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

[RoyJackson]

The "Grandaddy" of these machines is the Deere Gator...probably more comparable to the Polaris machines then something like the Kubota RTV versions. The Gators are work horse, like all the other side by sides. Until a few years back, they were more of a work horse then a work and play machine.
I think they're all good (although I'd pass on an electric version...but that's just me). I can't say the Kubota drive train is any better or worse, since no experience with them...but you don't read too many posts on drive train problems (the CVT) with any of these machines either here on TBN or the dedicated ATV/UTV forums around the internet.
You'll also read folks posting about towing hay wagons and such. Well, a 1500 lb (more or less) machine towing a 2 ton wagon....no doubt they can get them started...stopping or controlling such loads (if the tail start wagging the dog) might be a different story.

I'll recommend a couple things though...unless you have a serious need for speed, consider one of the diesel models. Safer fuel to store or carry with you, the engines are much more frugal on consumption. My neighbor has a fully dressed Gator 825i...it's fast, no doubt. Drinks a lot of gas too, even though I don't think he's ever used the speed potential of the machine.
Get the windshield. You may not need or want a full cab, but that windshield would be nice (I don't have one yet).
IF you intend to carry loads close to the weight rating of the bed, get the power lift.

Good luck in your decision! And do check out as many ATV/UTV forums as you can...


Good luck with your decision

 

[Piston]

?..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.

This almost describes my uses for a UTV to A Tee.

I can see why a lot of people go with the heavy duty work only UTV's, but for me, I'd use my tractor for any hard working chores that need to be done, and use the UTV for transport and light work/towing, as well as fun.

Im also interested in being able to carry my son along with my wife and I. I don't like how some of the 4 person capable machines are so large.

I recently learned about Hondas replacement to the Big Red, the Pioneer. It seems like a really good choice for someone like me, sort of a "Jack of all trades" in the UTV world, size wise seems similar to the Rhinos?

It has 2 seats in the bed that fold away, giving you full use of the bed, and turning it into a 2 seater, then when you want more seats you fold up the seats, losing the use of the bed.

Sounds like its also a good value as it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that others have, plus its shaft drive as well.

 

[nwltruck]

Now that seating capacity has been brought up. I bought a ranger full size for this reason. I can put 3 adults in it, not exactly comfortable but it works. 2 adults and a kid is perfectly comfortable. This means that when me and my boys go hunting everyone fits in one machine. Now the wife wants a Razer so we can all go four wheeling together. Of course she gets the Razer.......

 

[Egbert]

I bought a new Cub Cadet Volunteer EFI 4x4 with 748cc engine. Rides great, seats two, full cage, front cargo rack, tilt bed w1000lb carry or tow, top speed about 40mph. One MAJOR complaint - Cub Cadet Customer Service s_cks! The other, it has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), meaning you give it gas to go - no shifting. This is good and bad ... as long as you're not trying to inch up to something, no problem - otherwise, you may just lurch forward and go crunch

 

[pwright]

Now the wife wants a Razer so we can all go four wheeling together. Of course she gets the Razer.......

That's great. Point her at the RZR 4 900 with four seats.

 

[crazyal]

I've got a Big Red and other than being limited to one passenger it'll do everything you need. I would look at Honda's new pioneer with the 4 seat option. I don't know about others but some of these 4 seaters are just way too long. Between the center getting stuck on a high spot and just not being nimble enough in the woods they wouldn't work for me. This time of the year I use mine to haul firewood. It's easily handle any amount of wood I can fit into it. I often put the chainsaw in the back, block up a tree and haul it out of the woods. Sometimes I'll tow the log splitter with me other times I'll tow a trailer and fill that with wood. Between the BR and the trailer I can haul close to a cords worth of wood. The BR doesn't have a belt so the transmission has compression braking, kind of nice.

 

[nwltruck]

I've got a Big Red and other than being limited to one passenger it'll do everything you need. I would look at Honda's new pioneer with the 4 seat option. I don't know about others but some of these 4 seaters are just way too long. Between the center getting stuck on a high spot and just not being nimble enough in the woods they wouldn't work for me.

This is why I went with the standard ranger. The crew is so big it would almost be better to buy a small truck.

 

[foggy1111]

Just to throw a little gas on the fire. Honda just came out with a Pioneer 700-4. Auto tranny, tranformalble dump bed that goes from bed to two forward facing rear seats - with side door(s) access no less. Hauls 1000 lbs and tows 1500. Goes 43 mph. Sport and Work combo. Fair price too!

I just bought one. Also getting a full roof and a windsheild. (maybe a heater for winter use)

 

[jimrs]

Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS



Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

 

[foggy1111]

Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS



Yamaha announces the 2014 Yamaha Viking SXS

One thing about those big Vikins and JD 825 Gators......they are pretty big to manuver thru the woods and to trailer......and here in MN they are not allowed on the class 2 trails. MN has a limit of 800 cc's and 1500 lbs. on the trails. Honda's fit my trailer, are more nimble and go on the trails. Case closed!

Oh....and it transforms from 2 seat utility to 4 seat fun machine......in seconds.