Gents,

Opinions/advice needed please..

Interested in purchasing a USED Ranger or Mule to both drive kids around AND use for hunting excursions. Must have's include CREW, gas, power steering and reasonable miles/hours. Looking in the $8000 to $11000 range.

Interested in any insight as to which of the two I should consider more. To note, I have the specs for both and am familiar with the differences (ground clearance, speed, etc). Also have several friends with both Mules and Rangers and both will say that their type/model is the way to go.

Interested in veteran opinions such as maintenance and maintenance costs, durability, resell, etc.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Gus

I have neither and I would go for the Mule. The Mule has a better bed and the seats won't wear out in two years like this.

We have a 3010 Trans4x4 Mule. Had it for 7 years and haven't had any major problems. Replaced one boot on trans-axle and a couple of fuel filters. I change the oil once a year. It's not fast, it rides rough and does not have power steering but it has taken us through some pretty rough terrain. Just turned over 700 hours.

What type of terrain will be running in and how fast do you want to go?

In your price range you will be working with the previous generation Mules, not the Mule PRO which is a different animal completely. Given that, here's my $.02:

Ranger: More power, superior suspension, will cost more in maintenance but will also have better resale. Crew wheelbase is real long (113"), less maneuverable IMO.

Mule: Much slower, rougher suspension with less travel. Trans-4 cab is a great design and allows a shorter wheel base (85.2"). Superior bed design (IMO, I like steel). Will likely give you less maintenance issues, but can be hard to start in cold weather.

For similar year and hours Mules can be bought for less on used market. Saw a 3010 Trans-4 Mule for sale today with 700 hours for $5.5K.

For what it's worth, if you bump your budget by just a little you can swing a Mule Pro FXT which would be my first pick if it was me.

You can get the 2016 Ranger crew 500 for $10800. Have to go to the 900 to get the new 3 year warranties.

http://www.hpolaris.com/default.asp?page...r=xAllInventory

TxAg pretty much summed it up - on Polaris (I have owned 3 of them), the model year is important. The newer ones have gone down in quality compared to the earlier models. Polaris started outsourcing many of their parts and it shows - if you are just running it around on flat roads then it will probably be ok. If you really use it (climbing, mud, etc.) then it is a repair bill waiting to happen. The suspensions are great and speed is top end. Final note - Polaris is notorious for not backing their products - they tie their dealers hands on many repair items, even those under warranty.

Older model mules have always had starting issues especially if weather is cold at all. The newer ones have electronic ignition and work well. For that price range you should be able to find something with low hours on it - ebay and craigs list are great places to find either one of these

For the amount you want to spend Mule FXT would be the first thing I looked at. I like the Trans ability of the Mules where you can have a larger bed or a cab and the reliability you always hear about Mules. I have a small Mule 610 but like steel better than plastic bed and floor boards. When I looked at the Rangers I noticed right away all the plastic and flimsy seats. Time will tell if I made the right decision. I have only owned mine 1 year with no issues so far.

I've had both and still have both. If it were up to only me the Rangers would be gone and replaced with all Mules. Mules are a lot more trouble-free. They are cold natured, but once they get warm they're fine.

Gentlemen,
The feedback has been great, I appreciate all of your time! Still looking and considering....
Thanks,
Gus

I have a mule for sale on here

I have had both. No doubt Ranger is bigger and stronger (both width and length it is bigger), but mule is more maneuverable due to the smaller size and is reliable.

I just got back from a quail hunt with a friend who has a Ranger. I couldn't even get my 48 inch dog box in that rinky dink bed. They may be fine for hot Rodgers and mud racers but they are not for me.

I like the John Deere Gators.

I'd take the Mule because of the seats alone.

Gents,

I ended up making a purchase. Bought a used 2011 Ranger 800 Crew LE addition. Very clean, like it so far but really hasn't been tested. Appreciate all the feedback.

Thanks,
Gus

Come back on here in a couple of months and tell us how that purchase is going for you.

650# of corn, 50# of cubes, trailer with 400# of hay.
I don't need to go fast. I like to see my place instead of speed through it.

I have owned both and like both for different reasons. Although, the past few years I have been a polaris guy. They each have their equal share of problems. Personally, I have never had a major issue with my units. I know polaris surpassed honda a few years back in terms of units sold, which makes sense to me when I hear people say they always see them in the shops, there's more of them out there so that stands to reason. Good luck with your 800 crew.

BTW, I just bought a new 900 xp myself.

Very nice looking mule. That's what they were bought for.

Here's the one I hunt off of most of the time. We had a picnic after the hunt today.

Mr. Owner - those seats you're posting aren't factory Polaris seats. I thought that initially but didn't want to rain on your factual bashing. The year you state that was has more of a rubberized seat and not what you've been posting

I don't remember the exact age. It stayed in the shop getting rigged out for six months.

Look what happened this morning. We drove back to the trailer on asphalt with the spring scrapping.

Well that looks factory

I have had several. In my list I would put the gator and mule for work around the ranch and the Polaris for fun and playing. To me the polaris is smoother than the others on bumps but when you put a load on them the mule and gator seem to do better.

If you guys have not seen them the Gravely Side by Side is a great choice.....Polaris on steroids.....