Anyone using ATV or side by side

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va_ken

New member
Not sure which forum topic to put this on but am in the market for a utility side by side and wondering what you guys are using. Researching Rhino and Mule right now.
 
I use the polaris RZR side by side for getting around. It handls well and the ride is'nt to badd, and plenty of power or speed to get there in a hurry. The only down side is the exhaust is a little loud.. I traded my old Kaw. mule in for a Kaw. Terr. side by side. It dose'nt ride as well as the RZR,but I have more room for storage and it handle real good and it can handle the bigger guys for seating and getting in and out of it. I'm takeing it out for a two day hunt and well see how it does...Over all i do like both of them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

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We have several ATVs on the ranch including a JD Gator. It works great for ranch maintenance work but it doesn't hold a candle to TA's machines. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Have a good friend & neighbor who has the Arctic Cat with the big bench seat. That seat config does have some advantages.

I am partial to my Honda Rubicon. I am in the process of putting together a shooting bench that will fit in the hitch reciever. I also am pondering on a mount to facilitate my monopod to be able to fire forward shots from the operator's seat/position. (-:

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The tires are getting pretty worn on the Rubicon. There may be a new Rincon in my near future.
 
I use a Honda ATV and when I hunt/call with my calling partner, a local farmer, we use his Bad Boy Buggy. It is nice, dead silent. You'll make alot more stands that way. It's a numbers game here. Selection of type is probably going to be based on your terrain. In these river bottom farmlands that we hunt the BBB can't be beat.
 
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Bad Boy Buggy? I think you will have to draw (or post) a picture. (-:

I found it! Very interesting!

http://www.badboybuggies.com/index.htm




I like 'em, but they are REAL heavy... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

You need a heavy duty truck to carry them in teh back.
If it's steep, or boggy, you are in trouble with their weight....

My Honda weighs roughly 500 pounds VS 1500 pounds for the BadBoy Buggy.
 
IMO it really depends on what you want to use it for. The Rhino is more of a pleasure riding machime to go fast with. The Mule is a slower workman type utility vehicle.

I have the Kawasaki Mule, and I really like it. We also have a Polaris Ranger, and it is also a nice vehicle, but I prefer the Mule. The main reason I like the Mule is that the Polaris is all plastic, And the Mule is basically all metal. Especially in the floor boards, and bed. The Kawasaki is not as fast, but I am not in any hurry.

I also prefer the bench seat on the Mule, I do not like the bucket seats on the other two. And if you are a large person then the Rhino is very cramped.

There are a lot of differences between the 3 bikes, so if I were you I would write down all the uses you will be using it for, then pick the bike that best fits your needs.

IMO the Mule is considerably more rugged for heavier use, but not as fast for pleasure riding. However if you ride on Sunday with your friends, you will be the favorite person on the ride, because you will be hauling all their stuff. Tom.

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I am thinking that Side-by-Sides are like trucks; the best hunting outfit there is.....is whatever your pardner drives. (-:
 
Good info here. I had a Kawasaki 360 Prairie and flipped it going up a hill. I came up to a log across the trail, gave it some gas and as it climbed over, it stood straight up and flipped over backwards. When I realized I was past the balance point, I jumped and rolled to the side in time to see the ATV bounce a few times upside down. Cost me $500 for repairs and then I sold it. I am too old for the acrobatics of jumping off these machines. I want a quiet side by side but not ready for a battery operated Bad Boy or Stealth after testing one. I am enjoying your comments and also wondering if any of you guys are ATV dealers or anyone have access to dealer prices for negotiation use.
 
I just bought a Grizzly 550 and it is SICK. my buddy just got a Rhino 700 and it is SIICK. Fun to cruise on, fun to go fast, fun to mud bog, fun to rock crawl, FUN FUN FUN!!
 
I don't have one, but have the opportunity to use my dad's four wheeler, and mule as well as a friend's joyner. They all serve their purpose and I really like the new mule, it is quiet, powerful enough to do most anything and it is heavy enough for a high seat in the rear.

If you haven't seen the Joyner's check them out, they are cool vehicles with some really neat features. It is a fast little booger and pretty cool looking. Here is the link for the one that the friend of mine has. http://teamjoynerusa.com/800cc4X4RENEGADE4s.html
 
I have an 08 Polaris Ranger 700XP. I have custom built a roll cage and seats for the bed. We have been using it for coyotes all season with great results. We can go anywhere with 4 guys and all of our gear. It is quieter and goes more places than any stock truck. I can't say enough good things about it.

Here is a quick picture of my creation.
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I've been using a Hovercraft this past season. Goes over any kind of terrain, doesn't leave a track!

Kind of loud, though

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I am on a volunteer rescue squad and we recently built an off road ambulance out of a crew cab Polaris. The extra length makes it stable and it will still top out at about 44 mph even with the extra 300 pounds we put on it. The amazing thing about it is that it is like a tank. We have been trying to get it stuck for the last 6 months and have yet to find something it will not climb out of.

Rides smooth, has plenty of power and room, quiet, and so far has been unbreakable. I would buy one them before I brought another ATV
 
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I like my Ranger. With the bench seat, there's plenty of room for people and all their stuff. Faster to call out of than a truck too, both in getting down a nasty road and retrieving your gear when getting out. I've single handedly loaded and hauled a bull elk off the mountain with it.
 
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I've been using a Hovercraft this past season. Goes over any kind of terrain, doesn't leave a track!

Kind of loud, though

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Those things look really neat. What is the cost and will they go over Water?
 
I have a Polaris ranger 700xp and our company has the Mule I like the Polaris more power and no dents or rust the body is like most ATV`s indestructible under most use.But either beats walking and allows you to carry lots of hunting gear if your into duck and goose decoys.
 
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