Gator vs. Mule vs. Ranger

[Steve_in_Ont]

Though not a tractor question, I though that I'd post this here... Given how loyal JD fans are, certainly there are a few Gator owners out there...

Does anyone have any comments on how a JD Gator, Kawasaki Mule and Polaris Ranger compare in the real world? It would be used as a utility vehcle around the "farm" (100 acres, mostly woods).

 

[heehaw]

i don't remember where i saw it, maybe on TBN, but last year i read a pretty detailed comparison of the mule and gator; if it was all true and an unbiased comparison, the gator looked the best; the engine in the gator was a kawasaki. they all seem to hold their resale value.
heehaw

 

[gem607]

I have had a 6X4 Gator for about five years and have been very pleased with it. The only real problem I have is getting stuck in the mud and this is due tto the fact my wife insisted on turf tires so I would not tear up her lawn. I added a winch and have been very pleased with the machine. I have seen the Ranger and it seems to be a fine machine.

 

[cowboydoc]

Steve,
I've owned both the Mule and the Gator and my uncle has the Polaris. Personally I'd take the Gator hands down. It's bigger, it's more stable, built more durable and all around just feels like a better machine. The other two are good but in my opinion the Gator is great. Only complaints I have with the gator is 1. no roll bar and 2. no seat belts. I talked with deere about this and they said it's a non issue as it is nearly impossible to tip over the gator. I agree with this as it is not nearly as tipsy as the mule was by a longshot. The Gator is much more stable ESPECIALLY with a load it's a significant diff. and the tires are much bigger as well. I've been extremely pleased with my 6x4 gator.

 

[CSAW]

I have had no experience with any of them. However, I have talked to several Gator owner and operators. They have expressed concerns with the final drive clutch or transmission. (can't remember exactly) I believe it was a slipping problem. I did own 2 Polaris personal watercrafts, other than the gas guage quiting on one they were flawless for five years. Thats when I sold them. I am not a hunter but all the hunters around here are selling their four wheelers and getting Polaris four wheelers. They have quite a reputation around here. Florida

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have had a 4 wheel Gator for five years and think it is great. Actually since my wife started driving it, I rarely get to use it. Not very powerful, but it goes where I want to go and carries what I want to haul. Very stable. I wound up driving across a very steep hill at which point I told myslef that this is a really stupid thing to do - but it never felt like tipping.

Not very good in snow due to the light ground weight - even with the knubby tires. Although the rear axel lockup helps.

There is a Gator Pro [or something like that] that seems a bit ourageous in price but otherwise looks good.

The Mule has 4WD, more powerful engine and is more expensive. The smaller tires may be a bit better for paved roads as the big baloons on the Gator can start bouncing.

Toro has come out with one now that has a torsion bar between the front half and rear half. [http://www.toro.com/grounds/vehicle/workman/index.html] When I first saw it I thought that it had been damaged due to the odd angle of the front versus the rear. I think it is supposed to give better traction on rough terrain. The one I saw was 2wd. The price I heard was similar to the Gator but it is hard to tell as each has a bunch of options that may or may not be included.
Toro also has a heavier duty model that appears to compete with the Big Gator sold by the grounds care group.

 

[cowboydoc]

Remember JD has numerous versions. They have the 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, 6x6 and engines from 10-24 hp in gasoline and diesel. When you compare make sure you are comparing like to like. The Mule only comes in 4x2 and 4x4. Polaris only comes in a 6x6.

 

[BobinCols]

Friends that have Gators on the farm really like them. A dump bed would seem like a must. I saw a new Cub Cadet Mountaineer 6x4 at the Columbus Power Show in January. It featured a Honda 18 horse engine and independent rear suspension. A 4x2 will be ready this fall.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Yeah but those Gators have those cheap plastic fenders.I hate that plastic.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

We have about a dozen of those mules where I work,we run the guts out of them day in and day out.Not near as much plastic either.