Jeramie Posted June 23, 2014 Report Share Posted June 23, 2014 I have been looking for a side by side for around 3-4 days. From what ive read the Polaris Ranger seems to be the most capable in my price range. Seems to be about the best hunting rig. However, last fall they were EVERYWHERE for around $7,000 - 8,000 and now they are hard to find. The only ones I can find are either $8,500+ or crew cab which seems to be WAY too long for an effective hunting rig. I thought about buying something else but given the research ive done and what is out there, nothing compares. I looked at the Kubota RTV, Kawasaki Mule, etc. I would need 4x4 (if im spending that much) and would need to tow a decent amount. During dove season we put guys on trailers and haul them out to the fields. Also, working around the place I would stack a considerable amount of weight on a trailer behind it. And an almost absolute must is a bench seat. I have two girls and dont want the added length of a crew cab as it seems too long. Open to suggestions.. Ive used Craigslist to death and the only thing i have found is a new 2014 in the 400 which seems small and weak for $7200.00. Open to any other suggestions.. would like to pick one up soon before the wife changes her mind.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 23, 2014 Report Share Posted June 23, 2014 Would test drive as many as you can Jeramie. For work related if it were me i would be looking more at the diesels, but those are not in that price range. Surprised at those prices you saw last year really, new around here for the name brand 4wd models you are on the low end. Sometimes you can luck up on deals on last years models when new are coming in. Seems to be mixed reviews so far on the new Hondas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted June 23, 2014 Report Share Posted June 23, 2014 Have you checked out the little street legal 4x4 Isuzus? Those are pretty sweet, plus they're fairly cheap and they have heaters (and ac I believe). I would definitely give those a good hard look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted June 23, 2014 Report Share Posted June 23, 2014 I guess most are made my Suzuki, not Isuzu. Anywho, just google "minitrucks" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 I find the the Polaris and Can-am is the best down here. They are pricey. The Polaris Ranger has a bench seat. I see more of them on trailers up and down the roads. My buddy a Massimo purchased one from tractor supply. It's a 500 4x4 for 8,000 at tractor supply. It's the same guy who designed Yamaha's. He got mad mad left and started his own co. Supposedly Yamaha's parts are interchangeable with the Mossimo. We have ravines and large hills and it's handling them fine. I'm impressed with it for the difference in pricing with the major brands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoosierhunter Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 We run a polaris 500 ranger. I think the payload is about 1400 lbs on mine. The bench seat is a must as you said. I would also recommend a front and back windshield to deal with dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted June 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Sorry William... I meant used. New the 800 is around 9400. That however does not include a windshield, top, etc. I did find a 2010 in arkansas that is a diesel for $8200 but honestly, from what ive read they are slower and are also belt driven so they dont have a huge advantage. Im probably going to stick with gas. I did find a camo 2012 in 800 but the guy is firm at $8,500.00. Not a bad price but im holding out. He has had it up for sale for 3-weeks with no takers. Those little mini trucks are cool but honestly, in driving around pond banks and such for duck hunting too. Not the best for that sort of thing. I even though about buying a jeep wrangler so I could drive it around but I would get much more use out of a Polaris ranger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Not sure about the drivelines. Did not think the kubota was belt driven. The bobcat machines look very impressive for work use, see a few of them around here. One farm not to far from us uses one with a front spear to move large bales. Those are not gonna be in that price range though, Similar to this http://m.ebay.com/itm/161289934323?nav=SEARCH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 This one sounds too good to be true http://m.ebay.com/itm/171366455576?nav=SEARCH, but might be worth asking about. If this deal is legit that would be a steal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted June 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 I was actually talking Polaris, William. They also make a Ranger in Diesel. I found one in Oklahoma City im likely going to pick up this week. Its a 2011, 800XT, EFI, Power Steering, premium windshield, poly top, 360 hours.. looks to be in excellent condition. $7,700.00 Not too bad of a deal. Most of them im finding in this range (7700) have a thousand hours on them. It also makes me feel better that this is a Kubota/ Polaris dealer. It is a good sized outfit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Every diesel UTV I've been around is real loud. I wouldn't have one for hunting. Low noise level would be high on my list when making choices. That's just me though. I know the Kubota UTV and the Polaris 800 are fairly quite. I think the Kubuoa is a little quieter than the Polaris but I haven't seen one with a bench seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Have you looked at a John Deere Gator XUV? Little more $ but will do everything for you. I got the 825i last summer...it's a beast...can haul, tow, you can turn the box into a flatbed...2wd/4wd. I went with a gator because of the reviews vs the ranger were excellent also seemed to get a little more for the $. Alot of options. Also key for me was the adjustable driver's bucket seat vs not on the ranger unless it was a LE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted June 25, 2014 Report Share Posted June 25, 2014 Kubota is probably the most geared down machine, gator is a bit faster, Polaris is pretty zippy speed wise if that's a concern. The geared down machines have to turn more RPMs to achieve more speed, thus more noise. They can also be fitted with after market exhaust to silence them. We have a 500 Polaris Ranger with partial cab, a zippy, fairly quiet, and a warm weather machine; and a gator 825 with fully enclosed cab, with heat, a bit slower, fair amount of engine noise,(cab cold be more sound proof), but great wet/ cold weather machine, and great for plowing snow. for the price, you prob are looking at a used Polaris, dealer may be able to find one for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted June 25, 2014 Report Share Posted June 25, 2014 Jeramie, where is the one located in OKC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted June 27, 2014 Report Share Posted June 27, 2014 I have 2 Rangers, one is an older 500 carbureted model and the other is a newer 800 fuel injected. They are the best vehicles out there, hands down. I'd save a bit longer for the Ranger rather than buy something inferior. Windshields front and rear, roof, and winches are the first accessories I put on mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Sorry Gang... Been ALL kinds of busy. Jason, the one is at Country Equipment on the south side... Going to pick it up this Friday. Ive looked at a ton of the other models and for the buck I think it may be hard to beat the Ranger. I did look at the JD pretty heavily but not exactly what im looking for.. Too much money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted July 10, 2014 Report Share Posted July 10, 2014 Make sure to post up pics when you get it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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