All UTV's Need UTV Recommendation for Hunting Ranch

TRE32 · May 26, 2014

Quick Question: What is the best UTV to use on a family owned hunting ranch to fill feeders, drop off hunters, check the fence line and general low duty work?

Background - POLARIS UTV AND CORPORATE OFFICE CRIPPLING MY FAMILY OWED RANCH
My wife and I bought some land and opened a hunting ranch to help create good times and give back to others (wounded warrior project, children's camps, church and ministry groups, family hunts, etc..). Last year (Feb 2013) we spent $23K to by a new Polaris 800 Crew and 500 Ranger. We just use them on the property to go through the typical muddy roads and water to fill feeders, drop off hunters, check the fence line and general low duty work. In less than 8 months we had to replace the engine in the 500 and in 13 months we had to replace the engine in the 800. Over the entire course of 13 months we have spent $20K (total spend in 1 year = $43K) in non-maintenance repairs to these vehicles (CV joints, transmissions, etc.). We tried for months to get help from Polaris but they did not return calls for many months (only once we got the BBB involved). Polaris finally took our call and then said since we used them in mud and water and that is what caused some of the problems (along with (get this) wheel spaces which their dealer recommended) they refused to provide any help. They further tried to say it was our fault for running through the mud and water conditions. BTW, these UTVs are washed after every hunt and put away indoors every night. Net, Net, we are now without any UTVs on our property, Polaris refuses to help in any way.

calstyl2 · May 26, 2014

In multi-passenger UTVs you are limited to a few Teryx4, Polaris Ranger and the Sport Mav and Wildcat.

I would look at the Honda, Kawi and Yamaha products.

TRE32 · May 26, 2014

Thanks. I've spoken to so many people (hunters and UTV mechanics) and there is no one UTV/company that rises to the top. Based on my conversations its been a fair split between Kawa, Honda, Yama and Polaris (which I will never recommend).

desertwheeler · May 26, 2014

I would go teryx4 if you didn't need a dump bed.

Bajaxp · May 26, 2014

Two posts? Sounds like a dealer (or another manufacturer) stirring up crap!

TRE32 · May 27, 2014

Anyone have any experience with the john deere xuv 825i s4? Looks like what I need but not sure about reliability and overall cost of ownership. Thanks

Rusty5150 · May 27, 2014

Micheal,

I was checking out your ranches Facebook page and it looks like a fun place.

I don't think you are providing enough detail on why the motors blew up? Was there water in the motor? Was there water in the oil? How many hours were on the machines when the failure occurred? Some of the issues you talk about are consistent with overloading the machine.

Maybe your needs on the ranch are more than a UTV can handle. Can you share what a UTV would need to endure on a typical day?

TRE32 · May 27, 2014

Hi Rusty,

Thanks. The ranch has done very well and we have truly enjoyed all the folks that have come out.

Terrain: Flat for the most part, dirt/mud roads throughout property and fence line with standing water in places during the rainy season, well groomed hard packed gravel main roads and parking lot. Issues have arisen when mud and water get into the vital parts of the vehicles. Dirt/mud roads tend to get uneven and rutted which caused wear and tear.
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The vehicles had very little hours on them as they have been used primarily on weekend with some week day use. They certainly have not been overloaded. I do not have time to go into all the details, but this is a good summary.

Basically looking for a 1 UTV like the Polaris 800 Crew that hold passengers and another like the 500 Ranger to fill feeders, pick up hogs and check fence lines. Reliability in muddy roads with water and ruts is probably most critical.

Looked at old jeeps but they will be too heavy and will rut the roads up even more.

Thanks again.

calstyl2 · May 27, 2014

easy choice, Teryx4 and 2 seat Teryx, same drivetrain, well built and good customer service.

Rusty5150 · May 27, 2014

I would go with Kawasaki Teryx models. They offer 2 and 4 seat platforms with 800cc efi motors. For your application they are perfect and Kawasaki offers a 3 year warranty. Best warranty in the market.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

TRE32 · May 28, 2014

Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like a lot of folks are recommending the Kawasaki Teryx. I checked them out on line. They look cool and have most of the factors and durability I'm looking for. I'll be heading to a local Kawasaki/Honda/Yamaha dealer today. Thanks again.

FYI, I went to a John Deer dealer yesterday and drove the 825i S4 to fill the need for a bigger passenger vehicle (as I need a 2 seater work vehichle and a 4 to 6 person passenger vehicle). I really liked this vehicle's design, features and driving performance. Camo version started at $15K. Added bigger tires/rims, brush guards, roof, cv guards, heavy duty bumper package and a warn winch. All in $17K (it was $18.8K less $1,8K from dealer). Form and fit are just what I need. I just don't know if these things will have problems when taken through the 2' to 2.5' feet of mud/water in a few areas of my dirt roads. Sounds silly as they should take it no problem, but the stock exhaust pipe seems kinda low and they do not come with any standard skid plates. Does anyone have experience on the durably of this model?

ROTAX · May 28, 2014

kawi or Viking would be good choices for what you are looking for

TRE32 · May 28, 2014

After looking at all the Kawa, Yama, Honda and JD, for our ranch use (need heavy duty, good size cargo bed, carry 4 to 5 passengers with easy in/out) the Kawa Mule Trans4x4 and John Deer 825i S4 seem to be the best fit. Based on durability of standard (included) construction, price and warranty...looks like the Kawa Mule Trans4x4 is in the lead.

ROTAX · May 28, 2014

TRE32 said:
After looking at all the Kawa, Yama, Honda and JD, for our ranch use (need heavy duty, good size cargo bed, carry 4 to 5 passengers with easy in/out) the Kawa Mule Trans4x4 and John Deer 825i S4 seem to be the best fit. Based on durability of standard (included) construction, price and warranty...looks like the Kawa Mule Trans4x4 is in the lead.

A mule would look cool with LT kit! Get the diesel

TRE32 · May 29, 2014

Ended up buying the Mule 4010 transporter (camo) to replace my constantly broken down Polaris 800 crew. sacrificing a bit on the ride quality, seating capacity and looks but the mule seems to be build like a tank...which is what i need. Added lift kit, 14' mudlite tires, alloy rims, ft & rear arm guards, warn 3,500 lb winch and heavy duty front bumper.

Any suggestions on soft tops or quick detach polymer tops for the mule 4010?

Thanks for everyone's opinions. Hopefully, I''ll have a better story to share at the end of 2014.

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