Author Topic: Who makes the best side-by-side??? (Read 6864 times)

RangerJoe · « **on:** August 25, 2009, 12:30:48 PM »

Hey all,

My father had a stroke last winter - fortunately not a really bad one - but he is still left with some difficulty getting around, particularly on uneven ground. As a result, he can no longer get himself out to the majority of our property out in NE PA. I know this bothers him but he won't discuss it.

As a result, I'm looking into buying him a side-by-side UTV. My father is 70, so this is much more for utility than any sort of sport. I think it would be good if it had some sort of small carrying capacity, like a small pickup-style bed. It doesn't need to be fast or anything - just reliable, primarily. It'll restore his ability to get around on his own to a much greater extent, and I think he might be a little happier as a result.

I have ZERO experience with side-by-sides and I'd appreciate any serious input. In a very cursory web search, I saw that the Yamaha Rhino meets the general description I gave above, but I know nothing about them.

Thanks!

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2009, 12:37:26 PM »

I "think" the Kawaski Mule was the first or at least it was the first I remember seeing. It was soon followed at least in what I saw by the Polaris. I still think the Mule is the one to get for the type use you mention meaning utility not sport. I'm pretty sure the Rhino is more sport than utility. Fast is not what us old farts need.

I really want one but can't justify the cost. I have no where other than my old very small farm to ride it as Alabama does not allow them on public land and I have no private land access other than my own property. If I were to get one it would be to replace my 2005 Yamaha Bruin 350 so I'd not have to pull the trailer and could instead use the bed. For me a large bed and high cargo capacity is all that matters. I'd likely get a Mule diesel or Polaris I think tho the John Deere six wheel Gator sure has some appeal as well.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2009, 02:19:05 PM »

FWIW,

I live in SW Pa. and a little over a year ago I bought a modified electric EZ-GO Golf Cart.

This cart has been upgraded from the factory 36volt to 48volt, lift kit, 10" ATV soft tires, limited slip differential (rear end is posi-traction....true posi-traction, not a limited slip like the Bad Boy) 600amp controller, headlights, front winch, fold down rear seat, front basket, windshield.

Now, this cart will not go fast. I think the top speed is about 8 mph (unless you are free-wheeling down hill and forget where the brake peddle is) but it gets me to where ever I want to go. It's nice 'n quiet (I've snuck up on deer 'n crows....but those damn turkey seem to hear me), doesn't leave any gas fumes, no gas to deal with. It has an automatic battery charger....plug it in and once the batteries are charged, it shuts down the charger.

I'm always asked "how long will a charge last?" Well, you can play 18 holes of golf on a charge. I take it to a 3-D archery shoot and shoot at 40 targets and barely use any "juice" (it has a fuel gauge on it).

Batteries last 5 years if you maintain 'em. Check the water and keep the terminals clean.

I love this little cart. Quiet. No gas, no noise, no smell.

Again.....FWIW. An option to consider.

Dave

RangerJoe · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2009, 02:52:21 PM »

The golf cart idea is an interesting one that I didn't consider. We live fairly near a golf course too; I'm sure there is a second hand market.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2009, 01:09:32 AM »

I own a polaris razor and ride with a bunch of guys that have side by sides. I love my rzr because of its performance but if i had to suggest a side by side to someone for casual riding and hunting id probably say to buy a 450 yamaha rhino. there not fast but there about bullet proof. I said a 450 because they tend to sit on the lots because people want more speed so they can be found discounted at many dealers. The mules are old technology if you want a kawasaki go terex. There not much more expensive and have better motors and suspension. Artic cat prowlers and polaris rangers are nice machines too but are much larger and dont work the best on tight trails or for hunting in the woods. I havent rode the new honda but im sure its a good machine but from what i hear about it it is no faster then a 450 rhino and alot more expensive. My dad is looking to possibly buy one and if he does it will no doubt be a 450 rhino

gru · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2009, 03:12:16 AM »

Polaris or good golf cart says this one legged guy

Drilling Man · « **Reply #6 on:** August 26, 2009, 04:04:07 AM »

Fot your dad's purpose, i'd get him a Kawasaki Mule. They are a proven design, that would fit his needs perfectly!

DM

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2009, 12:39:53 AM »

im not saying the machines like the mule the cub cadet and the john deer are bad machines there not but they are old school technology. there heavy run Carbed motors and rough riding suspensions for the most part. What they are good at is being work machines on a farm or construction site. most recreational riders and hunters would be much better served by somehing like a rhino. there smoother running have fuel injection, smoother riding, easier on gas, have much better speed and acceleration and are more manuverable in the woods. cool thing is like I said ealier you can get an entry level 450 rhino for probably less money and its a much more refined unit.

markc · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2009, 01:33:51 PM »

Ranger Joe, everyone makes a good side by side, but the best is the one that fits not only your budget, but needs. You said, "My father is 70, so this is much more for utility than any sort of sport. I think it would be good if it had some sort of small carrying capacity." So, that could leave out many units. Lloyd is promoting the RHinno 450, which is what I drive. I did drive an older Mule 550, but switched when the Mule 610 came out, because, frankly, it wasn't enough of an improvement over the 550 to justify 6K. So I bought the Rhino 450 for 7K and never looked back. FOr your father the Mule 610 would probably be fine, 400# bed capacity and same towing capacity as the Rhino 450.

If he ever plans to drive across his lawn though, forget the Rhino. It has an all time locked rear end which will damage the lawn, unlike the Mule which can be locked or unlocked in the rear end. The Mule is old school, but so are a lot of 70 year old men who want simplicity, and something that has proven itself over and over for many years. Mule top speed 25 mph governed. Rhino 450 top speed around 40 MPH before the rev limiter kicks in (at least on my 2006 model). Good luck with your purchase.

texasboy112 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 02, 2009, 06:56:10 AM »

First of all, all of them are basically good machines. I just purchased a Polaris Ranger 700 HD (Side-by-Side). Before getting it I test drove, literally, everyone out there all across Texas. In my opinion (and for my needs) the Polaris was hands down the right choice for me.

The stability, power, handling, and ride were amazing; see if you can get the DVD “Ranger Rodeo 3” at a Polaris dealer (Independent testing). Not one thing in the DVD, in my opinion, was not accurate and completely on the money. I use it on my own Hill Country property and my friend’s extremely large ranch, in South Texas, both with quite different terrains and it performs flawlessly. I’ve had quite a few different people in it and the first thing they all comment about is the power and ride. I’ll admit that it’s not cheap ($15 to $16 thousand, with options on average) but, again in my opinion, worth every penny.

30-30man · « **Reply #10 on:** September 02, 2009, 12:54:40 PM »

If I wanted one, I think I would go with a lifted gas gold cart with a bed in the back. They are much cheaper. I've seen decent Yamaha carts go from $2-3000 while the Mules and the other side by sides start at $8000 and go upwards to 13. The yamaha gas cart plain jane has the same 350cc motor as the Bruin has and it's enough to tow just about anything you have business towing without a truck. I just don't see why these vehicles sell for the price most are asking.

torpedoman · « **Reply #11 on:** September 02, 2009, 01:29:41 PM »

you may want to do some research on the Japanese mini trucks that are being brought in they cost a lot less and are a lot more comfortable, enclosed cabs, heated or a/c with the right wheels and tires just as capable as the 4 wheelers.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 05, 2009, 10:15:58 AM »

I wouldn't discount one because it was carbed. I'd rather have that then a computer controlled FI unit in the woods when it broker. Nothing you can do to EFI out on the trail.

markc · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2009, 03:13:59 PM »

Mules and the other side by sides start at $8000 and go upwards to 13.

That's not correct. Mules start at 6K and go up from there, and that is the small 610 Mule which is 4WD. They can be pricey though.

AAAJohn · « **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2009, 11:49:03 AM »

I have the 3010 Mule and like it a lot. The only downside is hard to steer and will run away downhill.
My friend has the Kuboto diesel and it has hydraulic drive and power steering. It holds back on the hills and will almost stop when the fuel pedal is released.
I like the quietness of the mule the best and if your dad is on mostly flat ground and strong enough in his arms, I think it would be the better of the two.

double R · « **Reply #15 on:** November 08, 2009, 02:54:08 AM »

have you tryed tractor spply.they have a nice 265cc.side by for only 3999.00.rns about 30-35mph.go's great have one now for over 2yrs.i use it on the farm,and for hunting.just remember you don't always have to spend a truck load of money to have fn

Drilling Man · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2009, 03:07:53 AM »

Where i live, if you buy something like that from Tractor Supply, on down the road when you need parts, there are none. Also, the atv's my TSC sells are all made in china, and who knows where they will be 5 years from now.

Personally, i'd rather buy a brand name and know if needed, i will have a place to go back to.

DM

Dave in WV · « **Reply #17 on:** November 08, 2009, 04:19:28 AM »

Things to consider about buying a side by side.

The width, will it go where you need to and how will you haul it? Other than the Razor most will have to be trailered and with a trailer wide and long enough.

How much power? What will it be used for? If just for hunting the lower end models with less power will work fine.

How mobile is the owner and riders? The Razor will be harder to get in and out of.

4x4 vs. 2x4. If your land is flat a 2x4 with the locking differential will go where you need.

double R · « **Reply #18 on:** November 09, 2009, 06:57:45 AM »

drilling man the side bys sold at tsc.are not made in china as you stated.they are made in louisanna by american sportworks.and parts are jst a call away

Drilling Man · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:09:23 PM »

Quote from: double R on November 09, 2009, 06:57:45 AM

drilling man the side bys sold at tsc.are not made in china as you stated.they are made in louisanna by american sportworks.and parts are jst a call away

I'm just going by what i saw at the TSC i was at, perhaps they don't all carry the same ones?

DM

Spanky · « **Reply #20 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:34:23 PM »

I work at a Tractor Supply store and we sell side by sides.
If there is a problem with them or parts needed you just bring it to the store and we send it out to be repaired.
The units we sell have Honda engines and seem to be pretty trouble free. $:-\$
Of course you're not going to get the bells and whistles of a $10,000 machine but for the average guy to use around the woods or farm they work good.

Spanky

chevyone · « **Reply #21 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:43:07 PM »

I have a mule 610 4x4 that I love. I have no need to travel faster than 25 mph. Has great cargo space and the power that I need to do the chores around the farm. It rides great, has both 4x4 and locking diff. Starts on the coldest Minnesota days.
If i need to haul it around it fits in the back of a full size pickup box.
I bought mine new last september and I paid 5600 plus tax for it, That was less than the 4 wheeler that the kids wanted. LOL

glockman55 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2010, 02:22:48 AM »

I bought this used, and has been a great UTV for what it's made for. I never had any problems with it what so ever. I sold it this year and bought a Kaw. Teryx, but the Mule is ideal for your Dad..

markc · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2010, 02:34:43 PM »

They sure have changed since that 2500 series hit the showroom haven't they? But the red remains pretty much the same. I've always loved the Mules. If the Mule Trans hadn't been so expensive, or if the Teryx had been out, I would have stayed with Kawasaki. I understand the new mid sized Polaris Ranger 400 is a very nice machine.

tt4617 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 11, 2010, 11:53:42 AM »

I have recently had the same dilemma as you. My father is 76, has bad knees, is not real sure of himself on hilly ground and needed something to use. After checking them all out, there is something for everyone, but the deciding factor for my father was that the Mule was easy to get in and out of. It is much lower to the ground and he can slide right in. H eis very happy with it.

As far as performance, it is not fast, but gets him everywhere he needs to go.

markc · « **Reply #25 on:** March 12, 2010, 03:56:46 AM »

tt4617, which Mule model did your father get? If I would have had the $ at the time the Trans Mule came out, i would have bought one and likely have been fine. There are times when I am glad I bought a Rhino,extreme terraine, deep water, steep climbs in the rocks, and then there are times when the Trans Mule would have been a better choice, toting people around the ranch, slow speed work towing and hauling. Can only afford one at a time though. Other than the presence of deep water & mud

which is an issue on my local elase, the Mule would have served my purposes just fine..

RON17T · « **Reply #26 on:** March 13, 2010, 08:10:29 AM »

Yamaha Rhino-A guy I ride with in Nevada runs an atv tour company and uses one for a chase vehicle. It runs 30-60 miles every day in the desert with no problems.

tt4617 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 27, 2010, 04:10:03 AM »

Quote from: markc on March 12, 2010, 03:56:46 AM

tt4617, which Mule model did your father get? If I would have had the $ at the time the Trans Mule came out, i would have bought one and likely have been fine. There are times when I am glad I bought a Rhino,extreme terraine, deep water, steep climbs in the rocks, and then there are times when the Trans Mule would have been a better choice, toting people around the ranch, slow speed work towing and hauling. Can only afford one at a time though. Other than the presence of deep water & mud

which is an issue on my local elase, the Mule would have served my purposes just fine..

Mark, sorry it took so long to get back to you. I just forgot to reply. He got the low level 400cc(I think that is the engine size). He uses it all the time. He has a vineyard and uses it for inspecting, trimming, etc.

Sourdough · « **Reply #28 on:** May 02, 2010, 07:27:20 PM »

Hauling can be a problem. Many weigh around 12 to 15 hundred pounds, and are too wide to fit in a pickup bed, requiring a trailer with loading ramps. I have been looking at the mule myself and almost bought the Mule with the back seat that seats four people. But decided it was too long and too low for my purpose.

I went and looked at the Polaris, and am looking at the 6X6 Ranger for myself. I cross a lot of soft marshy ground and swamps, as well as rocky areas. Did take a hard look at their down sized model. It is a little narrower, and will fit in a pickup bed, which means a lot to me. It's a lot easier to just load it into the back of a truck and not bother with towing a trailer.

demented · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2010, 06:02:43 PM »

A Mule is fine if you don't intend on fording creeks, climbing over logs, crossing drainage ditches, going through mud. I had 3010 gas 4X4, it did fine on logging roads or traveling fire tails as long as they were well maintained. Next I buy WILL be a Rhino, buddy has one, I've seen first hand where they will go. There is no comparison. Other makes go pretty well but since the Rhino is only six inches wider than my Grizzly, it'll just about go anywhere I want or need.