Thoughts on a UTV/Property Vehicle for a newly disabled person?

Panik · Jun 30, 2015

Hey folks thank you for all the replies! I apologize, that I have not been as active in replying as I would like. Over the weekend we paid two visits to the ER and I'm currently waiting for Kari to finish with class in a couple of minutes so that we can drive to Atlanta for a rheumatology work in at Emory. Everyone's okay, just been a very busy weekend trying to get her some relief and line up appointments.

I have been reading everyone's responses and really do appreciate the input. It's been helpful and she has enjoyed reading the advice you have given. I just haven't had the opportunity to put together any intelligent responses.

4570Man · Jun 30, 2015

I have a mule 600. I would rather have a heavier duty model, but it would be perfect for what she wants. It has a dump bed, but the loose suspension makes it about worthless for any real work. The tow capacity is pretty low. I pull my wood splitter with it, and that is about the max it could pull. It runs quite, and runs a long time on a tank of gas. It has about 450 hours on it, and I have had to change the battery once, change the oil twice, and put gas it it. We have had it it for 5-6 years, so I would consider that pretty low maintenance. You might consider power steering, and a hydraulic dump bed. My mule does not have power steering and still steers about as easy as a car. The cargo capacity is probably too low to need power dump.

davepg1 · Jun 30, 2015

My wife has some physical limitations also, so the best advise I can give is get her something she has confidence in driving and is comfortable for her to operate. Whatever you decide on, you will be the one working on it. In my case, she found one of the older Bush Hog UTVs TH4200 suited her the best. It's only 2 wheel drive, but she has learned how to handle it very well. It is in use daily between her and my son. I have added some things to make the seat better, LED flood lights and a rain cover, but for an older machine, she couldn't make do without "ole Sparky".

Adam1742 · Jul 2, 2015

I would suggest a UTV, just my opinion. I have a 2013 Kawasaki Teryx and absolutely love it. It would be a great rig for her to drive around the property with, as well as it having a dump box on it for light yard work and as you mentioned hauling toys around.

MacLawn · Jul 2, 2015

Panik, I feel for your wife. I've been dealing with disabilitating pain, fibromyalgia (that'll knock ye down! Daily.), spinal fusion right after Vietnam, etc., for lo, these many years. All I can say is, I think ye're doing a good thing by researching golf carts, etc. Let us know what y'all decide on. My neighbor here in GA just fully retired, again, and his Catholic high school he retired from bought him an electric cart! It looks like a great one! He's about 81, retired Navy Commander, and used to walk, jog 7 miles EVERY day! Fell and had a knee injury, so his long walking days are over. His mailbox is next to mine up our very long shared drive, I need to stop and look at his cart. When I do, I'll post back and see how he's liking it.