Time for a new UTV. Feedback appreciated.

[Raven]

Hi folks,

My Kawasaki UTV (Pro FX) is coming up on 9 years old. It's been a relatively trouble free machine minus a starter that started squealing / subsequent replacement. The main issue I have is the ground clearance from the factory. The ranch is relatively rocky / rough terrain and I use the UTV to feed and hunt. With all that said, I would love your input / recommendation on brands / models based on your experience. I'm leaning towards the Kawasaki Pro HD 1000. More ground clearance and higher cargo capacity. I'm not married to the brand however (but do like the 3 year warranty).

Thanks in advance.

 

[LDB]

I usually make a spreadsheet with columns for all the important stuff, ground clearance for one in this case. Then I keep filling in models and info until one speaks to me enough more than any other. Then I pick which is second or maybe second/third and put them in a SS with no others to clutter things up. Another day or two spec'ing on it and usually an answer appears. Good luck figuring it out.

 

[Raven]

I usually make a spreadsheet with columns for all the important stuff, ground clearance for one in this case. Then I keep filling in models and info until one speaks to me enough more than any other. Then I pick which is second or maybe second/third and put them in a SS with no others to clutter things up. Another day or two spec'ing on it and usually an answer appears. Good luck figuring it out.

Thanks! Great suggestion.

 

[Alan]

Hi folks,

My Kawasaki UTV (Pro FX) is coming up on 9 years old. It's been a relatively trouble free machine minus a starter that started squealing / subsequent replacement. The main issue I have is the ground clearance from the factory. The ranch is relatively rocky / rough terrain and I use the UTV to feed and hunt. With all that said, I would love your input / recommendation on brands / models based on your experience. I'm leaning towards the Kawasaki Pro HD 1000. More ground clearance and higher cargo capacity. I'm not married to the brand however (but do like the 3 year warranty).

Thanks in advance.

The extra clearance and cargo capacity will help a lot on rough terrain and that warranty is nice.

 

[Drycreek]

I think …pick the features you want and buy from a reputable dealer. After that, it’s a crapshoot. Any of the major brands can have problems. One thing you might do, is get on some off road forums and see what they are running and the problems that might crop up in some brands more than others.

I have been very lucky in my dealings with side by sides. I bought a Ranger in ‘09 and a CanAm in ‘16 or’17 and both have been great. I sold the Ranger to my son, he had a little work done on it and still runs it. My CanAm had to have new rollers put in the transmission but that was because someone (not me!) was shifting without coming to a stop. Those rollers are plastic BTW !

 

[BrotherHubb]

I think that Kawasaki has some new models with more ground clearance and that would be my first choice, second choice is CanAm for sure. I have friends who have Polaris and they don’t perform as well or are as reliable. Honda is probably a good machine but I don’t fit in any of their models, I know some independent UTV service guys and they generally all say Kawasaki

 

[Raven]

I think …pick the features you want and buy from a reputable dealer. After that, it’s a crapshoot. Any of the major brands can have problems. One thing you might do, is get on some off road forums and see what they are running and the problems that might crop up in some brands more than others.

I have been very lucky in my dealings with side by sides. I bought a Ranger in ‘09 and a CanAm in ‘16 or’17 and both have been great. I sold the Ranger to my son, he had a little work done on it and still runs it. My CanAm had to have new rollers put in the transmission but that was because someone (not me!) was shifting without coming to a stop. Those rollers are plastic BTW !

Thanks for the feedback. I don’t know anyone with a CanAm but read good things about them. Appreciate it!

 

[Raven]

I think that Kawasaki has some new models with more ground clearance and that would be my first choice, second choice is CanAm for sure. I have friends who have Polaris and they don’t perform as well or are as reliable. Honda is probably a good machine but I don’t fit in any of their models, I know some independent UTV service guys and they generally all say Kawasaki

Thanks for the feedback. I went and looked at the Pro HD 1000 today. Very similar to my existing machine but definitely more ground clearance and 1000 lb cargo capacity vs the 600 lbs I have today. Also has a hydraulic dump but I don’t really need it. I guess it may come in handy at some point. Reliability is a major factor in my decision.

 

[Wendell Reich]

I have a Can Am Defender. The only thing I don’t like was the price. These buggies have gotten out of hand.

More comfortable seats than the Polaris

Get one with a lot of travel, then you can get taller tires, which gives you more clearance.

I saw a Polaris Expedition with taller tires. It was sick! Also it was over $50k.

 

[Raven]

Thanks Wendell. CanAm is my next dealer stop. How long have you had the machine? Any issues at all to speak of?

 

[LDB]

$50k??? For a fancy toy. Wow.

 

[Wendell Reich]

Thanks Wendell. CanAm is my next dealer stop. How long have you had the machine? Any issues at all to speak of?

No issues after almost 2 years and 2800 miles.

 

[Raven]

Nice! Good to hear. Appreciate the info.

I noticed the enclosed feature. Is that an HVAC model or just weather proof? Also if add on's (roof & windshield) do you know what brand?

Thanks again.

 

[Wendell Reich]

Nice! Good to hear. Appreciate the info.

I noticed the enclosed feature. Is that an HVAC model or just weather proof? Also if add on's (roof & windshield) do you know what brand?

Thanks again.

It’s the HD-10 Texas edition. Comes with AC and sound system.

 

[Wendell Reich]

I got a Tracker from Bass Pro in December. It is kind of a stripped down UTV. You can see where they cut costs, but, it didn’t result in a cheap feel. It’s just very “Utility”.

It’s actually an Arctic Cat. Even has “Arctic Cat” stickers on some of the parts.

It seems pretty solid. It is a very quiet UTV! I’d buy another one, especially if it was for work or if the budget was tight.

 

[Raven]

I got a Tracker from Bass Pro in December. It is kind of a stripped down UTV. You can see where they cut costs, but, it didn’t result in a cheap feel. It’s just very “Utility”.

It’s actually an Arctic Cat. Even has “Arctic Cat” stickers on some of the parts.

It seems pretty solid. It is a very quiet UTV! I’d buy another one, especially if it was for work or if the budget was tight.

That brand didn't even cross my mind. My cousin is an Artic Cat dealer in another state. I'll have to pick is brain.

Plan to look at CanAm's today and Kawasaki has a new enclosed model available now. Best feedback has been on those two brands so far. Getting pretty broad and consistent feedback on Polaris. Ties to what I see on the ranch and my friends ranch unfortunately.

 

[Raven]

Update: Picked up a 2026 Kawasaki Mule Pro FX 1000 HD. Appreciate everyone's feedback and insight. It checked all my boxes and February is slow for the Power Sports industry so I got a pretty good deal. Have to say Can Am makes some nice machines as well and I almost went that route.