Orange Tractor Syndrome...appears to be contagious!

[JOHNTHOMAS]

John,

You know you want one.

I've had my RTV 900 (Worksite with hydraulic dump) for a year. The shifting is quirky at times, but I (and more importantly, the Missus) love it.

I can't say anything about the difficulty of dumping without hydraulics, but it would obviously depend on what you are hauling.

As I recall, the manual dump model does not include the brush guard -- a necessity in my book. Adding a brush guard adds a few hundred. One of the dealers I spoke with told me that less than 10% of the 900s he sold had the manual dump. I would think that having the hydraulic dump would add to the resale/trade-in value.

My original quotes were $12K or slightly less. I found a dealer with one of the previous year's models (with the pressure-release knob?) that quoted me $11.3K. That gave me a bargaining chip and I got the then-current model for $11,450 from the dealer that was nearest to my farm.

Go for it!!!!

Steve

We own two Mules and a Rhino and I would love the option of a hydraulic dump bed.

Thanks for the feedback. I've gotten quite a bit better price but biggest issue now is a way to cut the state taxes which so far I don't have a solution. Ky is 6% so that's almost $625.

 

[TMR]

I hope they hurry because I'm still pondering the Kubota RTV900.

I have followed you orange illness progression

While I can't comment on the Kubota RTV...I purchased a Polaris Ranger 800 this spring and am amazed at how many uses it gets. Yesterday we had to "clean/purge" wife's business file boxes...throw some and move between garages. We used the Ranger box as a "table" in one garage and then moved the boxes between garages as we completed the needed retention review. I was amazed at how much easier it was to not have to carry each box when moving between garages...

Last week we burned a large brush pile and while "watching" the burn my wife decided to have dinner in the driveway...I got out the Ranger and used it again as a table/buffet for her to put everything on while we had dinner by the fire.

Obviously the use in the woods is amazing...I can head out with multiple tools (chainsaw, brush saw, gas can, etc.) and then fill up the box with cut wood and throw the tools on top to return to the cabin. Maintenance of trails and trees will be real convenient and much easier.

Also, the grandkids LOVE it...as well as adult kids and spouses...our cabin is quite rural and the Ranger can pretty much go anywhere on the highway (keep right and watch for traffic...which there in not much!) Ladies head to the local farmer's market Sat AM which is about 5 miles away. We just purchased 40 acres of woods about 1/2 miles from the cabin and the Ranger and the grandkids on the trail bikes make the trip often.

I almost bought a regular ATV as I DO enjoy the motorcycle riding position...but chose the Ranger for its' utility and 3 wide seating (w/belts). You will find you enjoy a UTV should you buy one...

My only issue is now I want a tractor and feel a bit "guilty" that maybe I need to use the Ranger for a bit b4 adding a new "love"...

Also, I trailer the Ranger frequently from our home (also in the country with 80 acres) to the cabin and new 40 acres. Not sure how I can trailer BOTH the Ranger and a tractor w/FEL and BH??? Ya I know...I need one of each for EACH location

Tom R in Two Harbors, MN

P.S. IF I were a deer hunter I could use it this weekend to haul deer out of the woods!...TMR

P.P.S. So far I have had NO issues with the manual dump bed...seems very well balanced and easy to dump...I do believe Polaris has a power dump if you wish to add...TMR

 

[smstonypoint]

Thanks for the feedback. I've gotten quite a bit better price but biggest issue now is a way to cut the state taxes which so far I don't have a solution. Ky is 6% so that's almost $625.

I feel your pain. I bought a new commercial-quality ZTR for my farm in NC and paid just shy of 8% sales tax on the purchase. Ouch!!!!

There is a recent thread on sales and "use" taxes. It seems that the various states are going to catch you, either coming or going.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/187342-how-can.html

Steve

 

[LostInTheWoods]

Thanks for the feedback. I've gotten quite a bit better price but biggest issue now is a way to cut the state taxes which so far I don't have a solution. Ky is 6% so that's almost $625.

Have Barlows put you on the payroll as their "internet consultant". Then deduct your orange-related expenses as the cost of doing business.

Its the least they could do for introducing the contagion in your area.

 

[crazyal]

It looks like no one on this forum wants to help me resist the temptation of the siren sounds that emit from Barlows as I drive by. A new bypass has opened which has stopped my number of drive bys by 50% or more but the draw is still there. I'm not sure they haven't installed an amplifier system.

Well asking a bunch of addicts for help may not be the wises of choices. But we'll pretend to help you kick Kubotitis.

Can't help you with the RTV. I have the Honda version I got at a good discount because it was a demo. I use mine for hauling firewood and general driving around my land (as well as the land around me). It's nice because sometimes my girlfriend will come with me. With the two real seats and the ease of driving it she'll come with me where as before I always went alone. Plus when she's happy I'm happy, :laughing:.

 

[johnrex62]

Thanks for the feedback. I've gotten quite a bit better price but biggest issue now is a way to cut the state taxes which so far I don't have a solution. Ky is 6% so that's almost $625.

Is there a possiblity of an AG exemption? In Texas, using a tractor to maintain an area used to raise livestock, grow food or even maintain a food plot for wildlife qualifies as an exempt purchase.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have twin Grands. They will be 6 in December. We have them after school and during the summer. They are the main reason I want the RTV. I will be able to move some dirt for some final or ongoing landscaping but mostly for the Grands.
I have a hillside that was lost to briars, brush, dangerously steep and small trees. I had Roy Vice cut flat trails back and forth on it with a track loader to get it back into the fold and by so doing have some neat trails to ride and walk on.
Know Grands grow up quick so think it's worth the money to purchase something to give us more time together.

 

[TripleR]

I have twin Grands. They will be 6 in December. We have them after school and during the summer. They are the main reason I want the RTV. I will be able to move some dirt for some final or ongoing landscaping but mostly for the Grands.
I have a hillside that was lost to briars, brush, dangerously steep and small trees. I had Roy Vice cut flat trails back and forth on it with a track loader to get it back into the fold and by so doing have some neat trails to ride and walk on.
Know Grands grow up quick so think it's worth the money to purchase something to give us more time together.

You are on the right path there John; they grow up way too quickly. My grand children range from three to seventeen and all of them just love our Rhino. We also have a couple of ATV's, but they stay parked while our Rhino is in constant motion. I also feel better with them on the Rhino than an ATV.

 

[Motractr]

My RTV 900 does not have hydraulic dump and even the empty bed is heavy to lift. Also mine is about 3 years old now and it took awhile to get accustomed to the abrupt stopping when you take foot off the accelerator, but I heard that they have fixed that. Be sure to test drive.

 

[TMR]

I have twin Grands. They will be 6 in December. We have them after school and during the summer. They are the main reason I want the RTV. I will be able to move some dirt for some final or ongoing landscaping but mostly for the Grands.
Know Grands grow up quick so think it's worth the money to purchase something to give us more time together.

The Ranger seat three...grandpa plus two Grands! w/seatbelts...we have three on board much of the time...Tom