Need ATV Recommendation

[GeneRector]

  Howdy! I'm thinking about getting a side by side ATV for hunting and farm/ranch work.  I like the Polaris Ranger, but the John Deere Gator and the Yamaha Rhino look pretty good as well. Based on your experiences and knowledge, which one (or other ATV) would you recommend?  Your views appreciated!  Thanks!

[30-30man]

The Yamaha Rhino is the better of the three.  I have seen too many Polaris owners including myself, that have had nothing but trouble out of Polaris' products. Some will say that they have beat theirs to death and it still runs,  that may be so but Yamaha has a better track record period.  The kawasaki mule is good too.  Kuboata has a diesel model but from what I've seen of them, they are hard to crank in cold weather.  I'd say the Rhino and the Kawasaki Mule are about the best out there right now.  My .002

[jpsmith1]

For raw work, the Gator comes out on top.  It's slow, but it will pull like a truck.  For all around I'd go Rhino or Mule.

[FourBee]

   Hey Gene:

I own a '98' Polaris 500 which I bought Dec. 97.     It's great for all my small farm choirs, fencing, checking on the cattle.    It is a very comfortable riding machine over rough terrain.   The water cooled engine can idle for long periods.    The automatic transmission is a necessity for me on the farm.   I use a multiple gun rack  on the front for shovels, axes, pitchforks, fishing poles, etc.     Tool box and Spray Rig on the back, and since the 9-11 incident, an American Flag .    It's better than using a well trained  horse, except for roping, cutting and jumping gulleys.   
 These last few years, the ATV market has improved greatly, and has given Polaris a run for their money.   From the way I see it , it's now more of a matter of choice than quality differences.   They're just like an extra hand!

[markc]

For farm and ranch work, I would not recommend the Rhino.  Even though I own and drive a Rhino, and do a fair amount of work with it, the Rhino really wasn't designed as a work vehicle. But, for extreme terraine, reaching those hard to get to hunting spots, the Rhino is a very good machine.  Also check out the 2008 model Kawasaki Terryx, which sports the 750cc V-Twin.

For work, looking only at the vehicles you listed,  I would probably recommend the Ranger (must use low range for hauling/towing or risk ruining the belt on the 500cc model) or the new Gator.  The newer Gator model HPX I think is what they are calling it, seems like a winner.  For heavy duty work and proven dependability, I would recommend the Kawasaki Mule 3000 series, preferably the 4WD model, 3010.  Upgrade the tires and add a winch and you should be happy for many years.

[demented]

For a work vehicle, nothing will compete with a 3010 4X4 Kawasaki Mule. I have one and its been a literal workhorse.  As a hunting vehicle it is fair, will go about anywhere a typical 4X4 Pickup will as far as mud, climbing, etc. Being a bit narrower it will fit between trees a bit better!  If serious log and rock crawling, ditch crossing, etc are on your agenda, forget the Mule, go with a Rhino. 

[hawkenman]

A good brand name, Polaris,Kawasaki',Susuki,ect.., just don't go overboard with the giant 600 and 700's. Get something in the 300 range and attach a utility trailer for around the farm. A friend of mine brought over a monstrous 700 Polaris and wanted to ride in our hunting club. I have a 300 Kawasaki 4x4, well he was constantly 100 yards behind trying to maneuver through the trees and when he got stuck he was stuck. He winched out after alot of trouble, and I of course got stuck in the same spot. I just climbed off my ATV and while giving it gas pushed it out of the spot. I also had to give him some extra gas before we could return.

[FourBee]

Get something in the 300 range and attach a utility trailer for around the farm.

That's the best way for me.   When I need more cargo space, I just hook up my little John Deere Metal Wagon for many chores, and when I need to check on the livestock quickly, the 4x4 is just the thing.    Mine is eleven years old now, and  since my last post here, it's had to go to the shop a few times.   May have to trade it in for a new one.

[markc]

Well  generector,  have you made a decision yet?   What did you buy?

[GeneRector]

   Howdy!  I have not bought anything yet.  I am leaning toward something made by John Deere or Polaris.  There is a Polaris dealer just 7 miles from my home.  Other dealers are 25 miles or more away.  However, I am planning to get something, but near $10,000 is a lot of money.  I will let you all know soon.  Thanks!

[whiskybill]

I know your post is 7 months old but you ever look at the new Cub Cadet? They have some real nice features and a lot of acc. and have a good price. Just a thought check them out on the net.