RTV500 Owners, How Well Would The RTV500 Climb This Hill?

[Storm56]

Different designs for sure. Each has it's purpose. Someone that wants a sporty rec type UTV would choke on the Kubota or Bobcat lines. Just as the guy who wants a workhorse would not be happy with a sporty UTV such as a Polaris Razor or Can Am Commander. Then you have the guy in the middle that wants a bit of each, that is where the Honda Big Red or Polaris Ranger shines.

I bought the Big Red because I have tractors for the heavy work. My property has some pretty steep trails through the woods and all the trails are not smooth. So good engine braking was important to me and I wanted a machine that would stay in 4 wheel drive while decending those steep trails, of which some have turns in them for added excitement. I did not want a belt drive UTV at all. The Big Red was the only choice for my needs and thus far I am completely satisfied and would buy another if faced with the same decision today.

As some here have mentioned, apples and oranges...

 

[Misfire]

My property has some pretty steep trails through the woods and all the trails are not smooth. So good engine braking was important to me and I wanted a machine that would stay in 4 wheel drive while decending those steep trails, of which some have turns in them for added excitement.

I can't understand why anyone would make, let alone buy, an off road vehicle that can't be locked into four wheel drive when going downhill. In my opinion, the so called on-demand four wheel drive mode is unsafe. Being in 4wd on a steep downhill slope helps prevent front brake lock up in slick spots and the resulting loss of steering.

The only thing I don't like about the Big Red's control setup is the forced use of the rear axle lock in order to go into 4wd. I also don't like the price, but that's another matter.

 

[PapaPerk]

I can't understand why anyone would make, let alone buy, an off road vehicle that can't be locked into four wheel drive when going downhill. In my opinion, the so called on-demand four wheel drive mode is unsafe. Being in 4wd on a steep downhill slope helps prevent front brake lock up in slick spots and the resulting loss of steering.

The only thing I don't like about the Big Red's control setup is the forced use of the rear axle lock in order to go into 4wd. I also don't like the price, but that's another matter.

Sounds like you'll be getting a Kioti Mechron! :laughing:

I agree with you regarding the 4wd being locked in all the time... especially on hills. I will evaluate my Polaris Ranger 400 on some steep descents soon and then post the results. It has on-demand 4wd. I'm thinking it's not going to be an issue due to machines fairly lightweight and low GVW. I can see it being an issue on heavier machines like a RTV900 with full payload.

I know one thing for sure. Driving a tractor with loader and not in 4wd is very dangerous! But again apples and oranges.... tractors don't have front brakes. :laughing:

 

[PapaPerk]

I got the RTV900 and a BigRed, if u are useing it for rec purposed (fun) the big red is awsome machine, fast lots of ground clearence and never been able to stick it. But placed side by side the big red couldnt pull my Koti CK30 up a ramp onto a 16' trailer when the trans went out.... hooked the cable to the RTV and after it caught traction pulled it up with no strain... Purpose of what im saying lots of people compare things but you have to watch compareing apples or oranges... sometimes you get grape juice...

The Kubota weighs nearly 500 lbs more than the big red. As you say... apples and oranges. Was the big red traction limited or transmission limited?

Remember everyone... the trucks and cars we drive have nearly identical transmissions to the big red. And they perform great! UTV manufactures don't use them typically due to high costs. And Kubota doesn't use them because they are hydro trans experts.

 

[Storm56]

I can't understand why anyone would make, let alone buy, an off road vehicle that can't be locked into four wheel drive when going downhill. In my opinion, the so called on-demand four wheel drive mode is unsafe. Being in 4wd on a steep downhill slope helps prevent front brake lock up in slick spots and the resulting loss of steering.

The only thing I don't like about the Big Red's control setup is the forced use of the rear axle lock in order to go into 4wd. I also don't like the price, but that's another matter.

Big Red does give 3 options on the 4WD. One is rear wheel drive with an open diff, great for around the house, does not tear up turf, the next is 4 WD with the rear axle locked and the front diff in play, third is all 4 wheels locked. Should be something there for just about any situation. And yes I agree with you on the "demand 4 wheel drive" that Polaris offers. I have always had issues with their machines over that. They do have a great ride though!

As far as price is concerned, it is competetive with similar models from Polaris & Arctic Cat with 700cc engines PLUS you get a MUCH better transmission. If you do not want the belt drive and do want engine braking there are just not tons of options out there. The Kubota was out for me because of price, suspension, and I am not a fan of the hydro whine.

 

[BrianW]

I can't understand why anyone would make, let alone buy, an off road vehicle that can't be locked into four wheel drive when going downhill. In my opinion, the so called on-demand four wheel drive mode is unsafe. Being in 4wd on a steep downhill slope helps prevent front brake lock up in slick spots and the resulting loss of steering.

The only thing I don't like about the Big Red's control setup is the forced use of the rear axle lock in order to go into 4wd. I also don't like the price, but that's another matter.

I have seen an on demand going down a grassy hill with 4wd engaged. They went to idle and it started to freewheel so they got back on the throttle. This caused the rear wheels to lock up and the vehicle went sideways. Nearly tipped over. I agree, when I want 4wd, I want it locked.

 

[PapaPerk]

I have seen an on demand going down a grassy hill with 4wd engaged. They went to idle and it started to freewheel so they got back on the throttle. This caused the rear wheels to lock up and the vehicle went sideways. Nearly tipped over. I agree, when I want 4wd, I want it locked.

Shouldn't they have just pressed the brakes?

 

[Stonehaller]

The RTV500 would certainly climb that hill, but it would have to be in low range. In low range it has lots of power and is basically only limited by traction. In high range it is not much of a hill climber.

The Kioti Mechron looks to be a larger vehicle, more the size of the RTV900. I like the smaller size of my RTV500 as it better suits my needs. However, the suspension and ground clearance of the RTV500 are poor. I do like my RTV500 and have no plans of getting rid of it.

I assume you are comparing the Mechron to the RTV500 rather than the RTV900 because the price is similar. Your major concern seems to be the transmission. There are lots of belt CVT UTVs out there that have worked well. And what you might spend on replacing belts, you would spend on oil and filters for the RTV transmission. Unless you plan on abusing it, I would not worry about the CVT.

 

[PapaPerk]

The RTV500 would certainly climb that hill, but it would have to be in low range. In low range it has lots of power and is basically only limited by traction. In high range it is not much of a hill climber.

The Kioti Mechron looks to be a larger vehicle, more the size of the RTV900. I like the smaller size of my RTV500 as it better suits my needs. However, the suspension and ground clearance of the RTV500 are poor. I do like my RTV500 and have no plans of getting rid of it.

I assume you are comparing the Mechron to the RTV500 rather than the RTV900 because the price is similar. Your major concern seems to be the transmission. There are lots of belt CVT UTVs out there that have worked well. And what you might spend on replacing belts, you would spend on oil and filters for the RTV transmission. Unless you plan on abusing it, I would not worry about the CVT.

Good advice. Especially regarding the CVT. :thumbsup:

 

[kdm0811]

Unless I encounter loose gravel (and cannot get the horsepower to the ground), I think that the hill climbing limitations of my RTV 500 (in low gear) would be similar to my BX24, which is essential when my front wheels come off the ground.