The Problem
I run about 200 head of cattle on 200 acres outside Billings. For years, my daily workhorse was a Polaris Ranger — decent machine, but the repair bills were killing me. When the transmission went out for the third time ($1,800 each time), I started looking for alternatives.
A buddy in Miles City had a kei truck. I'd never heard of them. He let me drive his Honda Acty around his property for an afternoon and I was sold on the concept.
Finding the Truck
I found the Carry on a dealer's website in Virginia — Duncan Imports. 1993 DD51T, 4WD, 5-speed manual, 47,000 km. They shipped it to Montana for about $800. Total cost including the truck: $6,200.
Montana made registration easy. No inspection, no hassle. Had plates in two days.
How I Use It
Every single day. Here's my typical routine:
Morning: Load 4-5 hay bales in the bed, drive out to the pastures, distribute feed. The 4WD handles Montana mud and snow without drama.
Midday: Fence checks. I drive the perimeter, park, walk sections, drive to the next spot. The Carry fits through gates my F-350 can't.
Afternoon: Parts runs to town (15 miles each way on county roads), hauling feed bags from the co-op, running tools and supplies to wherever they're needed.
What I don't use it for: Highway trips to Billings (45 minutes on I-90 — I take the Ford for that) or hauling cattle trailers (obviously).
The Math
| Polaris Ranger | Suzuki Carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | $14,000 (used) | $6,200 |
| Fuel/year | $1,200 (gas hog) | $400 |
| Insurance | $0 (off-road) | $250/year |
| Repairs (3 years) | $5,400 | $180 |
| 3-year total | $20,600 | $7,030 |
The Carry saves me about $4,500/year compared to the Ranger. And I get a heated cab, a radio, and a bed that actually holds things.
What I've Added
- LED headlights — stock halogens were useless. $40 upgrade, huge difference.
- Bed liner — spray-in liner to protect from hay bale damage.
- CB radio — for communicating with hands on the far pasture.
- Custom toolbox — Dee Zee narrow crossover, fits perfectly.
Advice for Ranch Owners
- Get 4WD. Non-negotiable for ranch use.
- Don't expect a truck replacement. It replaces your ATV/UTV, not your tow vehicle.
- The 770 lb payload is real. Don't overload it — I learned this the hard way with wet hay bales.
- Stock up on filters and oil. Change oil every 2,000 miles when working hard. It's $15 and takes 20 minutes.
- Your neighbors will want one. I've now helped three other ranchers in our area buy kei trucks.
The Verdict
Best ranch purchase I've ever made. The Carry does 80% of what the Ranger did at a third of the cost, and it does it in comfort. My only regret is not buying one sooner.