UTV users

[nv-hunter]

Looking at a new side x side, what does everyone drive? I found a great deal on a new 18 Yamaha Viking, anybody have one? Pro's and con's? Have a old rhino that just isn't dependable anymore and a 16 ranger 570 that just can't handle the punishment of hunting and trapping. Looking for info

Thanks

 

[Bonecollector]

I hear Can-Am is making one of the top of the line UTV's at the moment...
Couple bud's got them and they are sweet!

 

[Slugz]

I'm partial to Polaris.

 

[nv-hunter]

Ya I wanted to like my ranger and put 4300+ miles on it in a year and a half almost 2 years but it can't handle the dust in Nevada and clutches are burned up. Mines the mid size and just no clearance and have to change the air filter with every tank of gas and that's if its not super dusty on the roads. I use mine on the home place almost daily and with running the trap line plus hunting they get worked hard till will into February every year.

 

[mallardsx2]

I have a Honda pioneer 500.

It has plenty of power and it is legal on 50" wide trails.

Its not as comfortable to ride as the bigger side by sides and mine does not have power steering or an automatic transmission.

I paid $8500 though not $15,000 so what does a guy expect.

Its a Honda. It should last forever.

It pulled my "Elk Trailer" up a pretty serious trail. lol

 

[Work2hunt]

Ive got a 2017 Viking 6 now. Before that I had a 2011 Ranger 800. I like the Polaris better. Engine is a little under powered in the Yamaha for my liking, I like the 1 wheel drive option of the Polaris (dont turf the lawn), I like the higher towing rating of the Polaris, and the Polaris IMO has a better ride. My next one will probably be a Ranger again.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

Ya I wanted to like my ranger and put 4300+ miles on it in a year and a half almost 2 years but it can't handle the dust in Nevada and clutches are burned up. Mines the mid size and just no clearance and have to change the air filter with every tank of gas and that's if its not super dusty on the roads. I use mine on the home place almost daily and with running the trap line plus hunting they get worked hard till will into February every year.

Have you considered a pre-filter. I bought one for my Polaris RZR. They probably make them for the Ranger too.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0OCUXD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a 2009 Rhino that I really like. What kind of problems are you having with yours?

 

[nv-hunter]

Cowboy
I've got an 06 rhino 450 and it sputters and backfires when its been running hard. Climbing hills and even just wide open down a flat road. I've replaced carb, fuel pump, air filters and fuel filters. works great around the ranch but not something I trust any more when its 10 degrees and dark on the trap line by my self.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I understand now...mine is a 2009 700 with fuel injection. I love it EXCEPT it is a bit noisy and gets terrible mileage.

 

[shootbrownelk]

I understand now...mine is a 2009 700 with fuel injection. I love it EXCEPT it is a bit noisy and gets terrible mileage.

I have a 2008 Rhino special edition 700 FI with a 3" lift and big tires. I love it. Never had a problem with it. It is noisy and you are correct, the fuel mileage is poor.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I bought mine used, had 2250 miles on it and brand new tires. Bought it 2 years ago, also has a winch. Paid 6000 for it.

Bought a blade for it and does good moving snow off my entry road. (what small amount we had last winter!LOL)

 

[mcseal2]

We run Polaris Rangers on the ranch. I have over 11000 miles on the one I'm driving now that isn't 2 years old yet. They require maintenance, but anything does the way we use it. The independent suspension is awesome for the way it rides and handles country, but the boots and joints in it have to be maintained and sometimes replaced. We have not had engine or transmission problems with the bigger ones. I know a couple other ranchers who tried the 570's and ended up with 900's the next time they traded. I think their issues were more with overheating if I remember right.


I know some guys who had belt or transmission issues, but talking to them I think they run in high a lot of times when they should be in low. I run in low if I even think I might need to be and haven't had an issue in any of the ones we've owned. Knocking on wood now.

 

[go_deep]

Food for thought. If you like everything about your current unit, just the issue of the engine. If your capable of a little mechanic work, I'd price out what a new aftermarket engine would cost. Likely cost a lot less than buying a new/newer one.

 

[shootbrownelk]

Food for thought. If you like everything about your current unit, just the issue of the engine. If your capable of a little mechanic work, I'd price out what a new aftermarket engine would cost. Likely cost a lot less than buying a new/newer one.

A friend of mine blew up his Polaris due to some defect that they (Polaris) refused to cover under warranty because it was too old. He checked around and found that the rebuilt motors with a 90 day warranty ran between 4 and 5 thousand bucks, if I remember right.

 

[go_deep]

A friend of mine blew up his Polaris due to some defect that they (Polaris)n refused to cover under warranty because it was too old. He checked around and found that the rebuilt motors with a 90 day warranty ran between 4 and 5 thousand bucks, if I remember right.

Huh, well I some how double posted.

 

[go_deep]

A friend of mine blew up his Polaris due to some defect that they (Polaris)n refused to cover under warranty because it was too old. He checked around and found that the rebuilt motors with a 90 day warranty ran between 4 and 5 thousand bucks, if I remember right.

Holy crap! The motors made by leprechauns out of rainbow gold!
That's a pile of cash for a little motor, crazy.
I guess nothing's affordable anymore.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I have had 2 Vikings. They work perfectly and really I can?t say anything bad about them. I do wish they would make one in a 1000cc but the motor they have has plenty of power to get you anywhere you want to go.

The new model is better then the first couple years. They updated the sound deadening, vibrations and added EPS. Get the EPS model electric power steering.

 

[nv-hunter]

We run Polaris Rangers on the ranch. I have over 11000 miles on the one I'm driving now that isn't 2 years old yet. They require maintenance, but anything does the way we use it. The independent suspension is awesome for the way it rides and handles country, but the boots and joints in it have to be maintained and sometimes replaced. We have not hand engine or transmission problems with the bigger ones. I know a couple other ranchers who tried the 570's and ended up with 900's the next time they traded. I think their issues were more with overheating if I remember right.

The big issue I'm having is I blew up the clutches because of al the hills and steep grades out here that I drive when hunting and trapping. The dealer said that the 570 was a flat land machine and I was lucky to get what I did out of it. The air filter is just a pain in the rear. I've got the crew cab so all the dust just gets kicked up into the air intake. The 2019 will have the air intake routed from the front end but also have Ca emissions and wouldn't touch one with new tech till they work out all the bugs. This is a new Viking out the door for 12 grand so with what Ikeepitcold said, I now have 2 side by sides for sale cheap!!!

 

[highplainsdrifter]

I have a 2017 Polaris RZR. I like it because its narrow but can still carry a fair amount of weight. I have had a half elk and a whole wife on it (considered a whole elk and half a wife but decided against it).

But as nv-hunter pointed out, the air intakes are in a horrible location right above the rear tires.