Side by side recommendations?

[Bruce L]

Currently have a Kawasaki 3010, found it to be an indispensable tool in the bush,hauling wood,checking lines,installing mainline,tubing,running between bushes,hauling syrup,etc. Biggest problem is not much ground clearance,doesn’t take a lot of snow to get it stuck. What’s out there that’s a little better on clearance and features,just basic still,don’t necessarily need one that will go 60 mph. Thanks

[Shaun]

I have found the side by side are not great in the snow and clearance probably won't make a huge difference. I have some camoplast tracks on a polaris crew and it will go about anywhere. It also helps not leave ruts in the spring when it is wet by spreading the ground pressure. The honda pioneer 500 is a small nimble machine with a decent price point for hauling a few tools and supplies to the woods.

[heus]

I just got this Mule Pro MX which is a 700 cc mid size utv. Worked great in the mud for deer season. Haven't had enough snow in NE Ohio this winter to use the plow I got with it.

[arcticmaple8]

Kawasaki mule pro fx. Biggest bed, only goes 45 but great for work machine. Fits 3 adults in single cab. Going into 3rd season with mine and no issues yet. Has 2000hrs. I would def buy another one.

[heus]

Yeah the bed on the fx models is huge.

[johnallin]

I bought a Gator HPX Trail in 2006. It's one of my favorite "toys". Use it to plow two drives, haul syrup wood and for working in the woods .

I believe the Trail Gator has 6-8" ground clearance - Ive never had it in a spot I couldn't get out of... it's a real workhorse.
Unlike some of the new ones - this only goes about 25-20 mph. Put it in 4 wheel low and it's unstoppable.


GATOR 3.jpg GATOR 2.jpg GATOR 1.jpg

[Mead Maple]

I have an ‘06 Rhino so would not necessarily recommend one of those at this point because it is so much older but know how invaluable of a tool it is.

When I upgrade this it will probably be to a Ranger 900 or a Mule. I have found now with 3 kids and working on my property that power and capability is far more important than speed and looks. I now prefer the bench seat for the kids and love having a large bed. Power steering will be a must and I enjoy the factory add on options for their fit and finish. Something Polaris has prided itself on even though being slightly expensive.

As far as ground clearance and traction, adding larger tires (27 inch Maxxis Zillas) has made that much better. But as many have mentioned, once the snow is too deep I switch to the snowmobile.


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[ddociam]

I have an Artic Cat/Textron Stampede. It will go 60 mph and has approx 90 hp. It rated for a half ton in the box but I put a 150 gallon tank in the back and it was to much even half full. So I went to a trailer for the tank.
I love this machine for its utility installing tubing, cleaning out trails I’m my groves, hauling wood, or just general yard work. My wife never liked riding on the back of a four wheeler but she will ride in this.
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[ddociam]

Another thing about speed. 90 percent of the time I’m going about thirty. The only time I’ve ever gone 60 was on a slight downhill highway. On gravel 30 to 40 seems like plenty.


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[Mead Maple]

Another thing about speed. 90 percent of the time I’m going about thirty. The only time I’ve ever gone 60 was on a slight downhill highway. On gravel 30 to 40 seems like plenty.


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And to add to that, lower gear torque ends up being more important in regards to the woods. Luckily a lot of these machines are geared low enough to make navigating sugar woods much easier


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