The 2009 Polaris Ranger HD was built to combine serious utility capability with a smoother, more controlled ride under load. We spent several months using the Ranger HD for real work around the property—including hauling firewood, hay and compost—before taking it into the mountains for recreational trail rides.
This long-term test gave us an early look at two of the Ranger HD’s defining features: variable-assist power steering and its Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension. The following field notes were recorded as we put the machine to work during 2009.
What Made the Ranger HD Different?
The Ranger HD combined Polaris’ adjustable dual A-arm front suspension with a self-leveling rear suspension designed to compensate for heavy cargo. Its Nivomat shocks used suspension movement to gradually restore ride height after the cargo box was loaded.
Unlike an electronic or compressor-driven leveling system, the Nivomat setup was mechanically operated. The Ranger needed to travel some distance before the suspension could pump itself back toward its intended ride height.
The lower initial rear spring rate also contributed to a comfortable unloaded ride. As cargo was added and the vehicle began moving, the shocks increased their support for the additional weight.
March 2, 2009: First Day With the Ranger HD
We picked up our 2009 Polaris Ranger HD at Placerville Polaris and immediately put it to work during a serious downpour. Several culverts were clogged around the neighborhood, so my son and I used the Ranger to travel between them and check the drainage.
One of the first things I noticed was how smooth the power steering felt. Steering effort was light and easy, especially at low speeds.
March 4, 2009: Testing Cargo Space
We took the dogs out for a ride and found that two large dog crates fit comfortably in the cargo bed. It was a simple test, but it demonstrated how useful the Ranger’s wide bed could be for everyday work and recreation.
March 5, 2009: Testing the Self-Leveling Suspension
It was time to test the Ranger HD’s most distinctive feature. We loaded the bed with seasoned oak firewood that was still wet from the recent rain.
Initial Ride Height After Loading
Ride Height After Driving
The rear suspension initially sagged after we loaded the firewood. As we drove approximately two miles, I could feel the suspension becoming firmer. When we stopped, the difference in ride height was easy to see.
The shocks did more than raise the rear of the Ranger. They also provided the additional support needed to control the load. The system worked surprisingly well.
Power steering and the unlockable rear differential also made it easy to maneuver the loaded Ranger in tight areas.
March 6, 2009: Hauling Green Oak
Another tree fell and damaged our dog kennel, giving us another opportunity to test the Ranger. We filled the bed with green oak, which was considerably heavier than the seasoned firewood used during the previous test.
I selected two-wheel drive and unlocked the rear differential before driving across the lawn. Even with the cargo bed heavily loaded, we could make tight turns without tearing up the grass. That made the Ranger HD particularly useful around landscaped property, pastures and other sensitive surfaces.
How the Nivomat Shocks Work
The Ranger HD’s Nivomat shocks formed a semi-supporting system that worked with conventional mechanical springs. From the outside, a Nivomat resembled a standard shock absorber, but it contained additional components that allowed it to adjust the vehicle’s ride height.
Inside the shock were low- and high-pressure oil chambers, a pump chamber, inlet and outlet valves and a height-regulating mechanism.
Adding cargo initially compressed the rear suspension. Once the Ranger began moving, normal suspension movement activated the internal pump. Oil was drawn through the inlet valve and pushed into the high-pressure chamber, increasing pressure and gradually raising the vehicle.
When the Ranger reached its intended ride height, an internal bypass prevented the system from continuing to raise the vehicle. After the load was removed, a release passage allowed pressure to decrease and the suspension returned to its unloaded height.
Because the process depended on suspension movement, the Ranger needed to be driven before the shocks could level the load. During our testing, the most noticeable adjustment occurred over approximately one to two miles.
March 8, 2009: Feeding Horses
We took the Ranger HD to a neighbor’s ranch to feed his horses. Several bales of hay fit easily in the cargo bed.
The unlocked rear differential helped protect the pasture, while the power steering made it easy to maneuver around the barn. The Ranger HD used variable-assist power steering, which provided more assistance at low speeds while maintaining a more positive steering feel as speed increased.
The horses pictured here are Overo Paints.
March 9, 2009: Testing the Dump Bed
We used the bed to haul compost and tested its dumping action. The bed tilted to a steep angle, allowing the material to slide out without requiring much cleanup by hand.
March 29, 2009: Another Loaded Suspension Test
We again checked the self-leveling rear suspension while hauling oak firewood. Repeated loads reinforced our initial impression: the suspension could restore much of the Ranger’s ride height and provide useful support once the vehicle had been driven.
March 31, 2009: Back at the Ranch
We returned to the ranch for another casual drive. These low-speed chores continued to highlight the value of the Ranger’s smooth power steering, roomy cab and unlockable rear differential.
May 1–2, 2009: Pine Nut Mountains Trail Ride
We took the Ranger HD to Nevada for several days of exploring the Pine Nut Mountains.
The Ranger performed well throughout the trip. Its suspension delivered a smooth ride, the power steering reduced driver effort and the engine had no trouble climbing the steep hills we encountered.
This trip also demonstrated that the Ranger HD was more than a work vehicle. Although it was not intended to compete with a sport side-by-side, it was comfortable and capable enough for longer recreational trail rides.
Memorial Day: Iron Mountain Ride
A few of us headed to Iron Mountain near Pollock Pines, California, for a quick Memorial Day ride. I drove the Ranger HD while friends brought a Polaris RZR S and Kawasaki Teryx.
The Ranger was the utility-focused machine in the group, but its comfortable ride and easy steering made it enjoyable on the trail.
Polaris Ranger HD Photo Gallery
Long-Term Review Verdict
During our time with the 2009 Polaris Ranger HD, the machine proved especially well suited to owners who needed a side-by-side for both property work and trail use.
The Nivomat suspension was the standout feature. It could not instantly compensate for a heavy load because the Ranger needed to be moving for the shocks to pump themselves up. Once activated, however, the system restored ride height and provided noticeably better support for firewood, hay and other cargo.
The variable-assist power steering was equally valuable during everyday use. Combined with the unlockable rear differential, it made the Ranger easy to maneuver without unnecessarily damaging lawns or pastures.
The large dump bed, comfortable ride and useful off-road capability completed a well-rounded package. The Ranger HD was not simply a heavier-duty trim package—it introduced practical technology that directly improved how the vehicle performed while loaded.
