Buying a utility vehicle...

JDGREEN4ME · Oct 11, 2004

Still waiting for a price on a Kubota RTV. Have a price of $9800 for a John Deere Gator HPX 4x4 (gas) with HDAT tires, bedliner, hyd. dump and deluxe canopy/ROPPS. The Kawasaki Mule 3010 4x4 (gas) was $9938 equipped the same. Are those prices in the ball park?

JESSE1 · Oct 11, 2004

The price for the HPX Gator sounds close to what I paid for my HPX Diesel. It's equipped like yours (except for being a diesel). I traded in a 6x4 Gator Diesel. I highly recommend getting the HPX Diesel. I've put 35 hours on mine and wouldn't want to do without it. Really sips the fuel! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jinman · Oct 11, 2004

You should be able to get a basic 3010 Mule for $8495. Kawasaki's bedlift is a screwjack instead of a hydraulic cylinder and I think it's overpriced by at least $300. I don't know for sure about the other options, but I think I'd buy those from Essex Mfg. and get a superior product for a lot less money. ...just suggestions if you decide on the Mule.

rtvman · Oct 12, 2004

I have both a 3010 mule and a RTV and if fully equipped as you say I think price is right but you may be able to get it down a few hundred more on the Mule. Personally, depending on your application, you really can't go wrong with any of your choices listed here. Having said that, I would definitely wait for your price on the RTV before making your final decision. If you haven't done so already, you may also want to review all the past posts on this site. There is a lot of good information here. Good luck!

Dargo · Oct 12, 2004

On all of the models you mentioned, I have not seen many good things posted about their gas models, which goes along with my personal experience. I strongly recommend the diesel models if you are using it for work. If it is more for fun, I'd suggest the gas powered Rhino. Rather than just looking, I've owned nearly every model you are considering. I've settled on an RTV for "work" and also bought a Rhino for light work and fun. I'm well pleased with them
I've heard good comments about the diesel HPX Gator and I personally like it as well. I would have purchased it rather than the RTV if it had power steering, hydro transmission (it has belt drive), and a larger bed. The RTV bed is larger and has more capacity with a true hydro dump. Besides being heavier, and heavier built, the RTV's biggest selling points to me was the smooth and powerful hydro transmission and power steering. The belt drive transmissions have proven to be reliable (except when wet), but they are not nearly as smooth as the hydro. I'm sure you'll like whatever you get; good luck!

JESSE1 · Oct 12, 2004

I've had several Kubota tractors over the years so I know how well they are built. I looked at the RTV before I bought my HPX Diesel and would have seriously considered it if I did not have a really good working relationship with my JD dealer. I've been using the same dealer for 22 years now.

The new HPX has twin hydraulic cylinders for the dump. They're run off an electric motor built into the pump/reservoir. Raises the bed faster than the old system and seems to be very stout. Also holds the bed down very well.

I don't know how much the RTV weighs but the specs for the HPX Diesel 4x4 shows 1350#'s. Add the ROPS like mine has and you're looking at maybe 1450#'s. I think it's built heavy enough for the job it's intended.

The belt drive on the HPX uses a different belt than the older Gators. I've driven through 6" water and not experienced any belt slippage-maybe will experience it when it gets older. The only thing I don't like about the Gator trans is it will freewheel down a hill if you let the engine idle. At least the trans on the HPX has a low and high range. Disc brakes on all four wheels and a disc parking brake are definate improvements for the HPX.

JDGREEN4ME · Oct 12, 2004

Will I now have three more prices on the Gator HPX. They range from $9595 to $10,564 dollars. That is a pretty good price swing for the same geographic area (at least I think so!)on units equipped the same way.

Dargo · Oct 12, 2004

Jesse1, I hope I didn't come across like I was bashing the diesel HPX. If so, I worded my post poorly. That certainly was not my intent. I was only listing the reasons that I justified to myself to go with the RTV over the HPX diesel; besides the fact at the time the JD dealer could not get in a diesel HPX model. The RTV weighs about 1850 lbs, has a smooth hydro tranny and power steering. Not that the HPX is a lightweight by any means, the RTV is just built like a tank and the hydro is smoother for putting around.
The HPX diesel is one nice machine and you couldn't go wrong with it. I just wanted to clarify that. Again, I only wanted to list the reasons I personally went with the RTV. I don't know if it is true or not, but my JD dealer said that they are looking at getting a JD hydro tranny in a diesel HPX in the future. Now add power steering to that, and I'd likely go back to JD! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Y2KF250PSD · Oct 13, 2004

Got over 60 hours on my HPX diesel now with zero problems.

I don't baby this machine either, it's used for everything from hauling fencing materials to hay/feed to towing trailers. One of which is enclosed and weighs around 4500 lbs.

I've yet to get stuck, even in slick clay mud. Been high centered a couple times but was able back off it. Run out of traction at times but never run out of power.

It's a very good machine.