UTV for the farm and ranch

[addicted to farming]

What is the best UTV for the farm and ranch, the top two are the Honda Big Red and the John Deere 825I

[Nebrfarmr]

First, you need to figure out what you will be using it for.  There are many out there, and the best for one guy may be a poor choice for another.

Figure things like how many people will you haul, how much cargo, how far will you have to travel regularly, and how fast do you want to get there.

There are UTVs that maybe go 35 MPH, but are super great for slow, utility work, and others that can go maybe 70 MPH top speed.  There are two seaters, four seaters, and I think even a couple three seaters.   Do you need a bed that dumps?  Is your terrain rough, or smooth, how much suspension travel do you need?   Are you looking for power, or fuel efficiency (some of the bigger ones, don't get any better mileage, or even cost less, than a decent used Jeep).

[buckfarmer]

I'm in the middle of shopping for one to get my dad for Christmas. He needs payload, maneuverability, steep hill climbing, traction in mud and most important reliability. I almost got him the kubota RTV 400. Then I had my brother who is closer to dad's size sit on one. He couldn't get his foot from the gas to the brake very easily. Now am leaning towards a gator 550. Big Red is out of my price range.

[onebigbyrd]

i didn tlike the way the kubota drove when u let off the gas. it stopps instantly unless they changed it

[Shaggy98]

I've got a Polaris Ranger and it fits my needs well.  It is a few years old now so it is not the 700 or 800 CC models in which they offer now.  If I am in extreme conditions, I do notice a little lack of power.  Works great for all around farm & ranch work including fencing.  Works well for throwing a small skid sprayer in the bed for spot spraying.  It's got auxiliary power ports so I can even place my GPS monitor from the tractor in it if I so desire.  Just my nickels worth.  I bought mine used, If I recall correctly, it had near 50 hours and I got it for $6000.

[buckfarmer]

The stoping instantly would actually be better for my dad.

[buckfarmer]

Does Polaris still make one geared towards work or are they all sporty

[Nebrfarmr]

Yes they do, even the super utility 6 wheel drive one.

[addicted to farming]

I went with the Honda Big Red, found one 2 years old with only 15 hours! on it and had a bunch of options and about $3000 less than a brand new one set up the same. could use a little more speed but like the fact that there isn't a belt to have to worry about, have had a belt drive and didn't care for it, just wish I could find doors for it like some that you see on other brands.

[Nebrfarmr]

I thought there was an aftermarket company, that made them, and even full enclosures. 

Anyway, good luck with your Big Red.   My brother in law, had his life saved by one, he hit a hole, and overset it.  By the way he was laying, had it been an ATV without a roll bar, he would most likely have been underneath it.