up tons of old threads and jsut replying not noticing at all the dates. Hey it is still a good topic, right

 

[Cord]

A bit of a late reply, dont ya think?

Not as late as this one!!! lol

I thought these had a swing arm in back with solid axles until I looked at their website. When Polaris go to independent suspension?