Utility vehicle questions

[countryboy8]

HI I'm going to be purchasing a new utility vehicle in about April or so but I don't know what utility vehicle would be right for me i'm going to be using it for light work such as property maintenance then for recreational purposes taking the grand kids down to the lake and on the trails so at the start I was thinking kubota rtv 1100 because of the cab for plowwing In the winters but I thinks it's to much of a work vehicle and not enough recreational uses in it such as trail riding so now I'm thinking the John deere gator but I don't know about the belt drive does it slip much in water or in the winters? Can you fit three people in it ? any ideas please share , thanks

 

[Martian]

Countryboy,

The RTV's are great, but as you mention, they are more work machines than play. I have a Gator HPX. I got it before the new XUV series, but they XUV's are awesome. I plow through the winter with my Gator, plowed up to 3 feet in one snow fall, works amazing. I bought the blade expecting it to just shorten the time for some light snowfalls but it really has replaced the need for the tractor in the winter, and is much faster. I still plow with the tractor occasionally, but just to keep it running.

As far as the belt goes - no problems. I've had 3 gators, a 6x4 - which was clunky and slow, to big to maneuver, so I got the 4x2 - still slow but maneuvered a lot better, then wanting more speed got the HPX, now I find myself wanting an XUV:licking:, but that'll have to wait as I just bought a new tractor. On the couple thousand hours between the 3 gators, no belt transmission problems. I really think people make a bigger deal out of it than it is. The HST in the Kubota's is nice, but I really don't see the belt drive as that much of a disadvantage.

I think you should look at the 825i. I believe it does 44MPH, and a high performance automotive style gas engine. If you really want diesel the 850D is a good choice as well. My HPX doesn't offer a bench seat, but the new XUV's do have a bench option. The XUV does off a cab, not on the same automotive feel on the inside, but at least keeps you protected.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either. RTV is a little more work where the XUV is a mix. I can tell you after all the work I've put my Gators through though, they are excellent work machines. Really depends on what you need.

For reference, below is my HPX, have a homemade cab, front blade and hydraulic dump bed.

 

[countryboy8]

Thanks Every bit of advice helps me make a better decision on a utility vehcile and nice rig:thumbsup:

 

[rambler]

When this question comes up in other forms, the Polaris Ranger keeps getting mentioned. It is one of the few that seats 3 across.

I have a Ranger 700, done a lot of work for me on the farm and a lot of fun too in the past 2+ years. Don't let the kids run it out of 1st gear, they really move in 2nd!

--->Paul

 

[countryboy8]

Thanks for the comment i like the polaris rangers just i dont like how it has automatic 4 wheel drive and i would rather have the switch so i know when im in 4 wheel drive and when im not but i do agree they are nice machines

 

[yelbike]

I used a ranger 6x6 up in northern manitoba in extremely remote animal trails doing stuff I never imagined it could. I only got it stuck once, the water was up to the dash boaard and we hit fallen pine trees length wise that were hidding deep in the muskege. We fished out the winch cable, opened the glove compartment to get the control for the winch and water came out. The winch still worked pulled ourselves out and kept on down the HV power line.

Never have used atv before except on the farm, my opinion of the ranger is unstoppable machine. The only break down came from a broken belt. Left us stranded, winched ourselves out of that one too. Fun times and we were getting paid for it!!!

 

[countryboy8]

Once again thanks for all the help

 

[rambler]

Thanks for the comment i like the polaris rangers just i dont like how it has automatic 4 wheel drive and i would rather have the switch so i know when im in 4 wheel drive and when im not but i do agree they are nice machines

Did they change something, mine has 3way switch on dash, 1wheel, 2wheel, & 4wheel drive?

---->Paul

 

[DIXIEDOG]

The RTV is definitely more geared toward work but they are fairly capable off road as well they just won't go fast. I've had my RTV 500 in places it had no business being and it's done great. I have gotten stuck but not often and in areas where quads were getting stuck too.


One thing I prefer over the hydro tranny of the RTV is the braking, I let off the throttle and the RTV slows down, it's very nice when you're going down hills...especially if you're towing anything.

 

[namesray]

the rtv's are GREAT, but as mentioned are more geared towards work then speed. but how fast do you want to go? i transport my rtv from job to job sometimes by driving it, and it will go 20+ mph. now i know that is not very fast, but i don't know if on most trail rides you would want to go much faster. my logging roads are fairly smooth and medium gear bounces me around pretty good. if you are looking for that 4 wheeler type speed, the rtv is not for you, but if you just enjoy a nice trail ride from time to time and aren't in a race, the rtv's are nice machines.