RTV, Gator, Mule, by Nov.'07

[gordon21]

I will probably mount it facing forwards in spite of the safety police. The occupants will usually be only one child under 60# (sometimes an adult about 125#) The rumble seat will face forward so the knees almost hit the front of the cargo bed. All the weight will be kept in front of the rear axle. Seat belts MUST be worn by all four occupants. That is my rule now in a car and it will be the rule in the Gator too. I will have a hydraulic dump so there is no chance of it "accidentally" getting unlatched and flipping back on a hill. The road conditions will always be good when I have four people in it. As I said before, my wife will be the driver most of the time hauling my grandaughter around. It will be driven sanely, not like some crazed 18 year old with no concept of pain or death.

We are about T- 4 weeks if all goes well. I will post lots of pix once I get it.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

that's how i face mine i put it facing to the frontnow i don't have it on my seats but the best thing to do is put a piece of 2x4 or pipe as runners to set the seat on it would make it even more sturdier . i took some pictures but i haven't had a chance to upload them yet.i keep a bungee cord on my bed lever so it won't accidentaly open and dump the bed. and as for as getting into the bed well i made a steping lader out of my extra battery box mount and it works great.i should have them pictures up tomorrow.

 

[john_bud]

I have a Mule 3010. it's the 2 seat version. Neighbor has a new 4 seater.

Mine is used to haul stuff on rough logging trails. It usually is hauling the 5'x10' trailer that brings it to the woods. Have had the bed of the mule full of oak and the trailer heaped. Probably well over 3000# of wood plus the trailer. Pulled just fine in low range. Didn't want to pull in high. Have pulled 3 guys (all 200 pounders) and gear for hunting on the trailer and in the bed. No problem. Coming out with 9 deer added - cramped and a bit messy in places -- but no problem. I did put the hitch on the mule with the ball in the "up" position for greater clearance.

I can't imagine the load that would be too much for the mule.

If you go in deep mud or heavy snow, a more agressive tread would be needed. Or chains.

I don't go pleasure riding. So, if you want pure speed - mule isn't the choice. But, high range is fast enough to make your eyes water.


jb

 

[hunterridgefarm]

John,

Thanks for the info. Thats some of what I wanted to know about the mule.

 

[jinman]

John,

Thanks for the info. Thats some of what I wanted to know about the mule.

I have the single seat 3010 Mule. We've had it for a little over 3 years and it has hauled loads of people and "stuff" all over our property. I've even moved an 18" tandem axle cargo trailer between house locations (about 1/4 mile apart). It pulls just fine.

One of the things I like about the Mule is the flat bench front seat. We've had three people in the front seat more times than I can count.

When you look at the Mule and competing UTVs, make sure you compare needed add-ons. The Mule comes with a great glovebox and a driver side storage compartment as well as the under-hood storage. It also comes with a standard front bumper. Also, compare the location of the engine and transmission air breather pipe up high on the ROPs and the fact that the CVS transmission is completely sealed from outside air and moisture.

Having said all this, I'd probably own an RTV if they were available when I bought the Mule, but they were still just "noise" like the RTV 1100 is now. The RTV has lots going for it like Kubota dealerships everywhere you'll go. The same is true of the Gators.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Jim,

Thanks for the reply. I had read one of your post before where you stated if the RTV had been avaliable at the time you bought the Mule you would probably own the RTV.

What about the RTV do you like better than the Mule?

I still have a lot of time before I decide. But it is looking more like I am going to have to buy what I need instead of what I want.

 

[jinman]

What about the RTV do you like better than the Mule?

One big factor for the RTV is more OEM options. Things like PTO and hydraulic bed-lift directly from Kubota. The biggest difference is that the RTV has a Kubota diesel and hydrostatic transmission. Remember, I said I probably would have bought the RTV when it first came out. I would also have been one who was upset with the stopping/starting on a hillside issue along with the immediate screeching halt when lifting my foot off the pedal.

So the strongest points of the RTV in my opinion are:

1. Diesel engine
2. HST transmission
3. Excellent brakes (that probably are not needed with the HST)
4. OEM Options
5. Kubota dealership for sales/service

I always feel like I am walking into a motorcycle shop when I go into the Kawasaki dealership. I think I'd prefer to be around a tractor place because it seems to be utility rather than recreation. Nothing wrong with motorcycles, just different.

Would I trade my Mule for an RTV? Not really. I like it and it's paid for. It has served us very well and never ever let us down. Besides, you can't get a red RTV and I kinda like my red Mule.

 

[patrick_g]

Sounds like you have two sets of requirements that are not entirely compatible. Kind of like wanting the light on but not at full brightness and all you have is an off/on switch. Neither position meets your needs.

If your concern is "sometimes" having to carry more than 2 people and there are considerations for carrying people and produce BUT there are concerns for having the power to do some other tasks with only one person or at most two.

I would advise you to buy the most powerful of the diesels with highest towing capacity. Then buy or build a passenger wagon. If you don't need to carry more than two people and what will fit in the bed, then you can leave the trailer behind if you like. If you have to ferry more people then hitch the trailer. The trailer passenger's cargo can go in the bed of the tow vehicle when it exceeds what will comfortably fit in the trailer with them.

If you need extra hauling capacity and not people capacity, use the trailer for additional cargo.

Seems this is about as versatile as it could get and only buy one motorized vehicle.

Pat

 

[tensaw12]

I am kinda new at this, However I thought I would add my 0.02. I bought a RTV 900 last October I think, I drove every ATV out there. I almost, did not buy the RTV, because of the braking, when you let off the fuel pedal.
Now, after having used it for awhile, I wouldN't trade it for anything.
Built like a tank,works like an Ox

 

[Chandler1]

I am kinda new at this, However I thought I would add my 0.02. I bought a RTV 900 last October I think, I drove every ATV out there. I almost, did not buy the RTV, because of the braking, when you let off the fuel pedal.
Now, after having used it for awhile, I wouldN't trade it for anything.
Built like a tank,works like an Ox

Yes, I agree with you about the RTV about it's quality and as a whole. Thought I would add a note about safety when getting used to the gas pedal and when in close quarters you need to be very careful. As with any vehicle as far as safety goes, like when backing up to load something, a person should not get inbetween the material to be loaded or a building, etc. I think you should put one foot on the brake pedal and slowly ease down on the gas to prevent sudden movement. I nearly got injured when we first got our RTV when we were about to load something in my garage. My son who hadn't driven it but maybe about twice was backing up. I was behind watching (I should have been to the side) at the corner when it suddenly lunged backwards and fortunately I was able to jump out of the way. The RTV went back about 4' and hit a stack of wood flooring. Just be especially careful getting use to it or any other vehicle when everyone involved is still new to it. It does take a little getting used to. Although it does drive like my lawn tractor that has hydro drive. This helped me with getting used to the RTV a lot better.