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New UTV Advice
#7645376
10/29/19 01:22 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Back 96
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35 |
Hello Friends, I’m in the market for a new UTV. I’d like something quiet without sacrificing too much power or 4 wheel capability. Was looking at an electric option to cut down on noise like the Polaris EV but not sure if they offer a 4 seat versions. Doesn’t have to be a 4 seater, but would prefer it. It’ll be used mostly to zip around the ranch and check feeders and fill/top them off and check cameras, check fences, look for new hog holes. When we get rain the ranch gets very sloppy and a UTV is sometimes the only way to get around. Appreciate any advice!
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7645385
10/29/19 01:28 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 688
grimreapor
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 688 |
Go and drive them all and the decide which you like best. The place I hunt has Rangers and Mules and are all good machines. I have a ranger crew and love it. It’s like anything else, everyone has a preference and an opinion. Pm me if you have any questions on the Polaris. It’s the only one I have experience with.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: grimreapor]
#7645480
10/29/19 03:18 AM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Back 96
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35 |
I appreciate that Grim, PM on the way.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7645513
10/29/19 04:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 108
Tkshunting
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 108 |
[spoiler][/spoiler]I love my Mule Pro Fxt. It’s not as loud as some of the others and so far been a great machine. Everyone that rides it likes it a lot.
Last edited by Tkshunting; 10/29/19 04:23 AM.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7645746
10/29/19 02:13 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
I'd go with the gasoline powered Mule.
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646117
10/29/19 07:33 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306 |
The Honda Pioneer would be my choice since I have it's big brother the Honda Big Red.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: bill oxner]
#7646161
10/29/19 08:16 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'd go with the gasoline powered Mule.
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646225
10/29/19 09:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440
Shotgun Willie
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440 |
Mule Pro FXT Can Am Defender Max (2020 model is supposed to be significantly quieter than the 19s and down) Polaris Ranger Crew
Those three are the most popular models out there. Go drive each one and see what you like. They're like the big three domestic trucks, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, and each have their fans and haters.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646243
10/29/19 09:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,428
TLew
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,428 |
If the 2020 Can Am Defender is significantly quieter than the 19s down, then it must sound like a Prius.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646403
10/29/19 11:53 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 881
RANGERRONG
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 881 |
get the Polaris Ranger Crew , you will be happy.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646459
10/30/19 12:34 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,898
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,898 |
Honda’s are loud, Yamaha Vikings are loud and underpowered, Polaris has tranny and rear end problems.
If you need a bigger machine, go can am defender. If small and low to the ground is your bag a mule FTX pro is a good rig, tough as nails just a tiny bed
I own the defender
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646575
10/30/19 02:11 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 695
ccrock
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 695 |
I have a pioneer 1000 and it fit my needs the best. It will sit 3 grown men all over 235 with 2 over 325. It has the cut transmission and is not as load as other sxs on our lease. It will go up anything and you don’t have to worry about a belt slipping.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646878
10/30/19 01:19 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35
Back 96
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 35 |
Sounds like the Can Am Defender May be the quietest of the 3 contenders. Is that the general consensus? I always thought the Mules were the loudest, but I liked them otherwise. Was leaning toward a Crew, but that was not knowing much about the Defender. I wonder though just how much quieter it is than the other two and if it’s worth it or not. Being Quiet is one of my biggest concerns.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646900
10/30/19 01:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,176
HoldPoint
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,176 |
My brother has the Pioneer 1000 and I have buddies with the Can Am Defender HD10, the Polaris Ranger Crew 1000, the Mule Pro FXT and the Yamaha Wolverine. If I had to rank them I would go:
Can Am Defender Mule Pro FXT Honda Pioneer Yamaha Wolverine Polaris Ranger
I personally would not own a Polaris, only reason I would own a Pioneer is if I needed a smaller footprint close to a ATV. Can Am is by far the nicest machine in my opinion.
Last edited by HoldPoint; 10/30/19 01:32 PM.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7646990
10/30/19 02:13 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,415
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,415 |
After in depth use of defender 10 crew, Pro FXT, Mahindra crew(deisel and gas), Pioneer 1000, Polaris 900&1000 crew.....
I went with the Pro FXT for my needs Second was a defender 10(my storage location is limited and it’s overall size knocked it down, power wise it’s in a class of its own) Third Tie between Mahindra(best price point option) and Polaris Last Pioneer(it’s a great machine but strictly a two grown man machine, seating in back is useless IMO)
Little over 1-2” different in ground clearance between Pro and HD10(package model varies between 11-13), easy remedy to increase it. Also Kawasaki has 3 year standard with 6 year warranty option.
My mule won’t do 65mph on the Hwy like the defender 10 will but will do 45, which is still to fast for kids driving them. Few add one’s Ill be at 15” of ground clearance almost 14” of suspension travel
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7647125
10/30/19 03:43 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,037
Vern1
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,037 |
For what you describe, get something with gas power but remember to treat your gas with Stabil or walk when it doesn't start due to funky gas. Mud will suck the power out of batteries like no tomorrow and you will be replacing them every 2-3 years.
I have 2 electric golf carts, an electric TaylorDunn flatbed and 2 Mules on the ranch. The electrics are all parked with dead or near dead batteries and nothing is more frustrating than fixing fence or doing something else and have batteries go dead in middle of job. If you run out of gas in a UTV, it's your own fault but can be fixed in a few minutes by adding gas but charging batteries takes a long time.
The Japanese manufacturers have lots of cross-engineering into autos and aerospace that puts them quite a bit ahead in reliability and longevity. Polaris is getting better but still has catching up to do.
Best bet is what you are already doing which is research. A few test rides from friends and dealerships will help make your decision.
Good luck with your decision and make sure to show pics when you get it!
Cheers, Vern1 Texans since The Old 300 in 1824 NRA Lifetime Member
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7647196
10/30/19 04:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440
Shotgun Willie
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440 |
Sounds like the Can Am Defender May be the quietest of the 3 contenders. Is that the general consensus? I always thought the Mules were the loudest, but I liked them otherwise. Was leaning toward a Crew, but that was not knowing much about the Defender. I wonder though just how much quieter it is than the other two and if it’s worth it or not. Being Quiet is one of my biggest concerns. None of them are going to be so quiet that wildlife won't hear you. If stealth is the key, get an electric golf cart for going back and forth to the blind, and then the SXS of your choice for the heavy work. I've got a club car carryall (electric) that I use to get to the blind and back. The bed is large, and it's got enough power to haul a few hundred pounds of corn or firewood in the bed on decent roads. If it's not in use, it's on the charger, never left me stranded with a dead battery. Then I've got an ATV for going places the cart won't go.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7647206
10/30/19 04:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,415
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,415 |
Sounds like the Can Am Defender May be the quietest of the 3 contenders. Is that the general consensus? I always thought the Mules were the loudest, but I liked them otherwise. Was leaning toward a Crew, but that was not knowing much about the Defender. I wonder though just how much quieter it is than the other two and if it’s worth it or not. Being Quiet is one of my biggest concerns. Honda, Mule pro and cam am are all really close at idle and under 20 mph. Above 20mph I felt mule was quietest, followed Honda very very closely(could be a draw depending on where you are sitting) then cam am. All three are really close IMO
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7652592
11/05/19 01:35 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 574
Pigsicles
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 574 |
Other variables to consider. Adding a roof makes any UTV louder I have a Pioneer 700-4. I love having the ability to pop up the rear seats for grandkids or hunters I don’t like. I added the bed mat and put the silver bubble insulation under the front seat (summer heat reduction) and both of these helped to quiet my rig down. Mine is 5 years old, has been outside at camp the whole time and a replaced battery is all mine has ever needed beside an annual oil and filters change. My 2005 Honda ATVs have been perfect as far as reliability so that’s why I went with the Pioneer.
Pulsar Trail XQ50 Pulsar HD 19A
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7652904
11/05/19 06:13 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,149
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,149 |
If you want something quiet, consider buying a used real truck. Something akin to a Tacoma,. They run smooth and quiet. As long as you keep the idle smooth, you can drive up real close to animals and sneak in when a higher pitched ATV engine will run most everything off. They also have air conditioning, wipers, stereos and such. We have found the heater function to occasionally be very useful. Ditto for space both inside the cab and in the bed.
For the price of a new ATV, you can purchase a good used hunting truck, equip it with snow & mud bias ply tires and the trailer to haul it on. You'll find this set up to be extremely versatile.
Just thoughts.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Hudbone]
#7652961
11/05/19 06:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 274
waterandwoods
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 274 |
PRO FXT W EPS. Like riding in a caddy around the pasture. I have pulled some large hunting buggies out of mud w it. EPS is definitely worth the money for me. I still run tires that came on it and are just fine through mud and muck. I have not lifted cuz I like just sliding in and out.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7656408
11/08/19 09:40 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 126
sdunshee
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 126 |
Defender 6x6 is on my wish list, currently have a 2016 defender hd10 and its been awesome machine.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7656642
11/09/19 03:48 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 424
Ridinbackwards
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 424 |
I have a 2019 Viking 6 seater Ranch Edition.
Room for 6 grownups. Not 6 guys like me, with bulky clothes on, but 6 normal people.
It is not lifted, still has stock tires. I don't find it to be lacking anything in the power department. It is a 700cc engine, that is a tried and true Yamaha engine. It's not 1000cc, and I don't expect it to be.
I added a hard top, a windshield, and a couple of led lights.
It is big, long, runs 50mph on the road with my family of 4 in it. No complaints with it. I like the 1/2 doors, keeps snakes and dog out, and kids in. EPS is awesome. My older Ranger didn't have EPS.
How you do anything, is how you do everything.
343 Never Forget
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: bill oxner]
#7657297
11/10/19 02:53 AM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,124
TCM3
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 19,124 |
I'd go with the gasoline powered Mule.
Do not forget to entertain strangers, For by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels Hebrews 13:2 (R-TX)
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: TCM3]
#7658406
11/11/19 02:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,785
Mr. T.
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,785 |
I'd go with the gasoline powered Mule. X2
Cabin rental in Pagosa Springs, Co. Sleeps 10, If interested please PM me.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7659967
11/12/19 09:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,414
ZK-315
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,414 |
I went with a defender max hd10. Any questions about it, feel free to PM me. I havent found anything about it i dont like, other than not having fender flares on mine yet.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7688276
12/14/19 12:54 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522
Reloder28
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522 |
[b][/b]
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Mr. T.]
#7698103
12/25/19 01:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,104
Wilson Combat
Boar Meister
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Boar Meister
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,104 |
Mule Pro FXT
Other than replacing the drive belt every 500 hours or so they are pretty much bullet proof if you keep them serviced properly. We're running 3 of them here at the ranch now, one has over 2500 hours with no major issues. We're fortunate to have an AWESOME dealer in Paris that really takes care of us.
Personally I've had a lot of problems with Polaris (both the machines and dealers) and will never buy another one!
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7699386
12/27/19 01:20 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032 |
It is funny how these buggy choices vary on where and how someone hunts. So many guys talk about being quiet. On our lease in South Texas the louder you are the better. The deer hear the buggy coming they know that means corn to eat.
I had 3 Polaris Rangers - were great buggies until Polaris decided to quit backing them up when issues arose. They are fast - that is for sure.
I switched to Kubota diesel with full cab - runs about 20 mph which is plenty fast for me. The cab is like a small truck - AC heat dust proof etc. On my second one and I love it.
Everyones situation is different - pick the buggy that fits your needs
You can't fix stupid
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7699400
12/27/19 01:39 AM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306 |
I have an Honda Big Red. Goes where I want to, rides good and has a bed large enough to actually be useful. My only problem with it is that it is loud in comparison with some of the other UTV's.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7699460
12/27/19 03:00 AM
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 225
Frio Town
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 225 |
We have a couple of Mules. A 3010 gas and a 4010 Diesel. This year I bought a Kubota Diesel with the full cab. A/C, heater, radio, Bluetooth. In the summer when checking fence lines it sure is nice to have an A/C to break the heat. You are dry when it's raining and warm when it's cold. Speed is of no importance since you can't run fast on the ranch anyway. If you do you are asking for trouble. I got diesel because 4 tractors, 2 dozers, 2 pickups are diesel. I keep stored fuel for off hwy and on hwy but no gasoline. Besides I have always preferred the diesel engines.
"Let's Go Brandon"
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: tlk]
#7699646
12/27/19 03:05 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032 |
You can't fix stupid
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7700056
12/27/19 11:28 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,693
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,693 |
Wish I had the Kubota with full cab. But I’m Ok with the old Kubota UTV 900 diesel that we have. I bought it used about 12 or so years ago. The thing is bulletproof. It has never not run. I think it’s a tractor that looks like a side by side. This year I think I’ll take it to the dealership and have it looked over...just because it’s been over a decade since it’s been looked at. I do all fluids and filters and nothing breaks. It is ugly though...
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: txtrophy85]
#7700283
12/28/19 04:00 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522
Reloder28
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522 |
Say what?? Honda is the quietest machine on the market & always has been.
[b][/b]
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7705982
01/02/20 11:35 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,861
PMK
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,861 |
TLK ... I'd like to see more pictures of that high seat set up and how it functions!
"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."
~PMK~
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: PMK]
#7706005
01/02/20 11:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032 |
I have a video of it working somewhere - will see if I can find it. It is pretty basic - I put camo around the seat area - it is off of a tripod stand - very light. It lifts and drops with a small winch - I keep a small battery in the bed of my buggy with alligator clamps - very stable - from ground I think it is around 12 feet to eye level when raised TLK ... I'd like to see more pictures of that high seat set up and how it functions! TLK ... I'd like to see more pictures of that high seat set up and how it functions!
You can't fix stupid
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: PMK]
#7706495
01/03/20 12:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032 |
TLK ... I'd like to see more pictures of that high seat set up and how it functions! send my your email address PM and I will email a video to you - it will not let me load a video here
You can't fix stupid
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7745303
02/13/20 11:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,257
EasyMoney
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,257 |
I have had teryx rangers and the can am defender and out of all of them the can am was the smoothest at quietest out of all of them. I’d say it’s a lot quieter than my buddies mule. A buddy of mine has a can am defender max lone star edition he’s trying to sell its reallly clean. If your interested in a used one message me and I’ll get the info
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7745469
02/14/20 01:42 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,275
cos
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,275 |
Sounds like you might better look at a Bad Boy Buggy. Neighbor just bought a 2 seater. Nice.
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Re: New UTV Advice
[Re: Back 96]
#7746671
02/15/20 04:07 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,693
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,693 |
I don’t have a Bad Boy buggy, though my cousin did. When things were dry, it was great, and really quiet. But, when the winter rain wet the Louisiana Gumbo Mud, it tended to get stuck, which ran the batteries down real fast. That said, in the watery mud we have in central Texas, I don’t think the mud would be a big problem. That, and the fact that they are so quiet, I might be tempted to get one eventually.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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