UTV Suggestions

[TractorNoob85]

I'm shopping for a UTV that my 82 yo father will use to putt around the farm. He primarily would use it to check his groundhog spots throughout the year and a slow cruise around the property. I'll use it occasionally to carry a chainsaw, tools, pickup the mail and trash cans, simple stuff like that. He does drive on some manicured trails, nothing really rough, rocky, or muddy. The only UTV I've checked out and driven so far has been the Polaris Ranger SP 570 as it checks the boxes on price and size. It's a little tall for my dad to be able to slide onto the seat due to his bum knees and old legs. He can't step up into something easily. The Ranger seemed more for performance than pleasure. My other options are the Kawasaki Mule SX and the Kubota RTV520. I haven't seen the Mule or RTV in person yet, but they seem similar in size and look to be easy to get in and out of. Both seem to be nice to just put it in H or L and press the gas to go. Simple is best for the old man. I ruled out the Honda Pioneer 520 due to the reports of jerky shifting from the geared trans. I'm leaning toward the Kubota so far since the trans is HST which should make it very easy and smooth to drive. I don't have any UTV experience so if you can add some insight to the models listed as well as any models worth mentioning, please do so. If you need a ballpark price, let's call it <$12,500.

 

[mikester]

Get a golf cart, something like a club car. You can add a small deck or rear facing seat. They run forever on a tank of gas, are very reliable, easy to use, and in your price range.

I have a Kubota Sidekick. It works well, lots of zoom zoom, harder for me to get in and out of, is a gas guzzler and I really miss the start/stop feature of my old club car.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'm shopping for a UTV that my 82 yo father will use to putt around the farm. He primarily would use it to check his groundhog spots throughout the year and a slow cruise around the property. I'll use it occasionally to carry a chainsaw, tools, pickup the mail and trash cans, simple stuff like that. He does drive on some manicured trails, nothing really rough, rocky, or muddy. The only UTV I've checked out and driven so far has been the Polaris Ranger SP 570 as it checks the boxes on price and size. It's a little tall for my dad to be able to slide onto the seat due to his bum knees and old legs. He can't step up into something easily. The Ranger seemed more for performance than pleasure. My other options are the Kawasaki Mule SX and the Kubota RTV520. I haven't seen the Mule or RTV in person yet, but they seem similar in size and look to be easy to get in and out of. Both seem to be nice to just put it in H or L and press the gas to go. Simple is best for the old man. I ruled out the Honda Pioneer 520 due to the reports of jerky shifting from the geared trans. I'm leaning toward the Kubota so far since the trans is HST which should make it very easy and smooth to drive. I don't have any UTV experience so if you can add some insight to the models listed as well as any models worth mentioning, please do so. If you need a ballpark price, let's call it <$12,500.

I’d like to commend you for doing something nice like this for your dad.
We should all do more to help our elderly parents. I think all 3 brands you mentioned are real good choices.
Are you finding prices are steady with tariffs, or have they jumped already?

 

[ultrarunner]

We bought Kubota because we have some steep terrain and the hydro is like having a brake

Had it not been for the steep hill safety aspect just about any would fill the bill.

Neighbor has all flat and his father likes the small Deere single gas engine to get around but it’s not 4 wd

 

[JeepHead]

The Mule 4010 is a nice little machine and is pretty cheap. That would be what I would recommend.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I second the golf cart idea. Most of the UTVs are kinda tall for an elderly person to get in and out of. Golf carts are easier to slide in and out of. If you did go with a UTV you could add a little retractable step, I have not researched this but I imagine somewhere you could find a spring actuated step that goes down when you step on it but retracts up to keep the ground clearance.

 

[2515R Dude]

Honda pioneer 1000 is the best as usual for Honda.

 

[riptides]

First off, nice idea for your dad.

Don't take this wrong, but at 82 I'd go with comfort and maintenance as the deciding choices. That leaves out golf carts as the batteries require charging. My FIL never charged his, and it ended up sitting for a year before he basically forgot about it. If the plans are to inherit it, you might also consider what is best for you.

Comfort and ease of use are my deciding factors. Good luck to you.

 

[WM75Guy]

For ease of entry Club Car would be my choice. Also easy to operate. I traded in a Mule 4010 on my Kubota RTV-X. I have to step up into both, use the roll cage to pull myself over the bar on the end of the seat, and then slide into the seat.

 

[Squirrel's242]

I echo the step up into a UTV, golf cart might be easier if it can handle the terrain. I trip myself getting into my Kioti Mechron 2200. Then there is also the safety bar at the end of the seat that you gotta maneuver around getting in and out. Maybe if battery is an issue you can rig up an easy-to-reach battery disconnect he can use when he parks it in case it ends up sitting.