Hysyde
Gold Member
I've pretty much decided I'm going to buy a UTV but I'm having a hard time taking the plunge, particularly because the price is hard swallow for what your getting in a lot of cases. I doubt I'll buy new, as I don't think I can come in under $25k for what I want and I refuse to spend more than that.
I don't have any particular jobs I intend to put it to work on, just want a general little utility vehicle on the property that I'll also use for recreation. I'm right on the trail network that links to lots of friends/family and I see myself doing lots of that. I'll probably put tracks on in the winter.
I've also decided that I don't really want one unless I get a hard cab with glass windshield and heater. That somewhat limits the options and pretty much keeps me more or less in the utility side of things. I was originally looking at the Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Wolverine 4-5 seaters so I had room for the family, but I don't think those machines are well suited to a full cab (without losing the bed). I do NOT want a long wheelbase (crew) machine. I figured I'll just end up getting the kids a RZR 170 or something so they can tag along from time to time. A large bed like a Ranger or Kubota would be great, but I think I could live with a smaller one like on a Pioneer or Wolverine.
I have a lot of miles in a Kubota RTV X1100C at work, and I absolutely love the cab, ice cold air/hot heat and the solid, tractor-like build. They are SO slow though and not a huge fan of the HST. I might be able to live with one, but with the amount of road/trail running I might want to do, I don't think it's the best solution. Are any of the other RTVs somewhat comparable as far as the cab and solid build, but with a more road friendly engine/tranny?
I'm also looking at Polaris Rangers but my biggest worry with them is reliability, especially if I buy used. I have considered a smaller Ranger (570) as I think they are less prone to tranny problems like the bigger Rangers (and are a lot cheaper to buy new), but I'm worried about power with tracks. The accessories and aftermarket seems huge for the Rangers.
I love most things Honda puts it's name on and I was sure I would go with a Pioneer at one point, but I've heard they are very loud and I don't think the cabs are integrated all that well.
I just started looking at Wolverines from Yamaha. which seem like the cabs are a little better than the Hondas. I don't know how refined they are with a cab on. I'm a big fan of Yamaha too, and might even consider an older Rhino and save some $...
A Can-Am Defender or Commander might be an option, but finding a used one with a cab and heat (especially a Commander) is not easy and new is exorbitant.
The other option I'm considering is a Japanese mini-truck. I really like the looks of the little deckvans and many come with air and they are MUCH cheaper than a SxS/UTV. Not easy to find a ready to buy solution though (in Canada).
Anyway, just looking for general thoughts and insights.
I don't have any particular jobs I intend to put it to work on, just want a general little utility vehicle on the property that I'll also use for recreation. I'm right on the trail network that links to lots of friends/family and I see myself doing lots of that. I'll probably put tracks on in the winter.
I've also decided that I don't really want one unless I get a hard cab with glass windshield and heater. That somewhat limits the options and pretty much keeps me more or less in the utility side of things. I was originally looking at the Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Wolverine 4-5 seaters so I had room for the family, but I don't think those machines are well suited to a full cab (without losing the bed). I do NOT want a long wheelbase (crew) machine. I figured I'll just end up getting the kids a RZR 170 or something so they can tag along from time to time. A large bed like a Ranger or Kubota would be great, but I think I could live with a smaller one like on a Pioneer or Wolverine.
I have a lot of miles in a Kubota RTV X1100C at work, and I absolutely love the cab, ice cold air/hot heat and the solid, tractor-like build. They are SO slow though and not a huge fan of the HST. I might be able to live with one, but with the amount of road/trail running I might want to do, I don't think it's the best solution. Are any of the other RTVs somewhat comparable as far as the cab and solid build, but with a more road friendly engine/tranny?
I'm also looking at Polaris Rangers but my biggest worry with them is reliability, especially if I buy used. I have considered a smaller Ranger (570) as I think they are less prone to tranny problems like the bigger Rangers (and are a lot cheaper to buy new), but I'm worried about power with tracks. The accessories and aftermarket seems huge for the Rangers.
I love most things Honda puts it's name on and I was sure I would go with a Pioneer at one point, but I've heard they are very loud and I don't think the cabs are integrated all that well.
I just started looking at Wolverines from Yamaha. which seem like the cabs are a little better than the Hondas. I don't know how refined they are with a cab on. I'm a big fan of Yamaha too, and might even consider an older Rhino and save some $...
A Can-Am Defender or Commander might be an option, but finding a used one with a cab and heat (especially a Commander) is not easy and new is exorbitant.
The other option I'm considering is a Japanese mini-truck. I really like the looks of the little deckvans and many come with air and they are MUCH cheaper than a SxS/UTV. Not easy to find a ready to buy solution though (in Canada).
Anyway, just looking for general thoughts and insights.