RTV or Rhino as a mower/brushcutter?

[dukenyc]

I was reading that the toolcat makes an effective mower. Has anyone tried using the RTV or the Rhino as a mower?

Would either one work well? It would be great if they could pull a rough cutter or mower (self powered of course).

If they would work, does anyone know of good sources for attachments such as this?

Thanks.

 

[bczoom]

I haven't tried it but I don't see too many issues with putting a mower on the RTV. I'll let Dargo or someone respond on the Rhino.

Things I'd consider (for my application, not sure about yours):
Does the RTV have a good enough turning radius?

Is the RTV too heavy? At 2000# the ground would need to be pretty dry. Personally, this may be the biggest thing for me. I sold my RFM for my CUT for this reason.

I would get a front mounted mower. Something like this.

For a rear mounted mower, the RTV's weight would compress the grass and it might not come back up by time the blades got to it and you would have stripes of tall grass the next day.

Although the link I provided shows a 50" deck, I would probably look for a 60" to get outside the tires a bit more.

Not sure of the mounting requirements but I doubt it would be hard to make one if the mfgr. doesn't offer one.

Brian

 

[Wingnut]

<font color="blue"> Is the RTV too heavy? At 2000# the ground would need to be pretty dry. Personally, this may be the biggest thing for me. </font>

Uh-oh .... hmm, I'd been considering the RTV just because I like Kubota's quality ... and I like the idea of the diesel ... but now you're worrying me.

The wife actually suggested that we should be looking for a Mule/RTV/Ranger type of vehicle for times such as now ... when the mud and melt is too sloppy for her to use the electric golf cart (her preferred farm transport). It's bottoming out, which means she has to walk back from the pasture ... and that extra exertion puts her out of action for the day (or more). I was just about to post a query about what tires would be best on the RTV for mud (since I'd been looking at the worksite model and it occurred to me those tires might not be the best) when I see your comment.

Should I be looking at something other than an RTV if it's too heavy for crappy conditions?

My intended use was going to be to replace the ATV I use for running the fences and hauling the little manure cart, and have it available for the wife when the conditions are not good for her club car. I'm not interested in a fun (e.g. Rhino) machine, simply a dependable 4 wheeler that uses car type controls (she is always confused by the atv shifting, thumb throttle and the like) and has more capacity than my atv. The heavy stuff I'll do with the L3710, but as soft as it is right now, the CUT would do more damage to the road and pasture than any use it might provide.

pete

 

[bczoom]

Pete,

With proper tires, I've been able to go through anything with the RTV. There are lots of posts about tires but basically the HDWS don't cut it in mud. Kubota now lets you choose which tire you want (although I don’t have the details on how this works).

When my lawn is muddy (grass on top but the next several inches are very soft) I try not to drive the RTV on it. The damage really isn't much of anything but I can see all the tire dimples. For the same reason, I replaced the RFM on the tractor since I have R-1 tires. I just like to keep the yard smooth for the kid’s sake.

For the intentions you listed, you'll be fine. Like the discretion you use when doing things with the tractor (knowing the weight may leave ruts), the same consideration would apply to the RTV.

Hey, looky there... that's your 1000th post. Must be a sign or something.

Brian

 

[Wingnut]

<font color="blue"> Hey, looky there... that's your 1000th post. Must be a sign or something.
</font>

wow ... not bad for having been dormant for 2 years whilst I was off catching up on my motorcycle touring /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

thanks for the info .... I'm not too worried about ruts in the pasture ... I can till that smooth again .... just worried about the little lady getting stuck out there ... always makes it hard on me (afterwards). I've got R-1's on the CUT 'cause I just use it for a tractor ... the lawns gets manicured with a lawn tractor .... but it sounds like I should get turf tires to treat the ground better and handle the mud?? Right now all the trails to the barn and the out-pastures are under water AND mud, so my main worry is her bottoming out. I wouldn't think, however, that the RTV should be heavier than the golf cart??? After all, those doggone batteries are REAL heavy, right?
Which also makes me wonder, how are turfs ... or whatever would be best for mud, going to interact with snow chains .... will they play nice together?

(thanks for the help)

pete

 

[bczoom]

Pete,

Don't know if I'd recommend the turf tires if you get a RTV. The HDWS are a little more aggressive but not enough to tackle mud beyond a couple inches.

Many of us have bought a set of aftermarket tires (and some of us got rims as well). I got the rims as well thinking I would have a summer set (OEM HDWS tires/rims) and a winter set (aftermarket tires/rims). I got the Maxxis Bighorns and they seem to be one of the favorites for mixed terrain (everything from grass, mud, loose gravel, pavement...). So far, I won't be changing back to the OEM as the Bighorns are great regardless of the terrain. I've attached a pic so you can get an idea of the tread.

There are more aggressive tires out there (I.e. 589's) that look/act similar to R-1's. They'll take you through anything but may leave marks in the process. Look at the tires in the next post. These are 589's.

As for getting stuck, unless Mrs. Wingnut is driving in areas you look twice at with your CUT, she should be fine. My RTV with the Maxxis tires and no lift kit gives me around 9-10" of ground clearance on the belly. I've had it in soup/mud that was probably 2-3' deep (although the base was flat so I didn't drag the belly and I won't do that again due to how long it takes to get the mud out of everything).

For driving in the yard this time of year, the marks I'm leaving in the yard are pretty much just the tread pattern. Nothing you would twist an ankle on and they'll come out with a lawn roller.

As for weight, I don't know what your golf cart weighs. The RTV with a passenger is right around 2000#.

I don't think there will be any issue with chains if you use OEM tires. Some of the aftermarkets are a bit taller which may cause an issue with the fenders. But if you go aftermarket, you won't need chains.

It sounds like now is the perfect time to get the dealer to bring you a demo unit. I would probably have one with the ATV tires because they're closest to the tire you would need.

Brian

 

[bczoom]

These tires are the 589's.

Brian

 

[milkman]

Could use a set of these, floatation plus traction, they fit the rear of the BX models

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Could use a set of these, floatation plus traction, they fit the rear of the BX models )</font>

Milkman,

I was at the dealer looking at these. He had a BX23 sitting next to the RTV. The BX23 tires are too big. I believe what's pictured is from a BX15. Do you concur or can you confirm?

Brian

 

[Wingnut]

Brian, thanks ... lots of good info to mull over .... after we (hopefully) find enough time on Saturday to take a look (closest dealer is 30 miles away), I'll have to see if he'll bring over a demo unit.
I'm surprised at the weight since all the UV's always looked pretty light to me. But, I guess if you want to tow something, you have to have the weight ....