Ranger vs Kubota video..

[Robert_in_NY]

not to mention my "Bota" gets about 5 times better fuel mileage than the Polaris. When they are doing 40mph and run out of gas in 20 miles, I'll still be going past 100 miles...just chugging along.

The dry weight of the Ranger 700 is just under 1200 pounds the Kubota is 1900 pounds.

The Ranger holds 9 gallons of fuel, the Kubota holds 7.4 gallons.

I can not find any specs on either the Kubota or Polaris website listing fuel efficiency for these models. So if you can would you post where you found the efficiency comparison?

I would think that the diesel is going to have better efficiency compared to a gas motor. However, the diesel is moving 700 pounds more machine from the start which is going to use more fuel. Plus the RTV holds 1.6 gallons less of fuel. So I would think both machines would get to roughly the same point before needing a drink. Again, this is just from looking at the numbers so if you can post where you found your stats showing the Kubota getting "about 5 times better fuel mileage than the Polaris" I would appreciate it as I am considering both models and if the fuel efficiency is that much greater then I would like to know for sure.

 

[Skipholiday]

Mike
Kubota's are the Timex of utv's imho.
Longevity and dependabilty are 2 traits of the rtv that differentiate it from the rest..

I would own an RTV instead of my XUV, but I have to have all wheel drive.
3 wheels pulling is useless for my type of riding.

For farm or light offroad use I believe the rtv is the best choice..

 

[forest dweller]

Robert,
Follow through on the fuel efficiency issue, I think you will be surprised how good the RTV is compared to a gas model. One item everyone keeps overlooking is that Uncle Sam's recommended UTV design specs calls for a top speed of 25 mph, not all makes followed that spec.
Thanks for the deer tour!

 

[jcmseven]

To me, we are not even comparing the same class of machine. The Kubota seems to me to be an amazing work machine with heavy duty hydraulics and all the right tools for work things. The Polaris can certainly work and does so every day for millions of users, but it is clear that the initial plan of Polaris engineers was to take all the advantages of their faster ATV machines and make something appealing with a steering wheel. Even at 1900 pounds and change the Kubota should offer immensely better fuel economy. Keep in mind when using one of these machines for hauling or pulling the GVRW will be much higher than the "curb weight" of the bare machine. So, for example, if one's 1200 pound Polaris is pulling a 1000 pound trailer and the Kubota is pulling the same, then the diesel will really start to overwhelm the gas engine in fuel economy, more even than unloaded. I am like Skip, even though I am a John Deere guy, I would have been hauling an RTV back from the Kubota dealer immediately if it had true four wheel drive. I just simply cannot do without that feature. I continue to wonder why Kubota feels we do not need it. I race bicycles as a hobby and for years Shimano said riders did not need a 10 speed rear cassette. They continued to make a nine speed rear. Then, when Campagnolo came out with a 10 speed rear, it was about two years before Shimano thought we DID need a 10 speed rear cassette. Perhaps Kubota will do a similar action, now that a true four wheel drive setup is becoming popular. It is also interesting to me how Polaris pulled the "Ranger Rodeo" Gator component after the XUV came out. At that point, aside from top speed, they probably could not find any mud pits or cold starting rooms that the XUV could not run as well or better.

John M

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert,
Follow through on the fuel efficiency issue, I think you will be surprised how good the RTV is compared to a gas model. One item everyone keeps overlooking is that Uncle Sam's recommended UTV design specs calls for a top speed of 25 mph, not all makes followed that spec.
Thanks for the deer tour!

Your welcome for the tour and like I said when you were here, if you want to come back late spring or summer when the fawns are on the ground you are more then welcome to. It is a great time when the fawns are running around and its warm and green. Then the deer are more willing to come up and visit and the bucks are just looking for treats and are not very aggressive.

I am waiting on the other poster to post where he found his numbers. I am assuming it is an ATV magazine or something that did a head on comparison between the UTV's like Motor Trend and Car and Driver do with cars. Meaning that they compare all the aspects that really matter on equal courses to give a real world number.

I will not rule out the RTV from consideration but on paper it just doesn't look like it is going to fit my operation very well. It is heavy and I have very soft ground, it doesn't have a true 4wd and with my soft ground combined with its extra weight that can be a big issue, and it appears from the Polaris video that its suspension does not compare for ride quality (and you know why I need something that rides smooth now ), last and not most important by any means but the 25mph top speed is discouraging when I planned on using this on the shoulder of the road going to my fields 2-3 miles away. Depending on which Polaris I would look at you are talking 50mph for the 700 4x4 and 44mph for the 700 6x6 (the 6x6 is very appealing for its amazing traction and floatation).

As for what is appealing about the RTV is the diesel, reputation (however, I am not overly excited about the hydro tranny), the dash layout and if I have the spare change the factory cab (I can't remember if the 900 and 1100 both have the same type of cab or not). However, these advantages are mostly luxury items.

My main use will be running around the farms either by myself or with my father and daughter taking care of the deer or playing with the apples and grapes as well as the garden. Work wise it will usually be me or me and my father going out to trim trees and vines, I will use it to pull soil samples, haul post and wire and other tools for repairing the rows in the vineyard. Haul water pumps, tools and other things for general farm use and one of my main things will be hauling the chain saw and pole saw as well as the supplies for them and trimming back all my field edges so the limbs won't hit the tractor. I have no idea how many miles of field edge I have to maintain but there is a lot as almost all of my fields border woods on at least one or two edges (two border on 4 edges as I have a driveway into them).

I would love to have the 5 units I am considering delivered for a week and have one heck of a week running these things head to head. I am looking at the 4x4 and 6x6 Polaris 700 Rangers, RTV, Mule and Trekker.

Now that I think of it I should invite the dealers all here and have a WNY, WPA, EOH get together for TBN members to demo these machines with the dealers right here. Admit it, that would be a lot of fun and we can have venison for lunch

 

[Robert_in_NY]

To me, we are not even comparing the same class of machine. The Kubota seems to me to be an amazing work machine with heavy duty hydraulics and all the right tools for work things. The Polaris can certainly work and does so every day for millions of users, but it is clear that the initial plan of Polaris engineers was to take all the advantages of their faster ATV machines and make something appealing with a steering wheel. Even at 1900 pounds and change the Kubota should offer immensely better fuel economy. Keep in mind when using one of these machines for hauling or pulling the GVRW will be much higher than the "curb weight" of the bare machine. So, for example, if one's 1200 pound Polaris is pulling a 1000 pound trailer and the Kubota is pulling the same, then the diesel will really start to overwhelm the gas engine in fuel economy, more even than unloaded. I am like Skip, even though I am a John Deere guy, I would have been hauling an RTV back from the Kubota dealer immediately if it had true four wheel drive. I just simply cannot do without that feature. I continue to wonder why Kubota feels we do not need it. I race bicycles as a hobby and for years Shimano said riders did not need a 10 speed rear cassette. They continued to make a nine speed rear. Then, when Campagnolo came out with a 10 speed rear, it was about two years before Shimano thought we DID need a 10 speed rear cassette. Perhaps Kubota will do a similar action, now that a true four wheel drive setup is becoming popular. It is also interesting to me how Polaris pulled the "Ranger Rodeo" Gator component after the XUV came out. At that point, aside from top speed, they probably could not find any mud pits or cold starting rooms that the XUV could not run as well or better.

John M

Hi John, I am sure the diesel will get better mileage, I am just not sure how much better it will be then the other UTV's given that it weighs considerably more empty. I know the extra weight will come into play if you use the RTV to pull heavy loads and such but I only expect to pull a trailer during harvest. The other 10 months it will be running on its own. I really would like to have a field day of sorts with the UTV's here and if there is a strong interest with the TBN members in this area then I will talk to the dealers around here and see if they are interested. (I will even ask Napa to provide a tow strap to rescue the RTV )

 

[Dozernut]

I have owned an RTV since they first came out. Cold starting is not a problem, I installed a block heater, plug it in and go. Fuel economy is great, I fuel up a couple times a month. I have been stuck a couple of times and it was because it became high centered, a locking front differential would have made no difference, the winch hanging on the front did.

The RTV is a workhorse, it plows snow, used as a spraying rig, hauls dirt and rock, wood for the fire place, it is a portable fish cleaning station, hauls the deer taken during the hunt and a myriad of other chores. Yes it is heavy but when you are pushing wet snow or towing a loaded trailer down a hill, it is a plus. The hydro-stat allows you to control the descent with little brake usage.

If you want a recreational vehicle there are better choices, but for work they are hard to beat. I would not drive as fast over concrete dividers as they did in the video. With that kind of treatment you will tear up any machine eventually, not to mention the damage to your back. After having back surgery I tend to ease into the rough stuff. No rock climbing around here but we have some pretty good hills which the RTV takes in stride. I put some 589 tires and rims on the beast and it handles the three seasons (hot,cold and mud) just fine. Would love to put a set of Mattracks on but cannot justify the cost.

I think the other UTV's are great machines! I ended up with a Kubota because of a great dealer, not flaws with the others. The best machine is the one that works for you and having a good dealer backing the product.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I think the point of driving over the barriers at that speed was to show the Ranger didn't bounce very much at all while the RTV bounced all over. This would indicate if the Ranger could handle those bumps at that speed at slower speeds it would be quite comfortable off road on trails and such.

It is one of the things that interest me as I am putting comfort above all else right now since I had back surgery also but in October and am still recovering.

If I don't have a TBN field day of UTV's I am thinking it would be fun to have a playoff format for my own demoing. Bring out the 4x4 and 6x6 Ranger 700's and the RTV for a few days and compare those 3 head to head and then have the Mule and Trekker out for a few days to go head to head and take the winners of those two for another round and whoever wins stays

 

[mikeyd]

Seen this video before. It is completely one-sided and insulting to a person of average intelligence. The Ranger has atv tpye tires the Kubota worksite. Having just put the Essex surefoot tire kit on my 1100 I can say there is no comparison to the worksites for traction. Was driving through 1 1/2 foot of snow today w/o any problem.
Notice how they don't even mention that the kubota has a hydraulic dump vs. the rangers manual lift in the "hauling" test.
They do not mention if the diesel fuel was winterized prior to the cold weather test. I live in upstate NY and have never had a problem starting any of my kubotas' in the winter, yesterday the rtv fired up instantly after being left out all night in 6 degrees and the wind and snow blowing. Realistically, how many minus 20 days does the average user see. Do you want to start any motor if it is minus 20? Oil has to be as thick as glue.
Zero mention of the kubotas' far superior and durable hydro transmission vs. the rangers cvt. Zero mention of the rtvs' power steering vs. manual for ranger.
They mention horsepower but not torque. No acknowledgement that a 3 cylinder diesel will out live a single cylinder gas job 5 fold or more, while using less fuel.
"Bounce test?" How many of you pickup truck owners have IRS? There's a reason, they build trucks for work and hauling. My wifes car has IRS though. Probably do well on a "bounce test"
There are alot of intangibles not mentioned, i.e. build quality. Want a banging headache? Take a ranger out for a half hour, between the engine noise and the rattling of the overall machine, you'll have one.
Rangers have thier place, I view them as a atv that drives like a regular vehicle. As far as utility for work, build quality, overall design and fit and finish, I'll take the Kubota.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Does anyone know how many of the UTV's sold are bought with either electric or hydraulic dump?

I know for me I do not want any dump assistance. If I need to move material I just use one of the loader tractors depending on what I am doing. So does Kubota make the hydraulic dump standard or is an option?

I am not sure but I do know it gets a lot colder in Canada then it does here in New York and from talking to my Canadian friends they do get days where it is -20f and colder. These machines are used on farms where you don't always have heated barns or even electric so the cold starting test is something that is valid to some people. I know from experience, diesel motors start harder then gas motors in the cold.

But this video is a sales tool by Polaris to sell Rangers. Why would they highlight the better points on the RTV? Do not get all wound up over this video as it is just a video brochure and if someone watches this video and believes the Ranger is the best machine out there because of it then the marketing guys did their job. It is no different then JD comparing the cab to I think a Kubota with the smoke test or NH having their website comparing the NH to the JD and Kubotas. If anything, you guys with Kubotas should be happy these comparisons use Kubotas as a bench mark. It tells you that they are good machines and obviously have a good sales mark that the others are trying to take a bite out of.