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I'm in the market for a UTV to use around my house. I think I've narrowed it down to a Kawasaki Mule SX or a Polaris 500 Ranger. Any members here have any experience with either of these vehicles?
I'm very happy with my 6 x 4 John Deere Gator with dump bed and mud tires.. I think the Polaris is faster. I mostly drive on dirt roads hauling limbs, dirt, etc. I think it all depends if it's used for work or recreation
The Mule has a top speed of 25 mph and the Ranger about 30-35 mph. I have a little over 3-rolling acres and 50 or so big trees. Constantly picking up branches, leaves, gumballs etc. Currently I have a lawn tractor with a small trailer that I do clean up with. A couple of weeks ago I was hauling leaves to the woods and slid sideways about 30' down a hill. After I changed my shorts, I started looking into something with 4-wheel drive and a roll cage!
At work we use Kubotas both on and off road. They seem pretty dependable.
I looked at some Kubotas but I think for what I need it for it would be overkill. They are expensive because of the diesel engines and are kinda noisy. In a work application they would be great since they are pretty much bullet proof.
If the prices of the Polaris and Kawasaki are similar then what about the engines, are they both gas?
The Mule is about $1,500-$2,000 less than the Ranger. Both are gas and I believe both are EFI.
Since the Mule is cheaper it may be the way to go. Even though it isn't as fast you won't need to go 35 mph off road. Hopefully some folks can give you first hand experience.
We use vehicles like this at work and they get used hard. We don't have any that have 4wd though, we have 4wd tractors for that. Some things to look at as we have found over the years. What is the height of the bed, lifting 50lbs an extra 4 inches can be a pain. The size of the bed can be important as the payload and towing capacity. We use jd gator 4x2 mostly at work, we have found with proper maintenance they are good for about 3000 hours then the motor is shot.
Ok Rick, what's the budget! I sell the Kubota RTV's. You may want to look at the 500 gas twin cylinder liquid cooled EFI Kubota engine with a hydrostatic transmission.
The kaw and Polaris are CVT belt drive. Ok for puttering around, but don't try pull any heavy dead weight. The belt drives will burn the belt which creates a bucking drive and you have to replace the belt when that happens.
With the base model, you should be in @ $9600 + tax plus zero percent financing for 4 years
We use vehicles like this at work and they get used hard. We don't have any that have 4wd though, we have 4wd tractors for that. Some things to look at as we have found over the years. What is the height of the bed, lifting 50lbs an extra 4 inches can be a pain. The size of the bed can be important as the payload and towing capacity. We use jd gator 4x2 mostly at work, we have found with proper maintenance they are good for about 3000 hours then the motor is shot.
Good point on the bed height. I'll keep that in mind
Originally Posted by 1970cs
Ok Rick, what's the budget! I sell the Kubota RTV's. You may want to look at the 500 gas twin cylinder liquid cooled EFI Kubota engine with a hydrostatic transmission.
The kaw and Polaris are CVT belt drive. Ok for puttering around, but don't try pull any heavy dead weight. The belt drives will burn the belt which creates a bucking drive and you have to replace the belt when that happens.
With the base model, you should be in @ $9600 + tax plus zero percent financing for 4 years
Pat
Hi Pat,
Don't really have a budget but I'm thinking I should be able to pick up something between $8k-$12k. The zero % financing is tempting but I like to pay cash whenever possible. I called a guy that had a 2004 Kubota diesel unit with 750 hours on it. He was asking $8,400.00 which I thought was kinda high. I guess after that I had it in my brain that the Kubota's would be pretty pricey. I have a few local dealers within 20 or so miles that I'll check out. I kinda like the idea of a hydro-static trans vs. the CVT although the kind of work I'll be using it for won't be that demanding.
If you cash out on the Kubota RTV, there is a $300 CIR and I stand corrected on the 0% it's down to 36 months.
You need to take one for a spin, ultra quiet! And yes they are built in Georgia. If you go for one, I would highly suggest the plastic canopy and the 2 piece windsheild.
I would suggest staying away from that 2004. It was the first year! Issues with temp readings, short life span on shaft joints, poor coasting like put you into the steering just dumping your foot off the accelerator. And last but not least, no two stage hydro pumps, can't jump a curb from a stand still.
Pat
Last edited by 1970cs; December 18th, 2018 at 05:31 PM.
If you cash out on the Kubota RTV, there is a $300 CIR and I stand corrected on the 0% it's down to 36 months.
You need to take one for a spin, ultra quiet! And yes they are built in Georgia. If you go for one, I would highly suggest the plastic canopy and the 2 piece windsheild.
I would suggest staying away from that 2004. It was the first year! Issues with temp readings, short life span on shaft joints, poor coasting like put you into the steering just dumping your foot off the accelerator. And last but not least, no two stage hydro pumps, can't jump a curb from a stand still.
Pat
X2 on getting one that does NOT have CVT. You *think* you won't use it for heavy pulling until you do, and increases your resale value when you decide you're done with it. Also, roll cage w/ belts. A buddy of mine lost his father to a rollover mower accident almost 20 years ago.
Of course, spending other people's money with recommendations is a specialty of mine...
Well I thought I had it narrowed down to the Mule or Ranger. I'm going to throw the Kubota offering in the ring too. Hoping to get some seat time in each this weekend and make a deal.
I am not a fan of either of the two but of the two I would go with the Polaris. Is this strictly work only? Will there be any chance of the slightest "play" with it? If there is any chance at all you are going to play just a little you had better go with the Polaris even more so. Personally, I love the Honda 700 Pioneer. Just don't get the 4 seater if you plan on doing mostly work. The bed on a 4 seater is a pain to deal with for work. The seats will fold up into the bed but sand and dirt settle into the bottom making a mess. The Honda also has a bullet proof transmission with no belt to deal with.
I picked this up last year and it's the handiest thing around the yard. It's old and I beat the crap out of it but I didn't pay much and it was hardly used when I got it. Having one blows away the garden tractor and it's a lot more stable on hills. I put an old Wheel Horse plow on it that I paid $45 for and bought a $100 winch for it.
Good luck with the hunt. If I could afford something new I'd be all over a Kubota. We have them at work at they are bulletproof.
Last edited by allyolds68; December 20th, 2018 at 01:11 PM.
The bed on the Mule is likely the lowest but Polaris would be close. If loading is a major thing then the lower bed could have an advantage. The bed on the Honda I mentioned earlier is likely higher than the Polaris. Will it ever be in wet conditions? Like pulling a dear out of the woods or any kind of hunting? If it will then you for sure want 4 wheel drive. If plowing snow you will want 4 wheel drive also. There are many of these available so it really matters what the goals are for owning one.
Another one... If it is for the yard only, you will want a differential rear end or you will tear the grass up at every sharp turn. That or get turf tires for it but then it will not get around in wet conditions very well.
I have 35 years in off road experience so I could be biased more to the sport side of things but do understand the work side as well.
another note... You will want a roof and they are not cheap sometimes. If on rock roads or dirt trails with a windshield, it will dust you out really bad. It is a low pressure area behind the glass and that is where all the dust will go. With a windshield in dusty conditions, I recommend also getting a back window. This will help cut down the dust.
I am not a fan of either of the two but of the two I would go with the Polaris. Is this strictly work only? Will there be any chance of the slightest "play" with it? If there is any chance at all you are going to play just a little you had better go with the Polaris even more so. Personally, I love the Honda 700 Pioneer. Just don't get the 4 seater if you plan on doing mostly work. The bed on a 4 seater is a pain to deal with for work. The seats will fold up into the bed but sand and dirt settle into the bottom making a mess. The Honda also has a bullet proof transmission with no belt to deal with.
I keep telling myself this is for work only so I don't get side tracked into buying something I don't really need. My brother and nephews have all the fast off road stuff if I feel the need for speed.
Originally Posted by allyolds68
I picked this up last year and it's the handiest thing around the yard. It's old and I beat the crap out of it but I didn't pay much and it was hardly used when I got it. Having one blows away the garden tractor and it's a lot more stable on hills. I put an old Wheel Horse plow on it that I paid $45 for and bought a $100 winch for it.
Good luck with the hunt. If I could afford something new I'd be all over a Kubota. We have them at work at they are bulletproof.
Great score Mike. I love that thing!
Originally Posted by jensenracing77
The bed on the Mule is likely the lowest but Polaris would be close. If loading is a major thing then the lower bed could have an advantage. The bed on the Honda I mentioned earlier is likely higher than the Polaris. Will it ever be in wet conditions? Like pulling a dear out of the woods or any kind of hunting? If it will then you for sure want 4 wheel drive. If plowing snow you will want 4 wheel drive also. There are many of these available so it really matters what the goals are for owning one.
Another one... If it is for the yard only, you will want a differential rear end or you will tear the grass up at every sharp turn. That or get turf tires for it but then it will not get around in wet conditions very well.
I have 35 years in off road experience so I could be biased more to the sport side of things but do understand the work side as well.
There's that Honda sponsored rider coming out of you again! lol Good point about the differential.
Originally Posted by jensenracing77
another note... You will want a roof and they are not cheap sometimes. If on rock roads or dirt trails with a windshield, it will dust you out really bad. It is a low pressure area behind the glass and that is where all the dust will go. With a windshield in dusty conditions, I recommend also getting a back window. This will help cut down the dust.
Unless I take it off my property it will only be used on grass, blacktop and concrete.
I looked up the 700 Pioneers last night and they are really nice. I'm adding it on to the list of potential machines.
I can only weigh in on Brand loyalty, as I have a Kabuta tractor for 11 years and love it to death. I have never owned a UTV.
On another note, you mentioned that you were hauling leaves in a trailer when you slid. While not knowing your lawn tractor, you may only be covering part of the problem. If you have turf tires on the back, you should look into better rear tires on your lawn tractor such as bar treads, and possibly have them loaded. Your statement about sliding with very little tounge weight, IMHO indicates your tractor may not be set up for your terrain. Just a thought for you consideration as you will still be mowing.
I keep telling myself this is for work only so I don't get side tracked into buying something I don't really need. My brother and nephews have all the fast off road stuff if I feel the need for speed.
Great score Mike. I love that thing!
There's that Honda sponsored rider coming out of you again! lol Good point about the differential.
Unless I take it off my property it will only be used on grass, blacktop and concrete.
I looked up the 700 Pioneers last night and they are really nice. I'm adding it on to the list of potential machines.
Thanks again guys for your feedback.
I will always be a Honda fan but I will say that the height of the bed on the Pioneer cold be a limiting factor. Also, the Honda will rip the grass in tight turns because the back axles are locked together. For strictly work and no wet or muddy conditions, I think your original two choices are good.
Last edited by jensenracing77; December 21st, 2018 at 09:13 AM.
I wanted to give all of you an update on the UTV search. After spending 3 cold wet weekends test driving different units I decided to buy a 2019 Polaris 570 EPS. All in with plow attachment I was looking at handing over between $14-$15k. But before I wrote a check, I wanted to have my wife come to the dealership and take it for a spin to make sure she liked it. I took a brochure home to show her and she says, 'what the hell is that?" I explained to her that this is what I've been looking at for the last three weeks and told her I was going to buy. While looking at the brochure she sees my notes I had scribbled down which included some prices. Now she's in full "what the hell are you thinking" mode and tells me that's too much money to spend on a "TOY"! I tried to explain it was not a toy but she wasn't convinced. Well, I decided it wasn't worth the battle and figured I was destined to die under my lawn tractor after rolling down the hill to my brush pile. Fast forward a few months as I was talking to my nephew about the situation. He tells me he has several UTVs and he can't get one of them started. Tells me to come get it and if I can get it running I can keep it. After I got it home it took me 15 minutes to diagnose it had a burned up ignition switch. A call to the local Polaris dealer and $97.00 later I have a running/driving 2013 Ranger with 197 miles on it. Also came with a 3500# winch and a snow plow. Other than a few scratches and a slow leak in one of the tires, this thing is perfect. Did I mention how much I love my wife?
Last edited by Cincinnati Rick; May 29th, 2019 at 09:58 AM.
Rick that's an awesome deal. Have to keep momma happy.
Couldn't agree more.
Originally Posted by don71
That is one heck of an update to a post. You did well!
I wanted to follow up since I was the OP. I always wonder why members will start a thread asking for advise and then never report back. I'm always curious what happened.
Originally Posted by Weezer
FREE is one of my favorite four letter words, especially when a motor is involved! Nice score, I think you owe your nephew a dinner or something!
You're absolutely right. I'm getting him and his wife a gift card for one of the premiere steak joints here in Cincy. I also gave him a heavy duty utility trailer that I made about 30 years ago. He wanted something to use around his farm and the one I gave him fits the bill perfect. He's a great guy and very generous. On the flip side he knows there's nothing I wouldn't do for him.
December 17th, 2018, 12:04 PM
