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Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
#7312201
10/12/18 02:46 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 349
pmnitro
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 349 |
A little first hand knowledge would be great. I currently own a Polaris Ranger 500 midsize. It's small - very easy to get around in the woods while hunting. Recently I have considered making a change to the Kawasaki Mule Pro. It is so smooth while driving but I do have some concerns. Anyone have first hand information getting around in the woods with the Mule? Weight and "getting high centered" is also an issue at one place I hunt, with steep draws and creeks. Thanks in advance...
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7312316
10/12/18 04:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,577
Gumbeaux
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,577 |
I own a Pro FXT but have never owned a Ranger. Was planning to buy a Ranger but test drove the Mule at the dealership and it was over. Just felt like a much better vehicle. Doesn't have the top speed but that wasn't on my priority list at all. Rides better, more comfortable, power steering feels great (hated it in the Ranger), more room, convertible bed so it keeps the length down, and the fact that the Kawasaki has a 3 year warranty and the Polaris has a 6 month tells a lot about how each manufacturer feels about their quality.
I've had mine in some rough stuff and it never once felt like it was going to get stuck. I did put a lift on mine because it would drag in some of the places at our lease.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: Gumbeaux]
#7313234
10/13/18 06:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 349
pmnitro
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 349 |
I’m thinking the mule stock has less than 9” of clearance and the ranger has over 10”. I’m not into lifts but the mule may need some help. My little ranger gets me where I need to go. Just a touch small.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7313385
10/13/18 09:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,577
Gumbeaux
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,577 |
4" Highlifter (advertised as a 2" but it's really 4") is cheap and easy to install. About $250.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7313436
10/13/18 10:04 PM
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,012
Old Stony
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,012 |
I've owned both, and think the Ranger is a much better vehicle. Mechanically I think the Ranger is much better. The mule was always hitting stuff somewhere on the bottom and I even had things bent and broke from that. If a guy is just going to run around on a golf course, the Mule would work..but the Ranger would be much more pleasant to drive and have less mechanical issues.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7313808
10/14/18 11:53 AM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 672
Midwaytmm
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 672 |
I would respectfully disagree. Every ranger I’ve ever been associated with was a pos. I currently use a mule pro . Used exclusively for work. Last couple machines were sold with 1700ish engine hours. You be hard pressed to find any make of Polaris still mobile with that much use. Not as fast as ranger, but if I need to go 60, I’ll take my truck. Obviously this is my opinion, so take it for what it’s worth .
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7313816
10/14/18 12:04 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950
don k
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950 |
I gave my Son a Kubota RTV 900 that I had put over 3000 hours on in 6 years and the only repairs were a water pump, one radiator hose and a fan belt that a stick had got into and broke. That was over a year ago and he is still using it without any problems.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: Midwaytmm]
#7313827
10/14/18 12:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
I would respectfully disagree. Every ranger I’ve ever been associated with was a pos. I currently use a mule pro . Used exclusively for work. Last couple machines were sold with 1700ish engine hours. You be hard pressed to find any make of Polaris still mobile with that much use. Not as fast as ranger, but if I need to go 60, I’ll take my truck. Obviously this is my opinion, so take it for what it’s worth . I agree 100% with this...
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7314812
10/15/18 01:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 672
Midwaytmm
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 672 |
I’ve used kubota in the past too. Was very happy with them. My only complaint was the rough ride . I think they offer fully independent susp now. If that’s true, I would advise anybody to give them consideration. Warranty/support is supposed to be excellent, but I wouldn’t know for a fact. I never had to use it . My hands use one daily for 6 years now with no problems. They can break anything usually.....
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: Midwaytmm]
#7314974
10/15/18 03:31 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,072
easton1025
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,072 |
mule pro and never look back.....
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7314983
10/15/18 03:41 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 121
The Duke
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 121 |
I have owned several Polaris, 2 Mule, 1 Diesel Kubota. Now I own a Can-am Defender I will own Can-am from here on out! They have it figured out!
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7315000
10/15/18 03:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,574
Leonardo
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,574 |
I have never owned a Mule but I have two Polaris Rangers. Never had a minutes trouble out of them and they are used daily. Granted I am not abusing them either. I bought it as a Cadillac and treat it as such. I check cows daily, use it at the deer lease often, haul gear in and out duck hunting but I don't see how fast it will run every time I step on the gas and I don't try to climb rock cliffs either.
There are qualities about the Ranger that keep it classified as an ATV vs a UTV. That is what sold me.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7315008
10/15/18 03:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,250
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,250 |
I've rode in two Mule Pros...one diesel and one gas...both were very nice rides and I wouldn't hesitate to own one. I've owned an older Mule 4010 trans and have a Ranger currently. The Kaw motor is as bullet proof as they come, it's extremely hard to kill one even if abused. I sold the older Mule and got a Ranger due to the design as to where the air filter and intake stuff was...I can take my Ranger in mud/water that is over the wheels and well into the cab...you couldn't do that with the older Mule.
This Ranger has been a good one (it's a 2009 700 that I bought specifically to get this motor/design) and I don't use it enough to justify buying another one so I've not looked to see the water/air limits/capabilities with the new Mule Pro actually are. If you use yours that way you might look into that though.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7315290
10/15/18 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,920
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,920 |
My '05 was bulletproof as well.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7315344
10/15/18 09:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 392
arandy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 392 |
I like my pro dx but it sure has a lot of plastic where I wish it was more substantial. Have put two rough seasons on it with no problems but I won't be surprised if it starts coming apart one of these days. But it is a nice rig so far and I would not trade it for a new ranger heads up.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7316561
10/16/18 09:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,813
Texican
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,813 |
For those of you with a Mule Pro FXT - are the doors cumbersome?
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7316565
10/16/18 09:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,783
68rustbucket
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,783 |
No. They can be removed if needed
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7317389
10/17/18 02:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
titan2232
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067 |
Both are fine UTV's when you take care of them. Grease, oil changes, and clean the air filter OFTEN.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: The Duke]
#7328051
10/26/18 06:42 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 733
mooney_ag
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 733 |
I have owned several Polaris, 2 Mule, 1 Diesel Kubota. Now I own a Can-am Defender I will own Can-am from here on out! They have it figured out! Please tell us more. Review or comparison would be helpful
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: mooney_ag]
#7328063
10/26/18 06:55 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,498
TX_LT230FH
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,498 |
I have owned several Polaris, 2 Mule, 1 Diesel Kubota. Now I own a Can-am Defender I will own Can-am from here on out! They have it figured out! Please tell us more. Review or comparison would be helpful We've had a TransMule 4010 for 6 years. I drove a CanAm HD8 the other day. It's quieter, more powerful, has different "modes" you can select for power and torque, and there are a mind-numbing array of optional accessories to choose from. I'm pricing one out now.
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: Texican]
#7329883
10/29/18 12:21 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,124 |
For those of you with a Mule Pro FXT - are the doors cumbersome? Super easy and no need to rake them off. Much better than the Polaris nets
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: Brother in-law]
#7329891
10/29/18 12:29 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,172
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,172 |
For those of you with a Mule Pro FXT - are the doors cumbersome? Super easy and no need to rake them off. Much better than the Polaris nets I was going to remove mine, I am sooo glad I didn't. It keeps the mud and water off me, and helps keep cold air out, in the winter. The doors have not caused me a single problem. They've been more of a help. My spotlight rose in the passenger floor board for several days. I thought nothing of it, knowing it wouldn't fall out.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Ranger vs Mule Pro opinions
[Re: pmnitro]
#7330734
10/29/18 07:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 392
arandy
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 392 |
Doors were a nuisance when hunting behind bird dogs so I took them off. About a 15 minute job to remove them and I have never put them back on because I use it to run a spray rig off of in summer and it's cooler. But if I was using it for something other than quail hunting I'd leave them on in cold weather. You got 'em if you need 'em.
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