I have a 2005 Yamaha Grizzly 660. It has had to pull Hondas and Polaris 4 wheelers that couldnt follow it. I've hunted from it and worked from it pulling a 5' x 8' trailer, built barb wire fence from it and a long list of other things. Wife is wanting a side by side so everyone can ride together on the new place in Wolfe City. I will probably keep the Grizzly since its much narrower than a side by side so we're considering a used side by side. Will I end up working off the side by side? I'm leaning toward Ranger but is that the right way to go? What about the other brands?

From reliability stand point, my vote goes to Rhino or Mule.

I've got a mule 610. It's a good inbetween.

Just purchased a new Ranger Crew 800 and love the ride. Also on the ranch are a Kubota 1140 and Polaris 570. Been in the mules and the ride is far better in the ranger

i just bought a ranger 800 about 2 months ago. really like it.

hunt with a couple guys that have a 800 and 900 which what helped me decide on the ranger.

the ranger is an all purpose vehicle. the bench seat is an added plus, 3 grown folks can ride.

the 900 is quieter of the 2, but was more $$$ when i shopped around, so couldn't justify it.

wished I had gotten one last season now.


Dave

I have the 900 crew and had the 800XP, go with the ranger you won't regret it. The 900 is more vibration free and quieter but the 800 is a good machine also. Never had problems with any of mine and I have kids that ride them pretty hard

Stopped in the Kawasaki dealership Saturday. Owner said they are releasing a new Mule on the 14th- faster, independent suspension and 3 year warranty. It'll be interesting to see how they work out.

All of the later model side by sides are pretty close to being the same, just need to pick one that will work best for what you'll be using it for. Polaris has to most accessories, Honda will be to lesser in performance, Canam is very powerful but more on the sport side not as useful if you will be using it to work, Kawasaki is pretty close to Polaris your splitting hairs when you compare those two, and Kubota will be the heaviest it will be only good for one thing using it on the farm

Thanks for the replies everyone. Looks like me leaning toward the Polaris is the right thing to do.

If you want a two seater go with the Rhino. Its a much better machine. If your looking for a crew I prefer Ranger. They are two different rides built for different things. Race car vs Cadillac

I have had two different Mules over the years. They have been extremely reliable but they are slow and cold natured. The fuel injected models are better but still slow. I look forward to the new model.

Mules are the dodge diesel of the utv world....rides like hell and isn't too comfy but it gets the job done! There's one at the ranch that's a diesel and has about 12 different redneck fixes on it but it just won't quit.

(Get a ranger)

Received.

Riding around is what it'll do more than anything. For heavy duty work I have two trucks. I don't want a crew cab, they're too long. I'll build a removable back seat for the bed the kids can sit in.

The newer model Rangers have had some issues. I have used both Rangers and Mules over the last 10 years putting over a 1000 hrs per year on one or the other for ranch use. I have a 2007 Ranger now for my own use. The Mule will be less likely to need repairs than the Ranger over the long term. The Ranger has more load capabilities, power, faster and much smoother ride than the Mule. I am now looking at the Cub Cadet SXS now and like what I have seen from them.

I have had 3 mules over the last 20 years. 2 used and one new. I have abused the heck out of them and the just keep on ticking. I way overload and put lift kits and oversize tire on them so that cut power and they will run a lot faster then the country will allow me to drive. My opinion for quail hunting and guiding quail hunting they cannot be beat. I have no experience with the new polaris but the old ones were very fast, very loud, and very rough. I hear the new ones are very fast, quite and smooth. I know they will carry a bigger payload faster.

I have owned 3 Rangers over the past ten or so years. They are fast and great suspension but overall quality has decreased in recent years. I had a Polaris service manager tell me they they are outsourcing many of their parts now and that they are crap.

I did extensive reseach last year on all brands. I know Mules and Rangers are the popular models but take a look at the Kubota diesels. The 1100 with the cab is what I got and I love it. Fast enough, good ride, and tough as nails. The cab is unmatched by anything else out there - it is like riding in your truck cab. Powerful AC/heater/defroster/wipers/radio/etc. Worth considering IMO - good luck

I sure like my ranger 700. It's an 09 and has almost 10000 miles on it. Have had to replace a few parts on it but for the most part nothing major. You know my country so it hasn't had an easy life either. They ride the best and have 3 seats up front which is a plus for me

Yeah. I cab't believe my Dodge has held up to 5 years of driving that country.

tlk,

MAN THAT'S NICE! Fancier than what I'm looking for. I've got a 70 acre place so not huge. Don't think I'm getting a cab. And really don't care diesel or gas just want it to be quiet.

If you are wanting quiet I would get electric UTV with your size place. All the SXS I have road on are loud so just settle on any of them being loud (especially if you put a roof on it). You could still keep your ATV for the dirty work. I test drove an electric UTV back in 2004 around a ranch I managed to test it. I made 2 trips around the fencelines so that was 25 miles. Drove around other roads and it was still going. They are made a lot better and nicer these days. I am sure with a hefty price tag to go with the improvements.

4 wheel drive?

Was all that driving on one charge?

Yes and Yes

I'm going to take back the quiet statement. If I'm hunting that place I'm walking. But I'll look into them anyways. That's impressive.

I agree with STX - if it is only 70 acres electric would be a good fit. We hunt 9000 acres and it is over 7 miles from camp to back part of ranch so I need something sturdy and enclosed -

My Kubota RTV900 will do 26 mph on flat ground. Is that fast enough for a hunting/working ranch UTV? In rough country, even that speed is pretty scary. But then, I'm not really into NASCAR....