Looking for a workhorse UTV

I'm in the market for a UTV (side by side) machine to perform work on our land. Looking for something to work the food plots (once established), haul firewood, haul treestands, take the kids for a ride, hopefully haul deer, etc.


Thinking about the Polaris Ranger 500 as my early preliminary favorite. But very much subject to change since I don't know that much about any of them yet. Any thoughts, suggestions on this?

I am very much open to used. Would love to keep it under $10,000 if possible.


This definitely looks like fun.

 

All the JD Gators are made in WI, Besides that I really don't have much experience with them. The Xuv seems like a nice unit.

 

We have at work(land management - 11000+ acres UP and Northern WI) a total of 8 rangers(used mostly for recreation and transport purposes though the do pull brush hog now and then as well as fueland utility trailers) they are great riding machines. we had a couple arctic cats that were junk. We also have a new JD xuv which is a workhorse with good clearance but rough ride. Also have an older John Deere which is also a good workhorse. The real work horse though I haven't got to really compare side by side with the new JD is a Kubota. It can plow(with chains) almost as well as a fullsize pickup and haul or pull alot. Downside is a little less clearance and weight - you need a winch but that goes for any side x side as far as I am concerned. It all depends on how much you can spend but for pure work machine go with Kubota(16-18000$) or Deere(14-16000) then Ranger(8-12000$). Kawasaki Mule was decent and I hear Honda has a good one now. We also have a 6wheel Deere about 12 yrs old and still hauling and a 6wheel polaris about 9 years as well and still going. These machines(Deere, Kubota, and Polaris) have been used and abused and I would recommend them to everyone.

 

We use a kubota and a polaris ranger. They both have cabs with A/C and heaters this is the only way to go. Either one of them are great. Also have polaris razr and have used some of the others but if there isnt a cab it is used for play only.

 

I have used Polaris Rangers, but none of the others. Where I used to work (and currently hunt) they have 2 Rangers. They have had one for about 8 years now, and it still works great. The new one they bought, a Ranger 800, is awesome. I have used it a couple times hauling deer out, and I'm pretty sure it would go anywhere. Rides nice, too

 

No way I could (or would want to) spend any more than 12k and like I said 10k is the prefered limit.

I guess the big question is , once my food plots are loosened up after a year or two, will the Ranger have enough stones to do what I need it to do?

 

Once the plots are established you will have no problem reworking them every year ! :D

 

Perhaps that is where you come in Pat. I still need someone to get in there and log and clear the stumps however. And that part may be a packaged together with the guy I hire so we will see.

I've also had two neighbors with small tractors offer to help as well. Nice folks up there.

 

Keep me updated Brad !

I am a fan of the Kubota UTVs but doubt your could land one for that price

 

I bought a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 450 in 2009 for $5600. It is one of the best work tools I've ever bought (tractor is #1). It will go anywhere you want it to go, mud hills, woods you name it. More so than the gator, mule or kubota. I believe that it is faster than them also. It has a dump bed and works great for hauling wood deer, stands or anything else you can fit in there. They are reasonably priced as well. With the savings, you may be able to buy another implement!

 

I would look used for a UTV. Honestly nothing beats a tractor for working plots. You can also use mine if it does not work out with the neighbors.

 

I like the ranger, used both it and Kubota on brush fires in mountainous terrain. I was on the Kubota it bogged out going up the mountain, the guy on the ranger passed me and left me sitting.

 

My Dad just bought a ranger 500 this year and to be honest there isn't much it won't do. Solid machine for $9-$10k. I have a RZR and love it but that ranger is awesome.

Check out the Kawasai teryx 4 door.

 

I had a tyrex and sold it. I liked it, but it was not practical for me. I bought it brand new for $7800. It would go anywhere I asked it to go. Just more than i needed, Im going to buy another 4 wheeler this year.

 

Sounds like the ranger 500 would be plenty for what you need.

 

If I were buying....and I've been very close, it'd be a Ranger 800.

You can work plots with anything, some are easier than others. I've planted 10 acres with a 500cc four wheeler and some improvised implements. It would have been easier with something bigger but it got the job done quite well.

The Ranger is the best of every thing for a mid to high price point IMO.

Another option that I've been hearing great stuff about is the Kymco 500 UXV. One of the guys that runs the local atv shop has one and says he prefers it and has tried everything he could to break it. It's a better price point too.

 

It just seems to me like the Polaris is the all around best overall machine for what I what to do and be in my price range.

 

What do you guys think of the JD Gator 625 I?

I built one online and can get it brand new and with a bunch of options for just over $11k MSRP. Which means it will be in the mid 10k cash.

 

Here's your side by side work horses.

 

I have a Polaris Ranger and a Golden Valley Cultiseedern for my foodplots they work great together. I payed $8,200 for my Ranger and the Golden Valley Cultiseeder is 1 of the best purchases ive ever made.