Customer: Jason Jaekel, Estate Manager

Vehicle Model: Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Crew

Polaris Dealer: Taylors Tools

Optional Extras: Full Cab including a Roof, Doors, Tip-Out Windshield and Rear Panel, In-Cab Heater, LED Lighting Kit, Front Bull Bar Incl. Winch, Overhead Radio System, Alert Systems Tracker, Headache Rack.

“I had been a dedicated advocate for Kubota for many years having owned both RTV1140 models, and throughout this period I found them to serve the purpose of purchase well. But one thing I felt was that they lacked the extra comfort, optional extras, safety restrictions and most importantly durability in tougher situations that I needed from a UTV.

“My Polaris journey started completely by accident at a local ploughing competition, which is a great place to spend the afternoon for those of us who enjoy outdoor pursuits. This is where I first laid my eyes on a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 in camo with a full hunter pack fitted. Needless to say, not much else caught my eye and I made a beeline to get a closer look. As well as estate management, I also operate as a deer manager working on government-operated land and woodlands, including private landowner estates, so the displayed vehicle that my local dealer—Ed Davies and his team at Taylors Tools—was extremely inviting.

“After talking to Ed about all the options that are available and what the operating system is as a base model without extras, I decided to take the plunge and asked about the possibility of an extended Demo away from the ploughing competition. It is best to add that although Ed and I have known each other for a few years, our dealer/client relationship was still very much in its youth. That did not stop him from showing me the light!

“After I had explained that other dealers were providing demos of the new Kubota RTV, a Kawasaki Mule, and a John Deer Gator for the weekend for me to trial, without hesitation Ed offered the Ranger XP 1000.

“Later that evening, the outside of my house looked like a dealership’s courtyard and my team stayed on into the evening to test and report on their preferences. After driving all of the vehicles on that Friday evening, I think my next action says it best: I spent the rest of the weekend thoroughly testing and enjoying only the Polaris.”

“For me, the Polaris brand stands out from its competitors, in terms of what the vehicle has to offer, and the quality versus cost – you can certainly tell where the extra pounds have gone.”

CLIMBING ABILITY

“One of the biggest benefits was the capability to select one-, two- or four-wheel drive from the flick of a switch, and the fact it operates on a centrifugal system for driving.  All the other UTVs I’ve experienced have had a mechanical lever that needs to be operated to switch from 2WD-4WD and the drive systems were direct driven, so when simulating a failed climb on a slope, it was impossible to switch this out as there was too much tension with the mechanical components. You also could not switch between high and low range for the same reasons, meaning you had to roll back to the bottom in reverse and then set the vehicle when all tension had been removed and try to climb again.

“My biggest concern was that this is not always possible depending on the situation, but with the Polaris, thanks to its electronically operated system and being belt driven on a centrifugal clutch, even when I stopped on the slope I was able to hold the vehicle on the brake, flick the switch for all-wheel drive, move the range to low and continuing my climb without having to move backwards an inch. It is worth mentioning that I had no need to induce this on the Ranger though, as it was able to climb where the others couldn’t just in one-wheel drive with a high gear ratio.”

TOWING

“The towing ability of the Polaris is also far superior. We proved this by attaching a loaded four-ton trailer and moving it across the fields over undulating ground. It was best to pre-select 4WD and low range on the fields to not strain the vehicle, but switched to high on the flat tarmac ground.”

COMFORT

“To top it off, the in-cab experience is extremely comfortable and the level of detail in comparison to other UTVs is night and day. For example, the seats in Polaris are more comfortable and come with a three-point safety belt, the visual display is a multifunction system very similar to that of a car, from which you can pick your colour or brightness (great for those of us that hunt), set service reminders and also pick and choose what display points you want to monitor: I prefer to use the digital speedo and engine temperature.”

ROAD USE

“When on the road, the Ranger will happily sit at 45mph while not revving too hard or carrying too much noise through into the cab, I find it quite easy to hold a conversation. But if you push it and stretch its legs to 55-60mph the in-cab experience can become slightly noisier, but I guess that’s the price you pay for a bit of extra speed when you need it. It also boasts 2 cupholders per rider which is a luxury touch you do not realise you need until you have it – it’s amazing to be able to take one hot and one cold drink when out and about per person.”

TURF MODE

“When used for estate work, its versatility is incredible. The one-wheel drive system allows for easy and careful use on delicate lawn areas, as when you’re turning the differential is unlocked, so the inside wheels are actually travelling a shorter distance, which means they don’t rip up the grass or make any marks. For my area of work, the availability to use the UTV in wet weather conditions is now not a concern.”

“I was so impressed with the Polaris Ranger that I bought a second one. I have used both the 3-seat and Crew models in all conditions in agricultural environments, for hunting, and for estate maintenance.

“Since purchasing, not once have I been let down by the Ranger or been unable to get where I wanted to go. I have been wading through rivers, tracking across open ground and traversing steep woodland hills off-track to recover animals; all without difficulty. The vast range of optional extras allows you to customise your vehicle to suit your individual needs, and the ease of installation is unparalleled due to the well-thought-out base model they provide as standard when you purchase one.

“In summary, I cannot write all the reasons why I moved to Polaris. They are, in my opinion, the best ATVs on the market by a long way. My only regret moving to Polaris was that I should have done it sooner and I can comfortably say that I will be a Polaris owner and advocate for as long as I need the use of an ATV and can speak confidently to others about moving across to them.”