Tractors4u
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2002
- Messages
- 2,540
- Location
- Athens Alabama
- Tractor
- Deere 4310, Kubota L355, John Deere SST18 Spin Steer, 2006 Polaris Ranger
Toolnut started the thread RTV vs HPX and I sort of hi-jacked it by accident when I mentioned that I was in the same situation last year except that it was between the 700XP and the RTV. Since then some people have commented about the Ranger and I received a PM about my Ranger. Here is the low down after 48 hours on my Ranger.
I had a Gator 6X4 gas burner for about two years and I really worked it hard. I looked at the towing and hauling capabilities of the 700XP before I seriously considered it. I really like Deere and drove an HPX before I bought my Ranger. Maybe I drove a bad one, but the Gator had a rough ride to me. I think they stiffened the rear suspension in order for it to be able to haul a heavy load. The Ranger is very smooth. I have loaded dirt into the dump bed with my tractor to the point that it was coming over the sides and the Ranger carried it fine. It will squat the rear end down some, but not to the point where you can't drive it. The power dump is a linear actuator. I like the hydraulics on the RTV best, followed by the hydraulic over electric on the HPX. The linear actuator on my old Gator never gave me any problems and hopefully this one won't either. Like I said in my post, I had narrowed my search down to the 700XP and the Kubota. Had I felt that the Kubota would have been as fun in the woods and on the trail, I would probably bought it.
I can drive the Ranger the way I would drive a 4 wheeler. A big 4 wheeler! Polaris has some really nice add ons for the Ranger also. I have added the brush guard and Warn winch, and the power dump. I ordered the windshield and top for it, but they came in after I left for Iraq. When I get home, I am adding wheels and tires. One other thing I added was some extra lights up front. That is one thing I will ding Polaris on, the factory headlights are weak. I went to Wal Mart and bought some $20 halogen driving lights and mounted them on the brushguard. I was very pleased.
Polaris often gets knocked for it's reliability. So far in 50 hours, and I know that is not a lot, I have not had any problems. This is my second Polaris, the first was a 1995 Sport 400 with a 2 stroke. The only problem I had with it was the reverse limiter went out on it and that cost me about $75. It didn't bother me having a limitless reverse, the problem was the engine died when you put it in gear. Anyway, I think Polaris has come a long way. I don't think they are up there with Honda, Kaw, Yamaha yet, but I would consider them reliable. I did buy the extended warranty though. The reason was two fold; 1. I was going to be out of the country for a year and if something went wrong, I didn't want the dealership to BS my wife into spending unnecessary money to get it fixed. 2. I was able to get a 5 year extended warranty for $800. It covers everything, not just the engine, but suspension, bearings, drive shafts, etc. So when I get back I will be able to ride and use my Ranger without worrying about breaking it.
One last thing. Did I mention this thing would fly? 44 MPH.
I had a Gator 6X4 gas burner for about two years and I really worked it hard. I looked at the towing and hauling capabilities of the 700XP before I seriously considered it. I really like Deere and drove an HPX before I bought my Ranger. Maybe I drove a bad one, but the Gator had a rough ride to me. I think they stiffened the rear suspension in order for it to be able to haul a heavy load. The Ranger is very smooth. I have loaded dirt into the dump bed with my tractor to the point that it was coming over the sides and the Ranger carried it fine. It will squat the rear end down some, but not to the point where you can't drive it. The power dump is a linear actuator. I like the hydraulics on the RTV best, followed by the hydraulic over electric on the HPX. The linear actuator on my old Gator never gave me any problems and hopefully this one won't either. Like I said in my post, I had narrowed my search down to the 700XP and the Kubota. Had I felt that the Kubota would have been as fun in the woods and on the trail, I would probably bought it.
I can drive the Ranger the way I would drive a 4 wheeler. A big 4 wheeler! Polaris has some really nice add ons for the Ranger also. I have added the brush guard and Warn winch, and the power dump. I ordered the windshield and top for it, but they came in after I left for Iraq. When I get home, I am adding wheels and tires. One other thing I added was some extra lights up front. That is one thing I will ding Polaris on, the factory headlights are weak. I went to Wal Mart and bought some $20 halogen driving lights and mounted them on the brushguard. I was very pleased.
Polaris often gets knocked for it's reliability. So far in 50 hours, and I know that is not a lot, I have not had any problems. This is my second Polaris, the first was a 1995 Sport 400 with a 2 stroke. The only problem I had with it was the reverse limiter went out on it and that cost me about $75. It didn't bother me having a limitless reverse, the problem was the engine died when you put it in gear. Anyway, I think Polaris has come a long way. I don't think they are up there with Honda, Kaw, Yamaha yet, but I would consider them reliable. I did buy the extended warranty though. The reason was two fold; 1. I was going to be out of the country for a year and if something went wrong, I didn't want the dealership to BS my wife into spending unnecessary money to get it fixed. 2. I was able to get a 5 year extended warranty for $800. It covers everything, not just the engine, but suspension, bearings, drive shafts, etc. So when I get back I will be able to ride and use my Ranger without worrying about breaking it.
One last thing. Did I mention this thing would fly? 44 MPH.
