SO READY to spring on a UTV - Trying to decide gas or diesel, HELP!!

[ArlyA]

Myself, I'd go with a gas but there are some good diesel engines in UTV's. But if you shop for only diesels, you'll be limiting yourself.

 

[WM75Guy]

The 25 mph has to do with safety equipment. Faster than 25 mph and it has to have doors or safety net. I like my Kawasaki Mule, easy to get in or out, which comes in handy as you get older. I would have preferred diesel when I bought but there were not any out there at the time. The old models were all gone, and the new models hadn't come out yet.

 

[GSVette]

I’ve Bobcat 3400D- basically the same as the Polaris Diesel but badged for Bobcat. It is a bit noisier than a gas model and certainly is speed limited. I bought a diesel for one simply reason- most of my equipment is diesel and it cuts down on fuel storage.

My biggest gripe with the 3400D was the crappy clutch that it was fitted with and the resulting extreme difficulty in shifting in and out of gear-replaced it with a clutch that was really calibrated for a diesel (and really focused on aligning primary and secondary) so it now shifts gear much easier ( not perfect but a lot better).

It is a working vehicle- if I wanted speed I’d buy a gas side by side.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I am ready to spring on a UTV and I am trying to decide between diesel and gas. 80% work vehicle with maybe a hunting trip or 2 per year.

Unfortunately, the Kubota options are out of my price range. Well into the $12-$15K range used

The only main accessories I am looking for are a roof and windshield. I have a winch and LEDs to put on it already.

Have a couple other diesel options.
#1 is a Kawasaki Mule Pro DXT
It is a 2017 but it has 1800 hours on it. For $9700 asking price. That seems like a lot to me. I think it was a fleet vehicle for a utility because of the hours and it has numbers on it. Part of me thinks that is a good thing as it was probably maintained well. Has a windshield and roof.

#2 Is a 2014 Polaris Ranger 900 with 378 hours for $7500 asking. Guy says it is a good unit. A few small gremlins like tough shifting sometimes and a slightly bent ROPS. Roof no windshield 1.5 hours + away

#3 2017 Kioti Mechron with 1079 hours on it. For $8700 asking. Guy says it is a tight machine Has roof and windshield. This one is the closest at about an hour away

I have seen lots of Polaris haters. I do like the idea of a construction oriented machine like the Kioti or a CarryAll. Any advice ?
HELP ME SPEND MY MONEY!!

All the diesel ones I have seen folks buy brand new, they were sold for scrap or parts later. Polaris gas is fine and dandy if people would read instructions. If you lay it over sideways, do not start the engine without priming. That is a 5,000$ mistake. I worked at Polaris, I know. Changed many an engine because of that.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I drove a Kubota diesel 900 and a Kioti Mechron yesterday.

The Kubota had 1800 hours but still felt REALLY solid but SLOW, even slower chugging uphill. Didn't love the instant brakes of the hydrostatic tranny but I think I would have gotten used to it.

The Mechron was a bit faster but rattled like crazy, didn't love the clutch engagement.

I think I have made the decision to go with something a bit faster. Probably a Polaris Ranger. The purpose of this vehicle for me was more of a fast response vehicle rather than a grunting low torque work machine. I have the tractor for the heavy lifting/pulling. Even though 25 is way faster than the tractor I think in the long run I would kick myself for limiting my speed to 25mph.

If the Yamahas rhinos had a bench seat I would already hae one. LOTS of decent looking Rhinos for a good price.

 

[deserteagle71]

Have you thought about a Yamaha Viking? Same dependable Yamaha drivetrain, bench seats for 3 or for 6 people.

2023 Yamaha Viking EPS Utility Side-by-Side - Compare Specs, Prices

2023 Yamaha Viking EPS Utility Side-by-Side

www.yamahamotorsports.com

 

[plastikosmd]

“Deisel are a lot quieter the gas in average.”

I am guessing you are referring to “outside “ engine/mechanical noise as the loudest model that i have been inside of was a diesel cabbed version

 

[plowhog]

How about an XUV835? Starting at "only" $39,449 .... but that includes the "Pro" brush guard ....

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

I wouldn't buy a fleet vehicle thinking it was maintained. I'm pretty sure my fleet own rhino had the original oil from when it was built in it.

 

[jjeff]

I wouldn't buy a fleet vehicle thinking it was maintained. I'm pretty sure my fleet own rhino had the original oil from when it was built in it.

If it's a good" fleet maintained" vehicle they should at least have all manufacturers recalls taken care of.

 

[MTGreen]

I wouldn't buy a fleet vehicle thinking it was maintained. I'm pretty sure my fleet own rhino had the original oil from when it was built in it.

I absolutely agree I have purchased several "fleet maintained" pieces of equipment that have been basketcases held together with duct tape and bailing wire, electrical butchered, every safety bypassed with garbage crimp connectors and the absolute minimum parts replaced to keep it barely functional you'd think they were used in a third world country with no parts availability

 

[coobie]

Just my opinion,
I would get a gasoline powered one unless you will be doing a lot of towing or heavy hauling with it, otherwise your paying more for the diesel unit up front and the additional cost for fuel and maintenance and they can be more difficult to start in really cold weather.

Full disclosure, I'm a diehard Yamaha Fan, Had several over the decades (ATV's) and never had an issue with any of them, so that's always the brand I look for first. Can't say the same for the Polaris or Can-AM's we've owned (briefly) or the Suzuki's I've been around.

Had 2006 kubota RTV 900 diesel and now a 2022 kubota 1100c diesel.Never any hard starting issues here in Michigan and mine are stored in unheated pole bars.

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[Buckeye Guy]

I just bought a Kawasaki mule pro mx, and it really has surpassed my expectations. I was looking for something to do mostly work, but also can have a little fun with, and fits my needs perfectly. wanted something on the smaller end (i have lots and lots of trees, narrow paths, etc) but not too small, durable, reliable and name brand. So far, so good!

 

[deezler]

Gas, no question. Everyone who buys a diesel UTV ends up complaining about how pitifully slow they are. Even if you're not into sport driving - the diesel mule apparently climbs steep hills at a walking pace at full throttle. Just sad.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I just bought a Kawasaki mule pro mx, and it really has surpassed my expectations. I was looking for something to do mostly work, but also can have a little fun with, and fits my needs perfectly. wanted something on the smaller end (i have lots and lots of trees, narrow paths, etc) but not too small, durable, reliable and name brand. So far, so good!

Really like the looks of those. Even used units are still pretty high around these parts.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Gas, no question. Everyone who buys a diesel UTV ends up complaining about how pitifully slow they are. Even if you're not into sport driving - the diesel mule apparently climbs steep hills at a walking pace at full throttle. Just sad.

Yes, I have made the decision to go with something a little more sporty. Again, I have a slow heavy lifter, my tractor. I need a fast response vehicle, so I have the need for speed. Probably a Polaris Ranger. I have also decided I want the full sized not the mid size. I need the ability to carry 3 (Wife, kid and I) rather comfortably.

This has been an excellent exercise in restraint/patience.

When I "NEED" something like this I am pretty reactive and sometimes make rash decisions. I have had the cash money in the safe for 2 weeks and have ALMOST went and picked up a machine along the way but usually something didn't feel right and I backed out. There have been some really nice ones pop up in that time, but something stood in the way. It will now just have to wait until after Christmas. I am hoping there are some nice units pop up due to Christmas presents and whatnot. My New Years resolution is to get a UTV!!!

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I have a Ranger 570 full size. If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try to answer them.

 

[Snobdds]

Every time I see a kubota UTV...

 

[DGZRT]

Honda and Yamaha are the way to go if you have lots of funds . If not …

Try looking into a CFMoto , U Force1000. I think they have a lot to offer for the money . The only caution I would put out there is have a dealer near unless your a mechanic.

I’m going to look at one this next year. I have three ATV’S and a tractor but would like something both the wife and I can trail ride on .

 

[KennK]

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No, I will use it just about every day, CVT I guess, Yes, I wish.

I can get all of those things in a diesel or gas.

The more than 25 MPH thing is funny. While yes I would of course I'd like it to go faster than 25, my main gas consideration, Kawasaki Mule, doesn't go faster than 25 so I figure why not get a diesel that goes 25?

My gas 2021 Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT (3/6 seat) maxes out at about 45 mph in high gear. I've read the more recent model years go a bit faster (50-55 ish).