your honest opinion please
 

Ive been looking for either a Polaris Ranger or JD Gator for around my property to assist in yard work. Now a much lesser quality Asian model is selling locally for 1000.00 its a Kandi 250. it is two years old and has under 100 hrs. For that price can I please get some advice. Money wasn't going to be a factor until this came along

Most likely the lesser quality Asian model is Chinese. It it is, run away. It's not worth the aggravation unless you really like having to constantly wrench on it. Both Rangers and Gators have a proven track record. There are so many Ranger models out there now that you'd have a difficult time not finding what you need.

The Chinese ATVs and UTVs are throw away models. You buy them and use them until something breaks, then throw them away because you can't get parts or service for them. After two years use I would suspect that Chinese UTV has reached the throw away stage. Instead of just throwing it away, the owner is trying to sell it for a minimal amount.

x2 on the above-
JD is a proven quality name- can't go wrong- just a bit more $$.
I think the polaris is a safe bet also.

if utilty use is you're main concern- then my vote is with the JD.

My boss actually has a JD Gator- I'll get his opinion on it and post ;)

I have seen more Gators used down here than any other brand, when it's just for work purposes only.

If it's going out on the trails occasionally, then I'd lean more towards the Polaris.

just asked the boss how he likes his gator- said he would trade it for anything- it's his second gator (upgraded a few years ago)

said he can't say enough good things about it-

Not to disrespect the Deere; it's very reliable. BUT....comparing the Deere with a Polaris is like comparing a donkey with a purebred race horse. The Polaris is going to out perform the Deere in every way; ride, speed, agility, ect, etc.

Here is what the Gator used to be like.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...iC5dulNt1Y79BP

Now their sporty ,I think Can Am may make them. Their snowmobiles were made by Ski-doo.http://www.utvunderground.com/wp-con...rground049.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...72qNKxLqf6FTQg
Big change once BRP subcontracted sled for them.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...Xz_RisLckGp3BW

A good friend of mine had a Gator, and it was nice. We went riding several times and he never had any trouble keeping up with me, and traction was outstanding. He sold it a few years ago for not much less then he bought it for, so it held its value well

JD used to have a kick ass snowmobile 40 years ago. Didn't know they were getting back into the sport. Anyway, to answer your question, I have been a basher of anything made in China for some time now for a couple reasons. 1), the metallurgy is extremely poor. Parts break, castings crumble. And trying to get parts for them is like beating your head against the wall. 2) I have a friend on this list who actually accepted a job at a major Chinese company to try and fix the above, and finally came home after a year. the company wasn't really looking to fix the problems, but hiring American engineers to add credibility to the brand. Nothing was actually solved. Lastly, the Chinese companies are not interested in following our safety standards, or contributing $ back into our sport like the big three do. No rider training, no trail building, no lobby investment. Nothing. they are only interested in getting a quick buck and running away.