I'm thinking of getting a side by side sometime in the spring. I've always had ATV's before, and don't know anyone with a side by side, so I need some advice. I'm looking to do more work than play, but occasional riding once or twice a year. I think 700 cc or higher, and 4WD is a must.

Can you guys give the pros and cons for these models, and any others you think I should consider? What are big problems with each brand?

Polaris Ranger, Honda Big Red, Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Mule, Arctic Cat Prowler, John Deere Gator, Kubota

Thanks for your help.

 

What do you want it for? Work, play, hunting??? What terrain? How many passengers do you expect to have? Do you need a bed? Will you tow anything?

 

Mostly used for work like plowing snow, firewood, ... Also, there are trails around, so I will occasionally go for rides, but not big trips. Mostly woods, no big mud, no huge hills. Just 2 passenger. Definitely need a dump bed. I'll tow trailers of gravel or firewood with it also.

From the write-ups I've seen on the manufacturers websites, I'm leaning towards a Polaris Ranger 800, or the John Deere Gator 825. But I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks for your help.

 

Both of those UTVs are good picks for what you're describing. Another thought is the Polaris Ranger 6x6. I can't even imagine how much snow you could plow with 6 wheel drive. It also has great towing numbers and a pretty hefty load capacity. And, you can sit 3 across as long as the 3 aren't people my size.

 

Polaris makes a heavy duty Ranger that would probably be a very good choice. I think Polaris also has a new diesel, if its available. I'd want a diesel if I planned to put a lot of hours on it. The Prowler and Rhino are more for recreation imo, much like my Teryx. Don't know much about Jon Deere. I've heard a lot of gripes about the mule's suspension, or lack thereof. Kubota has a great reputation but always seemed expensive to me for what you get.

JM $.02.

 

The 6x6 seems cool, but I think it's getting a little overboard for me in size, weight, and price. I can't get a toy that is bigger than my wife's car.

Anyone have experience with the Honda Big Red, or the Kawasaki Mule? The Honda seems high priced when you get less than the Polaris. And the Mule is the cheapest, but how does it compare with the others?

 

All I know is I told a friend I had a teryx and he asked what it was. After trying to explain he says, "Oh, you mean like mule." After riding in it he commented that its nothing like a mule. I think the mules use a swing arm in back and the front travel is like 3 inches. Don't discount a good suspension. It's worth more than a high output engine imo.

I'm sure the Honda would be fine.

 

Honda doesn't have the kind of ground clearance or speed the Polaris has.

 

It seems like the Polaris will suit me best. I'm most concerned with plowing snow. Will it have plenty of low end power for pushing snow? Is it heavy enough so it won't spin out, or should I load the bed with sand bags?

I don't expect to be pushing more than 12" deep of wet snow, that would be the worse case scenario.

 

I would say the Honda because if your plowing the Honda dosen't have a belt drive.