What to purchase

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

out of all the rangers the browning does look the best.

 

[bigdeer2000]

i have an rtv 1100 and a ranger xp. if i was going to plow snow in Pa.i would pick the rtv 1100 with cab heat. i bought my ranger about 9 months ago and of course polaris has come out with the new ranger hd. i am currently fighting the urge to trade my ranger for the hd. good luck with your search.

 

[jcmseven]

In my opinion, you are looking at the two top overall UV's for both performance and work duties (the Kubota is right there for mainly work). I can tell you the Polaris is faster than my Gator. My dad has a new Ranger and it is quicker for sure BUT I have found very few times we have been able to even approach its top speed in real use. I will also tell you from personal experience the Gator 850D is the stronger pulling machine, hands down. I have owned the gas and diesel Gator's in the XUV line and the difference is huge with regard to power. The gasoline Gator is not in the same league. With regard to noise, I think the diesel is louder at idle and more quiet when moving and the gas is more quiet at idle and louder when working in the Gator line. In my honest opinion, I would go diesel Gator, Polaris product (either 500 or 700) and then gas Gator among those three. I like the Kawasaki engine it just needs about 5-10 more HP to be competitive with Polaris in this segment. I have never been bothered by my Gator's engine noise nor disappointed in its top speed. I have wished for more HP from even the diesel at times with the hills I see, but it has never let me down doing heavy work and will pull my dad's Polaris into the ground, especially at low speeds.

John M

 

[MACDABS]

In my opinion, you are looking at the two top overall UV's for both performance and work duties (the Kubota is right there for mainly work). I can tell you the Polaris is faster than my Gator. My dad has a new Ranger and it is quicker for sure BUT I have found very few times we have been able to even approach its top speed in real use. I will also tell you from personal experience the Gator 850D is the stronger pulling machine, hands down. I have owned the gas and diesel Gator's in the XUV line and the difference is huge with regard to power. The gasoline Gator is not in the same league. With regard to noise, I think the diesel is louder at idle and more quiet when moving and the gas is more quiet at idle and louder when working in the Gator line. In my honest opinion, I would go diesel Gator, Polaris product (either 500 or 700) and then gas Gator among those three. I like the Kawasaki engine it just needs about 5-10 more HP to be competitive with Polaris in this segment. I have never been bothered by my Gator's engine noise nor disappointed in its top speed. I have wished for more HP from even the diesel at times with the hills I see, but it has never let me down doing heavy work and will pull my dad's Polaris into the ground, especially at low speeds.

John M

Thanks, for your input. I am still confused on what to purchase. I did test drive the gas Gator outside and liked the machine, the diesel model was in the show room and the sales guy just started it and the noise was much louder at idle. I think I need to drive the diesel model at open throttle ,feel the torque , power and hear the noise.

I stopped again at the Polaris dealer and he is still waiting for his shipment of 700 xp rangers to arrive. The storage space and bench seat is why I have not purchased the Gator over the Ranger. Also I would like to drive one to compare it to the the 620 iGator I tested. If the Gator had a bench seat I would have never looked at the Ranger.... the 850d Cameo would have been in the garage. The angle plow for the Gator is nice, the Boss plow for the Ranger looks better, but no one has been able to give a price on it. They keep saying to go after market due to the price. The local Boss dealer said you need to purchase the plow at a Polaris dealer , my dealer said look at aftermarket again.
I also do not understand why the Gator has the tailgate rod system and rear brake lights are a option,not standard. Every other UTV has taillights and nicer endgate latch system.

sorry to rattle on , once again thanks for everyones input.


Macdabs

 

[nmu98]

I too thought WTF on the JD rear latch. BUT, after using it and the others, I love it. If you have something in the bed that has pressure on the gate, the JD one will open. Others will not. The Polaris I run with has broken his twice, now he dumps witht he gate closed, lowers, opens the gate and dumps again. All I make sure i do is open both latches at the same time.

You can quiet down the diesel with 2 washers on the parking brake system, and 20 dollars in sound deadening material on the bottom of the bed, but, you can never make the gator a 3 seater.

Good luck with your choice... Either way you go, you will be missing out on something.... But honestly, i don't think you will look back and wish you made a different decission either way you go. (I don't wish for a bench seat cause I love the diesel and other gator benifits)

 

[2fast2]

the diesel model was in the show room and the sales guy just started it and the noise was much louder at idle. I think I need to drive the diesel model at open throttle ,feel the torque , power and hear the noise.
Macdabs

Let me repeat what has been said by a previous poster, the diesel Gator XUV is fairly loud at idle, but IMO not at all loud while driving. If you want to stand next to it and talk while it is running, it might annoy you. If you want to use it to work or play, you'll be happy with it.