What's the real difference between styles of ATV

gordon21 · May 4, 2006

What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

I want to buy my wife an ATV to travel the 1.5 mile dirt road from the house we are building to the paved road. I looked at JD gators because we just bought a 790. No rollbars, but they appear solid, stable and have a dump body and bucket seats. We looked at Rhinos next and they reminded me of a 4-wheeler with a god awful ugly rollbar.
My questions:
Why do some brands have roll bars and some do not?
What is the reasonable HP needed to haul 350# of people up a 1.5 mile mountain road that increases 300' of elevation?
Is 4 wheel drive really necessary if you were always on a smooth gravel road?
Any real differrence between bucket versus bench seats?
And the last biggie question. If you had a budget of $6500 out the door, what would you buy? Keep in mind I already have a 790 with FEL, etc and this purchase will be solely for transportation. It will never haul more than the packages waiting at the mailbox.

Last condition: It must be a major barnd like JD, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Bombardier or something similar. If I don't recognize the name brand, that will not fly.

darkday · May 4, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

With my HPX when i have it in 4 wheel drive on mud it feels like your sliding (at top speed). If i were you i would get the gator traditional series 4x2 it will have resonable speed good handling and above all reliability. I preferr bucket seats myself and i think you will to unless you have to haul more then 2 people around. Since it is just getting the mail you could look into getting the compact series but it will be a bit slower however you will save roughly 2 grand.

gordon21 · May 4, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

If you had to choose for me, which one would you pick? TS or TX gator. If I remember right the difference is only about $800.

Av8r3400 · May 4, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

I'm doing the same shopping right now too.

After looking at the Gators (HPX), I'd buy a Kawasaki Mule first. Same motor, but a much more refined chassis for a lot less money. I was surprised to see that there weren't even taillights on the gator. Also the motor on the gator (HPX) is mounted on the rear suspension, that roughness can't be good.

The Yamaha Rhino has a much better ride and better handling, but does not lend itself to work as well.

The Polaris Ranger has promise, but there are quality concerns (maybe not justified, but...).

Kubota's RTV is just a whole lot more money than I want to spend (but a nicely equipped vehicle).

I'm still very torn, but the premium $$ for the gator does not seem right to me. There are better machines.

**Just my opinion.**

edit: Sorry, I didn't see you were looking at the smaller (non 4x4) units.

RollTideRam · May 4, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

I have an 06 trail gator. It has a roll bar, but I did not want it. Seats are preferance, I wanted bench, but the gator did not offer them. You don't need 4x4 for a gravel road/mailbox run. I probably did not need 4x4 myself, but wanted it. I got a $200 cheaper price on the gator than a mule, and I don't like the looks of the mule. I wanted one just to put around the yard with, to ride my son around. I have already added a sprayer to the bed and have been down to the pond to feed ducks and test the 4x4. Make sure you of what you need now and what it will be used for in the future before you buy and pick out something you want. Usually I have settled for less than I want, and end up trading and loosing money. JC

Dargo · May 5, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

( Keep in mind I already have a 790 with FEL, etc and this purchase will be solely for transportation. It will never haul more than the packages waiting at the mailbox.

Last condition: It must be a major barnd like JD, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Bombardier or something similar. If I don't recognize the name brand, that will not fly. )

From several years of ownership of several of the units you discussed, I'd recommend the 450 Rhino. It doesn't sound like you need the unit to be able to do heavy work or to be able to run 60 mph. Most all newer models will all start having those ugly roll bars; blame lawyers. And, as much as I hate to admit it, they basically are a good idea. Even the JD Gator, which I think you'd have to work hard to flip, is considered much safer with a roll bar. Anyway, the 450 Rhino is less expensive than the 660 yet it will have plenty of power. Even though you may not need the 4X4, it could be nice to have at times. On the Rhino it is just a push button. If you ever go to sell it, the 4X4 units sell much faster and for much more than the 4X2 units.

darkday · May 5, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

( If you had to choose for me, which one would you pick? TS or TX gator. If I remember right the difference is only about $800. )

If you plan on doing any offroading (aside from mail) i would say get the TX for sure it makes the gator an extremely capable machine. now if its just for flat land and no mud go for the TS and save the 800 dollars you'll be happy you did.

scesnick · May 5, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

I would say that if you want a roll bar your choices are limited. they are even more limited when it comes to good looking roll bars.
I personally don't think the Rhinos is that bad at all. I would look into the 3 major RUV's ( Rhino, Ranger, Mule) especially if you want any aftermarket accessories. Also, keep in mind that the Gator, Cub Cadets, Mules etc... have a Govern speed of only 25 mph. Now alot of people say "oh that is plenty fast enough" but once you actually drive them for a week or so you will notice that 25mph is pretty darn slow especially on an open dirt road.

darkday · May 6, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

I believe its actually 20 mph for the traditional series i have however heard of dealers upping the speed on the gas models to around 30-35. I however have no expirience with that as I have the diesel model HPX.

EddieWalker · May 6, 2006

Re: What\'s the real difference between styles of ATV

If all your doing is driving to the mailbox and back, why not get an electric golf cart?

For under $3,000 you can get a really nice on with a soft suspension, good speed, a roof and windshiled and plenty of power for two people and storage in back, or remove the storage and put a set of seats in back for four people.

Eddie