UTV advice

[LMan1967]

I know this isnt a UTV forum per se, but figured many of you may have one. I need a UTV to run around the property and carry tools, some light towing, etc and Ive been scanning the used ones at the local tractor/equipment places. I dont know anything about brands, but a decent 2-seater, 4WD, with a bed on the back should work.

Is there any difference b/w Gators, Mules, Rhinos, etc? And how many hours is too many to consider? Any other things I should look for?

Or is there a good UTV forum where these things are discussed? I googled but nothing decent came up.

Thanks!

 

[284 International]

The Gator, Mule, the Bobcat and Kubota versions, along with some others, are work-oriented. They are generally slower, have reduced suspension travel and quality in a performance scenario, and tend to have more work-type attachments available from the factory.

The Rhino, Teryx, some variants of the Ranger series, and others are more performance oriented. They tend to be higher horsepower, have higher top speeds, and have more suspension travel.

This is along a continuum, so a Rhino can still do good work like pulling a trailer or pushing a plow, but one of the Bobcat UTVs has a three point hitch in the back and can lift 1500lbs 7 feet high in a skiploader bucket up front.

For just running around and general errands, any of the versions from any common manufacture will work fine. I think the Rhino/Ranger type machines ride a little smoother. I don't own one but have used the Rhino and Ranger quite a bit, and have some experience with the Kubota and Bobcat machines. Others will know more specifics.

 

[scoutcub]

If you scroll down a bit further, you'll see under "related equipment"
ATV's and Utility vehicles. Lots of good info there. Lots of differences between the machines you mentioned. Some folks like more speed, some like stronger units for towing/hauling, etc.
I own a Cub Cadet UTV, I bought it used with 200+ hours. I personally wouldn't buy one with more than 500 hours. It's got a standard 20 HP Kohler command gas engine, many people prefer the gas FI models. I added a cylinder for the dump bed, and just added a rumble seat in the bed so I can haul family around the property. Works great for my purposes.
You'll be amazed at all the options available for these machines.....they can be very handy machines!
Good luck and have fun shopping!

 

[bdog]

I have owned a mule and currently have a kubota and a rhino. I like both ofvthem but they are completely different. Kubota is a diesel workhorse. Top speed about 25 mph, i regularly haul 1500 lbs with it, it has pulled out stuck pickups, etc. The thing is also heavy and gets stuck on occasion. The rhino goes 40 plus mph, rides smooth, does not weigh much more than a four wheeler, I have yet to get it stuck, but it will not haul near what the kubota does. The mule was similar to the kubota in that it was work oriented but it gave us a lot of problems so we sold it. If I was going to buy another one it would probably be a ranger. They seem to be kind of sporty and still have good payload capacity.

 

[Avondale]

I have a 2008 Ranger 700 EFI and and very pleased with it's work ability. Starts and runs good, very strong machine, 1000lbs in bed and pulls 2000 lbs. Very capable off road. Sits three adults. Good winch and winch mounting via 2" receiver hitch front and back. Very good electrical system, easy to access and readily adaptable for aftermarket bits. Bed is flat where others have bumps over wheel wells.

It is not without a few issues. Parking brake was never very good and failed shortly after warr expired and they want $99.00 for new brake pads, (I now carry wheel chocks).You must stop to change from hi to lo range which can be a problem if you have a load, need lo to go but can not shift to hi once rolling so limited in speed. It will cut ruts in soft ground and as the track width is different than ATVs and trucks, will make problems for other vehicles. Speedo crapped out (I won't pay to fix it as I only use it for farm/forest work). Polaris has a "special tool" mania and likes you to use thier name brand lubricants. OEM lighting is not great. OEM snow plow frame is not quite right but does work well on normal roads/driveways, (I also use mine in my sugar bush so has fallen off on rougher terrain).

I do not have assisted steering but next one will. Most notably absent when pulling loaded trailers or backing up due to wide track and agressive treads. Have not compared with other recent additions to the UTV market but in 2008, seemed the best unit for my needs. Would not buy another automaticly without doing some serious comparo work against the newer models now on the market.

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much agree with the previous assessments. We love our Rhino and just installed power steering, but it is not oriented to heavy work for which we have tractors and trucks.

 

[nybirdman]

The Rhinos weigh 1100lbs.much more than ATVs(600lb.limit).Mine is a 2006 450,use it just about every day.2400 miles so far with NO problems.
Rated to tow 1500lbs,carry 400 lbs.The 450 is decent on gas,I had a 660 Grizzly,not so good on gas.
Family has 750 Kawasaki Teryx(like very much,again tough on gas),brother in law just purchased a 2011 John Deere Gator,very big work machine with some fun town in.Burns two gallons per hour of gas!
Friends have Polaris rangers,I am not a fan.I have a Kubota tractor but their UTV are (for me)too big,expensive,heavy,not very off road capable.Low suspension.
My uses are work related(I am not a joy rider),I use my machines for my business.Yamahas have been great,we have owned three.

 

[jdbnh]

NEw Holland Rustler. it is a nice machine. the Rustler 115 has top speed of 25 mph. it compares to the Kubota RTV500 and the Mule. But it is a V-twin motor, has all wheel independent suspension, all wheel disc brakes, automatice high and low tranny, on the fly 4x4, a lot more leg room than the Mule, and has 9" inches of groudn clearance which is 2" more than the above mentioned two UTV. it also has a 2 year warranty instead of 1 year.

 

[LMan1967]

Great info! Thanks. I note your 500-hour threshold, good to know.

I did not realize how much some of these could tow/haul, very impressive. I thought they were overgrown golf carts I dont think Id work it that hard, but Im definitely on the work side of the spectrum...I dont really care about top speed as long as it can pull a trailer, help with fencing, and go around my perimeter trail OK.

EDIT: I apologize for not noting the UTV subforum here; seems I looked everywhere but right under my nose

 

[284 International]

Depending on how flush you are with cash, any of the machines will carry a roll of fencing, pull a little trailer, and cruise around the property just fine. The one Mule I've ridden in rode terribly rough. The Ranger and Rhino ride excellent, even on very rough terrain. That doesn't mean all the Mules ride like that, but the sportier types will ride more smoothly, as a function of their increased suspension travel and generally lower carrying capacity.

Are you looking exclusively at used machines? Consider going to look at several different kinds, and see if you can actually drive them around enough to get a feel for how they ride and handle. Steering effort can be extremely high at slow speeds for some of them, especially on high traction surfaces.

I really like the Rhinos for their ubiquitous parts sources and overall reliability, but they don't have anything other than a solid rear end. The Ranger has an unlockable rear differential that makes working on pavement, turf one actually cares about, and other such places much easier. Some (all?) of the work-oriented machines have that feature as well, but of the sportier types Polaris is the only one with that feature. The Ranger kind of straddles the recreation/work line the most.

 

[LMan1967]

So far Ive been looking only used - Ive seen several Gators, a Mule or three, and a Trekker and a EZ-Go. Im in the position of needing a UTV and a ZTR mower at about the same time, so I dont think "new" in the cards for me.

I havent seen any used Rhinos yet. Maybe their owners won't part with them?

 

[PapaPerk]

As you, I've been exploring the idea of buying a UTV.

I talked with a dealer regarding Polaris and Yamaha. He sells both. For a bullet proof machine go with the Yamaha Rhino. He's had customers with 8000+ miles on the machines and no issues! The Polaris has more features but has more reliability problems. With that being said, I do not like the Rhino's "locked" rear diff. This locked rear diff will tear the **** out of your grass.

I've also been considering the Kubota RTV 500. However I'm not crazy about it's rear suspension but I need to drive one. Also it has a hydraulic transmission which seems overly complicated for this application. I would hate to foot the bill if it breaks. But Kubota's 0% financing is very attractive!!! Not to mention I love Kubota tractors!

I will not consider JD because of their price and potential high China part content.

 

[sfloggie]

I have 112 acres and use the 2010 Polarius Ranger 800 Crew extensively where I would have used my JD 3320 or F150, if I did not have it.

It is six passenger (great for family days), coolers, tools, ect and carrys a massive (to me) load up to 1750 lbs in the dump bed. I have had it loaded down with crushed concrete and it was great.

We have some wet areas leading to a river and it goes through water holes in 4WD like it is level land. Caution here as the exhaust is strangely low under the dump bed.

It will fly like the wind when needed. It does have a wide turn angle. Also a top form polarius is useless. The first rain got me soaked as there are two parts to the roof with a split where these overlap that is right over the front seat. We lined the overlap with silicone and no problem since.

Overall all I love it and my wife does not. She thought it was an ATV and it is not..it is a work machine. Also, she though we could license it like a dune buggy, but VA does not alllow this.

I have had no failures of equipement.

Bottom line is it takes where I need to go, does the work, and saves my other equipment. Good buy (for me). I have had it for a year. Best to yo, Jim

 

[nwngunner]

For the best work utv imo take a look at the arctic cat prowler xhd. The machine has a 700cc efi motor that is bulletproof. Also They have fully locked rear and locking front diffs. The xhd also seats three in the cab, comes with fox float pros for alot better ride.

Also these have a convertable flat bed that is rated for 1000pounds. Also the machine is rated to tow 1500, it will pull alot more then that. The reason for 1500 is being able to safely stop with it. Front and rear 2inch receivers, the prowler is already setup with front winch mounts. Also the hood lifts up and the entire front end is all storage.

Stock these machines will out work a gator or mule ect ect, imo. With these you have alot more horse power, the prowler is not light so it has good traction, espically when you get rid of the junk tires, comes stock with power steering. Take a good hard look at these, plus when you want to go out and just have fun you can.

ARCTIC CAT - Prowler HDX 700i

 

[jdbnh]

As you, I've been exploring the idea of buying a UTV.

I talked with a dealer regarding Polaris and Yamaha. He sells both. For a bullet proof machine go with the Yamaha Rhino. He's had customers with 8000+ miles on the machines and no issues! The Polaris has more features but has more reliability problems. With that being said, I do not like the Rhino's "locked" rear diff. This locked rear diff will tear the **** out of your grass.

I've also been considering the Kubota RTV 500. However I'm not crazy about it's rear suspension but I need to drive one. Also it has a hydraulic transmission which seems overly complicated for this application. I would hate to foot the bill if it breaks. But Kubota's 0% financing is very attractive!!! Not to mention I love Kubota tractors!

I will not consider JD because of their price and potential high China part content.

look at new holland's utv the Rustler, much nicer than the Kubota has all wheel independent suspension and disc brakes, made in Georgia

 

[schoolsout]

The Rhinos weigh 1100lbs.much more than ATVs(600lb.limit).Mine is a 2006 450,use it just about every day.2400 miles so far with NO problems.
Rated to tow 1500lbs,carry 400 lbs.The 450 is decent on gas,I had a 660 Grizzly,not so good on gas.
Family has 750 Kawasaki Teryx(like very much,again tough on gas),brother in law just purchased a 2011 John Deere Gator,very big work machine with some fun town in.Burns two gallons per hour of gas!
Friends have Polaris rangers,I am not a fan.I have a Kubota tractor but their UTV are (for me)too big,expensive,heavy,not very off road capable.Low suspension.
My uses are work related(I am not a joy rider),I use my machines for my business.Yamahas have been great,we have owned three.

I'll second the Yamaha Rhino review...
I've got 27" tires on mine and it has never, ever been stuck...and it has traveled through some very nasty stuff. Towed trailers of wood (much more than the 1500# rec. cap.) and also a few 15-17' boats from our house to the landing in neighborhood (maybe 1/2 mile). I just put it in low and go slow. Haven't replaced the belt on the drive yet, but I'm guessing that is the weak point in these vehicles.

 

[nwngunner]

I'll second the Yamaha Rhino review...
I've got 27" tires on mine and it has never, ever been stuck...and it has traveled through some very nasty stuff. Towed trailers of wood (much more than the 1500# rec. cap.) and also a few 15-17' boats from our house to the landing in neighborhood (maybe 1/2 mile). I just put it in low and go slow. Haven't replaced the belt on the drive yet, but I'm guessing that is the weak point in these vehicles.

The Yamaha, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat all have full tension cvts. Polaris and others have the grip and slip style and they are a lot harder on the belts. There is a ton of tunning that can be done with the clutches on these machines and can give you a lot more speed or more torque. Depending on what you do with the rollers, or the tension on the secondary. Many ways to control your upshift to keep your rpms up and not having the clutch shift out to keep you in your power.

Any of the UTV's by the atv mfgs will do great for you for you other then the rzr the can am those are more sport then utility.

 

[PapaPerk]

The Yamaha, Suzuki, and Arctic Cat all have full tension cvts. Polaris and others have the grip and slip style and they are a lot harder on the belts. There is a ton of tunning that can be done with the clutches on these machines and can give you a lot more speed or more torque. Depending on what you do with the rollers, or the tension on the secondary. Many ways to control your upshift to keep your rpms up and not having the clutch shift out to keep you in your power.

Any of the UTV's by the atv mfgs will do great for you for you other then the rzr the can am those are more sport then utility.

Does Suzuki make an UTV? I've never seen one.

 

[QuarterboreFan]

Has anyone had any experience with the Japanese mini truck imports? I have been looking into them and for the low price they seem to have a lot to offer. I could be mistaken but I think they are essentially a 660 UTV but with a full tranny with hi and low too, some come with dump beds installed, most have an interior like a pickup with heat and some have ac too. Bed that folds into a flatbed heavy payload too. Import laws require them to be governed at 25 mph but after you get it home any idiot should be able to put back to jap specs.

Anyone have some input on this? Thanks

 

[Soundguy]

I know this isnt a UTV forum per se, but figured many of you may have one. I need a UTV to run around the property and carry tools, some light towing, etc and Ive been scanning the used ones at the local tractor/equipment places. I dont know anything about brands, but a decent 2-seater, 4WD, with a bed on the back should work.

Is there any difference b/w Gators, Mules, Rhinos, etc? And how many hours is too many to consider? Any other things I should look for?

Or is there a good UTV forum where these things are discussed? I googled but nothing decent came up.

Thanks!

there is a company that pops in and out of existance now and then.. last time they were in existance they went by the name. yerfdog. you can google and find out about them.

they go bankrupt often.

I have one of their machines. as long as I don't need parts for it I'm likely ok..

was an economy unit.. should have known there would be a catch.

mind you I've had it 3ys and the only problem was a loose bolt on a tie rod.. 1/2-20 came off and tire plowed sidewas before I stopped. found out a ford lugnut from one of my tractors fit it fine..

soundguy