In the market for a new UTV

[AT Hiker]

My grandfather and I are looking into getting a new UTV. We have a JD Gator that is around 16 years old, she still does the minimum on the farm but she is pushing retirement!

What are some suggestions from you guys? We would like this UTV to serve not only as our new farm work horse but also as a Western hunting buddy for those nasty 2-tracks.

We would like to have sidexside that seats 3 in the front and good ground clearance. Dump bed, 2 row seating, etc are not priorities but we would consider them...just not sure we want to spend the money as I already know this investment is going to be worth more than one of my vehicles!

I have riden in a Ranger and really liked it, the Gator is nice but we are not set on JD.

 

[Work2hunt]

I have a 2011 Polaris Ranger and love it. Only issue I have with it is the bed joints where it pivots to dump and at the latch get a bit squeeky after you wash it. But a little squirt of oil after a bath seems to take care of that issue. I haven't had it in the mountains, but mud, yard work, deer hauling, and pleasuring riding haven't turned up any other issues.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I would say the ranger might be the best fit. Only thing I don't like about the Ranger is there is no engine brake, so when your going down hill it basically goes into nutral so you have to use the brakes the whole time or what's even more weird you hit the gas and it wil kind of slow you down withe the engine. I like the Rhino but that's what I am used to but I think the Ranger would be better around the farm. Good luck

 

[AT Hiker]

A engine break would be nice. The farm issue is no big deal really, we just want something tough enough for the West as our farm is a gentle rolling cattle farm.

 

[buckbull]

Definitely look at the Honda pioneer. I've been looking at UTV's for quite a while. The Honda has a shaft drive and regular transmission (torque converter) with locking differential; its bulletproof. The others use a CVT ran with a belt.

 

[libidilatimmy]

Something to consider while shopping is the cost of accessories. They pretty much come bare bones when you buy one and you'll be adding all the bells and whistles to suit your needs.

 

[packmule]

The Hondas are top notch. The guys up in the northern territories tend to have them and argos. Rangers will get the job done, but we tend to have to replace them about every 5yrs or so.

 

[tdub24]

I would say the ranger might be the best fit. Only thing I don't like about the Ranger is there is no engine brake, so when your going down hill it basically goes into nutral so you have to use the brakes the whole time or what's even more weird you hit the gas and it wil kind of slow you down withe the engine. I like the Rhino but that's what I am used to but I think the Ranger would be better around the farm. Good luck

It looks like the new hunting edition for the 2015 Polaris Ranger 900XP now has standard engine braking.....according to their website.

http://www.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-utv/ranger-xp-900-eps-hunter-deluxe-edition/specs

Once my truck payment is gone early of next year, I will be purchasing a Ranger.

 

[MT dreaming]

I don't own an ATV/UTV of any type but last winter I went ice fishing with a guy that owns an Argo 6x6 (maybe 8x8). In the winter he puts tracks on it and the rest of the year uses the tires. I don't know how it compares to others cost wise but I must say it is quite impressive.

 

[packmule]

Prob with an argo is usually it requires a small utility trailer to be able to carry anything of any size (which is a pain for carrying feed on the farm). Guys up North will take those small trailers and turn them upside down on moose and strap the moose to them then winch the trailer back over, hook up and roll.

 

[ore hunter]

one problem out west here is alot of the atv public trails require to be under 50" in width to ride,,,another option to look at are the 2 seater quads on the market,,alot more manuverable than a side by side ,with the option of hitting the atv trails also.

 

[AT Hiker]

one problem out west here is alot of the atv public trails require to be under 50" in width to ride,,,another option to look at are the 2 seater quads on the market,,alot more manuverable than a side by side ,with the option of hitting the atv trails also.

Did not know this. The Honda is 60" wide so that would toss it out.

 

[pmcgovern]

My dad and I bought a Polaris Ranger 800 last year. Absolutely love it. Not long after we bought it they came out with a 900, I believe, and it looks to me to have a wider stance and a lot more ground clearance. Dump bed is handy, if you have the need for it. We put a winch and brush guard on it, which makes hanging game very simple. We also installed a full windshield w/ wiper(Oregon weather), back plexi-glass and a hard top. I do wish it had more ground clearance. Going after a downed animal through a boulder field takes a little time and we've collected a few battle scars on her, but we're out there for the experience. Not in any hurry. I've heard great things about the versatility of the new Honda's, but I can't speak with any real, hands on knowledge. It was tough to spend that kind of $$ but after watching my truck get thrashed year in and year out, it was an easy decision. Best of luck!!!!

Pat

 

[tdub24]

Pretty sure Ranger is leading the industry in ground clearance at 12", but not 100% positive.

 

[pmcgovern]

Pretty sure Ranger is leading the industry in ground clearance at 12", but not 100% positive.

You are correct, tdub. Polaris shows the new 900 with the same ground clearance specs, but I was at our dealer the other day and it sure looked a heckuva lot taller than mine.

 

[woodtick]

The Hondas are top notch. The guys up in the northern territories tend to have them and argos. Rangers will get the job done, but we tend to have to replace them about every 5yrs or so.

I'm with on replacing them, we just traded in our 2008 for a 2014 still in crate. Best thing to do is watch for year old models that are still in crate, they will knock 2-3k off them sometimes. I'd never ever buy one without power steering after getting this new one!!

Don't over look the CanAm Commander X series a lot of the farm guys around here are buying them instead of trucks and using them for water chasers! They say they haul some serious butt and are durable.

 

[woodtick]

Did not know this. The Honda is 60" wide so that would toss it out.

If your worried about this the Razr Trail series is about the only option I know of. I've taken liberty in providing the link to the most bada$$ trail machine there is! I tried like crazy to get the old man to buy this guy for the farm and then I'd be able to take it hunting, but that was like pulling teeth!

http://www.polaris.com/en-us/rzr-side-by-side/rzr-900-xc-edition-stealth-black

 

[shootbrownelk]

I've got a Rhino Special addition with a 3" lift. Plenty of ground clearance now. The lift kit was only $100. My buddy has a Ranger, It's way wider than my Rhino and looks to be the same size as a Jeep! Ha Ha.

 

[buckbull]

Did not know this. The Honda is 60" wide so that would toss it out.

fyi - the pioneer 500 is 50 inches wide, the 700 is 60 inches.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Cabelas has some UTV's for sale. I think they are Colman? About $10k they seem a bit on the cheap side but have lots of room and good ground clearance. Anyone have experience with them?