hunter,
If you have a power bed lift, you can dump those sassy kids off with just the push of a button!!! But I digress...
After reading your posts, my choice would be the new Gator XUV 620i
(and yes, I am biased) with the RTV coming in a close second. The Mule is a
very distant 3rd place, IMHO... The gas engine in the 620i will give you more than enough power with a low gear for work, and a high gear (30 mph) for play - and the cold starting issue is a moot point with the standard fuel injection.
As far as stability and weight are concerned, you should not have an issue with either the XUV or the RTV. Yes, the RTV is heavier - but I have driven them, loaded and unloaded, in several situations
(see below for my one "exciting" ride) and have found them to be very stable, the same for the Deere. Either of these units will do everything you need as far as work goes.
The difference in transmissions is huge. The XUV uses a CVT style transmission
(very similar to the new CVT's in automobiles - although autos use chains instead of belts - and this technology also runs the gamut from snowmobiles to atvs) with the exclusive electronic throttle and governor system that always gives you full power, even as the belt wears. The RTV uses a hydrostatic transmission, similar to the ones in a small tractor. I cannot say anything bad about the hydro trans itself, although the excessive engine braking it produces is not to my taste, especially on hills... You really need to demo both units
(which it sounds like you are already planning to do) and decide which one works better for you. I myself had a scary situation on an RTV - heading downhill on a slightly wet, grass slope I let off the accelerator pedal, the engine braked, and the rear end swung around on me. I should have gotten on the gas again, but hit the brakes instead
and ended up pointing back up the hill! The RTV has power steering standard, which is obviously a step up from the Deere, but that is not to say that the XUV is hard to steer, just that the RTV is easier. Again, drive them both, preferably in varied conditions, and decide for yourself!
The one aspect that I feel the XUV really outshines the RTV is in the suspension system... I just returned from training in the Pacific Northwest, where I had my second chance
(the first was in Sarasota last fall) to drive both the XUV and RTV
(among others) under many varied situations. The fully independent suspension on the XUV is by far the class of the field - and this is true when it is empty
or fully loaded with a driver, passenger and 1K in the bed... The RTV just does not ride near as nicely as the XUV does, but don't take my word for it - demo both of them!
I don't know how much "real" trail riding you plan to do, but the "True 4WD" of the Deere is also an added benefit,
(you can check out some videos of the Deere HPX / XUV versus the competion on www.deere.com - click on "Commercial" then "Gator Utility Vehicles" then "High Performance Series" then "Learn More" and the link for the 4WD comparison will be in the lower right hand corner) in light duty trail riding you should not have an issue with the RTV at all - just be careful in swampy or muddy conditions due to the added weight of the RTV.
In regards to product quality, fit and finish, good dealers etc. you should be fine with either the Deere or the Kubota. I was able to take quite a few pictures at this last training event, and will post them here early next week. There were really no issues with either the XUV or the RTV but take a look at some of the others... Wow! The rat's nest of wiring under some of the dashboards was unreal...
Anyway, that is just my two
(or three ) cents worth - let me know if you have any specific questions - I will be glad to help in any way that I can!!!
