Author Topic: Yamaha Bruin vs Honda Rancher vs Kawasaki Mule 3010 (Read 4491 times)

Graybeard · « **on:** October 27, 2004, 04:11:30 PM »

Went shopping today and those are the three that most interested me. And they are all at the same dealership. Looked over the Suzuki's Monday and ruled them out.

For sure I'd love to get me the Mule 3010. After riding in Mark's out at the Reed Ranch a few years back I've kinda had the hots for one ever since. It sure would be nice here on the Blueberry Farm for the hauling chores and could write it off as a farm expense and be totally honest in doing it. But that $8300 price? Dunno if I really want one THAT BAD.

Second choice is the Yamaha Bruin. At 348 CC vs the Honda Rancher at 328 CC I think it is the Yama should have at least a little more power. It does have more ground clearance and more load capacity. It is a TRUE automatic transmission to with no shifting at all once you decide which direction you're headed backward or forward. But it does use a belt in the tranny which the Honda doesn't.

Both have shaft drive and are pretty much identical in size. The Honda has an electronic gage console and the Yama has nothing. But the Honda has to be shifted, albeit with a push of the button but still requires getting off the gas to do it.

Price is identical at $4000. The Yama has 3.9% or nearly free interest for 24 months and I can easily pay it off in that time frame. The Honda I think has either 5.9% or 6.9% interest so if the same payments are made will cost a tad more at the end of 2 years.

That's the pros and cons as I see it of the two.

So anyone got any personal experience or insight that might help me in deciding? Yeah as much as I'd love to get the Mule 3010 I likely won't so if I buy it will likely be either the Yama or Honda.

I currently have a Honda Recon and man that's been one tough machine. The guy who bought it new mistreated it something awful and since I've gotten it I've abused it badly with short trips and heavy loads way over it's carrying capacity. I've had three times it's rated load on both racks at times and pulled a ton in my trailer with it. Matt abuses it something awful when he comes over and is wanting to buy it from me so he can continue to abuse it rather than me trading it in.

Got any outstandingly good or horrendously bad stories to tell on either?

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #1 on:** October 28, 2004, 01:54:58 AM »

The Rancher and the Bruin both are pretty good machines. I think you are talking about the 350 Rancher, correct?? I have spoken with many people that have bought the new 400AT Rancher and they were all pretty disappointed with the power it had. The 350 Rancher actually has more pulling and working power than the 400AT easily. Also for pulling I would think the Rancher would out pull the Bruin for one simple reason. The Bruin has the Yamaha transmission which is the best belt drive on the market, but it also lacks low range so whatever you do, you have to do it in high range. If you dont plan on running big tires and pulling really super heavy loads all the time I would think the Bruin would have more than enough power.

I know for a fact I would rule out the 400AT though because of the power problems they have had. I hooked up with a buddy that has a 650 Rincon, which has the same transmission as the 400AT, and even though we were about the same weight with the same modifications and same engine size I easily drug him around without a hesitation. The Honda auto transmission just does not get the power to the ground.

markc · « **Reply #2 on:** October 28, 2004, 02:58:40 AM »

The cost of the Mule's are a good bit higher than the mid sized atv's. For work purposes they(atv's) fall far behind the Mule, or similar side by side vehicles, not to mention they also don't have that seat for Faye to ride comfortably in. Now, Kawasaki has come out with a new small Mule that is about $3000.00 cheaper than the 3010. It comes in 2WD as the model 600 and the 4WD is the model 610. It has a new 401cc motor, an improved CVT tranny and a water tight storage compartment under the hood, as well as additional storage under the seat. I believe it is a 17 hp motor, not far behind the 3010, but smaller, lighter weight, and cheaper too!

It would be a good bit better in power and off road ability than the out going model 550, but not quite as powerful as the 3010. It has a 400# bed capacity and 1100# towing capacity. From experience I can tell you that the Mule will certainly carry more than advertised in the bed.

There are some good pictures of it at www.uvcountry.com
They are located in S/E Houston and are nice folks. They do some cool things to Mule's. Personally, if I were in the market for a new buggy, I would (and will) look at the Mule 610 when it hits the dealerships in another month or so.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** October 28, 2004, 06:21:26 AM »

Mark I saw the smaller mule also. They had a 4x2 and 4x4 of the larger one and the smaller one all three on display. It had a much smaller plastic bed and just didn't do much for me. Were I going to get one and I sure would love to the 3010 would be the one. But that's a lot of bucks to spend after just getting a new pickup truck. Would put a crimp in my ability to travel as planned I think. The 4 wheeler on the other hand shouldn't.

The tow rating of the two machines is quite a lot different with the Yamaha having a full 300 pound edge over the Honda. And yes the Bruin 350 and Honda Rancher 350 are the machines I'm looking at.

Around the farm here towing is a big use to which I'll be putting it. My current Honda Recon 250 pulls most of my loads even up to a full ton or so but can't seem to get them up the inclines at times. With better tires and less spin it might but still is running out of steam with my 17 cu. ft. trailer filled with dirt or gravel. Now MOST of my loads are not nearly that heavy but I do a lot of moving of dirt and fertilizer and such with heavy loads in that trailer. That's one reason I'd really love the Mule as it would do away with the need for a trailer and I do hate pulling trailers. :eek:

HoundDog55 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 28, 2004, 12:29:02 PM »

Congrats on getting a new wheeler. Shopping is half the fun. I just bought myself a new one a few weeks back. I too was looking at the Bruin and the Rancher. I bought a Rancher AT. Unlike the above post, I am VERY pleased with the Honda. The Hondamatic is the best transmission on the market. Unlike the Bruin (and every other auto on the market) the Honda has NO belt. It is a true hydrostatic transmission. Now dont get me wrong, I havent tried uprooting trees with it or anything, but I do have some very steep and rockey terain I hunt here in these Tennessee mountains and i havent lacked the power to go anywhere I want (with two hundred pounds of corn strapped to the racks.
I rode the Bruin and the Honda at the same dealership. The bruin had plenty of power. i just did not like the lurch I felt when starting off. The Honda is so much smoother and has much better engine braking. On the other hand, the Bruin had independant rear suspension and the Honda doesnt. I could have gotten the Bruin $1400 cheaper, but I liked the Honda that much. (the built in GPS is pretty cool also). I strongly suggest you ride both and then decide. And the Honda has plenty of power. Just my opinions. Dont want a flame war with anyone about which is best. I may buy my son a Bruin in a few months but I liked the honda.

Let us know what you go with. Either will make you a fine machine.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2004, 01:00:42 PM »

Not real sure a test ride is possible. They are in the city and nothing but pavement around. They might let me take them out on that but for sure no dirt would be do able.

What do you mean when you say a "lurch" with the Bruin? Not sure I understand.

What was the price on them if there was a $1400 difference? Both list at $4099 and my local dealer says he might can come off a couple hundred but no more. Not sure I understand why you'd have such a huge difference in price and would like to see what price is in other areas.

It will be awhile yet (not sure how long) before I make the final decision and buy it. I've still got plenty of time for input and more deep thinking before I plunk down the money.

HoundDog55 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 29, 2004, 12:53:12 AM »

I could have bought the Bruin for $3900 out the door. Not sure what msrp was. The Honda AT retails for $6100. I bought mine for $5400 out the door. I could have bought a Rubicon for $100 more but I just liked the size of the 400. Its almost identicle in size to my old trustworthy 300 4x4.
Plus You cant take the 500 out of 4x4 like you can the 400.
The lurch I felt was when you first started moving from a stop. It was kinda like popping the clutch on a truck. You take off. May of just been me not used to a belt drive. Anyway it was not serious. The Bruin seemed like a fine machine.

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #7 on:** October 29, 2004, 02:36:11 AM »

Honda makes a good bike no doubt but from what I have heard from several people that have bought the AT they have had some problems with them. Most of the people I have spoken with have had electrical problems, heating issues, transmission problems, cooling pumps going out, etc Needless to say there are some definite issues.

I have ridden the Honda transmission on a Rincon and the CVT on Grizzly, Polaris, Arctic Cat, etc I guess the best comparison would be the Rincon 650 vs. my Grizzly 660. Like I said before two bikes with the same size engine and one just out powers the other easily. It has nothing to do with the engine, but its all in the transmission.

Its true that most autos out there have a CVT transmission in them, but then again you would have to look at why they have them. First off the CVT is a pretty basic style of transmission and it is not only easy to work on, but also not that expensive. Secondly the CVT does an excellent job of putting the power to the ground because you dont have the conventional transmission that will suck up a whole lot of the power getting it to the wheels. Thirdly you have the fact that the CVT transmission is extremely proven while the transmission in the 400AT and Rincon are not quite as proven. The CVT has been used for many, many years in snowmobiles and other various machines. The design is simplistic and it works

With the Honda transmission used on the AT and Rinny you have a whole different ball game. There is no way that a normal every day Joe could work on it if you had problems. You would have to take it to a shop and have it worked on and those transmissions are quite expensive to fix. When I go look at a new bike I dont really pay attention to the price of the bike, but rather look at how much it will cost to fix it. When I looked at the CVT I said Well, its simple and if I break down I know I can fix it even if I am out in the field. The I looked at the Honda and said Man, if that thing breaks down in the field I will never be able to fix it and its going to cost me an arm and a leg.

Dont get me wrong I am not trying to make the Honda sound like a bad bike. I have always been a fan of Hondas and I even still now own Honda, but you cant deny the mass problems some people have been having with the new set-up Honda has been using. Also this is not to say that all people will have these problems. I thought about the axle problems the Grizzly has when I was buying mine, and even though most people break theirs fairly easy mine have lasted me a year and I have only broken one. All bikes are different and some might not have problems while others do. When you have mass problems is when you have to look at it.

Dark:30 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 29, 2004, 02:09:32 PM »

Graybeard said:

#1: "For sure I'd love to get me the Mule 3010."

#2: "After riding in Mark's out at the Reed Ranch a few years back I've kinda had the hots for one ever since."

#3: "It sure would be nice here on the Blueberry Farm for the hauling chores and could write it off as a farm expense and be totally honest in doing it."

Don't try to talk yourself out of it. Get what you would- "love to get" and "what you kinda had the hots for."

Life is too short to settle for second or third choice things when you CAN have what you really want!

You will be using it and enjoying it for years! Go get the Mule and write it off as a farm expense!

Frank

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2004, 06:40:51 PM »

Sure I can write it off as a farm expense. BUT first I have to pay for it. I know my finances and rat now that ain't in the budget. Just can't handle the payments at this time. I just got a new pickup last month. Ya gotta be able to make them payments, buy groceries and have a little money left to do something other than ride up and down the blueberry rows.

Dark:30 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 30, 2004, 04:12:24 PM »

If you buy any of the scooters you mentioned in your original post you will be making payments unless you can pay cash for them. You obviously long to own a mule! Save up and wait 'till you have the funds to purchase what you really want.

You said your Honda has been working for you. Keep it long enough to save up for the mule if that is what you really want.

Frank

DES · « **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2004, 06:44:53 PM »

I was debating between a Rancher ES and the Bruin, and ended up buying the Bruin because I could get it $500 cheaper. I've had mine about a year and have no complaints.

AAAJohn · « **Reply #12 on:** October 31, 2004, 03:13:30 PM »

I've had my Honda Rancher 350 for 4 years and 2000 miles, other than the two recalls, not one minute of trouble. I rode one Yamaha, Big Bear I think, with the auto and it sounded like the engine was staying in first gear all the way up to 45 mph when I let off. The owner told me it used a lot more gas than his Rancher. I have a 450 ES Honda and I think the Rancher has a much better ride but, the 450 will work circles around the Rancher. Owned 5 new Hondas since 88, 2 300's, 2 450's and the Rancher and never had a bad one.

DES · « **Reply #13 on:** October 31, 2004, 04:40:51 PM »

I agree with AAAJohn, my Bruin DOES rev higher being an auto, and uses more gas than my old Honda. My understanding is that the auto keeps you in the powerband all the time, irregardless of whether you need it or not.

AAAJohn · « **Reply #14 on:** November 01, 2004, 01:08:33 AM »

Bill
I don't think u will hurt the Honda by overloading it some, I have carried 800 lbs. plus me over 200 with my Rancher. I put 150lbs. lyme and fertlizer on the back rack and 650 in a trailer and pulled it up a steep hill.
I'm with u on the mule, love to have one but their asking 9300 for them here and the used ones 5 or 6 yrs. old are still in the 6,000 range.
A friend of mine killed a deer and hired a man with a 300 Honda to carry it out for him up a steep mountain. They were four of them alltogether, they loaded the deer on the front and the guy told them to get on and carried all of them. As soon as he got home he bought a 300 Honda.
I'm 55 and don't ride much for play anymore, mostly farm chores and hunting but still manage to put 5-600 miles a year, but I like being able to just put gas in and change the oil once a year.
Congrats on a great choice in the truck.

markc · « **Reply #15 on:** November 01, 2004, 03:38:16 AM »

another choice might be a good used Mule 2510. U V Country in Houston had 2 listed on their site last week, one a diesel and the other the gas 4X4. The body style is different than the 3010 Mule, but otherwise quite the same. Any way it is a thought, and from what I can tell, they are honest folks there and wouldn't sell you a bad vehicle. I was thinking about the used 2510, since I can't quite afford a new 3010 just yet. The new Mule 610 is interesting, but not quite enough of an improvement to justify the $6600. price tag. I will give one a test ride when they get them in and compare to the new 3010.

The Mule will be working hard this coming weekend at the new lease. Hopefully hauling a nice buck and a few hogs too.
markc

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #16 on:** November 01, 2004, 10:00:26 AM »

If you rode a Yamaha auto it was either the Kodiak, Grizzly, or Bruin. The Big Bear is a manual (probably always will be) because it's more bottom of the line.

If you ride any bike with a CVT it will tend to drink a little more gas than a manual, but the power is always there because there are no gears and the power is instantaneous.

I have rode with many Rincon's and I have noticed that whether they ride in auto or manual they get about the same mileage which is almost identical to my Grizzly so it's not just the tranny. Some bikes are just gonna drink more gas than others.

It took me a little while to get used to the amount of gas the Grizzly drinks, but you trade out gas mileage for a whole lot of performance so in the end it was a good trade for me.

markc · « **Reply #17 on:** November 02, 2004, 05:24:43 AM »

when you mention performance in that Grizzley. The 1st time I hit the gas on one in 2WD mode, I nearly flipped it over backwards. LOL They are amazingly powerful, and a blast to ride.
markc

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #18 on:** November 02, 2004, 05:33:41 AM »

Once you add the HMF exhaust you get about 20-25% more power. Put on the K&N, DynoJet, and EPI clutch kit to go with it and you have a beast.

I have the 28 laws, which are very heavy and mine will ride wheelies with ease. With the stock tires on I can easily pull wheelies from 20+MPH.

markc · « **Reply #19 on:** November 04, 2004, 03:41:57 AM »

I am wondering about that exhaust for an RUV like the Mule. I read from a few guys who did the clutch and carb jet kits in theirs as well as disabling the governor and saw a good increase in usable power, spinning 27" tires on the pavement. Awsome! What I need in my part of town is a good shop that can work on vehicles like that. I guess I should ask the guy who services my motorcycles about that. Maybe I will find a well used Mule 3010 and soup it up a good bit! Would be a neat project.
markc

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #20 on:** November 05, 2004, 02:42:14 AM »

Mark,

When I first got the bike I thought it had awesome power. I put the 28 laws on it and it drained a fair amount of power out of the motor. I put the EPI clutch kit to counteract this and I noticed that after the installation I could wheelie with the 28 laws just like I did with the stockers when I first bought it. The clutch kit did make a pretty big difference.

When I installed the K&N, DynoJet kit, and HMF exhaust I noticed a huge power increase. The HMF utility exhaust alone brings an average 5HP gain to most utility vehicles. 5HP might not sound like a lot but considering the Grizzly is only about 30HP at the rear wheels that is a very noticeable power increase. Where I am at right now I can easily smoke down the 28 laws on pavement in 4wd. I can pull wheelies even better with the 28 tires than I could when it was bone stock with light weight 25 tires. The power is just unreal.

On the downside if you dont like a loud exhaust the HMF utility series is not for you. Right now my Grizzly reads at 105db with out the snorkel pipe on it. With the snorkel pipe it reads more in the 110db range. HMF does also make the Eco-system exhaust which gives about 3HP without all the noise, and I have heard that it is a noticeable power gain.

If you are into power I would seriously suggest an aftermarket pipe no matter if its the Supertrapp, Big gun, HMF, etc.

copp · « **Reply #21 on:** November 05, 2004, 02:45:28 AM »

I have the mule 3000 and really like it. Own ranch in south Tx. and mule type utility only way to go for me. Paid about 7,000 for the 2 wheel drive model and 500 for ITP tires and wheels. Really need the true bed and towing ability. Never been stuck in mud and with ITP tires it pulls really well. Of course 4 wheel models will give more pull in really rough terrain but I have found do not really need unless I just wanted to play. My place is really rough and hilly.

Ramrod · « **Reply #22 on:** November 06, 2004, 03:25:04 AM »

Graybeard, I bought a Yamaha Bruin this spring for hauling chores, dragging deer, and fun riding. Next year if I can swing it I'm getting a 5 foot mower to tow behind it. This is one excelent machine, rugged and fun to ride. Don't worry about that belt tranny, like 264 WIN MAG said, this system is proven on snowmobiles. One plus with the Yamaha is the excellent engine braking effect, on the flats I hardly ever use the regular brakes, and you have great control going down hills.
When I compared features, ground clearance, power, towing, rack capacity, ect., the bruin gave me the most bang for the buck.

Graybeard · « **Reply #23 on:** November 06, 2004, 03:28:49 AM »

Did you get the two wheel or four wheel drive model? Right now I'm leaning toward the 4x2 to save $1000 over the 4x4 which for the most part I'll not need. For $69 I can get the winch for it which should get me out of most any mess me and the bike can't around here at least. In my area trees are never far away.

Ramrod · « **Reply #24 on:** November 06, 2004, 04:05:14 AM »

I bought the 2 wheel drive and am happy with it. I just go around the deepest mudholes. :lol:

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #25 on:** November 09, 2004, 02:47:56 AM »

For what you are going to be doing with it you should be fine with the 2x4 Graybeard. I will give you fair warning about the winch that you get for $69. If you use it the thing is gonna break. For $69 you get a throw away winch. Most of the Warn winches now are all sealed, but the $69 promotion winch is not. Mine lasted for less than a year and I have probably used it a total of 4 times and it's broke. The cable does not last long and niether does the winch.

The last two times I used my winch it did fail to pull me loose, but then again the way I ride and the way you ride are two different worlds. If you don't constantly have the winch buried in mud and water it should last you a fair while, but I would try to use it as little as possible.

Graybeard · « **Reply #26 on:** November 09, 2004, 03:23:42 AM »

Might never have to use it. But it would be nice to have one that does work if and when needed. Will have to take a look at what they are offering. Most likely will be picking it up this week.

Number 2 son Matt (GBO webmaster) wants my old Recon on the "oh yeah sure dad I'll pay you later" plan. He is gonna try to talk them into taking a "crotch rocket" he has that has been wrecked and needs a bunch of plastic replaced and a new clutch as trade in. That's been the hold up is us getting together to get it up for them to look at and see if they will take it as trade in.

Bullseye · « **Reply #27 on:** November 09, 2004, 07:00:03 AM »

Well Graybeard, if I remember the start if this post right you now have a Recon. So you know without a doubt whether or not you need 4wd. I would say save the money if you do not ride in big mud. I have a Recon and a Grizzly. I put the Grizzly in 4wd about twice a year, and then I do not need it, I just want to do it. It would be different if we were serious mudders. By the way, that Recon is a much better woods machine than the Grizzly, the smaller machine just handles much better. I think you are right by looking at the Bruin.

As far as the winch, I think that is the 1500lb model they give you the deal on. The kicker is that it is 1500lbs with only one wrap on the drum and it falls off drastically with more wraps. I just put a 2500lb Warn on my Grizzly and it drops of to 1700lbs with the drum wrapped with all its wire. This means the 1500lber would drop off pretty low, but the 4 wheeler does not weigh as much either. As far as longevity I do not have enough experience to comment yet.

By the way, my Grizzly has 1200 miles on it and I have never had any problems with the transmission and it still has the original belt on it.

Graybeard · « **Reply #28 on:** November 09, 2004, 06:41:41 PM »

Winch in offer is a Warm 2500 pound job. Regular price is over $400 if you buy it out right without the special offer. With a new bike it is $69.

BUT there are hidden charges. There is a bracket needed that costs close to $50 and they say it really needs to be "professionally" installed at a cost of close to $175. I may buy it and either see if my boys can install or have it done later. Dunno.

Decision time is drawing near tho. Looks like I'll be going after it tomorrow.

Where the heck is Mark. Did he say anything about vacation this week er sumpin?

Bullseye · « **Reply #29 on:** November 10, 2004, 04:48:35 PM »

That is a good winch. Do not pay to have them mount it, it is not that hard. On mine the mounting plate went by the skid plate, just take 4 bolts out and attach plate. Find a place to mount the contactor (I put mine under the seat in the back) and run the big wires from the winch to the contactor. Also will need to run wires from the battery to the contactor. The hardest part is tieing the electrical wire for the switch to the key switch on the ATV. It is easy and the winch comes with the connector, you just need to find the wire on the handlebars.

Took me about 4 hours to do mine. Guess you need to figure if 4 hours of your time is worth $175.

They are giving you the straight scoop on the winch, mine was $300 plus $50 for the mounting kit.