UTV questions, RTV500, Mule 610, Ranger, etc.?

[BoneDigger]

I am new to the forum but have been reading a lot of the posts here on this particular subject. I am looking to buy a new or used UTV within the next few months and I'm having a hard time deciding. I do not own a farm or ranch, just 2 acres with a house. I would be using the UTV MOSTLY for yard work, including moving leaves (pulling a trailer), hauling fire wood, etc. No snow plowing here! The other 20-30% of the time would be hunting deer and hogs in east Texas. No mountains around here, but some "fair sized" hill climbs out of creek bottoms. I do not really plan to do any mudding, but there may be times when I need 4x4 just to get through a mud hole or two on the way to the stand. I want a bench seat so my two young daughters could ride with me. Speed IS NOT an issue.

So, the UTVs I have been looking at are the Mule 610XC ($7600 OTD new), the RTV500 (used ~$5000-6000), the Polaris Ranger (used $6500-8,000), Arctic Cat Prowler ($6000, used).

Mule 610XC: I really like this little unit, but it does seem somewhat underpowered. The fact that it has a carb worries me a little. I also worry that the seat might be a little small for me and my two daughters. Any issues with these cranking when they have sat for a few days?

RTV500: I like the EFI and liquid cooling (east Texas gets HOT), but the transmission worries me and I suspect that due to the weight they may not be as good in mud. I have a line on one for $5500 with some accessories, used. Any known issues with these units? I read one post about a rattling sound in the rear end???

Ranger 500 (used): I like the Ranger but I worry about quality on these units, plus they are way expensive. Just not sure if I need something like this? Had a Polaris ATV (500 Sportsman) and it was a PIA to crank (carbed).

Arctic Cat: I only mention this because I know a guy selling one with only 200 miles on it for only $6000. I really would prefer bench seats, which this does not have. Plus, I hear the AC units have had some rear end and QC issues in the past.

So, I ask you, what would you recommend for my purposes? I have been burned on ATVs in the past buying them used. I would prefer new, but for now, there aren't a lot in my price range (~$7,000).

Todd

 

[PoorPlowboy]

The Mule has been a success since its release many years ago. Its not the fastest or technologically advanced, but it is built to last. We have a pair at work in the 4000 hour range with nothing other than brakes and a head gasket. We abuse the fool out of them and Kawasaki would cry if they knew what we put them through.

 

[Ken45101]

I wouldn't worry about the transmission in a Kubota, they have millions of reliable tractors and UTVs operating.

I can't say anything about the 500 but we have an RTV900 for 3 years now and it performs incredibly well in mud. We do trail maintenance in a (almost swampy) state park and I've only had to use the winch once. Ours gets used daily around the farm.

Ken

 

[Monster5601]

I wouldn't worry about the transmission in a Kubota, they have millions of reliable tractors and UTVs operating.

I can't say anything about the 500 but we have an RTV900 for 3 years now and it performs incredibly well in mud. We do trail maintenance in a (almost swampy) state park and I've only had to use the winch once. Ours gets used daily around the farm.

Ken

I'll second Ken's observation, the RTV900 is a beast. I wouldn't be concerned about the 500's transmission.

 

[jcombs]

I have the RTV500. From what I can tell most people consider the transmission one if its assets, not something to be worried about. I have been somewhat disappointed in its performance in mud, but I'm use to riding light ATVs so it just takes some getting use to. I think that decreased tire PSI will help a bit. From what you've described the only "issue" I can think of with the RTV is the bench seat requirement. While it does have a bench seat I'm not sure it would be very practical for 3 people, even if two are kids. The offset in the center of the seat and the location of the emergency brake handle make it more of a 2 person machine in my mind. Although I like being able to get in the passenger side and slide across when needed.

 

[nybirdman]

They don't have bench seats but;you need to check out Yamaha Rhino's,lots them around and they are the original.If you can find one with the 450cc motor they are decent on gas.Proven track record,mine has 3000 trouble free miles.We also have a Kawaski Terx...very similar machine but with a 750 twin motor...again very durable.

 

[ragkar]

I'm rather happy with my mule since I solved a couple operational problems.
I bought a 3for1 hitch and that takes care of my towing problems.
I had difficulty starting it until I discovered that it's easy if you start with half throttle. Of course I haven't had the real cold weather yet.
The mule has shifting out of low problems. I have two solutions for that - use high as much as possible. And when the stick won't go from low to high, just blip the throttle.

I use to have an atv that I didn't like. I'm much more comfortable with wheel steering and auto transmission. The mule's front trunk and rear bed are a lot nice than the atv's rack.

 

[BoneDigger]

Thanks for the great info! I think it'll be either the 2009 RTV or the 2011 610XC, both of which are local for me. RTV has gun rack, 2 winches, btush guard, roof and 190 hours, for 7000. It is camo.

The 610XC is also camo, 2 years newer, under warranty, but completely stock with no add-ons. Cost is 6700.

Ideas?

Todd

 

[jenrow33]

I bought a RTV500 a month ago and am very happy with it. I agree that for adults, it is a two person machine. The transmission is definitely an asset, not a liability.

Kubota tractor, now RTV and 100% happy with both....my 2 cents.

 

[redprospector]

I bought an 06 Polaris Ranger 500 in March for the same reasons you listed. I needed something with a bench seat that 3 people could ride in.
I've put almost 100 hours on my Ranger since I bought it with no problems other than 1 knuckle headed employee breaking the windshield, and screwing up the drive belt from sticking it on a stump.
I regularly carry 2 inspectors over mountainous terrain with mine. That put's 3 200+ lb. men in the front seat, so I have no problems at all hauling my son, and wife.
I'm sure the other brands are good machines, but this is the only one I have experience with and I don't know how I got along without it before I got it. I do know that someday when I replace this one, I will be looking for something with at least the same seating capacity.

Andy