UTV Steep Slopes 20 - 30 degree.

[trailbuilder]

We have both the new 825i Gator and the RTV 900 Kubota. The 900 does have alot more engine braking than the Gator. With a CVT it is important to keep the clutch engaged going down hills. Not all CVTs are the same, some CVT's do have overrunning sprague clutches that help slow you down more than others that disengage easily. The hydrostat is a nice tranny on the 900. If you are looking for a diesel and a hydrostat you do not have many choices. The 900 RTV will do a nice job!

 

[roygul]

Went to a dealer about 30 k north of me. and looked over a 900. Wasn't too loud, Just not sure I am ready to trust an electric . I think its the best fit for my needs. So many nice machines out there.

Quick question. Do any of you carry your trimmers around in these thigns and if so how do you do it ?

Cheers
Byron

 

[trailbuilder]

When we carry chain saws we have a scaboard that goes over the side so the saws don't take up valuable cargo space for the firewood. I we are carrying a pole saw or brush saw they go in the box with a clamp or strap to hold them in .

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have never seen an electric(battery I assume) ATV but I have battery golf carts, gasoline powered golf cart and 900 RTV. My brother in law has a JD Gator and I dont believe my RTV is any louder than his Gator. As for quiet, cant beat the battery powered golf cart but they just dont have the torque to pull up a very steep hill without slowing up a lot. My house sets on a slight hill and the road is about 10 degree slope and my battery golf cart slows up a lot climbing the hill but really gains speed going down hill, so much so that I have to apply the brake to keep from going too fast. My RTV 900 climbs the hill without a problem and even a short 45 degree slope is not a problem to climb. I filled it with diesel when I got it about 2 months ago and it is still on full and I use it all around my house hauling rocks and just for transport. I really like the way it will stop on a hill and just set there without having to apply the brake. It will eventually start to creep if you stop the engine as the hydro pressure bleeds off so watch for that and always set the hand brake which by the way is very good. If properly set, the cart will not move when put in gear so you know when it is on. The brakes on the golf carts are marginal at best and absolutely now motor braking on them at all.

 

[texasjohn]

I have a Kubota 1140, has 2 bench seats. Am amazed how smooth it goes over the rough roads...max about 25mph which is WAY more than needed to wander over the pasture... very seldom get it up to 8 MPH... wife loves to drive it... it's rather easy to step into...some other brands are higher. My 98 year old father gets in..kinda slowly, but under his own power.... Check Polaris and see if they aren't significantly higher to step into.

It has power steering..not all the UTV's do.... another consideration.

I've got a little 2 wheel trailer I pull as well for rough tasks, rock hauling, supplies, etc..

Sound is not objectionable, but it's there... listen for yourself.

The new versions have modified their transmission characteristics..at least in USA...and no longer have the EXTREME stop when letting off the gas. Also, will roll on very gentle slope if brake not applied.

Overall, having had mine for nearly 2 months now, it's the perfect addition to my vehicle stable. I use it all the time now....takes some pressure off of using the tractor....

For me, it's clear this was the right such vehicle for me. I leave it in the 2 bench seat configuration all the time... use it with more than 2 people almost half the time... amazing how people show up, jump in and off we go to see the sights.... have carried 6 adults and 1 lap kid in very acceptable comfort.

Don't know why I didn't get one sooner... yes, kinda pricey but I expect to keep and use it daily for years...and, it's saving me many steps, which is appreciated since my hips are beginning to bother me.

 

[JimP]

We have the Deere Gator HPX diesel. Braking is not an issue. It has hydraulic brakes at all 4 wheels so you don't have to rely on the CVT for braking downhill. If you keep some throttle on the diesel will provide engine braking for most hills, my 13 year old learned this pretty quickly. Plenty of power for going up hills in low. It is pretty loud though. I don't think you could have a normal conversation while moving.

Ground clearance is limited on the HPX model. There are skidplates everywhere so damage is not a problem but we have gotten it stuck in deep mud or ruts a couple times. The newer XUV models with independent rear suspension have more ground clearance and a more comfortable ride. I haven't looked at the newest models with the plastic dump.

 

[trailbuilder]

The Gator noise on the new 825i (XUV) is not an issue. We have used them with and without the cab.

 

[Tkblacktail]

About trusting electric, its about being pushed or pulled: I'm an "evil 20th century Energy-Luddite", how far can I be "pushed"..........

I'm stuck in time, and I'm stuck on fossil fuels and kinetic energy. Electronic-controlled ignition systems "push it" for me.

Battery-powered electrical motors are awesome but they are pushed and pulled by magnets that will either lock shut or stay unlocked without power.

Do the magnets lock open or closed?

I wouldn't change unless it would give me total independance from "the grid". Is there a solar/wind/wave-charging system with enough watts/amps to recharge the batteries?

I realize the power(s) of magnetic fields, I have a lot of respect for battery-powered hand tools and lighting, but I couldn't give up my fossil fuels, wood burning stove, deep-freezer or kinetic energy.

Hydrogen would seduce me away...........is there a hydrogen OHV? :licking:

 

[roygul]

Dam, I Thought I had "I am not sure" in front of that statement "trust electrics" .

I think battery tech isn't quite ready for main stream vehicles yet we need another generation jump and price drop. Having it plugged in while not in use is just as painful fueling them.

Thou Electric motors are very simple devices compared to Internal composition engines. But storing the fuel needed to make them work is a different matter.

I am happy to see companies doing it and very interested in the way the tech will head.

I'm prob 30/70 at the moment, electric vs other options. Been public holidays here the last three days. Going to get some pricing on the rvt 900, I even look at the rvt 500 (Yeah its petrol but reading the threads here they dont need to be fueled anywhere as much as my tractors ) and think wow that will actually fit in my small shed. But think the extra tray size of the 900 would be missed.

Thanks for all the great advice.
Cheers
Byron

 

[KentT]

I didn't mean to imply there was anything wrong with the cvt transmissions. I just wanted my visitors to have breaking when they lift there foot off the accelerator (It's my understanding the cvt's accelerate down a slope like an automatic transmission. whereas the hst and electrics will brake).

Similar in that I wish it to be diesel rather than petrol as I have a 400l diesel haulage tank.

Cheers
Byron

It depends on the manufacturer...

The CVT on the Yamaha Rhino has engine braking... much better than my hydrostatic garden tractor...