This past was the 4th year/deer season I've had it, rolled 480 hours recently and brought it home from the lease for some time in the comfort of my garage for the summer.

It was getting a little jumpy at take-off. I replaced the belt with the one I took off at 100 hours. That belt was fine, I just wanted to learn how to take it off on my own schedule. Wiped down the sheaves and did get some black on the white rag. Problem solved, smooth take off and no more jump. I did notice wear on the belt that had nearly 400 hours on it. I also invested in a flexible socket drive, game changer on that job.

Did the annual transmission fluid change, easy job. Front gear case fluid as well. Checked coolant, it was good. Rinsed out radiator. Pulled fuzz off of spark arrestor. Engine oil and Filter, checked that off as well. Air filter, done.

I can't believe how much shops charge for this, it isn't expensive if you do it yourself. I've never been a great mechanic, but this job is way too easy to give a dealership $500.00 (more for the belt change) to do.

I've maintained it this way since I got it new, an annual change of everything and every 6 months engine oil and filter. I've never had anything break and it's 100% functional, runs as good as new and I take it anywhere without hesitation.

I wear this one out I'll get another one just like it.

Indeed, and same goes for most other vehicles too. I've done all the routine maintenance on our vehicles and equipment and over many years have saved myself many tens of thousands of dollars.

These days, most in our society aren't too keen on getting their hands dirty, or are too busy or not even willing to learn how to do it. Service advisors and shops see those folks coming from a mile away.

I now as of about 30 minutes ago have 1832 hours on my Kawasaki mule. And it still has the original belt. 2 batteries and a set of tires is all that I have changed.

I really did my homework before buying. It came down to availability at the time of my purchase. There's a lot of active members that really like the Mule. What type of maintenance schedule are you on to get the good service you're getting?

I changed all the fluids at about 100 initial hours. Change oil at every 200 hours. I use synthetic oil. I don't run the crap out of it. I fully stop before changing gears. It starts easy. Runs good. Has been very reliable. I also have a Kubota UTV. I never thought the Kawasaki would have lasted me this long.

Me as well as on the full stop. Most of the time I'm in H, in auto select for rear traction. If I need to move to L, diff lock or 4wd I'm usually at a stop anyway.

And I use Mobil1 15w-50w. and Kawasaki filters.

I run the Polaris brand synthetic fluids in my Ranger and my Sportsman. Zero issues for 5 years. I wish I could say the same the Kawasaki Mule I had before them. That was a dog.

Nothing but Polaris brand stuff in my machine. It's not that expensive, way less than a repair or new one.

eBay is the best place to buy bulk Polaris fluid too.

Been getting it on Amazon. Next go around I'm buying bulk transmission and demand drive fluid. Do you fill those to over flow, or premeasure and add the amount called for in the manual?

I fill until it runs over.

Me as well. The difference in that amount and the capacity in the manual for transmission and front gear case is several ounces.

I've also learned what it takes to accurately check the oil level. Checking cold means letting it sit overnight. A fresh change, a lap around the block and checking it after an overnight break shows both dots covered. If I check it at the lease an hour or so after use it will show safe, but not full.

When filling differential and trans, there should be room for fluid expansion when it heats up. This is to avoid blowing out a seal. So manufacturers measurement should be followed.

Makes sense.

I had a 1999 Sportsman, 2008 Ranger 500 and now a 2021 Ranger XP1000. I have always done the maintenance on my vehicles and when I sold the Sportsman and my first ranger they ran like tops. I've tried using other fluids other than polaris but they cost almost as much. So for peace of mind I have stayed with Polaris. I do change fluids though on a regular basis and record them in my manual and now online.