UTV vs boxblade and mower

[Robert_in_NY]

Are there any front mount mowers that can be mounted to a ranger?

I have some idea's to fabricate a mount system if there aren't any available.

Aside from this guy being way to cool wearing a helmet mowing the lawn, I like this setup, but on a utv.

Bobcat has their small utv that has the front hitch system. It is also available on the ClubCar version and maybe on the Husqvarna version also since they are all basically the same machine. I think there was a mower option for that UTV and it was priced close to the Ranger.

 

[coobie]

Hmm, Even has a 3pt, and option for a fel. Depends how capable they are offroad, because our trails have some steep inclines where it would need power and traction. Thats why I had the ranger high on the list.

Get your wallet out for that toolcat,maybe $30,000.LOL

 

[farmboy12]

Bobcat has their small utv that has the front hitch system. It is also available on the ClubCar version and maybe on the Husqvarna version also since they are all basically the same machine. I think there was a mower option for that UTV and it was priced close to the Ranger.

Hmm, Even has a 3pt, and option for a fel. Depends how capable they are offroad, because our trails have some steep inclines where it would need power and traction. Thats why I had the ranger high on the list.

Robert, you are right, they do have mowers for the Bobcat/Club Cars. The UTVs aren't too much more that another big brand, but I'd assume the mowers and such cost a fortune. But they are up front like the OP wanted.

Box5, Just the opposite, comes with an FEL with an option for the 3pt. There are two different models-5600, with loader and large bed-and-5610 with loader and 3pt.

I think a UTV like a Mule or RTV or XUV diesel or a Ranger would do what you need to do fine.

My 2 cents.


Kyle

 

[Box5]

Yea, the Toolcat is out of the question, way to pricey.

Ranger and the XUV are my two top choices so far. The ranger is so appealing because it has the added fun factor (50mph) but still work ready. I guess its just a matter of finding what mower/mount to use. I can probably fabricate a floating mount for a front mower.

Anyone have any recommendations on self propelled mowers? I hear DR tow behind mowers aren't even close to there walk behind brush mowers as far as quality goes.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Yea, the Toolcat is out of the question, way to pricey.

Ranger and the XUV are my two top choices so far. The ranger is so appealing because it has the added fun factor (50mph) but still work ready. I guess its just a matter of finding what mower/mount to use. I can probably fabricate a floating mount for a front mower.

Anyone have any recommendations on self propelled mowers? I hear DR tow behind mowers aren't even close to there walk behind brush mowers as far as quality goes.

The Bobcat 2300 has a front lift like you want as well as a mower already available for it. Bobcat has the Toolcat and then smaller less expensive UTV's that are comparable to the XUV, RTV and Ranger. Here is the Bobcat 2300 with front mower.

 

[LBrown59]

Its really turning into a tough decision. I've had a small tractor and saw what it can do. My mini excavator is with me forever, its invaluable. But its not something to clear trails with, and haul firewood or dirt in the bed etc. And with a Ranger for example, once work is done, you can go bash around on trails with it for fun. Im really just looking for the best all around piece of equipment to keep this place trim, and *why not get some fun out of it to if you can.

I didn't not know a tractor wasn't not fun.

 

[Box5]

Dont get me wrong, the tractor was a blast, but try flying down a logging road on one .

Ideally i'll get another small tractor to go along side the utv. But my needs right now, a UTV seems to be able to do much more effective (mowing trails and hauling firewood up from them).

 

[Ken45101]

That Bobcat front mount looks more like a finish mower than a trail mower.

 

[KentT]

Couple points that I'd like to throw out there...

1. No UTV, IMO, will have the low-end torque/traction combination needed to use a 48" boxblade effectively. They my drag the box around, but certainly not with the rippers down, so consequently your grading ability will be sorely limited...

2. Rangers and MOST UTVs have lousy engine braking for going down those steep hills because of their belt-driven CVT transmission designs --Yamaha being an exception.

I don't have any hands-on experience, but IMO, the only UTV/RUV type of machines that might come close to doing what you're asking are those with hydrostatic transmisions, such as the Kubota RTV or Honda Big Red. Not sure if the Honda is a two speed-range drive system, though. The hydrostaice should provide more low end torque and better engine braking...

Rangers, Mules, and Rhinos certainly wouldn't be a good fit, IMO...

 

[Box5]

Thanks for the input, thats why I made this thread. I dont want to purchase the wrong piece of equipment again. I might have to drop the fun factor for more work capability.

I wanted a actual bobcat for so long, but the attachments cost so much, and your gonna end up with a older used piece for >$10k. Theres some nice compact tractors in that price range, new. But it would be so nice to have a dump bed right there for hauling firewood, weeds, etc, thats why I started looking at UTV's.

So now im back to square one