I am looking at getting a side by side. Would like to use it for a little yard use, but mostly for fun. I currently have a john deere gator that is great for yard work. My business partner wants the gator, and I would get a new side by side. My preference now is the rzr from polaris, but I would appreciate any advice on other brands, or pos neg of the rzr. Thanks
side by side recomendation
- Thread starter uptomyarmpits
- Start date
I know three people w/ the rzr, and all of them love 'em... nothing negative so far. Plus they go real fast 
I also have a neighbor that has a diesel mule 4x4 he loves it. but i think he has way different intentions for it than you might be thinking of because it's an awesome work horse and goes anywhere, but the top speed isn't much to brag about.
The best recomendation for what you are describing I believe would be the Rhino, it still has a tilt bed and a usable one. The RZR is better for all out fun but the Rhino is better for work, but is still a ton of fun. I would not consider the Mule for trail use at all. Teh Arctic cat and original Ranger are a bit to wide for trails. The Rhino has the same width as a quad and the RZR is a bit narrower, so I think it is really between these two. BUt the new Trex is right there w/ the Rhino except it does not have EFI but the rhino did not have that until 2008
The rzr is not gonna be the best for yard work. it's like a go cart.
MCXpress also has a kit for it
MCXpress also has a kit for it
From what you've said it sounds like a rhino will be the best fit for you. If you are going to do any yard work you are going to want the bigger bed of the rhino. I've got an '06 that I absolutely love. My opinion is that is the best all around SXS on the market. That said, I would look into the Taryx as well since it's very similar to the rhino but w/ a bigger motor. The Rhino, Taryx, and RZR are all about 4-8" wider than a typical 4 wheeler depending on the model. In '08 rhino went to a fuel injection 700 and it is alot quieter than the previous 660's. Either of them are great machines. If you have any thoughts of doing a 4 seater down the road for kids, hunting buddies, etc, the RZR is definitely out. Good luck.
~Gaz
~Gaz
J
JSCC
Well-known member
You have put 2000 miles on it in a year and a half with no problems, yet you would not recommend it to anyone.......
Ditto what Gaz said..... I have 2300 miles and zero issues. Best all around IMO.
However, I would get a 08' given the chance. That 700 is Saweet!
I would also consider the Trex.
The Rzr would be my top choice if you want a sportier SxS.
ya on the side x side forums they say that the engine is good for about 2000-2500 miles and then some bolt comes loose and granade engine? i don't know i'm living on barrowed time. i test drove a ranger xp and it was a dream to drive compared to my rhino. mines 07 with out efi or power steering, but that xp drove like a car smooth no vibration steered easy and no sqeaky brakes. has a much bigger box.
RZR FOR FUN! 
RZR + MCXpress Turbo + Holz long travel suspension =
Someday I will have one!
Someday I will have one!
I haven't bought one yet, but we are looking to buy in the next year or so. When I do, it's definitely going to be a Rhino. It's a proven design, and i'm sold on Yamaha reliability. There is also a great Yamaha dealer in town here, so that helps big time. I'm just waiting for the power steering. I really think you can't go wrong with any of them, really.
I tried out three s x s today. The teryx, that felt like driving a tank, the rhino which drove real nice but seemed large and tippy, and the rzr that was very fun. The rzr was very stable on the trail next to the dealership. With the rzr at only 50 inches wide, it is the only one that will be trail legal. Not sure that i will take it trail riding much, but nice to know it would be legal. I just wish it had a more usable bed in the back for minor yard work like carrying a chain saw, a weed sprayer, taking garbage to the pit, hauling dirt, planting trees, etc.
C
closed
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Tough to beat the Ranger XP 4x4
Bought my dad a 2006 Ranger 500 4x4 and I liked using it soooo much that I purchased a 2007 Ranger XP 700 4X4 for myself... I have multiple uses ranging from Extreme 4x4, Hunting, Yard work, Heavy towing, pulling climbing etc. I have to say have not seen any other side X side do what this rig does.
I have friends with RZR's, Rhino's, Gators, Mules and I have not seen any proof that these models are a better choice than the Ranger XP...
There are small differences between these models that really make he XP a best choice contender.
1. Cargo space - Large
2. Tilt Bed, upgradable to hydraulic
3. Cab size - Bench seet can sit three if necessary
4. Electronics mounted up high under the hood - allot of newer models are down low under the seat! You don't want to swamp this stuff in water!
5. Towing capacity- You wouldnt think this would be important but when you have a tree to cut down, lay out a tow strap, pile 1500 lbs of branches on it, loop the strap back over the top and around the hitch and drag them to the desired location..WITH EASE! Not to mention, you can unload your Ranger from the trailer, hook the trailer back up the the FULL SIZE hitch on the Ranger and tow the trailer around the property to pickup .....????????
6. When it comes to extreme 4X4, Models like the RZR and Rhino do have a slight advantage. Mostly because they are smaller and will fit into tighter places, however with that said, I have not had anyone go were I was not able to follow!
7. Reliability - Although the Rhino is by far the most popular Side X Side Friends of mine have had them in the shop more than on the trail.
My 2 cents.... I'm not brand loyal but I do want the best! I just don't think you can go wrong with the Ranger XP!!
Happy Shopping
Bought my dad a 2006 Ranger 500 4x4 and I liked using it soooo much that I purchased a 2007 Ranger XP 700 4X4 for myself... I have multiple uses ranging from Extreme 4x4, Hunting, Yard work, Heavy towing, pulling climbing etc. I have to say have not seen any other side X side do what this rig does.
I have friends with RZR's, Rhino's, Gators, Mules and I have not seen any proof that these models are a better choice than the Ranger XP...
There are small differences between these models that really make he XP a best choice contender.
1. Cargo space - Large
2. Tilt Bed, upgradable to hydraulic
3. Cab size - Bench seet can sit three if necessary
4. Electronics mounted up high under the hood - allot of newer models are down low under the seat! You don't want to swamp this stuff in water!
5. Towing capacity- You wouldnt think this would be important but when you have a tree to cut down, lay out a tow strap, pile 1500 lbs of branches on it, loop the strap back over the top and around the hitch and drag them to the desired location..WITH EASE! Not to mention, you can unload your Ranger from the trailer, hook the trailer back up the the FULL SIZE hitch on the Ranger and tow the trailer around the property to pickup .....????????
6. When it comes to extreme 4X4, Models like the RZR and Rhino do have a slight advantage. Mostly because they are smaller and will fit into tighter places, however with that said, I have not had anyone go were I was not able to follow!
7. Reliability - Although the Rhino is by far the most popular Side X Side Friends of mine have had them in the shop more than on the trail.
My 2 cents.... I'm not brand loyal but I do want the best! I just don't think you can go wrong with the Ranger XP!!
Happy Shopping
I have about 2500 miles on my '05 Rhino.
Had 1 stator problem (which was under warranty)
Great all around machine!
I will tell you my dislikes.....
1- I use it on the road alot, 40 mph is too slow. I don't wanna chip it just to turn more rpm
2- The locking rear axle SUCKS on pavement
3- No fuel guage
4- Starts hard if it has sat for a couple of weeks
5- Motor does use oil when running wide open for long periods (need to monitor oil level)
VERY RELIABLE!!!!!!!
Works great for plowing snow.
I may try to sell this fall to upgrade to new again.
Had 1 stator problem (which was under warranty)
Great all around machine!
I will tell you my dislikes.....
1- I use it on the road alot, 40 mph is too slow. I don't wanna chip it just to turn more rpm
2- The locking rear axle SUCKS on pavement
3- No fuel guage
4- Starts hard if it has sat for a couple of weeks
5- Motor does use oil when running wide open for long periods (need to monitor oil level)
VERY RELIABLE!!!!!!!
Works great for plowing snow.
I may try to sell this fall to upgrade to new again.
I have about 2500 miles on my '05 Rhino.
Had 1 stator problem (which was under warranty)
Great all around machine!
I will tell you my dislikes.....
1- I use it on the road alot, 40 mph is too slow. I don't wanna chip it just to turn more rpm
2- The locking rear axle SUCKS on pavement
3- No fuel guage
4- Starts hard if it has sat for a couple of weeks
5- Motor does use oil when running wide open for long periods (need to monitor oil level)
VERY RELIABLE!!!!!!!
Works great for plowing snow.
I may try to sell this fall to upgrade to new again.
the locking rear axial is what i hate the most. alot of play in the rear differential. alot of binding going on when turning on pavement. and mine uses oil also. less then 10 mpg
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I consistantly get around 15 mpg.
It's funny, cause everyone always comments on how it must save me money on fuel!
They think i should get twice the mileage it does.
