I assume many of you have side by side ATV's. What's a good new one in the $15-20K range with 4WD for hills? A lot of guys seem to like the Mule.
Side by Side
- Thread starter TxTom
- Start date
We have a Ranger and use it to push dead cars/trucks into shop. Owner had a RTV for a few hours till they took it up a hill. It was taken back to dealership and a Ranger replaced it. I have a older Mule 2510 that is a diesel will climb about anything but kinda slow doing it.
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Now I have Gators, I had a Rhino before and it worked well for me. Gator with hvac is for older people. If I was getting back into serious off roading I would go back to Yamaha due to their cvt. Much better on hills than Deere. It never disengages the belt which make engine braking so much better. Yamahas cvt is what I miss when going downhill. Never lets you freewheel unless you put it in neutral.
Any brand will probably work pretty well. There are a lot of brand comparison YouTube videos from multiple companies that describe the differences. There are also lots of videos that say one or another brand isn't very good. Do make sure you are looking at the newer models if you are trying to compare.
I have a 2017 Polaris Ranger Midsize 570. When I was comparing years ago, that seemed like the best option and it drives all over my property in turf mode most of the time. It also has 4 WD and full 4WD as well. The midsize has 2 seatbelts although three can fit snugly as long the people aren't very large.
I use mine to snow plow, carry firewood, and generally move about the property.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are fairly often changes. Like cars/trucks, some changes end up being reliable and some not.
I have a 2017 Polaris Ranger Midsize 570. When I was comparing years ago, that seemed like the best option and it drives all over my property in turf mode most of the time. It also has 4 WD and full 4WD as well. The midsize has 2 seatbelts although three can fit snugly as long the people aren't very large.
I use mine to snow plow, carry firewood, and generally move about the property.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are fairly often changes. Like cars/trucks, some changes end up being reliable and some not.
Lil Foot
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
1979 B7100DT Gear, Nissan Hanix N150-2 Excavator
Lil Foot
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
1979 B7100DT Gear, Nissan Hanix N150-2 Excavator
Another Can-Am Defender vote for me. Absolutely love my hd10. No clue what prices are around you but I have zero regrets.
Attachments
Counts just not as a SxS. Well, a Ranger or Mule don't really either as UTVs.Does this count…
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
We have a Kawasaki mule and really like it. There are also lots of accessories available for them.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
If I needed one, with that wad of cash, I'd buy an older CJ-5. Far more power in the low end, built a lot tougher,cheap to fix.
While not everyone's 'cup of tea', it could be a nice option.
While not everyone's 'cup of tea', it could be a nice option.
Not really ... my Ranger Midsize 570 is about 50 HP but only weighs about 1000 lbs. It also has a true 4x4 system that is very similar to full lockers with a Low and High CVT. Also, it will turn inside what any Jeep can do with a lot better MPG.
Truely, they are just different vehicles and since they are made for off-road, are really, really good at it. I like Jeeps and have owned them, but they don't really compare to purpose built off-road vehicles. And, the bonus is I have a tiltable bed for carrying stuff.
The Mule is a nice machine and it goes fast. It also has a very good “ride” suspension. But it is not as durable and has required more maintenance than the Kubota RTV.
The RTV is not fast… but it will go up hills the Mule cannot…. and it’s a diesel which I prefer, especially when it has fuel that sits in it for months before being entirely consumed. The gasser-Mule hasn’t had an issue but we have to keep Stabil in it and it’s req’e several trips back to the dealer…whereas the RTV…just goes and goes and goes…but not over 25mph. (which is plenty of breeze in the face and way too fast on really tough terrain anyway.)
Honda for ATV's. I own 2. If moving less than 6" of snow... with a front plow. They are fast and efficient. Faater than any tractor.
Kubota for a diesel RTV. I own K tractors, but not K RTV's. Too rich for me. But if I was buying a SXS for working, it would be a Kubota.
I own a Polaris RZR Turbo which is crazy fast. But it's not a worker, it's a player.
Kubota for a diesel RTV. I own K tractors, but not K RTV's. Too rich for me. But if I was buying a SXS for working, it would be a Kubota.
I own a Polaris RZR Turbo which is crazy fast. But it's not a worker, it's a player.
NCL4701
Well-known member
Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
I have a Mule. I like it. Hauls me, one or two others, and a reasonable amount of stuff wherever.
If I had a do over, I’d buy it again. But regardless brand, I’ve yet to hear anyone say, “I have a side by side and I REALLY don’t like it.” I’m sure some are better than others depending on the specifics of the duties.
If I had a do over, I’d buy it again. But regardless brand, I’ve yet to hear anyone say, “I have a side by side and I REALLY don’t like it.” I’m sure some are better than others depending on the specifics of the duties.
My neighbor got one of these a couple of months ago and it's nice. Comes with larger/wider tires, mirrors, elec dump bed, and other features. That's where I 'd look if I was going to purchase a SBS.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
I love Jeeps and own them. I also own a SBS. They aren’t substitutes for each other. Each has a different purpose. No Jeep will go where a SBS will, also without rutting and compacting soft ground.
I got a sidekick xg-850 during the covid lockdown - it was the only new machine available anywhere near me and the new price was cheaper than all brands of used UTV's being advertised within a 3 hour drive to me.
Knock on wood I have had no issues with the machine other than it's a gas guzzler. I would have preferred the diesel because I hate using gerry cans. For some reason the tow capacity in the XG-850 is 2,000lbs vs only 1,500lbs with the Kubota diesels.
Lots of zoom zoom and no issues with hills, feels very sure footed. I wish they had the CVT with diesel engines.
Knock on wood I have had no issues with the machine other than it's a gas guzzler. I would have preferred the diesel because I hate using gerry cans. For some reason the tow capacity in the XG-850 is 2,000lbs vs only 1,500lbs with the Kubota diesels.
Lots of zoom zoom and no issues with hills, feels very sure footed. I wish they had the CVT with diesel engines.
GibbyESS9
Active member
Equipment
2020 Bx23s,BX2672 plow, Titan Forks, Land Pride 48” BB, FEL, Bestco Flail mower
I have a Polaris Ranger 570 SP. Like previously posted its a two seater but can hold three. I love it .Firewood hauler, and I can get 2 buckets from my BX23S in the dump bed and take it anywhere on the property. I looked at the CanAm. Very nice but it was too tall to fit in my drive in basement where both the Kubota and Ranger are stored nice and toasty.
