Utility Vehicles?

crazyal · Mar 22, 2015

I have a Honda Big Red, it's the previous version to the Pioneer. Over all it's been real good for me. I'll load the bed heaping full of green split firewood and it doesn't seam to bother it a bit. I often will haul about 1/4 cord of blocked up wood down to the house (both in the bed and on a trailer). My land is pretty steep yet it has no problems what so ever. It's kind of a balance between work and play. I will say this, don't get one stuck. I've underestimated snow twice now only to find it was a lot deeper that I thought. I went with the Honda because I was never a fan of belts. Had too many snow machines over the years and replaced too many belts. The 3 speed transmission works well. I would buy another if I ever replace it. I did find that because it's fuel injected when it's cold it starts much easier if you wait for the fuel pump to reach pressure (couple of seconds) before turning it over. Also the battery was kind of undersized. I replaced mine with a car battery.

I would look at the Kioti Mechron as a possible diesel option. I thought I saw a new one for sale at a dealer for a really good price. I can't remember the price or even where it was but it just stuck in my head that it was cheap.

MinnesotaEric · Mar 22, 2015

As I understand it, the Bobcats UTVs are made by Club Car for Bobcat.

I've been looking a Yamaha's Viking.

Roadbuilder6 · Mar 22, 2015

Will_C said:
I realize that the OP stated that his wife
Will

Lol, she isn't my wife, literally my neighbor haha. But yes, her main needs are using around their horse farm, and for going on very rugged trails. This took the JCB out after I looked more into it. The kubota and the mules are great machines, but not the off road capabilities we need. I wanted her to get a gator, but we will see what she says about the money.

DK35vince · Mar 22, 2015

Roadbuilder6 said:
The kubota and the mules are great machines, but not the off road capabilities we need.

Have you looked at the new Mule PRO FXT ?
Error
More power, more speed, better suspension than the standard Mule.

Code54 · Mar 22, 2015

DK35vince said:
Have you looked at the new Mule PRO FXT ?
Error
More power, more speed, better suspension than the standard Mule.

You are not kidding - I think the should have renamed it as it is nothing like the old Mules.

Xfaxman · Mar 22, 2015

EricTheOracle said:
As I understand it, the Bobcats UTVs are made by Club Car for Bobcat.
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The 2xxx models that I had were made by Club Car. Now the 3xxx models are made by Polaris: UTV Models - Bobcat Company - Bobcat Company

3650 HST

3200

3400XL

Polaris Brutus. Polaris Brutus Utility Vehicles

jeff9366 · Mar 22, 2015

Roadbuilder6 said:
Her main needs are using around their horse farm, and for going on very rugged trails. The kubota and the mules are great machines, but not the off road capabilities we need.

The advantage of HST transmission over all others is max torque at minimum speed; the reason HST is selected by 90% of people buying 18 horsepower - 40 horsepower TRACTORS. An HST equipped utility vehicle will creep out of and over about anything.

I have had my RTV500 four years. I have never been stuck even though I pull a loaded trailer most of the time. I rarely use 4-WD and have only used 4-WD and had to engage the differential lock perhaps five times.

Roadbuilder6 · Mar 22, 2015

Thanks guys for the responses, when I mean off road capabilities, I don't mean power, the Kubota is an incredibly powerful machine as well is the mule. What I mean is the Kubota and the regular mule don't have the suspension or lift to go over the rocks, stumps etc that they need it too. Great machines, but looking for something with the ground clearance needed. Also since they will also be using it to use on horse farm, they need a work vehicle. Need a large rear bed, made out of metal! lol, but it looks like the New Holland and the Gator, and the Honda are the top runners.