The Right UTV

[aczlan]

If anyone wants pre-made swinging doors for the RTV500, talk to the folks at Original Tractor Cab. They sell a set for it and they seem to do decent work for a good price.

Aaron Z

 

[Ken45101]

We have had the Kubota RTV900 for 5-6 years now and are very satisfied. Good payload in the bed, good traction. It gets used daily. The only thing I've replaced on it were the rear tires (worn out, replaced with the same brand/model).

I like the diesel since it avoids the problems with the gas going bad.

 

[RoyJackson]

I like the diesel since it avoids the problems with the gas going bad.

I like it because I only have to buy one fuel type (since I have a Deere tractor too) and diesel is a lot safer to keep around (less explosive potential).
Long term storage...well, you want it winterized and use a biocide of some sort.
I normally keep about 10 gallons around.

 

[PapaPerk]

Keep in mind what you really need your vehicle for. As others have said... in hilly country the hydros are best. But if you are on flatter land and want better performance.... I'd go with something like the Ranger. You really have to fit the machine to your needs.

For my use... rolling country, grassy yard, work and recreation... the Ranger was the perfect fit for me. I like being able to work and putt around.... then put it in High and do 45 mph down the road. Having a higher top speed really opens up more uses for the machine. We went to Eastern KY one weekend... had to haul flowers up to a cemetery on top of a mountain. I was able to drive up the black top highway to the logging road that went to the cemetery. Shifted into low and 4wd... then blasted up the road... it was very narrow and rocky. Worked great! And a lot of fun too.

So it's all on how you are going to use the machine. The RTV 900 is very impressive. You can pull farm wagons, etc with that unit. Very powerful.

 

[Ken45101]

I wish I could get by with 10 gallons! I get 200 at a time ($$$).

But I agree about the reduced hazard with diesel vs. gas.

I only put winterizing additive into the RTV since it's the only thing that will get used in really cold weather. I haven't needed a biocide. I have a filter on the pump the the cartridge is still good.

 

[nybirdman]

I've heard good things about the Rhino's. Would you buy another one today?

No doubt I would buy another Rhino,the new ones are 700cc and fuel injected;the 2014 seat three across in bucket seats.I run a small uplands preserve...mine is a people hauler,bird hauler,feed hauler and manure spreader..it runs just about every day and has never failed me.We have had good luck with Yamaha and owned several different models.

 

[Ken45101]

Keep in mind what you really need your vehicle for. As others have said... in hilly country the hydros are best. But if you are on flatter land and want better performance.... I'd go with something like the Ranger. You really have to fit the machine to your needs.

For my use... rolling country, grassy yard, work and recreation... the Ranger was the perfect fit for me. I like being able to work and putt around.... then put it in High and do 45 mph down the road. Having a higher top speed really opens up more uses for the machine. We went to Eastern KY one weekend... had to haul flowers up to a cemetery on top of a mountain. I was able to drive up the black top highway to the logging road that went to the cemetery. Shifted into low and 4wd... then blasted up the road... it was very narrow and rocky. Worked great! And a lot of fun too.

So it's all on how you are going to use the machine. The RTV 900 is very impressive. You can pull farm wagons, etc with that unit. Very powerful.

Good points about matching the machine to your needs.

IDK about "pulling farm wagons, etc." Our RTV900 has a disappointingly low tow rating (1300# but only 110# tongue weight!). They may have increased the rating since we bought ours. Our RTV is rated to carry more weight in the bed than the tow rating.

 

[RoyJackson]

Good points about matching the machine to your needs.

IDK about "pulling farm wagons, etc." Our RTV900 has a disappointingly low tow rating (1300# but only 110# tongue weight!). They may have increased the rating since we bought ours. Our RTV is rated to carry more weight in the bed than the tow rating.

Not a lot of HP either...the description I've read stated 21.6 HP.
I'm not so sure the HST would be any better then a belt either.

Now, I'm not putting the Kubota down. It's one I considered (even though I'm a Deere guy), but there weren't any available to try out and the closest used ones I could find (on MachineFinder and TractorHouse) were 200+ miles away.

 

[aczlan]

Good points about matching the machine to your needs.
IDK about "pulling farm wagons, etc." Our RTV900 has a disappointingly low tow rating (1300# but only 110# tongue weight!). They may have increased the rating since we bought ours. Our RTV is rated to carry more weight in the bed than the tow rating.

Our RTV500 pulls a full haywagon back to the barn, that's ~120 45# haybales (5400#) plus the wagon (1200#?). Has to be in low range but it doesn't seem to mind it.

Aaron Z

 

[buickanddeere]

How about a golf cart with atv tires on it? They are a cheap ride. Aftermarket position-traction units are modest in price and work well enough.
Another angle to consider would be a 1023E Deere with aloader, or a cargo box on the three point or towing a trailer.