My company is looking at buying a 2003 Ranger 6X6 mainly for use during prescribed fire operations. I have heard that older Ranger's engines are based off snowmobile engines. Does anyone know what year the switch was made to the newer, more powerful engine? Is the 2003 a good model-year?
Until now we have been renting Gators for these jobs and have been extremely dissapointed with them. We are also looking at a 2003 Mule. Any thoughts on the better machine? Thanks.

 

I"ve got an 03 and find it's very usefull. I've pulled my 5x10 utility trailer with about 1000 lbs up some pretty steep grades - no problem.

I hate to admit it, but I'm finally doing maintenance on it now (I did take it in for the break-in oil change). Has 100 hrs, starts every time (even after sitting in a shed in the woods in teen-temps), no problems at all.

 

All Rangers built have used at least the 500 (499cc Fuji) which is a purpose built Polaris ATV engine I believe. The newer 700 engine was a snow motor at one time, but is a good 4-stroke motor. There was a change in the Ranger 6x6, but it came before 2003 I believe. Should be a goood machine for Burning with the 500 motor. We do our own controled burns here. 110 acres of CRP, 10 acres of CREP and 40 acres of woods, pasture and river.

We just bought a ranger 700 4x4 and I'll be building a 150 gallon tank for the back for chemical application and burning.