My boss has tasked me to do some reaserch on Side-by-side ATV's. I work in the energy industry and we do a log of drilling in rugged terrain. A lot of time will be spent shuttling back and forth from the main roads to drill sites on muddy roads carved by dozers. We would prefer a vehicle that has good cargo capacity to haul saws, tools, boxes, etc. Also we would prefer a bench seat with seating for 3 if available (this is not a must but would be perferred).

My initial thought was a Polaris Ranger XP but I recently stopped at a John Deere dealer and looked at a XUV825i which was very nice. It did not have the bench seat so that something we might have to live without. Another SxS I was wanting to look at was the Yamaha Rhino.

We are really in need of a practical working machine and we aren't concerned with how fun or fast they go. We want them to be reliable and well built. And ideally under $14k in price.

What are your opinions?

 

Kawasaki Teryx now has a 4 seater. The Polaris Ranger Crew can seat 6, and seat 4 very easily. For rough terrain I'd go with the Polaris Ranger 6x6. True 6 wheel drive, 3 person bench seat, truck style tool box between the cab and dump box and great towing and toting numbers.

 

Cross the Rhino off your list. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would still be considering purchasing a Rhino these days, for any purpose. There is a better side by side than the Rhino; no matter what you're using it for.

 

I agree with all of the above. However, for freshly dozed muddy roads the Ranger 6x6 would be best. Those vehicles are always used in muddy swampy terrain.

In my experience company vehicles get pushed to the max by employees that don't have any money invested. This vehicle is less prone to tipping because of the extra low drive train weight, it also has a lower top speed. Those factors should keep the chances of a stupidity caused accident lower because speed and tipping are by far your biggest sxs risks.

Plus it's load capacity's are unmatched and it fits your budget. He'll be pleased with your advice.

 

And don't forget to tell him you get it on the weekends.

 

I too thought the ranger 6x6 was the choice for the chores. Extra man space and a large tool/cargo bed of all of them. The 2nd choice was the arctic cat 700 HDX,this rig i believe sits 3 and has a bigger bed than the ranger (i think) that will offer a more usable bed. It has all four sides ,but you can take the sides off to make it a flat bed if needed. I think it tilts as well.

I compared the2012 500 ranger crew and the 2012 800 ranger crew-the 500 has a payload of 1250lbs,and 32 hp. The 800(twin cylinder) has a payload of 1750lbs and 40hp. The price difference in the two are around $9,000 for the 500 and $12,000 for the 800. These prices are from Abernathys in Tennessee. Here are the two web pages to check them out.

Arctic Cat - Prowler HDX 700i

Current New Inventory | Abernathy's Cycle

I know a few people with a 500 ranger and they have been great work machines,really no problems with them.
I know 2 friends with the first year arctic cat prowler 650 and have around 5,000 miles on both with ZERO issues. Both the polaris and the cat sxs have the original belts in the transmission.

 

i forgot the 6x6 web page,here.

2012 Polaris RANGER 6x6 800 UTV : Overview

 

i forgot the 6x6 web page,here.

2012 Polaris RANGER 6x6 800 UTV : Overview

Or, here is what I use on the farm...http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rc...ykGBd81QvX8szw

I wouldnt recommend the kubota though,its a hard working machine,but very slow and un comfortable.

 

So what did you end up buying Blackwaterstout?

 

MY personal choice in this environment would be a Kubota Diesel UTV with a full cab and put on a set of tracks. You get the power and durability of a diesel, and with the added traction of a set of tracks, you will not be getting stuck. Plus they can carry large loads. During work, speed isn't really a desire. Then of course you could look at the Bobcat SXS. Again, it can be a truck, but someof them can even put tools on the front like a blade, or a bucket, or even a back hoe or post hole digger. Just about anything you can mount on a Bobcat, or a tractor..