Seeking orientation on side by sides, differences between brands/models/designs

bigsnowdog · Sep 7, 2013

I have just read through about 15 pages of this forum. I have a lot to learn. My interest is in learning more about side-by-sides before I buy one.

Many of you know a lot about the differences between brands; advantages and disadvantages, types of transmissions, and other design and mechanical differences. My interest is in a machine with all-wheel drive and a cargo bed. I have 15 acres of trees and I would use it on this property. For all practical purposes the ground is flat no steep grades at all.

Please, give me an introductory class in what you see as the important differences among major brands and models. I would say at the outset I am not interested in anything from China.

Thank you for your assistance!

prehm · Sep 8, 2013

bigsnowdog,

I have a 2011 Kubota RTV 900 xt because it is non-belt driven and is robust. Honda also has the Big Red that is non-belt drive. It has a 3 speed automatic transmission, but not nearly as robust. The Kubota cost an additional $2k.
The Kubota is not for play, but will certainly work. Have pulled a 6600 lb tractor on dry ground. Pulled an S10 Chevy pickup that was broke down to the house, about 1 mile up and down a few hills. Standard with power steering and 4wd. 21.6 hp diesel engine.

If you're after a work model, this is the one.

ovrszd · Sep 8, 2013

I agree with prehm. Kubota is top of the line for a workhorse side by side. You'll spend a little more and get a lot more machine.

If you aren't as heavy into the workhorse and want a little sport, Polaris has a broad line to choose from.

The next step to the left is Sport models. I have a Rhino and like it fine. Top speed of 40mph, mechanical tilt bed, very comfortable seating, very dependable powertrain. Belt drive. Friend of mine has a Kawasaki Teryx. Very similar in design to the Rhino, tough as a boot.

Next step to the left is full on Sport models. Polaris makes several of those. I don't think that's what you are after.

I take it from your description you are looking for basically a small 4wd pickup to do chore work with. If so, prehm has the best for that. Several posters on TBN run the Kubotas. Hopefully they can chime in and give you some more insight.

Another workhorse model that I've never heard anything bad about is the Kawasaki Mule. There are several of those on here also.

Good luck with your shopping!!!

C4Ranch · Sep 8, 2013

I got a new Ranger 500 crew in April and my Bro-n-law has a mule trans. I need a 4 seater.

I chose the Ranger over the mule because its perfect for my land, ride quality is amazing and extra speed on tap which Im glad i had when I hit a soft mud bog and needed wheel spin. Only con for me is the plastic bed and flimsy tailgate that u can't even sit on. I frequently have ~400lbs in the bed and stand on the bed rails while filling feeders with no problem.

I like the mules steel bed and the trans is nice because you can extend it. Ride quality is terrible at speed and the top speed leaves you wanting more.

PapaPerk · Sep 8, 2013

Check out the ranger mid size UTV. Comes in 400, 570, and 800.

Also check out the 500 and 900 Kubota RTV.

pwright · Sep 9, 2013

What do you expect to do with your UTV? Will it be worked hard hauling around 1000-2000 lb loads in the bed all the time or mostly just driving from point A to point B with a few hand tools in the back? As you have tractors I don't see you using the UTV for any serious ground work.

Will you need to carry standard sized pallets in the bed?

Will you need to use it in the winter? Are your winters cold enough to want/need a full cab?

Kids and/or grandkids?

I'm very happy with my two Polaris Rangers and use them for work and play in very rugged terrain.

bigsnowdog · Sep 9, 2013

pwright said:
What do you expect to do with your UTV? Will it be worked hard hauling around 1000-2000 lb loads in the bed all the time or mostly just driving from point A to point B with a few hand tools in the back? As you have tractors I don't see you using the UTV for any serious ground work.

Chainsaws, fuel cans and support tools, fencing repairs.

Will you need to carry standard sized pallets in the bed?

No, but what would a standard size be?

Will you need to use it in the winter? Are your winters cold enough to want/need a full cab?

Yes, winter. Cab may be too pricy.

Kids and/or grandkids?

I want to be able to take people for rides/tours.

pwright · Sep 10, 2013

bigsnowdog said:
Chainsaws, fuel cans and support tools, fencing repairs.

So not huge loads. Any of the UTVs from the big names would be sufficient.

bigsnowdog said:
No, but what would a standard size be?

The most common size is 40" x 48" but they of course vary considerably. You can load a pallet of that size in the back of the full-size Rangers and up to 2000 lbs. The mid-size are smaller and only have 1000 lbs capacity. Some of the other make UTVs have similar capabilities and some less.

bigsnowdog said:
Yes, winter. Cab may be too pricy.

Cabs are pricey. You can get a proper glass front windshield along with canvas doors and back for the Ranger and I would assume most others. At the very least you'll want a front poly windshield and back window.

bigsnowdog said:
I want to be able to take people for rides/tours.

As many as 4? Then you ought to look at those with two bench seats. The midsize Rangers really only seat 4 adults but they are quite a bit less than the full-size that can seat 6.

Do yourself a favor and visit all the different dealers that you can and take some test drives. This way even if you end up buying used you can have a basis of comparison when you inspect it. They all have their strong points and weak points.

nwltruck · Sep 10, 2013

I looked at it as a work to play % when I was shopping for a UTV. In order from work to play I would rank them as Kubota, Mule for work. Honda, Polaris Ranger for a mix. Rhino, tyrex, CanAm, And Polaris Razer at the play side of the spectrum. That is not to say the play toys won't "WORK" but are more limited in there uses.