downtoearth
Member
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 31
- Tractor
- JD 4110, 2005 Gator TX
Hello All! Don't post often, but a recent issue attracted my attention concerning UTVs. Some of my friends recently returned from a planned UTV trail ride at the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system in southern West Virginia. One was highly disappointed after making the several hour trek through the mountains when he was advised that his John Deere Gator XUV was not allowed on the trail system. For those that are not familiar, the Hatfield-McCoy trail system includes several hundreds of miles of trails open to motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs. Curiously enough, all models of Kawasaki Mules are allowed as well as Kubota RTVs. Now those are fine machines and I would certainly own either, but the Mules and RTVs do not have the ground clearance, the suspension travel, the ground speed, or "true" 4WD capability of the XUV for use on these trails. I cannot see why the XUV would be excluded as it has a spark arrestor, ROPS, bucket seat with seat belts, etc. just like the other manufacturers models.
I wrote earlier requesting a response from the trail system and just received a simple response that they were not allowed...period...no explanation. I have posted comments on the message forums on their website trails and regulations area to attempt to solicit support and a response on the issue:http://www.trailsheaven.com/bbs/thread.aspx?thread=40
I currently own a 2005 JD Gator TX (2WD w/ suspension) and am considering the purchase of a new 4WD model for use at my property. I can't help but to consider the better trade-in on my Gator with John Deere and the simple fact that the JD Gator XUV better suits my needs at my property...HOWEVER, I enjoy the occasional trip with the boys on a trail ride. I had a bad experience with a Polaris Ranger (mechanically) and it left a bad taste in my mouth for Polaris. The Mule seems somewhat outdated and the RTV is super nice, but also seems to be super heavy for the wet areas of the property, somewhat large for the wife, and somewhat tractor-like in its uphill acceleration and overall speed (just my brief trial run around a similar property with a 2006 model...may need to look again to see if they are improved). I really think John Deere should speak up on the trail issue as a company in support of their product and XUV and HPX users should as well because if this spreads to other trail systems, it could result in the loss of sales and less product innovation and development by JD. And who knows, in years ahead, other UTVs from other manufacturers may be prohibited.
I wrote earlier requesting a response from the trail system and just received a simple response that they were not allowed...period...no explanation. I have posted comments on the message forums on their website trails and regulations area to attempt to solicit support and a response on the issue:http://www.trailsheaven.com/bbs/thread.aspx?thread=40
I currently own a 2005 JD Gator TX (2WD w/ suspension) and am considering the purchase of a new 4WD model for use at my property. I can't help but to consider the better trade-in on my Gator with John Deere and the simple fact that the JD Gator XUV better suits my needs at my property...HOWEVER, I enjoy the occasional trip with the boys on a trail ride. I had a bad experience with a Polaris Ranger (mechanically) and it left a bad taste in my mouth for Polaris. The Mule seems somewhat outdated and the RTV is super nice, but also seems to be super heavy for the wet areas of the property, somewhat large for the wife, and somewhat tractor-like in its uphill acceleration and overall speed (just my brief trial run around a similar property with a 2006 model...may need to look again to see if they are improved). I really think John Deere should speak up on the trail issue as a company in support of their product and XUV and HPX users should as well because if this spreads to other trail systems, it could result in the loss of sales and less product innovation and development by JD. And who knows, in years ahead, other UTVs from other manufacturers may be prohibited.
