Non-Sports OT: Side-by-Side UTVs

[J-Dawg]

What's the market looking like now? Any recommendations? Mainly would use one for hauling duck hunters and gear, and general farm/hunting camp utility work. Have been looking at the Honda Pioneers, Polaris Rangers mainly. Also considering Yamaha Viking.

Anything I should know or steer clear of?

 

[stateguy]

Brother has the Pioneer (smaller engine) and is very happy with it.

Buddy says if you're in delta riding in flooded fields, adamant you go with fourwheeler.

 

[Snog]

We've been using Rangers for a while. They're pretty sturdy.

 

[Palmettodog]

Ranger is the way to go. I'm not familiar with the Honda. I've got a 1999 Honda 4 wheeler that I still use and it's the toughest 4 wheeler I've ever used. So I know Honda makes a solid product but the Ranger is a beast.

 

[Dawg1979]

i have a 2014 Ranger 800 and love it. had a lot of electrical issues that were all from the dealership. apparently the dealership has to install radiators, roll cages, and a few other things when they get them in. they wired my radiator like a 2013 and polaris had changed some things. i had to return it to the dealership 13 times before they figured out why every time i rode it, it overheated.

sounds bad, but after they finally figured it out, that thing runs great and i beat the **** out of it.

just don't use Road and Track in Brookhaven for 17'in thing.

that said, Honda engines may be the very best ever built. and the people that i know that have a pioneer, love them.

 

[Bud.sixpack]

Did a lot of research two years ago. Back then it was John Deere Gator (825i) or Polaris Ranger, no others came close.

Ranger is faster, Gator (45 mph) is a work horse. Both ride great.

 

[engie]

Have got a 2011 800HD Ranger that I'm selling for a buddy right now if you are looking to go used...

I'd look at the Can-Am Commander/Defender also, depending on exactly what you are looking for, and who your local dealer is(most around here...lack a lot to be desired).

They all have slightly different quirks. I'd keep it to the main 3 though -- Polaris, Honda, or Can-Am. Just by virtue of the resources out there to deal with issues as they crop up(lots of people out there, active online communities, great at addressing issues, etc). The other ones very well might be just as good -- but they lack nearly the loyal following -- and you've got to "think" a lot harder on determining problems and lining up replacement parts.

 

[MaroonNation]

My dad has a Gator and a Polaris Ranger. The Ranger is what you want. The thing is a beast. Also you can switch between 4x4, 2x4 posi-trac and 2x4 independent so you don't tear your lawn up in a turn. It's comfortable to ride on and isn't speed limited like the Gator. It also has the same step in height as a small truck and the ground clearance of a Hummer. You can also move the rear suspension all the way out to give you a lot of roll control with heavy loads or in for a more comfortable ride. His has the rearward facing seats in the bed that can be easily removed for hauling. I think that was an aftermarket thing though. I would suggest buying one second hand though. Those bitches are pricey if you buy it new.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

We have a Viking on the farm and for hunting. It's badass and can hold three people comfortably.

 

[garndawg]

Uncle has a two seat Rhino for several years. We've beat it up pretty good and it's held up. Selectable 2x4 or 4x4.

We had a bunch of Kawasaki Mules on Wake Island and really abused them. It was the kind that the back seat folds into extra bed length.

 

[J-Dawg]

Anyone had experience with multiple brands and can give a good comparison? We've got the Honda's at work and they are definitely Honda quality, but they seem a little small and maybe underpowered compared to others.... but I've only driven them.

 

[notoriousD_O_G]

My viking will pull pretty good and will run about 50. The only issue I have with it is ground clearance. Even with a lift the 6 seater likes to get high centered. I normally take the 4 wheeler if we are hunting timber holes or anything extremely rough to get to. As far as working around the farm the viking might be the best farm truck we have ever had.

 

[engie]

Too broad of a question to answer honestly. Without going into great detail, I've got a good bit of experience with many of them and am around people with a ton of experience. However I have been out of the "latest and greatest" game for quite some time now and don't even look at the new models when they come out(because I get googly eyed and that little voice starts telling me how bad I need them).

I'm very partial to the tweener size UTVs(Polaris General, Can-Am Commander size) personally that can really do it all. Still fit down the ATV trail at deer camp, can do all the work-related stuff, etc. Smaller than a Ranger, bigger than a Rzr.

I have no seat time on the newer Yamahas, but have heard they persist in being a little underpowered just like the ones that came before them. Not that millions didn't have great success on a Rhino, but I wouldn't want to spend that amount of money with any doubt in the back of my mind in that regard. Have a little bit of seat time on a Pioneer. Really like them and I'm sure Honda will eventually sell a ton of them. Ton of seat time on a Commander/Maverick, none in a Defender. 5 years ago they were built a whole lot better than everything else, without question. More expensive but worth it. Now others seems to have caught up to the little things they were doing right(5 layer waterproofing in plugs, thicker wires in the harness, frame clips for all of the connectors, very inventive designs to make easy to work on). Ton of time on a Ranger, which is hit or miss, depending on which exact model and who is responsible for taking care of it. Lot of small(wiring harness, suspension bushing) issues, but easy to work on. My favorite right now is a General, which I recently set up for a buddy and got a good bit of seat time in. Seems to be very well-built, well-designed, and thought out. Just the right size. These things have gotten a lot closer to perfect out of the box now. And it's got enough power to give you a real rush. Surprised me even though I was expecting it. My biggest advice is to stay away from the Kawasakis at all cost.

The big thing is "what goes wrong with them over time -- and can I get the parts locally and fix them myself". Lot of Rangers out there now with 5000+ miles on them and basic wear items on round two or three -- and you can go buy every one of those items at Got Gear this afternoon.