Side by Side ATVs?

rwanders · April 11, 2009, 10:17:14 PM

We are contemplating buying a side by side ATV---has anyone had any experience with Polaris Rangers or Yamaha Rhinos? If I do buy one, I will then have a need for some shelter/security for it at the cabin. I have been considering building a small shed or garage for it with a gravel floor----any problems specific to that kind of building? It occurred to me that it may present some problems tying the walls together when there are no floor joists.

suggestions or cautioins appreciated

MountainDon · April 11, 2009, 10:24:34 PM

We've thought of one too, but I haven't done much research. I did see there was a recall on two Rhino models... easy tipping over was given as the problem. Google should turn up more.

If I had more land I'd consider a used Japanese mini truck. They're not road legal in the USA but on private property are fine. Fully enclosed cab, heat, A?C in some and usually they have a drop side flatbed.

April 11, 2009, 10:54:39 PM

We witnessed a side by side wreck last year on the road that runs through our ranch. The driver took a turn to fast, and turned his side by side Arctic Cat over. In doing so almost took off his leg and his passenger was tossed across the road as well. (Both were life flighted.) The deputy that investigated the accident said as many of those he has seen; he still did not really feel they were unsafe. He added just people most of the time are just going to fast and don't understand what they have. They are a great tool for the outdoors but like a chain saw.........

glenn kangiser · April 11, 2009, 11:19:53 PM

My Bush Hog seats 3 and will climb nearly anything if you can stay on it. It is made for work so is not extremely fast. I have a winch, dump bed and snow plow for it. It has a 24 horse Honda. It is rated at hauling 1000 lbs in the dump bed and does it well.

Due to it's suspension it is supposed to out pull and out haul the others.

http://www.bushhog.com/ProductFamily.aspx?ID=15

cordwood · April 12, 2009, 12:42:12 AM

A Suzuki Samuri (Geo Tracker)that has been rolled and totaled by the ins. co. will have a salvage title and be much cheaper and by far a better, longer lasting vehicle. Parts are cheaper and much more avail. And if you want to make it street legal again you can.
Rubber band driven vehicles IMHO are toys. I like a clutch and gears.

glenn kangiser · April 12, 2009, 12:57:40 AM

Could be a toy but its a pretty mean toy.

I have brought near a 1/4 cord of oak from my spring up grades that had to reach 50% in places I'm pretty sure and some pretty good sidehills too.

It also has an air filter system for its rubber band - I haven't had a problem with it.

I thought a Suzuki Samuri would flip over on a normal highway slant? I can almost say for certain I would roll it here.

I have always wanted to check angles on my mountain to see what that thing actually does. It has climbed lots of places that are near impossible to walk.

peternap · April 12, 2009, 03:00:03 AM

I've thought about them many times. Each time I come to the same conclusion. They just aren't worth the money.

For a farm truck, I have a Ford F150 with mud tires. It isn't quite as easy to take in tight places as a side by side...but it hauls more, is cheaper and if I want, I can drive it up to 50 miles on the road without registration.

If I need to go in tight places or just want to take a quick spin somewhere, I have a dirt bike and ATV.

MaineRhino · April 12, 2009, 07:27:10 AM

I have a 2005 Yamaha Rhino, and I love it! It may not be for everyone, as it is very expensive, something like $10,000 plus accessories. I put the tracks on in the winter, and it usually does OK.

The Rhino was NOT recalled. It was officially called a "Repair Campaign". The first was to add doors so that the driver or passenger would be less likely to stick out their legs if they roll over. They also added a grab-bar for the passenger. The second notice was to install a spacer on each of the rear wheels, and to remove the rear anti-sway bar. I have not had mine modified (yet).

Like any other machine, operator error may cause injury or death. The Rhino is no different.

On the mountain, we use ours to haul water, rocks, wood and other materials. I think the load limit is 400 lbs.

Here in Maine I think the small off-road trucks are too wide to legally run the trails. Those trucks also cannot do what the Rhino or the BushHog can do, such as deep water crossings, climb steep hills etc.....

If I were to do it again, I would choose the Rhino over an ATV. The SxS machines are much more versatile, and not that much more expensive than a large ATV. I looked at some other models such as Kawasaki, Polaris and Kubota, but they were either too expensive or under-powered.

considerations · April 12, 2009, 10:01:32 AM

I think I'd be happy with a lawn tractor with a PTO - i looked at the link for those Brushhogs....$$$$$??

April 12, 2009, 05:46:07 PM

Quote from: glenn kangiser on April 12, 2009, 12:57:40 AM
Could be a toy but its a pretty mean toy.

I have brought near a 1/4 cord of oak from my spring up grades that had to reach 50% in places I'm pretty sure and some pretty good sidehills too.

It also has an air filter system for its rubber band - I haven't had a problem with it.

I thought a Suzuki Samuri would flip over on a normal highway slant? I can almost say for certain I would roll it here.

I have always wanted to check angles on my mountain to see what that thing actually does. It has climbed lots of places that are near impossible to walk.

They are bad to roll over at speed but at slow speeds I have not seen them to be any worse than the rubber band ones.
And with a pile of shreaded rubber bands behind the shed from the locals trying to use a Kawi mule like a "real" mule plus right now I'm in the process of rebuilding both clutches and rubber band on a Polaris 500 I get to see their limitations all too often.
I do have to add that it usually is NOT the belts fault when it breaks! It usually happens because the operator has the machine in HIGH RANGE and over heats the belt. Some of the more industrial units only have a semi-low range that helps belt life but you had better take a lunch if you have very far to go

glenn kangiser · April 12, 2009, 10:44:34 PM

That's mine - medium and slow but tough. I doubt it goes over 20. I think it is in the specs.

glenn kangiser · April 12, 2009, 10:52:00 PM

The Bushhog is also around $10000 plus accessories. Mine lists for around $15K with the extras but it had been in a wreck - hit by a Semi and reefer full of groceries. I got it in trade for work and at a discount.

Here the mountains are too steep for the speed - I just need the climbing and hauling power. I can say that it is stable enough to go and climb in a place that was so steep my neighbor had to jump off of his standard 4 wheel Kawasaki and let it go over the hill without him.

lonelytree · April 13, 2009, 12:27:40 AM

There was a Ranger playing on Lake Louise this weekend. It had tracks and a top etc... He was doing fine and only high centered once.

When you add up all the "necessary equipment" for a side by side, they can be VERY expensive. I like the Rhino myself. If I were up where you are I would look HARD at the Polaris 6X6 with tracks and price them out. Avoid Marita and look to Hatcher Pass Polaris. Flotation in muskeg is the ticket. Remember that you may want to put tracks on it.

I have not heard any reports on the Honda. I have a customer that just bought one. I will ask him if he has used it yet.

How about one of those bolt together metal buildings? You could even use RR ties as a foundation. Pin them together with rebar and fill in with gravel. There is one on Lake Louise near the Susitna channel.

Mike