SXS advice needed please

[0neoldfart]

I am in the market for a side by side ATV. It will be primarily used for plowing my driveway in the winter, and light (casual) off trail riding in the spring and summer months. I am currently looking at the Rhino 700, the Arctic Cat 700 XTX, and the Polaris Ranger /RZR 800s. I don't need big power, nor am I going to be looking for the biggest mudhole, either. I was also considering the 550's from the afore mentioned manufacturers.
Questions: which would you purchase and why (or why not?)
Will any of these side by sides handle a 72" blade?
What do you like (or dislike about the model you own?

Thanks in advance.

Karl

 

[papajake]

for what you need go with the 800 razor put a 60" blade on it as it is only 50" wide you won't be disappointed we have had ours for over 2 years great machine and easy to maintain

 

[Summiteer]

Karl, they are all good but if you are, in fact one old fart, you may appreciate a ranger or Rhino over the rzr just because they are easier to get in and out of, especially if you are dressed up in winter clothes.

 

[sweld]

Karl, they are all good but if you are, in fact one old fart, you may appreciate a ranger or Rhino over the rzr just because they are easier to get in and out of, especially if you are dressed up in winter clothes.

Or a Teryx, not sure if you considered one. Tons of torque to push that plow plus it still has some fun factor

 

[0neoldfart]

Thanks for the input. I guess the RZR is out, as I don't bend nearly as good as I used to, and neither does the wife - she's going to be the primary operator, and needs knee surgery soon, so ease of entry is a must. To be honest, the SXS likely won't move much in the summer, but using the snowblower is a pain in the a@@. I used to have an outlander 500 with itp mud lites that moved snow very well, but we had too many "interests", and it sucks to pay insurance on bikes, quads, and sleds. Just have the sleds now, and a crappy 24" snowblower, but the blade certainly works better...

 

[TheMuffinMan]

I loved my rhino for plowing snow, but honestly I can't say it would be any better than the others I'd imagine they would all work fine for that task. Stay away from the arctic cat though, not the most reliable machines that's for sure. Tough call really they all have their good points: Ranger has the best payload and cheapest accessories, Teryx has the sportiest engine, and the Rhino has the advantage of a wet clutch (it's easy to fry a belt plowing snow on the others) and a solid record of dependability. Pick any one I'm sure you'll be happy.

 

[rzrgade]

The base 900 ranger is your machine..................Easiest to get in /out of ,best 4x4 system and best vision of the plow as well as best cab/heater options...............and DESIGNED to work all day every day.

 

[DRD]

Kubota might suite you also, even get it with AC in case you want to drive it in the hot summer.

 

[scoobienorth]

Id say rhino, the belt drive would stand up the best for plowing. Pretty reliable machines, not any tougher, but more reliable with the small things. Next prob be the 800 commander or 900 ranger

 

[rzrgade]

No power steering on a commander,and they have more than there share of belt issues....You could plow all day with a ranger,everyday and not worry about the belt. Popo has the clutching /belt down pat........
If ease of entry /vision is a must you will not beat a ranger +it is pretty dam good on the trail. Also has the turf mode in the rear diff for lawns etc etc............

 

[scoobienorth]

Commander does have powersteering option on base models now even, haven't seen one to long enough to comment on belt life, the turf mode would be nice touch when turning tight in the yard or driveway. The commander is sportier, but still utilitarian which is my preference, not what the guy asking the questions preference.

 

[rzrgade]

The new ranger is some what sporty but built to work foremost. As for the Commander i am not a fan at all. Everytime i rode with one this past summer it would overheat, ALLWAYS. On the test rides at the Jamboree,a new demo overheated..............Fail.

Have you looked at the new John deere 850 I .Very nice machine,right size (54" wide) lots of power (v twin) and incredible fit and finnsh.
Have not driven one ,but looked very impressive at the Sled show.............

If you want pure performance,wait untill the new Popo is released at Glamis dunes ,at new years..........
The maverick run will be over ,before the public has driven one...............lol

 

[scoobienorth]

This is my buddies commander. Bought this summer, works well no issues and its been used. Like everything there are lemons to be had.

The gator does look good. May be a solid option. I say check it out also