New Ranger Owner

Tractors4u · Jan 5, 2006

I have had a John Deere Gator 6X4 since since September 03. I decided last year that I wanted to upgrade to something with more power, bells, whistles, etc, etc. My Gator really did everything work related that I asked of it. The bed hauled more loads of dirt than I can count and it never struggled to dump it. That was work related. When it came time to play that is where it struggled. The low ground clearance hampered it on rough terrain and the exposed belt would get wet when I tried to cross our creek. Anything more than 6 to 8 inches would do it in. I really got the bug when I drove the Yamaha Rhino, but the bed was too small for any useful hauling. It did have the most comfortable seats of any of the UV's. I drove the new Gator HPX but it seemed to ride rough to me, plus its top speed was only 25. I drove the RTV twice. I looked at it again and again. The dealer said it would actually run close to 30 MPH and the power steering was sweet. I ended going with the Polaris. The Polaris is rated to tow more and weighs 600lbs less and will run 44mph. The weight was a concern to me for trail riding and getting stuck. The Ranger seems a little roomier and has seatbelts for three. The Ranger also has more storage area. There is a compartment under the hood and there is a large dry storage compartment on the side under the drivers seat. One thing about the Ranger and the RTV, neither have seats as comfortable as the Rhino. I ended up with the Ranger XP that has a 700cc twin fuel injected engine.

Tact · Jan 5, 2006

Are you sure the Ranger 's towing is rated more than the RTV? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Tractors4u · Jan 5, 2006

The Ranger is rated to haul 1000lbs in the bed and tow 1750.

The RTV is rated to haul 1102 in the bed and tow 1300lbs.

BillyP · Jan 5, 2006

Nice lookin ride there, Brent. I looked at one just like that here while back. I wanted to test drive it but it was in the showroom, so I didn't ask. Pretty cool deal with the two keys huh? If I may, what did you give for it. I think they were asking $10,400 for that one. The only option I noticed on it was a top.

One good thing about that Ranger that some may or may not know is, it's a true 4 wheel drive. I want one but can't justify it right now. Well, I can justify it but the other half won't /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Tractors4u · Jan 5, 2006

( Pretty cool deal with the two keys huh? )

For those that don't know, Polaris has what they call the Speed Key option. One key allows the Ranger to go full speed and by using the yellow speed key in the ignition, it governs it down to a top speed of 25mph. However mine does not have the speed key option. The Speed Key is only available on the carbuerated engines. Mine is the fuel injected engine.

Mine costs me $10,645 and the only option I added was the power dump.

Tractors4u · Jan 5, 2006

( it's a true 4 wheel drive )

I almost forgot about that. The transfer case has a 3 position switch. One position is limited slip 2 wheel drive, then locked differential 2 wheel drive and then 4 wheel drive.

When I was at the Polaris dealership they had a couple of 2 wheel drive Rangers and I wondered why anyone would even buy a 2WD. This thing is incredible in 2 wheel drive. The only thing it hasn't been able to do is backwards up our steepest hill. We went up it in 2 WD high range unlocked differential without any hesitation. We even stopped half way up and took off without any problems. Then we went down the hill and tried to back up. It just spun. We had to put it in 4WD to back up. So far it is amazing.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Jan 5, 2006

man you got me druellin /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif i wanna go get me one right now. i have a hpx but i just can'r part with it i wanna get my note down alittle bit one it too so maybe in about 6 months i'll have my polaris. to me they are the two top dogs on the block the gator for workin and the polaris for playin and huntin.soon i'll have both but if i had to i would part with my hpx /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Louisiana_John · Jan 9, 2006

Now you need to put some 28" tires and you will be ready. We bought my boys a Ranger TM for X-mas 1 year ago. I wanted what you got. I thought it would be alot for the kids. I told my self I would get me one later. But like what was said the little 2 wheel will do the job. I does it too well so now I can't see me getting one. I used it to pull the RVT that my fater inlaws ahs 2 miles home from the woods. When he broke down with 70 hrs. I have put all of my welding tools + a 16hp welder in the Ranger it all works fine.
John /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I have been looking at the Big Bore 4 wheelers for dad. The boys have my Honda 300 in the woods whenever I need it. I did not think it was going to be this bad till they wanted the truck keys.
John

Panache · Jan 11, 2006

Are you a member of PRC? I have a 05 500 4x4 Ranger. I am amazed at where it will go. I siteprep sprayed 18 acres to plant pine trees with mine. The spray pattern is 10' wide. I had to go over the area every 10' no matter what the terrain with the spray tank in the be. Most of it was done in 2wd.

Tractors4u · Jan 11, 2006

Actually I joined PRC the day after I bought it. Good folks over there. I guess when everyone has the same brand of machine they seem to keep it very civil. It still amazes me where this thing will go. My wife took her first ride in it yesterday and I went across our creek and proceeded to climb the bank on the other side that was about 2 ft straight up and it never hesitated. I keep telling the guys at work that I bought it for her and so far she is pleased with it.

PappyW · Jan 11, 2006

Hi Guys I have an RTV and the specifications I got from Kubota are Towing capacity of 1300 LBS and hauling capacity of 1830 LBS

Tractors4u · Jan 11, 2006

The specs I posted came from Kubota's website. They may have revised the brochure or the website. In no way did I intend to start a war on which vehicle is stronger or better. The Ranger to me was a good compromise between the Rhino and the RTV.

Dargo · Jan 11, 2006

Cool ride! I have two friends who have always been die hard Polaris fans and they have spent tens of thousands over the years on Polaris units. They are always impressed with the cutting edge technology of their units. The only "but" would be that they both would also highly recommend that you buy the extended warranty for your Ranger. Of all the units they have had combinded, they have never had one that didn't have to spend some time in the shop. They both still like Polaris, but they now just consider it part of they buying price to add a 3 or 5 year warranty. When their warranty is up, they trade. Good luck! Let us know how it works out for you.

Tractors4u · Jan 11, 2006

This is only my second Polaris. My first was a 1995 Sport 400 with the 2 stroke engine. My only problem with it was the reverse limiter went out on it and the fact that it really enjoyed fouling plugs. I never went any further than my front yard without an extra spark plug. I hope this one holds up. I plan on getting the extended warranty.

rogdan · Jan 13, 2006

( The Ranger to me was a good compromise between the Rhino and the RTV. )
That's the same reason I went with the Ranger, its the best combo of work and play. I've hauled over 20 loads of dirt and gravel in my XPand pulled many logs. The best part is loading up the kids and going for a ride and with the top and windshield rainy days aren't a loss either. The PRC is full of great advice and ideas for add on's /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Dargo · Jan 13, 2006

( I hope this one holds up. I plan on getting the extended warranty. )

I just re-read my post. I didn't intend to sound negative, I just thought I'd pass on what my buddies who live and breathe Polaris tell me. My intent was only to try to possibly save you future money. It's hard to argue with the technology that Polaris has and their abilities. As long as my buddies were not footing the bill, they still love their Rangers. So far Polaris has not given them any grief on using their warranties. Still, you gotta give us some action pics of that beast!! I'm really jealous of the fuel injection!!

Tractors4u · Jan 14, 2006

I didn't take your post negatively. Polaris gives you a standard 6 month warranty, but I will be leaving for Iraq in 6 months and will be gone for a year. I plan on getting the extended warranty so that when I getting back I will still some warranty left.