Polaris Ranger vs. Kawasaki Mule...opinions

[HTOWN]

You just have to pick what you like. All have pros and cons. What ever fits your needs best, you will be happy with.
I've had 2 polaris, never had any issues with them.if mule made a decent sized bed, I might look at them. But I haul more than 2 sacks of corn and a 6 pack of drinks around.
Problem with any machine your looking at is the availability. Unless you can find a nice used one

[Chance Love]

I wouldn't look at any except the mule pro of your going Kawasaki.

Yep, this right here. 100% different machines.




When I bought my Mule Pro FXT these were my criteria:
1. Dependability
2. Quiet
3. Tight turning radius
4. Smooth ride
5. Carry 4 or more people
6. Low end torque
7. Dependability (I know)

-Speed was not a factor. To me, 30mph on a ranch road is PLENTY fast.
-Bed space was not a factor. I use a hitch carrier for animals or stuff that won’t fit in the bed.
-I bought this thing for work, not racing or playing in mud. I get into some REALLY rough country with lots of rocky stuff, tons of brush, ect. while hauling folks around. And what makes it good for that also makes it great for a hunting rig.

Mine is a 2019, bought in December of 2018. Before buying I did a lot of research on machines. Since dependability was my #1 priority, from my research that knocked Polaris off the list right quick. It was a short list to begin with and I was left with the Mule and CanAm. The CanAm wheelbase is too long, and the machine is not as user friendly for what I do. The Mule also rode smoother and was quieter. It actually was a pretty easy decision to get the Mule. You aren’t far from me. Come by and drive it anytime.

[Raising3arrows]

I am looking to retire in a year or so and building our retirement home on 10 acres in Burnet county.

I am looking to get a SxS UTV to toodle around around on and do various functions on the property.

I have seen many Polaris Rangers for sale and a few Kawasaki Mules for sale

the Mules I have seen are the 4010 model, some Diesel. And...some newer PRO models.

This tells me that Polaris is popular and the Mule is not ... or Polaris is problem plagued and the Mule is a more solid unit that is not on the market as much.

So... Y'alls thoughts...Ranger or Mule ... or is it a Ford/Chevy type of deal????

I have a Ranger 800 XP we purchased new in 2010. It has been outstanding. About 2 years ago o did a heavy maintenance, bushings, u-joints, fluids and replace the steering rack. I have been running 27-28” Outlaws since it was new. The ride is much better than the Mule and the turf saver option on the rear axle is a must for using in the yard. We have taken care of it but it’s far from being “babied” we have used it pretty hard and it’s served us well. I would definitely do it again.

[Fordnandez]

I would get whichever you like better or can get the bset deal on. I think it is a Ford vs Chevy deal. Also dont let anyone tell you that one rides better than the other. I have had both ride like a Caddilac and a tractor, it is all about what they have the tire pressure and springs set to.

[Drop em']

I've owned them all. Currently, I just wanted to get something new, so bought a Can AM Defender Max Limited. However, I kept the 2017 Mule Pro FXT also. I love the bells and whistles on the Can Am, but something will break at some point. The Mule has been reliable as you could hope for.

[Fmjag64]

CanAm Defender Max HD10 for my vote,

[SB09]

The only brand side by side I've ever bought 2 of is the Mule Pro FXT. I bounced around every brand out there until I got a Pro FXT. Probably won't be leaving their machines any time soon.

They handle like a bus and aren't the fastest. But, they flat out last and are just simply comfortable to ride in to me.

[texan4ut]

I have a 2013 Polaris Ranger 800 XP and have had zero issues other than me knocking a hole in the radiator.

[cehorn]

I'll chime in as well but not too different than most. I would go with a Kawasaki. For reference I have a 2013 4010 and love it. Another farm I hunt on gives me free access to their Pro FXT, so I have driven and rode in them quite a bit. My BIL has a Polaris and we hunt together. I'll also throw Can Am's in. If I was getting a new one I would take a look at them as they are nice. But, you pay for nice. Anyway, I think it is all about what you want to do with it. Here is my breakdown of the machines:

Mule 4010: WORKHORSE. It has a bigger bed that is all metal and flat out works. I love how the back seat is convertible to extra haul space. I convert the back anytime I don't have others riding with me to put my backpack, bow, etc. in. I like that it doesn't have doors. It is slower than the rest but as others have said I'm ok with that on a ranch. If you will be hauling stuff, this is your tool.

Mule Pro: It is a workhorse as well but is built more for hauling people and riding around. It has a much smaller bed. It has doors. I personally hate the doors as I love being able to get in on either side from my 4010 and quickly slide over. I'm sure there are advantages to the door like staying in but I have never come close to falling out. To me, no doors makes gates, etc easier. To me the doors also make it less likely to convert the back seat for extra work space. I'm assuming the Pro's do this as I have never seen it done because of the doors, etc. As I said, my 4010 has seat down and more storage 80% of the time. The Pro is faster and rides a little better but not too much better than my 4010. I do know more people with Pros than 4010's so there is a need. So again, how much are you riding vs working/hauling?

Polaris: My BIL has had minor issues but nothing major. It gets up and goes and if I was only concerned with ride I would say Polaris. It does have a smooth ride. It has less clearance so that would be an issue for me. BUT, to me you only have to look at the amount of plastic vs metal in a polaris vs mule to tell. That was a big deal to me. I'm hard on stuff so I wanted metal anywhere I can get it. I have seen little things break on my BIL's Polaris because they are plastic that don't affect ride and dont warrant a trip to the shop but they are noticeable. So again, it is all about what you want it to do.

Can AM: I have rode in a few. They are nice and they go. The realtor (Sorry Chance) that showed us our ranch had a Can Am. She took that thing thru some rough stuff both on the ground and things like limbs, etc. Places that really needed a bulldozer or bobcat. It handled those situations like a champ. I think they are a little lower than a mule as we did get stuck once, high centered in a mud hole) and my wife and I had to get out and push it out. After that ride I was impressed and told her if we look for another that Can Am's would be on the list. The ranch I was on this weekend had a Can Am. Every time I rode in it I thought how nice it was. But do you need all the bells and whistles for the cost? Again, what is your purpose? I would say out of Can Am and Polaris, if your need was to just ride, I would probably go with the Can Am.

I didn't mention before but my dad only has Gators. They are workhorses as well. He has had really good luck with his and I have taken them a couple of places I'm not sure my Mule would go. They seem to have more power and are built wider so more stable. Just another to think about.

[DedDuk]

If mud is common where you ride, Im pretty sure the Mule is only 3 wheel drive. I test drove them all and bought my Can Am from Justin Spies.

[IvoryRoot]

Mule FXT

[DamonJ]

I have had a 2009 Polaris 700 single, 2015 900 crew and now a 2019 crew. All have been great machines. the 700 is up north still rocking on a hunt club in Wisconsin, the 900 is working the for a duck guide and I am still rolling the 2019.

If I was shopping today, the only other unit I would look at is CanAm, I just gotta have a little performance available if I want it.. Kawasaki is a slug......

[Quackerbox]

I can show you one…

sign me up for 2. And I can make 2 calls and get 3 more.

What surprises me on a can am is when you push the gas peddle to the floor it has to think about moving. The polaris has already thrown a yard of dirt in the kawasakis face while they close the stupid door

[Young gun 12]

between those 2, I would go Mule. If you are willing to look at others, the CanAm defender is tough to beat and what I ended up getting.

[bloodtrailer28]

I've only gotten my can am up to 62 or so. Lol yep she's slow. When I had my mule I personally liked the doors on it...now the latches sucked. Doors kept the mud out of the cab and my boy inside the cab! Lol