UTV Decision

[ultrarunner]

Great posts that keep me coming back...

I tested a Gator 825i today and personally have a hard time adjusting to the CVT roar and high rpm.

Pretty impressed by the rest of the package... handled well.. tight, stable and I had it to 38 mph.

The Honda sure ticks a lot of the boxes... I am not a fan of Dual Clutch at this point.

If and when... it looks like a new Kubota... especially with the steep terrain...

Unfortunately, this options most likely means buying new...

I would still grab Kawasaki Mule 610 XC should one surface at a price too good to pass.

 

[MF283]

I have a 550 JD, tops out at 28 MPH which is fine with me, has a smaller footprint than the other Gators & turns pretty sharp.
They have come out with a 590 series this year that is fuel injected, top speed of around 45 MPH, might be interesting to see if i could outrun my dogs on that one:turtle:

Ronnie

 

[ArlyA]

This fall we retired a 700 Rhino and received a BRP Defender HD10 and have liked it much so far. Its purely a work machine, in fact I've not operated it without being on snow and equipped with pods (ak tracks) Although this summer the pods will of course come off and original wheels go back on. I'll attach a photo.

 

[biffnh]

I have 2000 miles on my RTV X900 in 15 months. Used solely for work (maintenance) and snow plowing. I love the HST braking for road work on hills and the "low" top speed has never been a problem. The cargo capacity and hydraulic dump are a great work feature. The economy of the Diesel engine is impressive. I use low range for plowing and when blowing the roads when creeping speed is needed. Maintenance has been easy.

 

[ultrarunner]

We keep gravitation to the the RTV X900

It's just the high cost of admission.

There have been a few non X 900 that would have fit the bill but even calling within 30 minutes of posting has been too late.

No snow here... if there was it would be much easier to justify.

We like Kubota... appreciate the update.

 

[ArlyA]

Our can-am Defender, now retired Rhino and Grizzly all have engine breaking. We work among hills and need it to keep from over-speeding while descending. We require this for our work. Not sure what it would be like to be free-wheeling down hills!

 

[ovrszd]

This is a great second post. Thanks for the detailed comparison!

I agree. And he's spot on in his wish list for the RTV!!!

 

[sunnyside360]

Although I didn't compare the turning radius of each, I have compared the specs/features of Pioneer 1000, CanAm Defender and Kubota RTV X1100C.

What I'm finding is that no one manufacturer offers the perfect solution, at least for my needs.

Pioneer 1000:

Positives:
- 6-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) no CVT belts
- 72-hp engine good for speeds above 60 mph
- Low/high-range sub transmission
- 2wd, 4wd, 4wd differential lock and turf mode
- 2000 lb towing capacity
- 1000 lb bed capacity
- 11 inches ground clearance (10.5f/10r suspension travel)

Negatives:
- Poor hard cab design
- Heater is insufficient to keep up to air leaks in the cab
- No AC
- Plastic bed and no hydraulic assist dumping

There have been some reported issues of the DCT clutches slipping and Honda has been slow to repair or troubleshoot the problem. I would stay away from purchasing the Pioneer 1000 until the DCT issues are worked out.

CanAm Defender:

Positives:
- 72-hp V-twin engine good for speeds to 60 mph
- 4 mode traction system, 2wd, 4wd with Visco-Loc, selectable open dif in 2wd mode
- Low/high-range sub transmission
- Integrated cab version available with heat (no AC), power windows
- Nice cab and interior, gauge cluster, removable storage containers, etc
- 2000 lb towing
- 1200 lb payload

Negatives:
- 9 inch ground clearance on cab version vs. 11 inch on non-cab
- Visco-lok (limited slip) front differential not lockable
- No AC
- CVT belt
- Cab is not as well sealed at the RTV
- Plastic bed

Kubota RTV:

Positives:
- HST transmission for heavy duty use
- Diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy
- Good torque 52ftlbs
- Highest payload 1629 lbs
- Good ground clearance 10.4f/10.5r
- Average suspension travel 8 inches
- Best cab, heat/AC, automotive style controls, roll-down windows, well sealed
- 2wd/4wd, open rear dif (lockable)
- Hydraulic lift bed
- Metal body panels and bed
- PTO option for various implements
- Dynamic braking with wet disk brakes

Negatives:
- 25 mph top speed
- 24.8-hp engine (needs turbo and intercooler IMHO)
- Limited slip front differential not lockable
- Heavy 2370 lbs but most solid of the bunch

The RTV is a workhorse capable of withstanding commercial operation.

I'm leaning towards purchasing the RTV X1100C but it's a shame in my view that Kubota has done little in the last several years to bridge the RTV into a more rounded UTV. The low top speed I believe dissuades potential buyers who are looking for both the utility and fun factor in their UTV.

My ideal UTV would be a Kubota RTV fitted with an automotive style AT transmission, lockable front differential and capable of doing 40 mph.

I have to agree with everything SYMPHONY has stated in his review. I've owned several UTV's, test driven most and currently have the Kubota RTV-X1100C which is a great machine except for max speed if you want to go faster than 27 mph.

 

[knukey]

My boy has a RTV1140 (diesel), this is a piece of equipment for work - not fun. I rode in it while hunting it feels like a tractor and a golf cart had a love child.

Honda, Kawasaki, Can-am, Yamaha, etc. would offer the fun factor IMO.

 

[nybirdman]

I really like my Kubota tractors but the RTV's for me are not "off road" worthy enough IMHO.I have two friends with them and it's a good thing they both own tractors;the RTV's are always stuck.