Looking for some objective thoughts ...

HandLogger · 2008-06-26 11:24:57

Howdy all,

We own a large parcel of forestland in the Berkshires and need a vehicle that will facilitate low-impact logging ... that is, fetching/skidding/forwarding saw logs that have fallen on grades too steep for heavy equipment.

We have a fetching arch for this purpose that will either raise the log off of the ground completely or, conversely, allow one end to drag slightly -- depends on the terrain and the tree species -- so we're looking for a quad to pull the arch with. I realize that a true utility type quad like the Mule would probably be better suited for our work purposes, but we would also like the UTV to serve for leisure as well. We've never done any serious rock climbing or mudding with any type of ATV, but we do have a lot of established ATV trails on the property that are begging to be explored.

Other than research, we know very little about quads -- and even less about side-by-sides -- so we're trying to proceed cautiously into all of this. Above our work/leisure needs, we need something that's reliable. The machine will probably spend its entire life on our property (in the middle of nowhere) so we want something that doesn't require a lot of hauling to and from the dealer for maintenance and/or repairs. I have worked on my own equipment since childhood, so I'm not afraid to work on any type of machinery -- I just try to avoid "exotic" machines that require dealer involvement and/or hard to acquire parts.

I really don't mean to pull anyone into a brand battle, but we're a bit torn between the Rhino and the RZR. Polaris has published various specs indicating that it would work a bit better on the utility end, but I just don't know anything about this company. On the other hand, we've owned various Yamahas in the past, so the idea of having a very old, established dealership network behind us does appeal to us.

At the end of the day, we need some objective advice for some of the UTV owners here. As I already mentioned, my intention is not to knock one brand or the other -- we just want to make an informed decision.

Your thoughts and your time are greatly appreciated ...

DUNE DUMMY 29 · 2008-06-26 14:05:59

SINCE YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO WORK ON IT YOURSELF, STAY AWAY FROM THE FUEL INJECTED MODELS. FOR WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO DO, I WOULD SAY YOU NEED A POLARIS RANGER (NOT A RZR.) OR A KAWASAKI MULE. THE RZR IS FAST BUT BASICALLY DOESN'T HAVE A BED. THE RANGER IS LIKE A SMALL TRUCK. YOU SIT UP STRAIGHT WITH A BIG STEERING WHEEL & 3 PEOPLE CAN SIT IN THE SEAT. THE RHINO IS MORE SPORTY & YOU SIT DOWN IN IT. IF YOU HAVE EVER DRIVEN A JEEP YOU WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM DRIVING ANY SIDEXSIDE. THE RHINO HAS A BED & CAN CARRY SOME WEIGHT BUT NOT AS MUCH AS THE RANGER. I AM PARTIAL TO THE RHINO & THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND THE LONGEST & THERE ARE MORE OF THEM OUT THERE & THERE ARE LOTS OF AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR THE RHINO.

Badley · 2008-06-26 20:57:48

I agree w/DD. Ranger (not RZR - it is more recreation) has good utility. Mule is better utility than recreation (although, Julian has me second guessing that statement ) Teryx a lot like the Rhino, but new and not as big of aftermarket yet. Rhino is good for both utility and recreation. I would not use an ATV for logging. UTV has longer/wider wheelbase and more weight, so you will get better traction and pulling power. Also, I would rather be in a cage doing that kind of work :shock:

acad54 · 2008-06-27 09:17:18

Steep grades? Pulling logs? Get a Polaris Ranger 6x6

family adventure · 2008-07-21 03:39:30

Ranger for heavy work.

HawkeRhino · 2008-07-21 05:32:22

Ranger does probaly have better pulling power but do you want to go that wide? for the narrower thought i would go with the rhino. there are lots of aftermarket suppliers to get anything you think you want for the rhino. the new Kaw Teryx seems to be ok. just with my past KAW experence, they love spark plugs.

but you really need to go out and drive all of them you are considering. everyone has diffrent wants/likes for each machine.

family adventure · 2008-07-21 05:42:26

My rhino does have a great work ethic however you mentioned not tearing up the ground and the Polaris Ranger has a turf mode on the rear axle allowing you to unlok it to make sharp turns.

#1 2008-06-26 11:24:57

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#2 2008-06-26 14:05:59

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#3 2008-06-26 20:57:48

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#4 2008-06-27 09:17:18

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#5 2008-07-21 03:39:30

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#6 2008-07-21 05:32:22

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

#7 2008-07-21 05:42:26

Re: Looking for some objective thoughts ...

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