Gator HPX or Ranger

RollTideRam · Mar 11, 2006

I have priced both and they are within $300. I have always wanted a gator, wanted not needed. I want one more now because we sold our ATV's a couple years ago when our first baby (14 years of marriage) was on the way. I miss riding around the yard and if I sell my mower I will need something for hauling the trash to the road, tooling around with my boy and other assorted chores.
Anyway I stopped and looked them over for the first time and really like the gator except for no bench seat. I have looked at the Yerf dogs and suspect they are dogs. I can't get past the look of Mules, They say the Rhino is a blast, but don't want something built biased for play. There are no close dealers for the Bush Hog, Land Pride UTV's and had rather have a 4x4 so that leaves out the golf carts. My logical choice is either a Gator or Ranger.
Have heard and read more negatives on the Ranger, and since I'm looking out of state (much better price) I would need reliabilty. I've been told from a local dealer, His customers always get priority.
I have rambled way too long on this post, just looking for suggestions. JC

ddivinia · Mar 12, 2006

Check out the Kawasaki Mule 4 seater - it is really slick. I think we will need to add one to the line up here.

I have a Gator HPX and love it. I would probably get the diesel instead of gas next time (cold natured). The bucket seats are nice - less sliding around.

D.

Cottonhawk · Mar 12, 2006

I bought a 2004 Ranger 6x6 after extended research and comparison. It's the greatest RUV one can ever asking for. It's a hard working work horse, it's fun, it's a go anywhere machine. My wife loves it. My grandchildren enjoy the Ranger rides on the property especially on steep slopes. It carries heavy load and go anywhere I want it to go. Go to the Ranger forum www.prcforum.com. The nice folks there will answer all the questions you may have.

Tractors4u · Mar 12, 2006

When the HPX came out, I fell in love, decided that it would be my next UTV. I went to the local dealer where I know one of the salesman. He let me take an HPX for a test drive. Going across the smooth lot behind their building I felt like I was being bounced all over the place. The HPX I drove had just too stiff of a suspension. My daughter looked like she was going to bounce out of the seat. Don't get me wrong, I am not Deere bashing, I have 2 other Deeres in the garage. I was just really surprized at how rough it seemed to ride.

JESSE1 · Mar 12, 2006

I think the suspension has to break in and loosen up. My HPX rides smoother now with 215hrs on it than new. Also, the tires were probably aired up to 20psi when it was at the dealer. I've always had to let air out of the tires when I get them home.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Mar 12, 2006

the hpx rides smoother with a little load in them .i would recomend that you keep some sand bags in the bedd if you plan on not havein a tool box in there.

Dargo · Mar 13, 2006

I've had 2 gas powered Gators, 1 diesel powered Gator, an electric golf cart with a bed, a Yamaha Rhino, and a Kubota RTV. Two of my friends have had about 8 or 10 Polaris units between them and they have spent quite a bit of time on my property and I've used them.

As I mentioned before, I would give the edge to Polaris for innovation as they always seem to have great ideas and they are great to ride, but I'd honestly have to say I'd never own one because of their rather well documented reliability and durability issues. Of all the other units I've owned and still own, I've never had anything break or have anything that required a trip to the shop. Maybe I've just been lucky. Unfortunately, my attorney (one of the Polaris guys) has never had a Polaris that has not had to spend time in the shop. Granted, they treat him well and provide him free loaners, I think he is officially finished with the Polaris brand. As nice as they are, the aggravation factor is just too much.

I really do like the Gator HPX units. If my JD dealer didn't pull up his tent stakes and move to another town on me, I'd most likely own an HPX instead of the RTV I currently have. Having said that, I can't say that I'm at all displeased with the RTV. One other misconception is that a Rhino can't do work. I also have a Rhino and I assure you that it will work right along with the best HPX, RTV, or Ranger. It's only limiting factor would be the size of the bed. If you add some weight in the bed to make it the same weight as the HPX or RTV, lock the front and rear differentials, I guarantee you that it will out pull either in a big way. Afterall, it does have right at twice the hp.

Anyway, your question is between the HPX or Ranger. Based on several years experience and using plenty of the units, I'd have to say HPX all the way if I had to choose between the two. I don't see how you could go wrong with the HPX. Good luck!

jcmseven · Mar 13, 2006

I have been well pleased with my Gator. Although I think our man Dargo has some great points, even with the extra HP, I have not found the Rhino will outpull. or push, a diesel Gator. (My neighbor has a Rhino, and we have put them through their paces--my Gator and his Rhino). I will say that for reliability and pure ability to do heavy work, I love my Gator. The only thing that places it at a disadvantage to other UTV's is its lack of suspension travel. In erratic terrain, a Rhino or Polaris would be better. But, with my 72" front blade I could climb VERY steep hillls and plow snow that was pretty deep. Although my neighbor's Rhino could go everywhere I could, I was not left with the impression he could have done so toting a 72" front blade, or with the blade overflowing with snow. I also could add weight to the Gator which made it even more unstoppable in tough conditions. I have been able to unroot two trees his Rhino struggled with mightily. My impression: for work, Gator or Kubota if the terrain allows. For irregular terrain and tight areas, the Polaris or Rhino (Rhino being my first choice).

John M

Tractors4u · Mar 13, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I also have a Rhino and I assure you that it will work right along with the best HPX, RTV, or Ranger. It's only limiting factor would be the size of the bed. )</font>

That is wha I meant. I really wanted the hauling capacity of the larger bed. A friend of mine has a Rhino and I drove it before I bought my Ranger. The performance of the Rhino is something to behold.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Mar 13, 2006

get the hpx. you won't be sorry. you can work it hard and it will play hard too!and don't worry about throwing some bricks in the bed from 5 or 10 foot away it's not a rino oor a ranger it has a iron bed /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifthe hpx can take the beating but i don't know how much of a beating the other guys beds can take being they are made of plastic or that polymer stuff.try dropping a load of bricks in a plastic bed see how long it holds up as a work utv.i think the hpx is more of what you want.