Ranger 500 vs. Mule 3010

[rapracing]

I am looking to buy a utility vehicle to haul fire wood and hay. From the reviews I have read these two machines are the best for a little heavier work. I like the idea of the longer bed on the mule.

Any thoughts on the better machine? Who has one and what do you think?

Thanks

 

[mocassincreekranch]

I have a Kawasaki Trans-Mule and I love the fact that I have a front and back seat and still have a full bed when it's in the single seat mode. I hauled a 16 ft trailer this weekend loaded with 3yr old cedar post of all size's loaded as full as I could get it and had no problem pulling the trailer. My only complaint is that it is cold natured. Never had a single problem and have over 100 hrs. I installed a lift kit and put on 26 inch swamplite tire's. The tires and lift kit made a BIG difference,I installed the lift kit with the cab springs[much heavier]. I routinely haul 600 lbs of feed in the bed with no worries.

 

[jinman]

I think the Ranger is more expensive than the Mule (MSRP - $10,999). What that gets you is a higher sprung suspension, higher speed, and better brakes. There are probably other things, but those are all I can think of off the top of my head.

We have a 3010 gas Mule with 350 hours. We paid about $8500 for it and it has been a great performer. I think either the Ranger or Mule would do the job for you.

 

[weldingisfun]

Can't say anything positive or negative about the Ranger 500, we don't have one, but we have had a Mule 3010 Trans 4 long enough to put 260 hours on it. We work it hard, hauling, towing and just driving. We love it.
Should you happen to go with the Kawasaki, go to Orielly's for your filters (Wix). Kawasaki thinks to much of their filters and want you to know it too.

 

[twin88cam]

I have the mule at home and it is one tough vehicle. With that said, I am looking to purchase a new one also. You may want to consider the new John Deere XUV, it's not the same animal as the old Gators. I like the ground clearance and the independent rear.

 

[Jimbrown]

I have a 3010 trans and love it. Two people can ride up front and the dogs in the back seat and still haul all kinds of stuff. I just finished dragging my areana and round pen with it. It does a better job than my BX does. I looked at both and chose the mule because of the dual seats. The only thing the ranger might do better is go faster. I don't have any need to go over 25 MPH.

 

[Oleozz]

I think the Kawasaki people named the Mule because of its toughness but I think it also rides "like a mule." That is my one and only complaint of my 3010. I use it every day in my bird dog training business and couldn't work without it, but that ride!!

 

[john_bud]

The Kubota is probably even better for heavy work than the Ranger or Mule.

(This from a guy that loves his Mule 3010 4x4)

5-6 years ago when I looked, the Ranger was louder and rougher than the Mule. I want quiet in the woods, so the Mule was bought.

 

[Engine66]

Ranger xp owner...total workhorse. I use it like a tool on rough property requiring lots of ground clearance and traction. Ranger has AWD...power goes to wheels with traction, poly skid plate allows you to slide over rocks, debris without damage to underside, sits 3 across, bed is plastic...will not dent throwing in rocks or firewood, bed dumps from lever on both sides, all wheel independant suspension gives soft ride, extra storage compartments with glove box, water-tight side compartment, and underhood storage, lots of accessories, ability to modify bed with stakeside walls for increased storage, lightweight compared to RTV, goes 40-50 mph (outrun that bear chasing you), belt drive easy to replace if it's ever damaged. However, it is pricey and does vibrate at lower speeds. I drove an RTV and it is jerky when you let of HST. I love the Mule in many ways, BUT it was limited in ability to traverse certain parts of my 50 acre property. Had my heart set on a Mule...went to dealer who sells both and when he inquired about my uses, needs, land, etc. he urged me to go Ranger...never looked back. I realize now how many times I would have been stuck with another vehicle. The Ranger is basically a large ATV. The RTV, Mule, Ranger...all good in their own right...pick what best suites your land, needs, etc. I'd love to have them all! Take a look at www.PRC.com...it's a site with lots of Ranger info...Ranger has a nearly cult following as you will see! Good luck!

 

[podzie]

I don't think for your purposes you could go wrong with either. They'll both do a great job for you with hauling wood around the place.

I have a Ranger 6x6 and it's a beast. I bought it because my boss runs them on his Val Verde county ranch. I figured if these machines could run the operations of a ranch like that in that kind of terrain, it would certainly do the things I'd ask of it....and it does.

(BTW the US Military uses them quite a bit as well)

BUT.

You may not need the extra suspension, ie extra cost. Also, the Rangers are wide, and tough to turn in tight spots.

Best thing to do is to go to the dealers and drive both. You'll know which one is for you, I promise.

Good luck.