Could someone list the names of the manufacturers of Utility ATVs?

I know Kawasaki and BushHog make them, but don't know of any others. I'm looking for a 4x4 model for the wife and I to ride on trails and not get stuck. We don't intend on any "high flying" or jumping, so the Utility ATVs, with their side by side seating, appeal to us the most. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Your thought and opinions are appreciated.
Thank you, Bowhunter57

 

Yamaha make one with independant f/r end 4x4. It has gotton good reviews

 

Keep in mind that there are two distinct classes of side-by-side utility quads. Quads like the Kawasaki mule and the John Deere Gator are very much utility and work vehicles. While they could go on trails, they are not really designed for it.

The Yamaha Rhino and Polaris Ranger(?) are more trailworthy side-by sides that can also be used for work.

Jaybee

 

out of the Rhino and Ranger, the ranger is supstantially larger it can seat 3 accross the front, while the rhino can seat 2. the rhino is more sporty than the ranger. but like with most polaris modles, the ranger has the best suspention of its class (stock atleast).

the yamaha Rhino comes in a 4x4 660cc Single cyl liquid cooled

while the polaris Ranger comes in a few models to suit your wants

Ranger 4x4 500cc single cyl liquid cooled
Ranger EFI 4x4 500cc Single EFI liquid cooled
Ranger XP 4x4 700cc Twin EFI liquid cooled
and the Ranger 6x6 500cc Single liquid cooled


the best advice i can give is this. the Rhino and the Ranger are the best you can get of side X sides, so go to a dealer and look them over and see if you can ride one around.

i dont know if this appeals to you at all, or if you already know but Yamaha is Japan based, and Polaris is USA based out of Minnesota

 

Thank you for your replies, gentlemen! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

The information concerning the trail riding ability of the Yamaha and Polaris is very important and greatly appreciated. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

I believe the Polaris Ranger with all the options has my attention. I'll have to locate a dealer and check them out in person. Ofcourse, I'll have to do some serious talking with the showroom dealer to get the best price and financing available. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Thank you, Bowhunter57

 

Just thought that I'd add this bit of information, concerning the Polaris ATVs.

I was talking with my brother-in-law, who goes on ATV trips, trail rides, etc. all the time and he says that the Polaris ATVs are constantly breaking down. One particular man rolled his new Polaris ATV off of the trailer, checked the gas and oil, warmed it up and rode less than 50 yards before the engine started making a "clanking" noise and locked up. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] He took it back to the dealer, explained the situation and they gave him a new machine. Sounds good, but he ran that ATV for 2 days and the engine did the same thing. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img] Polaris refunded his money, so he was very lucky.

I know from my own motorcycle experiences, that Polaris' Victory motorcycles are plagued with transmission problems. I don't believe that I'll be taking any more interest in Polaris machines.

I'll take a closer look at the Yamaha Rhino 660 and see what I can learn about it. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Good riding, Bowhunter57

 

A friend of mine has the Rhino and that thing is impressive! It has good power and will go through anything. I was very impressed when I saw what it would go through. It is narrower than most of the other Ute's so trail riding is much easier. If I were in the market for a side by side, I would definantly put the Rhino at the top of the list. Just my .02.

 

Check out the new Arctic Cat Prowler. It has independant suspension all around, a solid 650 engine, great ground clearance, and is also made in Minnesota. Otherwise, my second choice would be the Rhino. Drive them to find the one that fits you the best.

 

out of the rino and ranger, i would get the rino. Polaris has problems. IN a shootout not to long ago in dirtwheels, the rino won. In their short shootout the polaris had problems. It might just be me but if a atv has problems in a short shootout then i could be pretty possible to see allot of problems down the road.

 

Many thanks to all that have replied on this topic. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Sounds like I'll be taking a closer look at the Yamaha Rhino and the Arctic Cat Prowler. From what I've read, they both appear to be solid machines and will be worth their purchase price. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Thank you, Bowhunter57