RTV900 vs a Diesel HPX

[toolnut]

I'm down to the short list for a "work" ATV and really prefer diesels. I'm still having some trouble deciding between these two because of price differences. To be honest, if they were both the same $$ I'd just go for the bota and be done, but I can get the gator for at least $1k less, (roughly $9500 vs 10600). Plus I have a friend who's buying a couple of JD tractors, so I might be able to qualify for a "green fleet" discount on top of that.

So my question is... is there any reason (other than price..) to chose the gator over the RTV? I've only spent a little time at the dealerships in both machines, and I think I would be fine with either... but I"m looking for other opinions from those more experienced than me.

I'm mostly going to use it for hauling firewood, tools, and misc stuff, and for towing a trailer to the barn. Some hills on the property... oh and probobly some plowing during the winter. The powered dump is nice, but I can't see it being worth $1k to me.

I would also add that I would consider electric, but haven't found anything heavy enough to tow / haul what the above can.

thanks in advance, what a great forum!

-Craig

 

[darkday]

Well you should get a gator because... They rock! I use mine for firewood too, although haven't put my HPX through that my old 6x4 went through a **** of a beating. I loaded firewood on that thing then just took off like it wasn't there, EVERYTHING about the HPX is better so I can only imagine what its going to be like this year. Technically the payload is 100 pounds less then my 6x4 (900 pounds for the HPX) but I doubt I will notice it. I agree a power lift isn't worth it, we had one on our 6x4 because it was free (long story) but only seemed like we really needed it a few times it is easy enough to just lift the bed up. Mine is HARD to lift because right behind the seats I have a set of saddle bag type of things loaded with a lot of stuff which makes it heavy. But if it were just a load in the bed you wouldn't have a problem. Two people could dump a load of wood I would think. I can't really think of anything specific that's better then the RTV because Im not too familiar with them but I do know that JD has some of the best reliability out there. Id say go for the gator and save the money it seems like all that you mention are what the diesel HPX is meant to do.

 

[Dargo]

I can honestly say that I went through the exact same thought process. However, I'd owned 3 Gators (2 of them diesel) in the past. I don't think either would be 'wrong'. I almost guarantee that which ever one you buy, you may still wonder if you made the right choice. Both are quality built by companies with great reputations. Here are a few observations after extended test drives of each.

The JD HPX does have true 4X4 with a locking front differential as well as the rear. However, on some extremely steep hills I have on my property, it ran out of power and wouldn't spin all 4 tires when they got full traction (no disadvantage from the Kubota here; it did the same thing). In the snow or slippery conditions though, this would be a positive.

I liked the styling of the HPX better. Simply put, it's a better looking unit. It is just a little wider, lower, and lighter in overall weight. Although the one I tested didn't have a ROPS, one is available. I'd opt for it for several reasons. That would likely close some of the price gap.

When driving the RTV I noticed the really nice power steering right off. It made the driving feel in a different league. Also, once I got used to the hydro transmission, I rather strongly preferred it over the 30 year old Salisbury belt style clutch system used on the HPX Gator. Also, at the time I drove them, there was no option to fully enclose the belt system on a diesel HPX. That may have changed now, but it would be a major disadvantage if you ever drove in snow or in mud or other wet conditions.

Also, when going up and down hills, the hydro transmission on the RTV offered more control. I had to give the HPX some throttle to keep it from free wheeling down a hill; a rather counter intuitive move, but it worked. As with the HPX, on really steep hills, the RTV will run short on power if traction is ideal.

Since I use my unit to haul firewood, gravel, mulch, dirt etc., the hydro dump is worth quite a bit to me. The HPX has a great power lift, but that would make it cost more by the time you'd add the ROPS, belt cover, and power dump. And, you'd still not have power steering or as strong as a drive train. I also own a Yamaha Rhino that uses a fully enclosed belt drive system such as the HPX uses, and it just is not as smooth to operate.

So, after weighing all those factors along with the overall ride, I bought the RTV. I still can't say for sure I made the right choice, but I do not regret buying the RTV and use it quite often. It is the workhorse and the Rhino is the fun machine. Good luck with whatever you buy!

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I think you would be happy with either one. In our case I didn't want diesel so I ended up with the Kawasaki powered HPX. I have been very happy with it but I think my wife would be happier if it had power steering.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

that belt enclosure for the deisel is closer then ya'll think . i be workin on it as we speak .also alot of other goodies for the hpx too.of coarse darkday gets the first enclosure .lol but after that it's first come first serve.hey darkday did you get them picctures for me of the front clutch ?

 

[darkday]

DANGIT forgot all about those pics! Ill get on them in an hour or so gotta get me some food.

Ok quick comments about the HPX the ROPS is standard now. Not to start another fight with dargo but I have plenty of large steep hills that I hauled a full load of wood up without any problem, so I really wouldn't worry about hills at all.

 

[JESSE1]

I've had my HPX Diesel 4x4 for 2 years now without any problems. Only changes I would have would be power steering and the limited slip front axle (available now). The ROPS and hydraulic dump are definately worth having.

 

[Dargo]

Not to start another fight with dargo but I have plenty of large steep hills that I hauled a full load of wood up without any problem, so I really wouldn't worry about hills at all.

No problems. As I said, I've used both the JD and Kubota. It's not like I'm saying one has more power than the other. We just obviously have a different concept of what a steep hill is, that's all.

 

[darkday]

darn it. I didn't have time for the pics today. I was going to do it right after I ate but then I went to look at my car... Then started working on it and worked from then until just now. But I am finished with it! so tomorrow I shall have them for sure unless something weird happens.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

no problem.