Forestry Applications -Utility Vehicles

[NHGatorGuy]

Hello all! I have used my 4X2 Gator for firewood harvesting and timberstand improvement for several years. The machine is really great for selective cutting and low impact on the woodlot. I have really at times overworked the machine in terms of payload and taking it over some pretty rugged spots. I have been thinking about upgrading. Any of you guys work your machines in the woods? I am curious about models such as the new Kubota, the HPX Gator, Pug Badlands and the Land Pride rig that has a "skidder" implement. My main question: Are the larger and more expensive rigs much more useful in the woods? Can you skid with a log arch, how much difference does articulation make and how much difference does 4wd and ground clearance make? Any thoughts appreciated! Jake

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum.
I also have the 4x2 gator, and I probably don't use it to the extent you say you use yours for getting wood out of the woods. However, I haven't run short of what I want it to do. I am often impressed by what it can do, and where it will go in the woods and over pretty rough terrain.

What have you found your gator to be short of, using it like you do? Must have a reason for upgrading, where the 4x2 comes up short. Curious to what they are. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Those short-comings would help with answers to filling in the blanks. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MSamson]

Have you looked at the Polaris Ranger? I went for an official test drive of the 500 Ranger, the upcoming 700 Ranger, the John Deer HPXGator, Kawasaki Mule and the Rino. I was surprised at how the Rangers with their independent wheel suspension, hi ground clearance and sheer brute force performed over and above the competition. Unfortunatly we did not have a Kubota on hand to test. I walked in with the impression that noting would beat the HPXGator. The Mule is what came the closest to the HPXGator. 35 we were to do the testing, and all agreed that Polaris came out first. The Rhino Ranked second and all agreed that the Deer came in last. Never would I have thought that there was so much difference between each machine. I would suggest that you go and try them and work them, maybe you'll be as surprised as I was. In terms of pulling, the Ranger and the Rhino were attached back to back. The Ranger 500 took off with the Rhino like nothing was there. I'm impartial since I don't own any of them yet. I want to try the Kubota before I decide, but for now in my book the Ranger is number one. Hope this impartial test helped, but nothing beats trying them for yourself!

 

[bczoom]

NHGatorGuy,

Welcome to TBN.

So many things come to mind on this.
Can you tell us more about your terrain (hills, mud, are you carrying loads up hill or down...)
If you already haven't done so, check out these threads.
RTV vs. Ranger vs. Rhino
and
Why the RTV?
and
Kawaski Mule -vs- RTV 900

There's many other threads in this forum discussing the various machines. Also do a search on HPX, both gas and diesel models.

To summarize some of the findings.
Rhino = fun/play machine.
RTV = work machine.
Land Pride = megabucks but great machine.
Most others fall somewhere between the Rhino and RTV.

Now, I'll inject my personal opinion. I have not tried all the different mfgrs so it will be a bit biased (towards the RTV).

I have the RTV and my primary purpose for purchasing was also to use it for firewood. Prior to the advent of the RTV, I was going to get the Ranger.
A couple things that made me change my mind.

As MSamson stated: "In terms of pulling, the Ranger and the Rhino were attached back to back. The Ranger 500 took off with the Rhino like nothing was there."
I haven't tried it but I believe it may be similar if the RTV and Ranger were strapped together. Again, my opinion, but for pure pulling power, I think the RTV would win, hands down. Many on this forum have strapped on a trailer in the 3-4000# (or more) range and have had no pulling problems.

For hauling in the cargo box, take as much wood as you can fit (some nice heavy maple logs or something). It'll probably end up being in the 1200-1300# range. The RTV won't notice it.

I love having the power steering and diesel engine. I would strongly recommend getting the hyd. lift dump box.

When going down hill, the tranny on the RTV will keep the speed as defined by the driver. It will not coast as many other machines will.

In mud, you'll want ATV type of tires on the RTV. The HDWS tires will struggle in just a few inches of mud. With ATV type, a few of us have had it up to (or over) the floorboard and still got through OK.

The RTV is probably one of the slowest UTV out there with a max speed of around 25mph. For my purposes, that's plenty. If your machine is 1/2 work, 1/2 play, you may find the RTV kind of a boring (although comfortable) ride.

I can't speak for the other UTV's, but depending on any options you want to add on, Kubota's options are pretty pricy. Aftermarket parts are being developed but there's not a lot out there since the RTV has only been around for less than a year.

Brian

 

[Y2KF250PSD]

Last week I got my F-250 stuck. With the 20' gooseneck stock trailer hooked up. With a 1500lbs bull inside.

The HPX diesel 4x4 pulled it out. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Last week I got my F-250 stuck. With the 20' gooseneck stock trailer hooked up. With a 1500lbs bull inside.

The HPX diesel pulled it out. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
)</font>

Sounds like the bull won that round. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Thinking of your experience is why I specifically mentioned looking at the gas and diesel versions of the HPX. I still have yet to try one.

 

[Y2KF250PSD]

The tires slipped a little then she grunted down and pulled the truck right out. I was impressed!!

 

[Dargo]

MSampson, I had a similar impression as you after driving most every UV. I was going to buy the Polaris Ranger. However, as I've mentioned in earlier posts, two of my good friends who both own Polaris UV's talked me out of it. They were extremely displeased with the durability of their Polaris UV's. The features were great, but they apparently just didn't hold up. Since the last time I posted this, both of my friends have bought Rhinos. The Yamaha dealer wouldn't even take their Rangers in on trade. They told them to just sell them outright.

I have both a Rhino and an RTV. There is a huge difference between the two. I have not driven the new 700cc Polaris, but the Rhino runs all over the other Rangers. As far as the pulling deal you mentioned, that only measures weight and traction, since all UV's I'm aware of have enough power to spin their tires in low range when just pulling. As bczoom mentioned, you could tie the Ranger up to the RTV and it would be a joke. A one ton UV with good tires will out pull a one thousand pound UV every time.

Of course, this is just my opinion, but for sheer work, I would rank the RTV just barely ahead of the diesel HPX Gator just because of the stronger transmission and power steering. Otherwise, they seemed pretty darn well equal to me. If you want some performance and fun with the ability to also do some work, the Ranger and Rhino seem to be a toss up. However, given the wide range of people who have commented to me about the reliability of the Polaris, I went with the Rhino. After having the Rhino for a while and replacing the stock CDI with the BlackRhino unit, which takes out the speed limiter and makes a few other changes, I do not regret my decision of buying the Rhino at all. Heck, with two people in it, it will run 53 mph. Oh yes, one of my friends who sold his Ranger and bought a Rhino says that he can climb a long and twisting hill with the Rhino that he never could climb with his Ranger. He has replaced the stock Rhino tires with 27" 589's though.

 

[MSamson]

Dargo and BcZoom

I think you are both right. Definitly the RTV is a work machine, probably would drag the Ranger away. The Ranger and Rhino are hybrides (fun & work). As for the problems reported on the Polaris, I have no comment since I haven't exchanged opinions with Ranger owners. The Rangers in this test were both new 2005 models 500 & 700 with independent suspension. This is a hole different ride from the previous years. In terms of looks, the Ranger has been redesigned but I think the Rhino still outclass it for it's look. I'm currious about your friend that had to sell by him self his Ranger, did he loose alot on it? Was it on the market for long? That is one thing I wouldn't want; be turned away with my trade in!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Any of you tried the Cub Cadet Big Country? I wonder how it performs with that Honda engine? It too is full independent suspension/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[NHGatorGuy]

Beenthere-

Probably the biggest shortcoming of the 4x2 is the tendancy to get center hung on stumps, rocks, gullys etc. The drive train of the machine is well protected but the low ground clearance leads to gettin' stuck- the machine is light enough to muscle out if you have 2 guys but I would like 4wd- also the 4x2 does not function in any more than a few inches of snow. From time to time in the thicker parts of the woodlot I will hang up a tree I've cut- I'd like something with a little more juice for when I want to yank those trees with a chain. I have been thinking about getting a winch for the 4x2- that may cut down on getting really stuck. Also highly recommend the front and side brush guards- has saved a lot of plastic for my machine! Jake