Kubota RTV900 v Polaris Ranger

jinman · Mar 12, 2004

( I agree its a good position, its just not the best position and I think its a mistake because it turned off people (like me) who want the maximum seat capacity. )

I agree with you on the position of the emergency brake, but not the bed-lift controls. The Mule I recently bought for my ladyfriend is limited by that "short seat syndrome" like the Kubota, and I'm preferential to an emergency brake release right up under the dashboard. I have one on my old Jacobsen Turf Truck that's exactly where it should be. In my opinion the brake handle should almost be in the way when you reach for the gear shift or range selector. Many times on the Mule I've driven a few feet before remembering to release the brake. Perhaps Kawasaki and Kubota wanted to locate the brake away from the passenger (thinking of children), but I think they could have done better and left a few extra inches of seat for those of us who are "broad at the beam." /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

FarmNut · Mar 12, 2004

jfdlaw,

I agree with your observations regarding the RTV900 and the Polaris Ranger. I have a 6x6 Ranger and bought it primarily because of the full width seat and the capabilty to go anywhere. I have had three in that seat many times and didn't buy the Mule because of the seat set-up. I have recently been up close and personal with the new RTV900 and I must admit if it had full width seating, I would seriously consider trading in the Ranger because the RTV900 is one well-built, tough looking machine. It won't go as fast as my Ranger and I will confirm that quickly letting your foot off the HST pedal WILL bring the vehicle to a SCREACHING HALT, but I could get used to it.

You really should take a look at the Grand L line of Kubota tractors. I have the L4330 and love it. It has plenty of room for me.

FarmNut

rmorgan · Mar 21, 2004

JFDLAW--

I'm in the throes of the same decision, and really appreciate your insights. I don't have a need for speed, but do have some major hills to navigate in order to get our farthest 10 acres under a little control.

As to Polaris Pro v. Ranger, the most important difference IMHO is--and I was relly surprised to learn this--that the Rangers do not have a ROPS. Looks like one, but it ain't. A dealer told me this, and it is verified, although backhandedly, by the statement in the Polaris Pro brochure that ROPS is an "important, commercial-grade feature not available on Polaris RANGER off-road utility vehicles." "Important feature" indeed, which arguably alone justifies at least a big chunk of the $500 difference between the Ranger and the Pro. When you add the fact that the engine-braking system is included on the Pro and is a $400 option on the Ranger . . . go figure. That said, I drove a Pro 4x4 yesterday and was not at all impressed by the engine-braking action; downhill definitely requires use of the brakes, which however did work very, very well.

As to the gearing, the same dealer told me that the Pro has "21% higher torque;" who knows at what RRM, etc., but still a good indication of the effect of the gearing change.

The pricing difference between Polaris dealers you encountered is consistent with what I was told--that there is a $1,000-off deal in effect through 30 April, meaning that the base 4x4 Pro is now $8400 +/- and the base 4x4 Ranger is now $7999.

The big problem is . . . the RTV900. I've been moving in the direction of a Polaris for a couple of years, and the Kubota is really irritating me: I really value the hydro, as I've spent four years with a hydro TC33D, the Kubota diesel is a huge incentive, power steering speaks for itself, and when you take into account that the Kubota worksite model at $11k SRP includes a bed lift which adds $1k to the Polaris models and a front brush guard (Polaris: $160)--man, that makes it really tough; a $1400 decision, and the near-certainty that the Kubota will hold its value even better than the Polaris and the Kubota 3-cyl diesel is so incredibly well-proven.

One thing, though: Any thoughts on whether the weight of the Kubota, at 700 lbs more than the 4x4 Polaris Pro (1885 lbs. vs. 1185 lbs.) a problem in terms of (a) climbing performance or (b) tearing up the ground?

Thanks again!

Don't choices complicate life? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dozernut · Mar 21, 2004

I have a Kubota RTV and I can tell you from experience it will climb slopes that are a chore to walk up. Just drop it in low and engage the 4whl drive and go. The ability of the machine is not the problem, it is usually the operator.
The foot print of the machine is gentle on lawns. On soft ground it will leave an impression but not break through or leave ruts. With a different tire selection it would probably do even better. The power dump is great and I would not want to be without it.
I am still breaking it in but I am getting roughly 10 hours of usage per tank of diesel, it sips the fuel.
Great machine, a hard worker and fun to drive, not perfect but no machine is.

Ricochet · Mar 21, 2004

Yeah, the Ranger's lack of a true ROPS is important thing to know. The RTV900 has a OHSA certified ROPS, so it's a little safer to say the least. I've driven both the Ranger Pro and RTV900...the RTV900 is a better all around machine.

Dargo · Mar 24, 2004

I'm one of those that went "green" with everything for many years and well over 100K in total money spent. However, when my JD 4600 was down for some work, I drove a Kubota 4310HTSC. The "C" meant cab. After logging literally hundreds of hours on the Deere products I can honestly say that I am very familiar with them. However, after using the orange tractor with a cab for a weekend, the deal was done. Out with the green and in with the orange. Man, I love mowing while sitting in the air conditioning with no bugs! Plenty of room and even a better "feel". Now, the other issue. I also owned Deere's best Gator, the Worksite Gator (yellow). I bought the Gator after driving the Mule, Ranger, Land Pride, Cub Cadet, Snapper (junk) and most everything else I could find. The Gator was tougher and handled the 1500 pound plus load I frequently put in it's bed and hauled with ease. Now, along comes the orange RTV. I just had to drive it. No more Deere. The suspension, power steering, hydro drive, flawless 3 cyl diesel Kubota engine, and sheer brute strength construction sold me. I use the RTV, like the Gator, for both work and fun. I just didn't like the Mule and the Ranger to me was mainly for fun but could do a little work if required. I suppose it depends on what you want. I have an old Honda Pilot and an ATV for fun. The RTV is a real work machine that also happens to be quite fun even though it won't run 70mph plus like my Pilot. For the money, the RTV just fit much better for me. When I picked up my RTV I even spoke with a real live Kubota rep at the dealership who assured me that the RTV prices will certianly change considerably in the near future. He even told me this after I bought the RTV, not before as a sales tactic. My bottom line: for fun, buy a Ranger or other ATV; if you want to do any real work, hands down, RTV all the way. Kubota just needs to get real on some of their accessory prices. Two C notes for a plastic glove box?! Get real!!

MessickFarmEqu · Mar 25, 2004

RTV's are in such short supply they are selling at list price. One went for $2000 above list on eBay (not by a dealer). Prices will come down as production catches up with demand.

cjw · Jan 6, 2007

I have had the ranger now for three years and love it.It is used to haull wood mostly.I disagree with it no being a work horse,it has always done what i have asked it to do.

Old Coot · Feb 20, 2007

I had a Mule 3010 for a coupe of years. Traded it for the RTV 900. I like the power steering, the power, being built like a tank, and the hydro.

Had some problems since it was one of the first made. They recalled the hood, then all four tires and wheels, then the hydraulic tank bracket broke and they fixed that. Now the fuel gauge quit working. Still like it though.

I can fill the bed up as high as the ROP and pull a 4X8 ft trailer full of wood. What I don't like is if you stop while pulling or backing where the transmission is under load you can't get it out of gear. Dealer says you just have to wait for the pressure to release in transmission. I started just shutting it down and moving the shifer then restarting it.

Idrenak · Dec 31, 2013

I currently have the RTV 1100 but owned a 900 before that. I also have a Ranger Crew that is two years old. Other than the fact they both have 4 wheels they are as different as night and day. Obviously the crew can carry up to 6 passengers where you are limited to 3 in the RTV, and at that I wouldn't want to plan an all day trip in the RTV with 3 adults. The RTV is a much better built machine and is designed for work. If your desire is primarily work related you can't go wrong. The RTV is a workhorse that will take a lot of weight and abuse and just keep going. If a tilt bed is on your list of must haves the RTV excels with the power tilt. The Polaris has a plastic bed and the tilt is manual and not easy if you have much weight. We've already broken the tailgate on Ranger. Pluses for the Ranger, it will go just about anywhere you point it. If you have very steep terrain or sloppy muddy trails the Ranger will go places the RTV won't begin to. The Ranger rides much better than an RTV and will get you there a lot faster. If you have long distances to travel the Ranger will get you there faster. The RTV will spend most of it's life in Medium gear unless you live in very flat country and aren't hauling much.

Both machines have their good and bad points. You just have to decide what you want and what you just can't live with. We almost exclusively use the RTV in the winter and bad weather because of the cab and whenever we hare hauling dirt, rock, feed, posts etc. If I think there is a chance of getting stuck or we are chasing cattle the Ranger is the ride. In my opinion the Ranger is more fun to drive, higher top speed, better suspension and faster acceleration.
In summery if you have a lot of work and a little bit of play the RTV gets the nod. If you have a lot of play and a little work I would go with the Ranger.