SxS - Polaris General vs Ranger vs Others

[buckeyefarmer]

Why is RTV500 listed at 15.8hp, and Polaris ranger is 45hp? What am I missing?

 

[mvwwld4u]

I'll throw in my $0.02! I've ridden in almost all of them at some point. Kawasaki of course kicked off the SXS with the outdated and rough ridding, no ground clearance Mule! They have changed some, but not enough to warrant looking at them if you're already interested in a ranger. Yamaha does make a single row 3-passenger now, but not nearly as easy to get in and out of as a ranger although could be a little more comfortable for all on longer rides, but I'm not as crazy about their construction as the rangers. John Deere has probably stepped up their game more than any others in the past couple of years, but look closely at how well they wouldn't ever seal up if you decided to enclose them later on and they're really noisy. Kubota, does Sherman tank ring a bell? Heavy, rough, loud! I know several farmers that dumped them because they'd get stuck on a fresh pile of cow manure. Can-Am makes a competitor now for the ranger do in a 1000 cc that I'm not sure if it's 2 or 3 passenger, but when the name Can-Am is on it there's a price tag with it. Honda, well they're finally getting closer to having their act together, took them long enough, but look closely at how they're configured before buying the name. As of right now for this years models I have came to only 2 that I would personally consider buying and it seems that you and I are in very near the same situation with the exception that the bug has bitten me and not let go for a few years now and finally the one I've been waiting on is on the market now and it's the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 but Bad Boy has also hit the market this year with their gas powered machine in a 900 that very near duplicates the power of the new Ranger XP 1000! So, to narrow down the search, take a look at the tried and proven Ranger XP in the newly released 1000 version and the all brand new Bad Boy 900. Can't remember its signature name however. By the way, the Ranger 1000 is built just like the 900 was with the frames made to seal up with an enclosure, the engine setting further to the rear to relieve some of the heat during summer use and also makes for a much quieter ride from the cab, the CVT transmission is dry and flawless with proper operation, there's a ton of factory and aftermarket accessories for them, and they are possibly the best riding of all the SXS on the market. Look at them all, drive as many as possible, over rough terrain, listening and feeling everything as you go, check availability for distance from service and parts, and the choice will present itself a lot easier.

 

[Woody65]

Why is RTV500 listed at 15.8hp, and Polaris ranger is 45hp? What am I missing?

I believe you are looking at the diesel RTV and a gas powered Polaris HP ratings.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I'm looking at ranger 570 full size (3 seater). Don't want a bigger one. I've not tried the rtv, but is in line with what I want to spend.

 

[ProjectKing]

Why is RTV500 listed at 15.8hp, and Polaris ranger is 45hp? What am I missing?

RPM. The Polaris basically has a motorcycle engine. Kubota similar to lawnmower engine.

 

[ProjectKing]

I believe you are looking at the diesel RTV and a gas powered Polaris HP ratings.

The RTV500 is twin cylinder has power. Turns low rpm hence the low hp.

 

[flynlow8740]

The RTV 500 is a tier below even the mid sized Rangers. It's more comparable to a gas golf cart that is 4x4. Also it can be compared to the old style JD gators that are Kawasaki powered.

 

[MMfrompa]

All I can tell you is once you get one you won't know how you lived without one lol. I have a 2014 Ranger 900 Crew, Yes it's a little long but I would never go back to a two seater or one with one front bench seat. I looked at the Generals but the bed size was a deal breaker. We use ours almost daily for something.
Here is a video I put together just last night taking my Ranger around our place.
#9 Camp Morgan Quick Tour, Polaris Ranger - YouTube

 

[livingthelife]

My wife and I purchased a ranger 570 midsize last year to use around our farm. It is a good little machine that does just about anything I ask of it.

My reasoning for going to the 570 midsize is how narrow tracked it is. We have about 50 acres of wooded land along with pasture land. I am 50 inches wide and fit in places a full size wouldn't go.

I use mine as a basic carry all for firewood in the winter, chain saws and such, and just about anything else I can come up with.

In my experience bigger isn't always better.

 

[ProjectKing]

My wife and I purchased a ranger 570 midsize last year to use around our farm. It is a good little machine that does just about anything I ask of it.

My reasoning for going to the 570 midsize is how narrow tracked it is. We have about 50 acres of wooded land along with pasture land. I am 50 inches wide and fit in places a full size wouldn't go.

I use mine as a basic carry all for firewood in the winter, chain saws and such, and just about anything else I can come up with.

In my experience bigger isn't always better.

Yes I agree! I have a Polaris Ranger 400 HO midsize. Great machine. And a real bargain compared to others. The small size is extremely handy. No one else's makes a similar machine. I consider an unlocking rear diff a must have. The Polaris has excellent suspension and plenty of power.