UTV Roominess for Elderly

[Robert_in_NY]

I'd certainly have to strongly suggest the Kubota RTV lineup. I have pictures somewhere of taking my grandparents around to remote parts of my property in either my RTV900 or RTV1100. They were in their upper 90's when I took them around to places they'd never been and would never be able to get there again. If you are looking to have them drive the machine, I'd definitely advise installing a coast valve in the RTV for them.

Otherwise, the RTV900 and RTV1100 have about the perfect seat height for ingress and egress when it comes to elderly riders. They really aren't a step up nor a step down and they have easily accessible grab handles. Acceleration is mild on both units which means there's no way you're going to snap their necks back by accident like you certainly could with faster units such as a Rhino or Ranger. With it's full factory cab and climate control system for all seasons, it would be a "no brainer" choice for me to go with an RTV1100. If a cab isn't needed to keep out bugs, keep the occupants warm/cool and out of the wind, I'd certainly also look at the Mule offerings or a diesel JD. Having gone through quite a few units myself and having driven most every other model out there, I can't see even a remote thought of getting a Ranger, Rhino, Rzr or Teryx. Great machines, but definitely the wrong tool for the described job.

Ride quality would be one reason to consider a UTV like the Ranger or XUV over a Mule or RTV

 

[Dargo]

Ride quality would be one reason to consider a UTV like the Ranger or XUV over a Mule or RTV

Not at all in my opinion. A Mule, RTV or XUV weighs considerably more than a Ranger and, accordingly, has a softer ride since they are not designed to take jumps and bumps at high speed. Unless granny wants to go blazing through rough trails, I'd strongly give the advantage to the slower and heavier side by sides I mentioned.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Not at all in my opinion. A Mule, RTV or XUV weighs considerably more than a Ranger and, accordingly, has a softer ride since they are not designed to take jumps and bumps at high speed. Unless granny wants to go blazing through rough trails, I'd strongly give the advantage to the slower and heavier side by sides I mentioned.

So if you pull the Ranger out of consideration wouldn't a UTV with independent suspension of equal weight still ride better then one without? Without going back and researching everything the XUV and Landprides Trekker both had IRS and were both equal in weight and capability of the Mule/RTV without IRS.

 

[radman1]

I would consider the Polaris Ranger. Much better/softer suspension than the RTV or Mule. Both the RTV and Mule use a Dion (sp) type rear axle. Basically a spring rear axle. My brother has a Mule and I have driven an RTV and Polaris Ranger xp. Ranger has much smoother suspension. No hassle of adding a coast valve to an RTV to stop the whiplash stops. All 3 are fairly easy to get in and out with bench style seat. Newer styles with EFI gas engines are easy to start regardless of temp.

 

[zzvyb6]

I'd still keep the golf cart in mind. My Yamaha only needed an ag tire in the right rear (traction) and one on the right front (steering) to go over the river and thru the woods to Grandma's house. Easy start and stop. No special shifting. Folks are already familiar with the BAS (belt / alternator / starter) drivetrain. Easy to trailer, parks in the garage, windscreen, easy on and off, not likely to roll over, sips gas...

Good one is about $2000 around here. Makes a good mailbox-run vehicle for us. Even My dog Jake with some joint issues loves to go with us on it. He's been known to step on the pedal, too and take it for a spin all by himself...

 

[yooperdave]

I'd still keep the golf cart in mind. My Yamaha only needed an ag tire in the right rear (traction) and one on the right front (steering) to go over the river and thru the woods to Grandma's house. Easy start and stop. No special shifting. Folks are already familiar with the BAS (belt / alternator / starter) drivetrain. Easy to trailer, parks in the garage, windscreen, easy on and off, not likely to roll over, sips gas...

Good one is about $2000 around here. Makes a good mailbox-run vehicle for us. Even My dog Jake with some joint issues loves to go with us on it. He's been known to step on the pedal, too and take it for a spin all by himself...

Hi Bill,

What kind of luck do you have in the snow and hills with a golf car?

My family has owned a golf course for over 30 years in the UP, and have a fleet of Yamaha gas golf cars. I can't imagine they would climb snow covered hills even if I put on R1 or R3 tires, and lifted the body a few inches. Golf car would probably be the cheapest way to go though. I just do not want someone to get stuck far away and have trouble getting home.

Regards,

Yooper Dave

 

[hebren]

I test drove rtv 900 and 500 and mule 610 along wirh polaris ranger , ended up buying used polaris ranger with 44 hrs was easiest riding of all test. Have had my back fractured and it woukd hurt after test driving all others except ranger. I would have purchased new kubota if could have withstood ride with my back injury

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I test drove rtv 900 and 500 and mule 610 along wirh polaris ranger , ended up buying used polaris ranger with 44 hrs was easiest riding of all test. Have had my back fractured and it woukd hurt after test driving all others except ranger. I would have purchased new kubota if could have withstood ride with my back injury

The RTV1100 is tough to drive as far as I am concerned. On smooth trails the ride is fine but if you go over rough ground you better let it crawl or else it will bounce you. What was hurting my back the most was holding the hydro pedal non stop as there is no cruise control on it and it takes constant pressure to keep it moving and that strain is what hurts my back. 5 mile drives between farms was terribly painful in that thing just from holding the hydro pedal forward. I was on smooth asphalt roads so the ride wasn't bad just the hydro pedal.

I really do wish Kubota would refine the RTV's more as they are good machines but could be great machines with just a few minor modifications at the factory

 

[tharmas]

Well I am 85 years young and have given up my Yamaha big bear SE.and bought myself a Kawasaki Mule .I am using it to blow snow with chains on the rear wheels and a Kimpex snowblower attached .In the summer, I shall use it to tow my Alamo flail mower to keep the brush down on my hilly 2 acre plot . I have only just got the UTV but I am already finding it much more comfortable to drive than the ATV .With the ATV which I had for 10 years I found the steering very heavy ,and my elderly carcus protested too much .
Geoffrey

 

[timswi]

Well I am 85 years young and have given up my Yamaha big bear SE.and bought myself a Kawasaki Mule .I am using it to blow snow with chains on the rear wheels and a Kimpex snowblower attached .In the summer, I shall use it to tow my Alamo flail mower to keep the brush down on my hilly 2 acre plot . I have only just got the UTV but I am already finding it much more comfortable to drive than the ATV .With the ATV which I had for 10 years I found the steering very heavy ,and my elderly carcus protested too much .
Geoffrey

You sure don't sound elderly to me...Riding an ATV up to a year ago...WOW!!!

Good for you, sir...