This article is going to guide you through the best side by side for work vehicles on the market. No matter what kind of heavy-duty workhorse you need to help you around your worksite or ranch, there will be a model with the features that will make it ideal for you. Utility UTVs are going to be the best for work-related tasks, but Rec/Utility models will be perfect for anyone who needs heavy lifter out in the field.
Before we get into the comparison guide, here are a few of our other articles that you might find helpful when determining which UTV is right for your ranch or worksite needs.
Table of Contents
Farm and ranch UTVs
For outdoor work on ranches, farms, or large outdoor ranches, you can check out our list of affordable farm UTVs. If you have had your eye on a John Deere or Polaris utility vehicle, then this comparison guide will help highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of each.
Best models for hauling
If you are going to be doing a lot of hauling and unloading, then a dump bend might be a feature that you will find valuable. Check out our article to find out everything you need to know about the best models with dump beds.
Work crew UTVs
For more extensive work jobs that take place on rough terrain, a 6-wheel UTV might be perfect. For everything you need to know about these monster worker models, check out our article about six wheel Side by Sides.
Work in comfort
If you are working in hotter climates, out in the heat all day long, then you might want to think about getting a UTV that allows you to work in comfort with environmentally controlled cab features. You can read more about side by sides with A/C options here.
Top work Side by Side models
Now it is time to compare some great work UTV models. There are a couple of different categories for utility vehicles so we will summarize which category they fit best with and how you can take advantage of them. Some entire series are ideal for hard work, and for those options, we will list the specs for the base model and additional add-ons that are relevant. All information is taken directly from the manufacturer’s website to ensure accuracy.
Polaris General Series
(Specs from General 1000 Sport)
MSRP: $15,999
Engine: ProStar 1000 4-Stroke DOHC twin-cylinder
Bed Dimensions: 27.5 x 43.1 x 11.6 in (69.8 x 109 x 29.5 cm)
Bed Capacity: 600 lb (272 kg) with a rear dumping box
Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm with Stabilizer Bar 12.25 in (31.1 cm) of travel
Rear Suspension: Dual Arm IRS with Stabilizer Bar 13.2 in (33.5 cm) of travel
Features:
- Payload Capacity: 1,100 lb (499 kg)
- Hitch Type: 2 in (5 cm) Receiver
- Hitch Towing Rating: 2,500 lb (1,133.9 kg)
- Ground Clearance: 12 in (30.5 cm)
- Rider Capacity: 2
- Hardshell half-doors
Add-ons:
- Light bar
- Pro Armor wheels and tires
- Wide variety of Lock-and-Ride hunting accessories
- Plow accessories
- Winch system
Work Category: This series is ideal for recreational heavy lifting such as big game hunting and extreme rural ranch and ranger work. There are several useful add-ons that can be purchased to turn this into a real hunting work machine, including gun mounts and a camo field cover. [1] This is also an excellent vehicle for keeping your rural roads plowed during the winter months with snow plow accessories.
Polaris General website: https://general.polaris.com/en-us/
Polaris Ranger Series
(Specs from Ranger 1000)
MSRP: $12,999
Engine: 4-Stroke SOHC twin cylinder
Bed Dimensions: 36.75 x 54.25 x 12.5 in (93.3 x 137.8 x 31.75 cm)
Bed Capacity: 1,000 lb (453.6 kg)
Front/Rear Suspension: Dual A-Arm 10 in. (25.4 cm) of travel
Features:
- Payload Capacity: 1,500 lb (680.4 kg)
- Hitch System: Standard 2 in (5 cm) Receiver
- Hitch Towing Rating: 2,500 lb (1,133.9 kg)
- Ground Clearance: 12 in (30.5 cm)
- Rider Capacity: 3
Add-ons:
- Complete windshield, window, door, back covering available
- Pro HD 4,500 lb winch
- Lock-and-Ride front storage
- Lock-and-Ride tool rack
- Lock-and-Ride chainsaw mount
- Pro Armor Harvester/SIXR
Work Category: This UTV is designed for ranch work from the features to the add-ons. [2] This is an incredibly efficient and affordable machine that is perfect for the ranch or range. After work is over, you can take it out for a trail ride or mountain crawl.
Polaris Ranger website: https://ranger.polaris.com/en-us/
Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Texas Edition
MSRP: $18,899
Engine: 4-Stroke twin cylinder DOHC
Bed Dimensions: 36.75 x 54.25 x 12.5 in (93.3 x 137.8 x 31.75 cm)
Bed Capacity: 1,000 lb (454 kg)
Front/Rear Suspension: Independent, Arched Lower A-arms, 11 in (27.9 cm) of travel
Features:
- Payload Capacity: 1,500 lb (680.4 kg)
- Hitch Type: Standard 2 in (5 cm) Receiver
- Hitch Towing Rating: 2,500 lb (1,133.9 kg)
- Ground Clearance: 13 in (33 cm)
- Rider Capacity: 3
Add-ons:
- Complete windshield, roof, window, door, back covering available
- Winch accessories
- Plow kit and accessories
- Lock-and-Ride cargo and storage options
Work Category: You can tow or haul a lot of material around your property with this fantastic ranch and range UTV. [3] As with most Polaris series, there is a whole host of Lock-and-Ride accessories available to help you around the farm.
Polaris Ranger 1000 Texas Edition at polaris.com: https://ranger.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-xp-1000-eps-texas-edition/
Yamaha Wolverine X2 Series
(Specs from Base Model)
MSRP: $12,699
Engine: 847cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC with eight valves
Bed Dimensions: 115.0 in x 61.0 in x 74.8 in
Bed Capacity: 600 lb
Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone w/anti-sway bar, preload adjustable with 8.7-in of travel
Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone w/anti-sway bar, preload adjustable with 9.3-in of travel
Features:
- Towing Capacity: 2000 lb
- Ground Clearance: 11.0 in
- Rider Capacity: 2
Add-ons:
- Winches
- Light bar
- Cargo boxes
- Plow kits
- Environmental Features
Work Category: Great for recreational/sports hauling and heavy lifting. Ideal for big game hunting or work around your farm. [4] Keep yourself comfortable while you work. This is a fantastic work wagon for around the ranch and makes for a fun weekend trailblazer too. There are a lot more ranch offerings in other models of the Wolverine series.
Yamaha Wolverine X2 website: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/recreation-side-by-side/models/wolverine-x2
Yamaha Viking Series
(Specs from Base Model)
MSRP: $13,499
Engine: 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke with four valves
Bed Dimensions: 122.1 in x 61.8 in x 75.8 in
Bed Capacity: 600 lb
Front/Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with 8.1-in of travel
Features:
- Towing Capacity: 1500 lb
- Ground Clearance: 11.8 in
- Rider Capacity: 3
Add-ons:
- Winch systems and accessories
- Light bar
- Complete windshield, roof, window, door, back covering available
- Cargo boxes
- Plow kit and accessories
- Heater and A/C units
Work Category: This UTV is made for heavy hauling and construction work. [5] It also makes for a great hunting vehicle as well with the large bed and convenient accessories.
Website: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/utility-side-by-side/models/viking
Honda Pioneer Series
(Specs from 2021 Pioneer 700)
MSRP: $10,999
Engine: 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder four-stroke
Bed Dimensions: 114.7 inches x 59.7 inches x 77.6 inches
Bed Capacity: 1000 lbs
Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with 7.9 inches of travel
Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with 9.1 inches of travel
Features:
- Electric power steering
- AT/MT Mode and paddle shifters
- Towing Capacity: 1500 lb
- Ground Clearance: 10.7 inches
- Rider Capacity: 2
Add-ons:
- Winch systems and accessories
- Light bar
- Complete windshield, roof, window, door, back covering available
- Cargo boxes
- Plow kit and accessories
- Heater and A/C units
Work Category: You can move some heavy materials with this vehicle. It also has a lot of positive add-ons that are available for all Honda side-by-sides. [6] Not only is this a great little workhorse, but it is one of the most affordable options on the market.
Website: https://powersports.honda.com/sxs/recutility/pioneer-700
Can-Am Defender Series
(Specs from Base Model)
MSRP: Starting at $10,399
Engine: HD5: 38 hp, Rotax 427 cc single cylinder, liquid cooled and HD8: 50 hp / 50 lb-ft , Rotax® 799.9 cc, V-twin, liquid cooled
Bed Dimensions: 38 x 54.5 x 12 in. (96.5 x 138.4 x 30.5 cm)
Bed Capacity: HD5: 600 lb (272.2 kg) and HD8: 1,000 lb (454 kg) / California only: 600 lb (272.2 kg)
Tailgate Load Capacity: 250 lb (113.4 kg)
Front Suspension:
Rear Suspension:
Features:
- Payload Capacity: HD5: 1,200 lb (544 kg) and HD8: 1,500 lb (680 kg)
- Towing Capacity: HD5: 1,500 lb (680 kg) and HD8: 2,500 lb (1134 kg)
- Ground Clearance: HD5: 10.5 in. (26.7 cm) and HD8: 11 in. (28 cm)
- Rider Capacity: 3
Add-ons:
- Winch systems and accessories
- Light bar
- Complete windshield, roof, window, door, back covering available
- Cargo boxes
- Plow kit and accessories
- Heater and A/C units
Work Category: This UTV can do it all from sports and construction to every day around the farm work. [7] Whatever you need to get done, this bad boy can do it. It also makes for a great recreational vehicle as well, so you can take it out for a spin on the weekends after a hard week’s work.
Can-Am Defender website: https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/us/en/models/side-by-side-vehicles/defender.html
Add-ons for work UTVs
Most manufacturers offer some great add-ons and aftermarket accessories for your work utility vehicle, and there are also contractor companies that will completely overhaul your UTV to suit your specific needs. Below are some of the add-ons that you can get from most of the brands listed in the comparison above. We will give specific examples so that you can get an idea of the price and sizes available.
- Polaris – 40 Gallon Utility Sprayer
- Cost: $929.99
- Includes 12-volt diaphragm pump
- Polaris – Cargo Box Lift
- Cost: $619.99
- Includes necessary hardware and dash-mounted switch
- Polaris – 300 Lb. Cargo Bed Rear Winch
- Cost: $579.99
- Includes winch with mount, strap, wired remote, 15 ft. of synthetic rope, and a headache rack
- Honda – Honda Cargo Bag
- Cost: $189.95
- Is water-resistant and includes reinforced panels for protection
- Honda – Bed Extender
- Cost: $259.94
- Can-Am – Adventure Roof Rack
- Cost: $534.99
- Able to carry 40 lbs of additional gear
- Can-Am – Bed Wall Extender
- Cost: $754.99
- Includes variable height settings
- Can-Am – Gun Boot Mount
- Cost: $81.99
- Lightweight, but durable
Those are just a few of the accessories you can purchase to increase your UTV’s potential. While each manufacturer has its own offered extras, there are also universal options available from third-party companies and designers, which means no matter what you would like your UTV to be able to do for you, there is a package feature or aftermarket add-on that can make it a reality.
References
- https://general.polaris.com/en-us/shop/accessories/hunting/
- https://ranger.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-1000-sage-green/specs/
- https://ranger.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-xp-1000-eps-texas-edition-black-cherry-metallic/specs/
- https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/recreation-side-by-side/models/wolverine-x2
- https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/utility-side-by-side/models/viking-eps
- https://powersports.honda.com/sxs/recutility/pioneer-700
- https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/us/en/models/side-by-side-vehicles/defender.html
- https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/us/en/shop/accessories-ssv/racks_holders/gun_racks_holders/gun-boot-mount-by-kolpin.html
