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OT: Polaris Ranger or Yamaha Rhino

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BR549.sixpack

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Sep 4, 2008
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I'm buying used, not new. So right now I'm looking at a 2007 Ranger 500 with 280 hrs for $5800 or a 2007 Rhino 450 with less than a 100 hrs.

I'm using this vehicle to hunt with plus mud a little too. Any of you rednecks have any experience with either vehicle?
 
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disappointeddawg

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Mar 3, 2008
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I've owned several Rangers but never a Rhino. Doesn't the Rhino only have two seats? That would be a problem for me as I usually need to slide in as many bodies as possible when hunting. We all pile into 2 or 3 when having a big group duck hunt and the backs are usually filled with decoys, guns, dogs, and all kinds of other **** (damn, it really is amazing how much gear it takes to go duck hunting.) Anyway, I bought a Ranger years ago right when they came out and was skeptical that they'd be able to handle the same conditions as a 4-wheeler. I was surprised at what you can take them through though. I have a set of oversized wheels and tires that I put on during hunting season only and you can't stop them. I have yet to get stuck but have a winch just in case. I've had several since the first one (2 or 3), the current one being the 700 efi and it's a great ride. I now only use it for goofing off around the farm though. I have had a Honda Big Red for a couple of years and use it for hunting now. I just like the reliability of a Honda. It's definitely not as sporty and fun to drive as the Polaris though. I never had any major problems with the Ranger but did have the occasional slipping belt and brake issues. But I abused them pretty bad so I don't consider that much of a flaw. We also had one of those Bad Boy Buggies (souped up golf carts) for a while and it was horrible. If I took it through any mud (over the wheels) it would soon after develop issues with the breaks and bearings. That reminds me, we also have an electric Ranger that has worked out great. It goes through a lot and is great for deer hunting. I wouldn't put it through our duck hunting conditions but it's not really meant for that.
 
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Hdc

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Jan 16, 2010
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I have had 2. First was a 500 (my hunting buddy bought it from me and is still using it). Current one is 800 crew. Best thing in the world for getting to and from a duck hole.
 
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weblow

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Mar 3, 2008
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Don't buy either one if they do not have electronic fuel injection. The Rhino without it is the biggest piece of ****, cold running machine on the market.

If the Rhino does not have EFI you can look forward to having to hold the choke and having it die repeatedly at temps below 60. Even the mechanics that work on them will tell you to stay away from a Rhino without EFI.

I have a 2007 700 Ranger with EFI and it is a great machine. I am not sure the one you are looking at will have EFI but I would strongly recommend buying a machine that has it. Never have to choke it again, just turn the key and it runs perfectly.

Even if they both had it I would say go with the Ranger. The Rhino is built on a 4-wheeler frame and cannot handle the extra weight. I have used both numerous times and would buy the Polaris 10 out of 10 times.
 
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xxxWalkTheDawg

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Oct 21, 2005
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Both are driven by CVT transmissions and the Rhino's is far superior than the Ranger's. And even though Polaris has made leaps in reliability the past decade, don't get me started on Yamaha engines vs Polaris engines. I'm assuming the problem has been fixed, but 500 Polaris engines used to eat camshafts, plus you have to use Polaris oil.


A rhino with 100 hours is still going to be high. Take a look at Lake Hill Motors and Marine online. You are not going to beat their new prices.


Edit: and for someone Who brought up weight, I know a farmer that pulls a sprayer in the field with a 650 grizzly. It has over 700 hours on it and has broke one belt with a full tank. That frame can handle the weight.
 
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BR549.sixpack

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They both have EFI, so I'm not worried about the choke. I know that the Polaris is a little bigger or wider than the Rhino, but most of my hunting is in heavy timber and I need something that is maneuverable.

One of the guys I hunt with has a 2007 Ranger 700 and I'm very impressed with what it can do but it seems like he's buying a new belt or fixing some kind of little **** all the time on the Ranger. I'm not as familiar with the Rhino, that's why I wanted some feedback.
 
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weblow

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Mar 3, 2008
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I am not talking about the weight you can place in it. I am talking about taking a 4-wheeler and placing a side by side frame on it. It was not designed for that. Both are good machines, I just think the Rangers are better. Rhino's also roll over a good bit more, if that is a concern.
 
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weblow

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I think a lot of the belt problems on both machines come from putting the big aggressive tires on them. I have the stock tires that came on the machine and I have only stuck it twice. Both times, bigger tires would not have helped.

The Rhino is equally as good in the mud.
 
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disappointeddawg

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Mar 3, 2008
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hotdigitydog said:
Nothing and I mean NOTHING rides like a Polaris..........At some point in time I've either owned or ridden just about every brand of atv on the marketand the Polaris suspension is way better than anything else out there.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjVxofKka-4
Click to expand...
This is true. I, too, have owned or ridden on ton of different models and you simply can't beat the suspension on a Polaris. My Big Red drives like a tank, which is fine for what I use it for but the Polaris is way better for taking a joy ride around the property as far as comfort goes. I've owned several Yamaha 4-wheelers and while great machines, they were never as comfortable as the Polaris wheelers I've had. Not sure how that correlates to the Rhino though.
 
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xxxWalkTheDawg

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Oct 21, 2005
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But I'm one of those guys that used to work on them during the summers in school. 99% of CV joint breakage is from abuse along with usually running an agressive tread tire. The cv strength is also on par with the other Jap ATVs out there. The lifts were 7 or 8 to 1 Polaris vs Yamaha in for repair (not counting service). I'm not saying they are ****** or anything, but if you constantly ask a lot of them they will need something in return. And it's true they ride good. I'll give that to them over the Rhino. Just don't forget the shocks on the Yamaha are adjustable.


I'll take a weaker cv joint anyday over that 4wd setup that Polaris has. It's awesome till it screws up. At least they moved the lock from the wheels to the front diff.
 
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