Ranger 1000xp vs defender hd10.

[Utvhunter]

Hello fellas. Im new to this forum and am looking at purchasing a 2020 can am defender limited. I tried posting in another defender forum with no replies. Figured id try this forum!  I currently run a 2018 ranger 1000 xp with a heated cab. It has been absolutely bullet proof minus one twisted cv boot. It has had 30 inch itp cryptids for its whole life and i must say it has been working flawlessly. I have been thinking about selling it to my father and buying the new 2020 hd10 limited to try Somthing different. I really want a heated cab but noticed the limited does not come with the smart lock front diff which i find kind of funny.. Have people had good luck with the torks after market locker as i feel this would be my cheapest way to get a cab and true 4wd. Also i came across a defender cab model on a trail and noticed it sat muxh lower then my ranger. Seemed like it squated allot more with load. Now i do keep my springs on stiffer settings with cab on my ranger. Maybe thats all defender needs as well to keep ground clearance.. I see that the defender uses the reverse chain like polaris. Has there been any forum members break this? Mine has given me no issues on ranger but i try not to use reverse under any load and also try not to use turf mode. Been lots of rear diff/tranny failures on rangers! If anyone has come from ranger to defender let me know ur thoughts. Or if ya have any other info on my questions that would be great! I do look forward to running a defender!

[Andystoy19]

Hi welcome to the forum. I have a 2019 Defender Cab XT Hd10 on 30" cryptid tires that sits at 15 1/2" it's in the build section. No problems with mine.

The 2020 is quieter, 82 Hp, emergency assist parking brake, 850  watt magneto and better access to the electrical system for add ons. You can check to see if Smart lock is an option on the limited it's an option on the XMR. 

I have always owned Canam and have never looked at or compared it to Polaris so no help there.

If I was to upgrade the viscolock I would go to the same type that someone posted here in the build section, can't remember the name of it. Fyi.😉

[Andystoy19]

I would look at the halo locker if I was replacing the viscolock no experience with it but it looks like a good option? 🤔

[Andystoy19]

Checked the repair manual and it doesn't show a reverse chain gears only? 

The springs were upgraded on the 2019 cab and utube comparisons mentioned less squat under load for the defender?🤔

[Utvhunter]

I was under the impression that the xmr uses reverse gear and the other models use chain? Maybe i was mis informed.

[Andystoy19]

I checked the shop manual for the defender series and no chain, I believe the XMR uses the same gearbox with a  lower gear ratio in low range because of the larger tires? This manual doesn't include the XMR?🤔

[Utvhunter]

How does ur defender handle the 30s with stock clutching? My ranger handles them with ease. Left clutching stock

[Andystoy19]

So far okay, I haven't done too much of the muskeg riding but I will look at the DBMT 1000-2 (Dalton kit) next spring and a ECM tune just because I need to have a project to work on. I will do some ice fishing this winter just to see how the big tires do in the deep snow if not well than I will have to switch to the SummitX 850 165 x 3.😉

[Mark in Colorado]

I ran a 2011 Polaris Ranger Crew 800XP for 44 hours until the engine let go.  Dealership “gave” me a new one but I didn’t keep it long.  Very problematic vehicle.  I looked at the 900 and was then absolutely sold on the 1000XP until the dealer in Lake City, CO turned me on to Can-Am.  I like the newer Polaris’, and would have one, but I’m happier in the Can-Am.  My only “gripe” is the 4x4 and locker activations require full stop on the Defender whereas they were on-the-fly with the Ranger.  That said, the traction system on the Can-Am is so superior and capable that I’ll likely never look back.  Love the fit/finish, ease of maintenance.  You can’t go wrong with either brand today, but I’m sold on Can-Am.