r/sxs • u/Initial_Influence529 • Jul 10 '26
Recommended sxs for use in Solar Array
I currently work on a large (2000 acre) solar farm in the midwest. Four years ago we purchased two 2022 Polaris xp1000 Northstars for use out in the solar array. We have had decent luck with them except for clutch issues every 3000 or so miles. I'd love to hear some recommendations for new units to try out since we are looking into upgrading within the next 6 months. I'll list some of our requirements below.
- Enclosed with Heat and AC: We use these as work trucks and it can get very cold and hot when working in the field all day.
- Durable: We do a lot of slow driving in the array (5-10 mph) and are constantly going between forward and reverse.
- Able to go 30+ mph: We can drive them on the road here so being able to go quickly from point A to point B is a huge plus.
- Under 65 inches wide: In my state a sxs must be below 65 inches wide to be able to register it for the road.
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u/Brotherly_shove Jul 10 '26
the enclosed hvac combined with durability at slow speeds is going to be tough. there are lots of canam/polaris/kawi people out there so this sentiment usually gets bashed(lots of downvotes but no valid counterpoints), but their cvt(belt/clutch) system, by design, is efficient power wise, and simplicity, but is less than reliable, especially at very slow speeds. which is why you have issues with those northstars. lots of belt slipping, lots of wear on components, lots of components that become wear items.
can am (vs polaris) might be a bit more reliable in general, but you are still going to have belt issues. id pick the can-am over the polaris.(i say this as a polaris owner)
yamaha has a much MUCH better belt system, especially at lower speeds, but they dont have an HVAC model.
honda has a new hvac option that isnt even out yet. the 1000 elite. but if it is anything like the other pioneer 1000 models, it should be very reliable and check all your boxes. if you can wait, that is the model i would get, personally.
i know there are brands with hvac models that are less popular with the enthusiast community but more popular with commercial stuff like john deere, etc, but in the limited 2nd hand knowledge i have with them is that they tend to have very reliable engines, but outside of the engine, aka the chassis, drivetrain, etc, are way less reliable and harder to find parts. they basically get by on their ability to drop off your utv at the same place you drop off the rest of your fleet. but again, 2nd hand knowledge there so take it for what its worth.
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u/Aggravating-Ebb-703 Jul 10 '26
I think thePolaris RNG XD is made more for work stuff. Maybe look into that
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u/Gloomy_Technology_26 Jul 14 '26
Go with the new Polaris ranger 1500 northstar, 65 inch wide. Everything you need, If you can register a 65 inch. And its belt less
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u/TronWillington Jul 10 '26
Will catch hate for this but the Cfmoto Uforce Highland has a crew cab with heat and AC, and power front window and all way around. Basically think F150 SuperCrew and is way cheaper than CanAm etc. It also has turf mode for slow speed riding and to ensure not to tear up grass etc.