All purpose UTV for farm use?

[jimgerken]

really, you must drive a Polaris 800/900 Ranger and a JD 825i before you buy. The Polaris is the one to beat basically. I mean, if you find one you like better than the Polaris, buy it. I evaluated many, came down to those two, and chose the JD. Your tastes may vary. My decision was swayed by center of gravity, ease of getting in and out of the craft for work reasons, overall quality of JD over Polaris (and I have owned a LOT of Polaris and JD products and still own some of each!). On the downside, Polaris has many more great accesories to customize the unit for your purposes. JD has some too, but not the wide selection of stuff Polaris has.
If you plan on using it in cold weather, get a GLASS full windshield with opening lower section to allow air flow-thru to reduce dust, right away. If you first buy a lexan windshield, you will have to go back and get a new one after the lexan is too scratched to see thru anymore. GLASS. And, a canvas top seems to be enough of a roof, costs $75 instead of $500. If you ever want to, you could whip up some simple doors and cover them with 3M window film, for cold winter use.
I opted for the hydraulic dump box, reluctantly at time of purchase. Now very glad I did so.
IF you think you will put it on tracks at some point, you will want power steering. It can be added later if you wish, but would be a hassle I think. I went thru a few winters with an ATV on tracks without power steering, and my elbows would be sore for days after driving the trails 8-10 miles to pull a groomer. So I got PS on the UTV. For use with tires only, PS is not needed, but maybe appreciated.

 

[houstonscott]

I have an RTV 1100, great machine. I looked for a few years bought one for the son and one for me. Overkill on 18 acres but the heat in cab this last week has been great, dealing with live stock issues in cold, wet and ice. Order of how I placed them; RTV1100, RTV 900, diesel Mule, diesel gator, diesel New Holland, diesel Kioti. HS

 

[Xfaxman]

Anyone familiar with Bennche?
If what you see is what you get at the price they have posted.. I don't need to say anymore.

From their website, the Bighorn 500:
"Upgraded accessories included - what a deal! Our middle-of-the-line/mid-level EFI Bighorn 500 not only features a four-stroke, single cylinder, 471cc 22.8HP engine with an automatic L-H-N-R-P transmission, but comes standard with a top cover, aluminum wheels, full-size windshield, cup holder, and winch. Perfect for lightweight work or play, the Bighorn 500 also meets safety requirements for a low-speed vehicle. Just get a license plate and you can ride on your neighborhood streets! Whether you use the Bighorn 500 for work or play, you'll find its power, flexibility and upgraded accessories make it the best value on the market!"

And from what I can see, comes with a receiver hitch!

Dry Weight: 1146 lbs
Bed Capacity: 400 lbs (35.5" x 44")
Towing Capacity: 1200 lbs

MSRP $8,299 / $9,149 EPS and as pictured in attachment.
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Closest dealer is about 25 miles from the new house. I'm gonna swing by tomorrow. If they're as nice as they look in pictures.. And ride as well as I hope they do.. My decision is made.. And I'll let y'all how goes it. Sub 10k for all of that is insane. I hope the quality is good.
--------------------------------
Last edit, I promise. I've found some reviews on both products. It seems like they get pretty high marks in performance/reliability and about average everywhere else. That's good enough for me! Off to the dealership tomorrow to take some toys for a test drive!

This is from their Website:

Production

Assembled in Texas U.S.A.

What it does't say is "with parts from China".

I still prefer my Polaris Ranger EV, It has more power, higher tow rating, higher bed capacity and much quieter.

The best thing about my EV is, no matter how cold it is, you get in, turn the key, push R and back out of the shop.

No waiting for glow plugs or waiting while the engine warms up (if it started).

It comes with a receiver hitch and I added one to the front.



More info here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/287792-electric-polaris-ranger.html

 

[aczlan]

This is from their Website:

Production

Assembled in Texas U.S.A.

What it does't say is "with parts from China".

Be prepared to wait a long time for parts and make sure you go through it from one end to the other checking for loos connectors, clamps, bolts, etc BEFORE you really use it.

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4145896/Bennche_UTV_s
Bennche ATVs..What you know about them? @ TigerDroppings.com
bennche bighorn 700 crew

Aaron Z

 

[farm23]

I use the front loader on my tractor and sometimes a trailer and it saved me a lot of money. If I was to get a UTV it would be a used RTV900.

 

[houstonscott]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

 

[dusty3030]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

I really looked at a Toolcat and now Polaris has the Brutus - but they are kind of a jack of all trades / master of none.

From using both small tractors and UTV's almost daily from a man whose "play time" is short, no way in heck would I want to have to take the loader off or the mower off the UTV if I get a wild hair to load it up and go hunting etc.

 

[dusty3030]

Also my wife uses the UTV's more than I do - in my situation she would NOT like it if I left some attachment on she has to fool with just to go get the mail.

 

[Xfaxman]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

Bobcat makes the Toolcat, cab with heat and air, two seats, all wheel steer, 4WD, independent suspension, three point lift, rear receiver hitch, PTO, FEL with hydraulic SSQA, (drop the bucket, latch on the forks from the seat), 4,000 pound tow rating.



Box blade, either end.


4' long brush forks.


7' wide brush hog.


Parking the trailer.


More here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/toolcat/270965-toolcat-5610-series-f-pictures.html

 

[RoyJackson]

Bobcat makes the Toolcat, cab with heat and air, two seats, all wheel steer, 4WD, independent suspension, three point lift, rear receiver hitch, PTO, FEL with hydraulic SSQA, (drop the bucket, latch on the forks from the seat), 4,000 pound tow rating.

Polaris makes a similar UTV...but like the Toolcat, it's well above the price a homeowner (unless he's Donald Trump) can afford.
Polaris Commercial Vehicles: BRUTUS, RANGER UTVs, ATVs, GEM

 

[houstonscott]

Love to see Kubota make a toolcat type vehicle, knowing Kubota it would be well done. Come in around 25k, half of toolcat cost. HS

 

[Gary Fowler]

This is from their Website:

Production

Assembled in Texas U.S.A.

What it does't say is "with parts from China".

I still prefer my Polaris Ranger EV, It has more power, higher tow rating, higher bed capacity and much quieter.

The best thing about my EV is, no matter how cold it is, you get in, turn the key, push R and back out of the shop.

No waiting for glow plugs or waiting while the engine warms up (if it started).

It comes with a receiver hitch and I added one to the front.

View attachment 349841 View attachment 349842

More info here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/287792-electric-polaris-ranger.html

I looked at one of those briefly when my wife was begging me for a second RTV for her. I didn't like the fact of no power steering, all the push button for 2WD/4WD, Dif loc etc. and it being built in China (assembled location mean nothing). I figured all those electronic buttons would likely be going out the first time I got mud on them. I prefer the manual linkage type shifters to all the electronic gismos. I like power seats, windows etc in my trucks and cars but not in Utility Vehicles.

 

[Tkblacktail]

I cannot imagine a better thread; being able to see so many "real-world" opinions about so many OHVs.

 

[RJT]

Alrighty folks. Went down to the Bennche dealer today. GREAT people there, by the way (sarcasm). I drove both a Longhorn 700 & 500 but before I get to that. I nearly fell off my seat when the salesman told me the Longhorn 700 is identical to a Yamaha Rhino, lmao. I went in knowing that these units (after doing some research today) are made my Hisun (Chinese brand).. Which I really don't mind if It's 1/2 the price and does what it is suppose to do. This brings me to the test drives. Hah, oh goody. I pulled out in a 2014 model Bennche Longhorn 700 and immediately notice a puddle under where I pulled out from. The damned thing was leaking fluid and it was brand new! I turned the machine off right away and told him that he might want to get it checked out. So, we get into a second one.. I peek under it first, no leaks. We pull out and I was somewhat surprised by the ride. Very smooth and had some torque to it. We take it on about a 1 mile test drive and are pulling back into the dealership when I start to smell something burning. Sure enough, the machine is starting to overheat. Yep, knock the 700 off my list. We get over to the Longhorn 500's. Again, peek under it and there aren't any leaks. Smooth ride like the last one. Had some power. Felt good. This is where I walked. I asked to test ride a second Longhorn 500 (because of the inconsistency that this brand obviously seems to have) and the guy got.. Eh, belligerent (almost)? Dropped a few nice words at me and I cut him off. Told him that he should be ashamed of himself for treating a potential customer that way and told him he better find a new career because people skills obviously aren't his strong suit.

Back to the JD Gator XUV 550.. I like them things.
Anyone have experience with them?

 

[aczlan]

Back to the JD Gator XUV 550.. I like them things.
Anyone have experience with them?

Looked at them when we got the RTV500, looked pretty good. Might hve gotten one if they didn't have the stupid wheel wells in the bed... Wanted to have a flat floor in the bed for when we do bees.

Aaron Z

 

[dusty3030]

John Deere HPX 4x4 HPX Series Traditional Utility Vehicles JohnDeere.com

The HPX 4x4 has a lot better engine than the 550 if you are set on Deere. I mentioned it in a post before, you don't want an air cooled carbed engine, that is a negative. The HPX is a little more utility, but add a windshield and you are set.

If you are dead set on an XUV - try to find a 625I or good used 620I.

If you haven't looked at it, this Yamaha Viking is a good looking machine with true 3 across seating and is more of a machine than the 550 Gator.
2014 Yamaha Viking FI 4x4 EPS Specifications, specs

Check out the Polaris mid sized 570 and the 800.
The 570 is fuel injected and 40 hp compared to the Deere 550 16hp. For the same money.
2014 Polaris RANGER 570 EFI Sage Green Utility Vehicle : Specs



Good luck.

 

[RoyJackson]

John*Deere HPX 4x4 HPX Series Traditional Utility Vehicles JohnDeere.com

The HPX 4x4 has a lot better engine than the 550 if you are set on Deere. I mentioned it in a post before, you don't want an air cooled carbed engine, that is a negative. The HPX is a little more utility, but add a windshield and you are set.

If you are dead set on an XUV - try to find a 625I or good used 620I.

Nothing wrong with looking for used UTVs.
Try Used Farm & Agricultural Equipment - John Deere MachineFinder

Before I bought my 855D, I was looking used. I found a number of local 625s...in fact, I went to Montpelier (Vermont) to look at a couple...but I really wanted a diesel so they had a new one on the lot with power steering and that's what I bought.

 

[RJT]

Seating room isn't much an issue. I'll be the only one in it aside from my wife, who is a humble 5' tall and 100 lbs., haha. I'm not necessarily dead set on a Deere, I just like how they look, lol. I did test drive the 550 and it felt "right". I'm still very open to leaving my options open. I try to buy new for the sole fact that I have seen first hand how people beat the snot out of ATVs and UTVs. I worked at a Cycle Repair Shop for about 2 years.. I'd have peace of mind knowing how the vehicle was used form day one first hand than trusting someone else's word who is trying sell something. As they say though (whoever they is), different strokes for different folks. On that note, though (and I'm going to contradict myself).. I'm buying a used ATV (from a good friend of mine) more just for play. I'm selling 2 of my older quads and buying his 2013 Honda Rancher 4x4. He wanted something a little smaller in size and there is only about 8 hours on it. He bought it at a dealer out of business sale and got a 2500 lb winch, brush guard, front and rear cargo bags, full frame skid plate, fender bag, and a cover for it.. He walked out with it for $6800. I'm buying it for 5k. I'm selling (as mentioned before) my Yamaha Grizzly and Kawi KFX and should be able to get around 10k for both.. So that will expand my budget to purchase a UTV by about 5 grand. So my search went from 10k to 15k with about 2k leeway.

At this point, I'm really leaning towards a Honda Pioneer 700-2 barring a test drive.. Which I'm going to go do right now. I'll be back in a few hours with my report, lol.

Thank you so much so far for all your help, advice, thoughts, ideas, and everything. Y'all have an outstanding community of people here and a very good network of people who just want to help others. Kudos to you all and thanks again!

 

[dusty3030]

Honda is a great machine, can't go wrong there.

 

[RJT]

Just got back from the dealer about 20 minutes ago from testing out a Honda Pioneer 700-2. I love it! I think this is the UTV I'm going to be purchasing. Nearly flawless for my uses.