Side by sides...

JDGREEN4ME · Jun 22, 2004

Right now we are looking for a small vehicle to run from our home to the lake. Don't need 4x4 or towing capacity etc. looked at the new small Gators (10HP) the Polaris Ranger TM 4x2 and the Yamaha 700 4x2. Price wise the Yamaha is the cheapest, list around $4500 and the Polaris is the most expensive at around $6200 but it has brakes on all four wheels. Since there is a steep hill down to the lake thought that might be important. Anyone have any information on any of these? At this point due to cost we are leaning towards the Yamaha.

rockyridgefarm · Jun 23, 2004

I am not saying it is the way to go, but you should be able to get the Gator CX in that price range, as well. Then you'd be dealing with the same dealer.

MessickFarmEqu · Jun 23, 2004

If you have any hills, steer clear of all the 10-12 HP units. I have run a few different makes and they all seem to dog down badly when going uphill.

jinman · Jun 23, 2004

I think it's pretty common, but I'd want differential lock if I didn't get 4wd. Even with 4wd on uneven ground, that diff lock sure comes in handy.

cnoel · Jun 23, 2004

You might check out the Land Pride vehicles. They make a small Treker with a utlity bed in 2 or 4wd and also the Runabout which is 2wd only and looks more like a little dune buggy. www.landpride.com

Will_C · Jun 23, 2004

have you thought of the Kawasaki Mule? I don't mean the large 4x4 model, but a smaller 2wd machine they make. I can't remember the model number, but a friend has one that I have used during hunting season before. It has differential lock, handles our hills well, and I know it is around the price range you mentioned.
Will

JDGREEN4ME · Jun 23, 2004

I didn't know that the Mule was available in 2WD. I will have to check that out...

Will_C · Jun 23, 2004

I just checked with my buddy. It is the Mule 550. He paid around $6,000 for his, with a couple of options (bed liner, canopy.) Carver Equipment has that model listed for $5349. Hope this helps.
Will