Side by Side Recommendation

[cgturner7]

Good morning, gents.  I am in the market for a new side by side, ruv, whatever they're called.  Thought I'd ask for your collective wisdom. 

Let me explain the situation.  I'll be sharing the vehicle with my father in-law.  He has some serious physical limitations- horrible back problems and a twice broken hip.  So he's going to need a ruv that's easy to get into and out of, and one that has a supportive seat and a softer suspension.  He will be using it to cruise around our 7 acres of mostly flat pasture land.

I will be using the ruv as a hunting vehicle- replacing an ailing 1953 M38A1.  My lease is very rough so it will need to be able to handle hard work as well.  I'd like to be able to mount a hunting seat in the bed during deer season.  During the off season it will be used around the house for various hauling, work related jobs.

I have been doing some research via the internet and  I know there are many choices out there.  I want something that will be easy for my father in-law and still able to handle some work.  Most of all, I want a vehicle that is going to be reliable and easy to get parts for.  So...what would you recommend?

[30-30man]

The Yamaha Rhino and the Kawassaki mule are about the best out there.  You mentioned parts availability, they are many out there but the parts ain't cheap.  Overall and ease of use, I like the Kawasaki mule. I love Yamahas, but the mule is proven and been around awhile. I've seen many of them and none of the others compare in function and price, my father had a diesel Kubota.  My brother uses it a lot and it will pull a house but it is as slow as a golf cart.  He could have bought two mules for the price of that Kubota.

[Bob_VT]

I spent a long time working at an ATV dealership.  We sold Kawi's and AC side by sides.  I would say the Kawi is the most user friendly but be cautious of the engine.  I STRONGLY advise the extended warranty.  I have seen some very strange engine problems with the valves.  The AC is nice but I do not trust the frames and AC built engines are junk (IMO).    Yamaha makes a good reliable machine too.   It's buyer's choice and if I needed one I would go Kawi. 

The required maintenance needs to be done.  These are not run and forget it machines.  The worst part is the Kawi tires should be upgraded to a more aggressive tread because the stock tires are not the best for mud traction ..... it all depends on where you ride.  I would also advise to get a winch with any machine.  Kawi has a great parts system and everything is fast and available (normally).  It is a shame that Suzuki does not make one (they are the best along with Honda)since Suzuki and Honda have the best records and parts availability. 

So do the math..... big side by side, a decent easy to load trailer (they do not fit in a pick up)and something to tow it with.  You can have a blast with one.

[markc]

To fit the requirements you mentioned:   Soft ride,  Yamaha Rhino or Polaris Ranger due to the 4 wheel independant suspension and long suspension travel.   The contoured seats of the Rhino are quite comfy and offer a good deal of lateral support as well, better than the support of the others bench seats.   Easey to get in and out of,  THe Kawasaki Mule/ Polaris Ranger beat the Yamaha RHino in that department for sure.  Since you say he will be cruising flat pasture land,  My recommendation would be the Kawassaki Mule 3000 or if you need 4WD, the 3010.   It doesn't sound like the suspension will be that much of an issue and the ease of use of the Mule + the proven reliability and work ethic make it a very good choice.  Not to mention that for the 3000 series there are a good # of accessories...

[Paladin]

go to the dealers and take your father in law with ya, look them over, ask some embaressing questions (how much does it cost to service and how often? warrenty? how fast are they? how much will they carry? etc) pick out the one you like and google for reviews on it(or forums) than decide, they are all expense and once bought  the wrong one would be hard to live with.  My opinion the polasis ranger has the best ride, it has a adjustable suspension system, with your father in law everything else is mute. good luck in your quest

[jpred1]

Sounds like the polaris xp is for you.I love my rhino,but sounds like the less sporty model in polaris will fill your needs well,bench seat,ok ride,plenty power and a large bed.The rhino is more sporty,kinda like a 2 seat 4 wheeler with a small bed,mine will run @ 60 after a few mods and can turn donuts and jump terraces.Doesnt really sound like you need all that.My friends has the xp and we use it more than mine for hunting,3 can fit in front.