UTV recommendations

blucoondawg · Jul 27, 2014

I am looking into getting a UTV soon, I don't really know anything about specs of all the different models. What I will be looking for is a utility/sport machine, something that can do some work around the farm while still going out and working on deer stands and doing a little pleasure riding. I need something with a decent amount of room in the cab, 2 or 3 seater with leg room (and beer belly room). Locking diff would be a big plus. So far I have just took a glancing look at the different options in town here, mainly the Mules, Cats, Polaris, Can Am, Yamaha. I haven't looked into the tractor dealers yet there is a Deere dealer in town I will look at. So far I liked the looks of the Yamaha Viking 3 seater, seemed roomy and looked like a pretty stout machine, still had a decent sporty look to it but seemed substantial enough to do work as well. I imagine the Can Am models are pretty nice too as they seem to have high marks in their ATVs. I have always leaned toward Yamaha as I have always liked their reliability.

I am looking for recommendations and reasons why for a sport/UTILITY machine, I don't care about the sporty racer models.

RoyJackson · Jul 27, 2014

I have a Gator 855...This is a diesel.
Great machine but 3 people would be tough, even with the bench seat.
The 855 is, IMHO, more of a work UT then play...but it's a good machine

nc redneck · Jul 27, 2014

Honda Pioneer 700-4 . Dump bed converts into 2 more seats when needed.

nybirdman · Jul 27, 2014

We have had great luck with Yamaha,two Grizzley's and a Rhino.My Rhino has 3600 miles,purchased new in 2006.Oil/filter changes in the spring,two sets of tires ,that's it.The new Viking is an awesome looking machine,looked at it and the new Honda.......no comparison for my money,The Viking build quality and lay-out are superior IMHO.We have the Rhino,Kawaski Teryx,and a 825 Gator in the family,all decent but my personal choice is the way I listed them.
Some will gripe about belt driven machines,both mine have 3500+miles on the original belts and they are worked not just ridden.Yamaha has engine breaking,not offered on all belt driven machines.

Teikas Dad · Jul 27, 2014

I've got a Yamaha Rhino. I love it, goes anywhere and it's my primary snow plow vehicle for the winter. I've got it set up with a 6' plow on it. With a 2" receiver hitch on the rear I can tow my boat trailer and utility trailer around the yard as needed.

I've only experienced one storm where the Rhino wouldn't work...36" of snow overnight. The only thing that would dig us out was my Kubota.

blucoondawg · Jul 27, 2014

Do any of you feel there are pros/cons to the Honda "auto" style tranny over the Yamaha? So far everything I am reading is helping my lean toward the Yamaha, I have not read much on the Can Am yet, I don't really need a snow plow, I have a old big bear and my Kioti and old Allis that can handle snow, if I were to add anything for winter it would probably be tracks for deep snow and ice fishing. The only thing the I don't like with the tracks is they really wear on the front end components, my buddy has had them on his Honda 500 and his steering was completely slopped out after just a few winters, though the machine was unstoppable in deep snow and swamps.

nybirdman · Jul 27, 2014

I wouldn't knock the Honda Auto,it's proven.I just didn't like the size and ergonomics.It is a small machine for a S/S.Honda went from the Big Red which proved to be too big to this.You need to test the Bombadiers,they are fast and pricey, a little loud, a real performance machine tho.
Tracks are expensive and you will loose about half your performance, might better buy a used snow sled for the same money.

blucoondawg · Jul 27, 2014

I have snow sleds. I am not concerned with the performance where tracks are concerned. Tracks are not for going fast they are for not getting stuck. My buddies ATV with tracks will go places a snowmobile cannot. He can drive into terribly deep drifts on uneven ground such as in a bog Marsh and come to a complete stop then take off again. If you try that with a snow machine you will be buried especially with the newer heavier sleds. Sleds need a broken trail or else they need to maintain momentum to break a trail

Piston · Jul 27, 2014

I'm in a similar situation as you, wanting a side by side for both work and play. I have decided on a 2015 Polaris Ranger 900 XP with power steering. The 900XP's have the ability to seat 3 in the front like the yamaha. Also, for 2015 they bumped the HP up by about 10hp for the Ranger, which is the reason I'm waiting for the 2015.

Have you sat in the Yamaha? I sat in the Yamaha, Polaris, and Honda (which I originally REALLY liked, but not so much anymore). I didn't like the comfort of the Yamaha, but that is personal preference.

The reason it's so hard to choose, is because all of them are really nice machines!

Piston · Jul 27, 2014

I'm in a similar situation as you, wanting a side by side for both work and play. I have decided on a 2015 Polaris Ranger 900 XP with power steering. The 900XP's have the ability to seat 3 in the front like the yamaha. Also, for 2015 they bumped the HP up by about 10hp for the Ranger, which is the reason I'm waiting for the 2015.

Have you sat in the Yamaha? I sat in the Yamaha, Polaris, and Honda (which I originally REALLY liked, but not so much anymore). I didn't like the comfort of the Yamaha, but that is personal preference.

The reason it's so hard to choose, is because all of them are really nice machines!