Kubota RTV 1100 Deere 6x4

[Hay Dude]

In an effort to not write a book on what it’ll be used for in my opening post, when I say snow plowing, It might be better said that I mean “light commercial snow plowing ”.
It’ll be in one spot, plowing wide sidewalks and some tight parking areas. If there’s a 4” snowfall, it might get used 2-3 hours.
In warm weather, it’ll be used to transport mulch to mulch beds, transport small equipment (ex: weed eaters and chain saws) for grounds maintenance on large properties and lastly, I will use it to transport myself from place to place on at the same place in lieu of running a pickup truck across the lawns & fields.

 

[Hay Dude]

That transaxle is basically an electric golf cart axle. I really wanted to quote what a small splined shaft in that axle cost but can't find it. I think it was around 500 or 700 bucks.

Just a personal opinion and don't take offence. I am not into using this type of equipment for snow removal, especially commercial, but probably the only thing worse would be to buy used equipment. At least with new, if something breaks that shouldn't have, you can go back to the dealer and say, hey, you knew what I was going to use this for, so what gives?

Agree 100%, but new is just too costly. I’m in the middle of replacing a truck at great expense, too.
I could get a close-to-new JD 6x4 with a soft cab for a little over 10k. The Kubota would be pretty worn out at 10k aside from getting an amazing deal on a private lightly used sale.
Although the Gator “belt” gives me pause, carrying a spare would be somewhat reassuring. The Kubota, with a real transmission would be preferable, but also a huge repair issue in the middle of snow. The Gator belt could be done relatively easy.

Really, a $2 part can render any machine useless in the course of snow plowing. I have been plowing for 35 years-ask me how I know. What I have learned is simplicity usually means reliability. The Gator is simpler.

Not favoring one over the other. I have both Deere and Kubota equipment, but I am all but sold on the both the Kubota and the Gator for the task. Luckily, I have the remainder of the winter and the warmer weather to get the bugs worked out of whatever I chose until next winter, when it’ll be needed for serious service.

 

[timswi]

Great info. Thanks didn稚 even consider the skid marks left by the locked rear axles!
What has your experience been like with downtime, repairs, parts?
Overall been dependable?

No downtime at all..Just do the recommended maintenance and don't beat the beegeebers out of it. Sips fuel, another benefit. The RTV is really no different than my BX23. Both are unbelievably reliable as long as you treat them right.

 

[randyjs]

If you're going to use it on lawns you'll want to make sure it has a differential in the rear end. I know my Mule really tears up the lawn when the differential is locked.

 

[timswi]

If you're going to use it on lawns you'll want to make sure it has a differential in the rear end. I know my Mule really tears up the lawn when the differential is locked.

My 1100 has a diff lock so I can run on lawns without tearing them up..The RTV is pretty heavy though..Gotta watch that.

 

[ovrszd]

I've never owned a Gator. Can't think of a single feature it has that would make it better than the RTV.

I consider my RTV a miniature Diesel 4x4 Ton Truck with a hydraulic dump bed. Only thing it lacks is highway speed.

 

[Hay Dude]

I've never owned a Gator. Can't think of a single feature it has that would make it better than the RTV.

I consider my RTV a miniature Diesel 4x4 Ton Truck with a hydraulic dump bed. Only thing it lacks is highway speed.

Its just a price thing. I can get a Gator 6x4 quite a bit cheaper. About $5,000

 

[ovrszd]

Its just a price thing. I can get a Gator 6x4 quite a bit cheaper. About $5,000

If that's your driving force, buy the Gator, no discussion needed.

 

[Hay Dude]

It ain’t all about price...
I’m simply stating that $5,000 cheaper buys a lot of parts or service, but it’s not as comfortable to operate.
$5,000 more buys a lot more creature comforts and More versatility in the Kubota.
Looking a little closer and doing more research, the Kubota looks more professional to customers, IMO

 

[bigtiller]

I drove a 6x4 Gator and cab just like the one pictured at work.

Without power steering, the weight of the blade will be a workout.
With tools, generator and 20 gallons of diesel in the bed, it didn't like to turn on snow and ice. Wide sweeping turns are ok but fast sharp turns, ain't happening.
With no heat or sun, the glass fogs and freezes.
With a lot of stop & go, pushing & pulling and idling, the clutch tabs will wear down.
You will soon tire of the zig-zag shift pattern from forward to reverse.

Buy the Kubota.