Off road utility vehicle

[LMTC]

Been using an old golf cart for several years to help with very light chores, wife also uses it to get the mail, run the dog, etc. Going to have to replace it before long and am considering upgrading to a UV, and would appreciate input from current or former owners of such. Must have an option for a roof or canopy, also a windshield. Operator area must accommodate someone extra large and average tall. This would mostly be flat terrain, maybe some mild slope, and mostly gravel or grass. Thanks for any personal experience and input.

 

[Kaw]

Hello. Well I have a kawasaki teryx 750. I believe this to be one of the best side x sides or utv out there. Not crazy $$$ for a new one, seating is more up right, not the set down in sports car feel. Roll cage is up high so taller drivers havw no problems with head room. Also comes with plastic roof and half windshield. They have good ground clearance, 4x4, with diff lock.
Now the best part is it has a dump bed, I have had, 12 square bales loaded on it. I have had to pull a ford 8n about a mile up a pretty good hill to get back home. I use a 5x10 trailer for wood and its loaded pretty good. Last winter I pulled the trailer loaded in 12 to 15 inches of snow had no problems, but will abmit I had on mud tires. So you can do all this work with it and then take it out and play with it, she hits 52mph stock so its fast enough. With some up grades she will pull high 60 or more.. And she well built, only issues with her is a bad cv, my fault stick took boot off. And the throttle stuck on me a few times, and once again my fault. Belt has held up great no adjustments yet and I have just turned over 1500 miles in the first year I owned her.
There are others out there like the polaris ranger, I hear ok things from there owners but non I know use there machines like I do, so not sure on dureability. Good luck

 

[Phils]

A few years ago I wanted to find for my DW a [Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki... Mule or equivilant] but found little for less than ten grand.

After months of looking, I went another way and it has turned out to be better than any of those, at least for our property.

For less than a couple grand I bought an older Suzuki Samurai. It came with a canvas roof, windshield, doors, etc., but I spent a month removing all that before I presented it at Christmas. She likes driviing it around our trails and so do friends and family.

It doesn't have a dump bed (that's what my tractor is for) but it does have a back seat that folds or removes for hauling stuff.

Phil

 

[R_Walter]

I find my RTV 900 invaluable

 

[MtHam]

Kabota RTV900: Think of it as a mini, go anywhere, 4X4 diesel dump truck. It will haul 1,000+ lbs, and goes up and down steep terrain like a tank! Heavy duty, and highly regarded by most owners.

 

[JimP]

John Deere Gator HPX diesel. Expensive but easy enough to use and stable enough that friends and kids can use it. No problems with carb clogging. Used for hauling dirt, logs, rocks, tools, etc. We are surprised by how much we use this UTV. No experience with the newly released Gator design though.

 

[nue2farm]

We have an 04 Polaris Ranger, It is used every day for either work or play. Great buy for us. Does well on hills and mud.

 

[dieselscout80]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/211561-suzuki-samurai-6.html#post2462711

 

[PapaPerk]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/211561-suzuki-samurai-6.html#post2462711

Awesomeness!!!!

 

[dieselscout80]

Awesomeness!!!!

It's not mine, but I like the idea.

 

[cdaigle430]

Judging by what your looking for I would say the gator or mule, if you can afford it go diesal.

 

[tratliff]

I have a Yamaha Rhino that I have had since '04. I use it for fun, chores around the land, pulling 5x10 trailer.... Has been the best investment I have made since buying the land and that includes my tractor. Very dependable. Only things that have needed attention are: Brakes, battery, tires. Currently has 8000+ miles on it. I would recommend trying one out before making a decision.

 

[Snapper Head]

I'm in the shopping phase as well (have been for quite some time....).

I am leaning heavily toward the Kubota 900. I like the fact that it is diesel, and that it has a real drivetrain. Few UTV's do, most are belt drive, which I detest.

Something to consider...



Big Al

 

[PapaPerk]

Yamaha Rhinos are very tough. The only thing I don't like about them and others is the lack of a diff. They tear the H out of your yard.

Rhinos use a superior CVT drive train. It does not slack the belt like many.

I like the Kubota too... it's more of a work truck... I'm not crazy about the hydro trans. Too complicated for this application. And I cannot stand the seating position and posture! Blah A wood church pew is more comfortable!.... well unless you are a sinner! :laughing:

 

[jocww]

How are the bobcat ones? I too am in the market, although I will probably just get a old jeep and do it that way. But I would love to have a dump bed.

 

[tratliff]

Yamaha Rhinos are very tough. The only thing I don't like about them and others is the lack of a diff. They tear the H out of your yard.

Rhinos use a superior CVT drive train. It does not slack the belt like many.

I like the Kubota too... it's more of a work truck... I'm not crazy about the hydro trans. Too complicated for this application. And I cannot stand the seating position and posture! Blah A wood church pew is more comfortable!.... well unless you are a sinner! :laughing:

PapaPerk. You are correct. The Rhino can be destructive on a lawn. Its no worse than my tractor and has a lot to do with how you drive it. Sharp turns are troublesome but long arching turns are not a problem.

 

[schoolsout]

I've got an '06 Rhino (450) and it is an excellent machine. It definitely isn't a vehicle built for 100% work, but it holds its own. Never needed more power, but wish it had the 660 or larger engine in it. That said, I bought it 3 years ago for $4500 and haven't looked back...

It squeaks a lot and is fairly loud, but other than that, it's been great.