Help on picking and pricing UTV

Slippy · Jul 16, 2004

I'm in the market for a UTV and have read many of the posts in this fourm. It seems to be the general opinion that the RTV is by far the best bet if your looking for a true UTV that can go just about anywhere and be a work horse. I have also looked at some of the less expensive models such as the Yurf dog, and for about 4k I think you end up with a glorified golf cart or go cart. Once again, looks like you get what you pay for.

I do have some questions though. Interested in those folks that have now had a chance to really use the RTV if it has done as well as people expected. Does it really do well going up hills and holding going down? Is it true that it is the only UTV that can stop and start on a hill? What about maintanace and durability, has it held up?

I have some pretty step hills on my farm and need something that can dig in and get going. My atv's crawl up most of my hills (at least the ones I want to go up) without any problem. Could I expect the RTV to do the same?

I will be using it for farm and trail maintanace and generally runing to different places on my farm. Does it have a PTO in the rear? Are there different models? Is the drive train all hydraulic like a 0 turn mower?

Also, what is the price on one of these bad boys?

I have read all the reviews that have been posted, but some were done before the RTV came out. Anyone have any links to a recent head to head comparison of the performance of the RTV and say the Polaris or Kawasaki?

Your help is appriciated.

flyingn · Jul 16, 2004

( I do have some questions though. Interested in those folks that have now had a chance to really use the RTV if it has done as well as people expected. Does it really do well going up hills and holding going down?

** Yes it does, stops without brakes most of the time. Id recommend agressive tires thugh if you really want to climb with an RTV**

Is it true that it is the only UTV that can stop and start on a hill?

**Yes*

What about maintanace and durability, has it held up?

**so far so good. But im a new owner**

I have some pretty step hills on my farm and need something that can dig in and get going. My atv's crawl up most of my hills (at least the ones I want to go up) without any problem. Could I expect the RTV to do the same?

**with a tire change, absolutly**

I will be using it for farm and trail maintanace and generally runing to different places on my farm. Does it have a PTO in the rear?

**it has an aux hydraulic control valve on the back**

Are there different models?

**Yes, 4 different(slightly) models.**

Is the drive train all hydraulic like a 0 turn mower?

**yes**

Also, what is the price on one of these bad boys?

**around $10.5 without options**

I have read all the reviews that have been posted, but some were done before the RTV came out. Anyone have any links to a recent head to head comparison of the performance of the RTV and say the Polaris or Kawasaki?

**have not seen one yet but check out the may ATV Illustrated magazine for a test on an RTV**

Frank

Your help is appriciated. )

flyingn · Jul 16, 2004

actually its NOT the May issue. Its the latest issue. I believe its july issue..

Frank

bczoom · Jul 16, 2004

Slippy,
I have the worksite RTV and concur with all of Frank's answers.
I'm north of Pitt in a very hilly area.
So far, I've had no problems with traction with the tires on the worksite model on my hills although the trails are relatively dry. Actually, they brought the turf version for a demo before I bought and it did fine on dry hill trails. If you have mud, I'd definitely go with more agressive tires. I'm getting another set myself for mud and winter use.
Brian

MessickFarmEqu · Jul 16, 2004

You can also get factory ATV tires. I agree that there is not much tread on the general light duty tires.

bczoom · Jul 16, 2004

I've found Kubota is a little behind on accessories.
Do you think anyone may have a spare set of OEM rims? I want to keep the tires that are on it now for summer and dry use. If I plan on spending a weekend in the mud and for the winter season, I want to have a full set of tires/rims with more agressive tires (probably ITP 589's or Mud Lites).

OrangeGuy · Jul 16, 2004

Make sure you check out the Polaris Ranger Series of UTVs. I purchased a Ranger 6x6 back in 1998. It has met my expectations and more. I wanted something that would traverse the steepest of hills and plow through our river bottom swamps. This machine is impossible to get stuck. Whatever you can drive into, you can back out of. It has loads of carrying and pulling capacity. It's also quite fast. It's the perfect companion to the hunter and work vehicle on the farm.

In 6 years I've done nothing to it other than routine maintenance. I looked at the JD Gator when I purchased the Ranger, but found too many shortcomings when comparing spec for spec. Features like: a suspension, roll cage, power (30HP vs 18), speed, enclosed drive system, drive shaft vs chain drive, 6 wheel drive, and heh, I even have cup holders.

The Kubota RTV was not out when I purchased the Ranger. It appears to be quite a machine. IMO, more of a worksite machine than an all purpose work and pleasure machine.

I paid $9200 plus tax back in 1998.

OrangeGuy

rubber · Jul 16, 2004

I purchased the first worksite model that was not pre-ordered from my dealer. Timing is everything. All the accessories that I added were in stock. The accessories were roof, winch and mount, rear hitch, and bed liner. The base price for my model was $9,995 . The dealer said that he could get more, but he was not going to gouge his customers. The deal was sealed with a handshake and no money. Of course he had nothing to loose since they are selling so well.

jinman · Jul 16, 2004

Slippy, I don't know who told you that the RTV is the only UTV that can "stop and start" on a hill, but that is not accurate. I'm sure the RTV can do it, but I'm also sure I've done it many times with my girlfriend's Kawasaki Mule. I think the Polaris Ranger and the Yamaha would easily do the same as well as most of the Gators.

I am not going to tell you that the RTV is not all it's advertised to be. Quite the contrary, I think it's an excellent choice. Like cars, trucks, and tractors, I sometimes make decisions based on what you get for my money rather than just buying top-of-the-line no matter what cost.

I think you can find lots of UTVs to do comparisons with. The best judge of what you need is the seat of your pants. You have to sit on them and drive them. Also ask about all accessories and look at available 3rd party add-ons. I think you will find the Kawasaki Mule to be really well supported. Companies like Essex have a full line of add-ons and their prices are pretty good. I think it will be several years before the market expands this much for the RTV. Cost of a fully featured Mule 3010, 4WD is about $8,400. The 2WD version is about $1,000 less, but all you give up is 4WD and the 2-speed transmission. Even the 2WD Mule 3000 has a differential lock that will easily get you up some very steep hills.

The Gators also offer one of the widest choices of models and it seems those who have them really like them. You can't beat the support available directly through John Deere.

I don't know as much about the Polaris and Yamaha, but I do know they have a loyal following and must make excellent UTVs.

I'd suggest treating this like an adventure of discovery and just go look, look, and re-look until you are satisfied with your findings. In the end you'll be much happier with your choice.

flyingn · Jul 16, 2004

thats what i did. Bought a set of factory wheels from a local Kubota dealer and IPT mud lites to mount on 4 the winter..

Frank

( I've found Kubota is a little behind on accessories.
Do you think anyone may have a spare set of OEM rims? I want to keep the tires that are on it now for summer and dry use. If I plan on spending a weekend in the mud and for the winter season, I want to have a full set of tires/rims with more agressive tires (probably ITP 589's or Mud Lites). )