UTV - Trying to Decide

[Hysyde]

If I were thinking about the $31K CAN, I always look back to what my dad spent on (4) new Polaris ATV/UTVs in that same time frame that I have owned my Gator because he said "He could never afford a Gator like I could". He also used up (4) new Craftsman lawn tractors in the same 23 year period that I had my JD 345 tractor because, you guessed it "He could not afford John Deere". I helped him purchase a used JD 345 in the last years of his life and he loved it. He loved it so much he bought a brand new JD 1023R with a loader so he could get on and off easier than the big 85HP IH 884 with a loader. We affectionately called it a 4x4 wheel chair will a loader.

Awesome and I hear ya.

Again, I don't know much about the Gators and if they actually represent a step above anything else in the durability/reliability department. To be honest, I've always thought of them (and the Kubotas) as probably being OK, but not representative of the quality the brands offered 20-30 years ago.

 

[GSVette]

Looks like a decent deal. I know nothing about Bobcat UTVs. I picture them as being re-branded something or others?

We've run Cub Cadet UTVs at work, and while they were surprisingly capable with their lawn tractor engines, they were pretty rough around the edges and we had trouble getting some parts for them.

I own a 3400D- it is a rebranded Polaris. I like mine well enough except for the sticky clutch. It seems that Polaris in their infinite wisdom put a clutch that isn’t quite proper for a diesels torque curve in the Bobcats they made ( and probably in their own models as well). The result is a very difficult gear shift-I have, on more than one occasion, had to shut it off to shift from forward to reverse and vice versa.

There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of shimming (or other adjustments) that will address the issue- that I’ve been able to find. There is a clutch replacement that supposedly addresses the issue but is spendy. I just live with it now.

It isn’t particularly fast either-intended for worksite not bombing on trails.

 

[ArlyA]

If you like a work type of machine and you like a cab, you have eliminated many used machines. I'd say there are real differences between the Defender and Commander, I'll use for an example. You kind of need to make up what you'd like to have. If you want to get pods and hope to operate in deep snow, that again eliminates many machines. Whats the most important thing for you?

 

[FTG-05]

That's us. My wife wanted one and bought it. So far (a year), no issues at all. I added a 5000 pound Harbor Freight winch (bolt on no issue), mud flaps and we have the one with the Rino lined bed.. Nice buggy and quick. You can get them full cab with heat and ac but ours isn't. Fold down windshield and roof works for us. I think it was 14 otd. Never used 4wd yet. No need to.

"That's us." Does that mean that's you in the video or that it mirrors your experience with the XG850?

How do you like the 850 for work duties? If you know, is there any real loss between the 850 and the -900?

Thanks!

 

[plastikosmd]

My 63 Cj5 is same size as neighbor’s prior rtv
rtv is about 2” shorter but 6” wider. I got to compare side to side and on trails when I had to pull him out.


The flatfenders are even smaller

 

[Hysyde]

If you like a work type of machine and you like a cab, you have eliminated many used machines. I'd say there are real differences between the Defender and Commander, I'll use for an example. You kind of need to make up what you'd like to have. If you want to get pods and hope to operate in deep snow, that again eliminates many machines. Whats the most important thing for you?

Yeah, the Defender and Commander are pretty different machines, but I could be being happy with either one, with the preference being to the Defender for the increased utility and ease of ingress/egress.

What's most important to me? Value and dependability maybe?

As far as features and capabilities, I'm flexible. Just looking for a small, off-road utility vehicle that I can be comfortable in through all kinds of weather. I don't have specific tasks in mind, other than throwing the chainsaw in the back and heading to the bush. Maple sap collection comes to mind also.

 

[Hysyde]

My 63 Cj5 is same size as neighbor’s prior rtv
rtv is about 2” shorter but 6” wider. I got to compare side to side and on trails when I had to pull him out.

The flatfenders are even smaller

Solid CJ-5s aren't exactly common in these parts, and I'd be bias to a Samurai with a hard top. Definitely something to be said for that type of vehicle as a UTV alternative though.

 

[plastikosmd]

One of the first changes I made was to swap soft top for hard, good luck with your search

 

[deserteagle71]

Jeeps are wonderful...I've been a Wrangler owner for 30 years and currently have a 2006 Rubicon (last of the old straight-6 engines). Big plus is that they are street-legal. Big minus is how rough they ride. If I spend all day driving my Jeep on rough roads by the end of the day I feel like I've been beat with a bat. Solid axles are stout but the worst thing possible for a soft ride. That's why I recently bought a 2020 Can-am Defender Cab model - full cab with roll-down windows, the windshield can be closed or cracked open or opened fully, and factory installed heater. With that soft independent suspension on all four corners and those soft balloon tires this thing rides like a dream on rough roads/trails. Rocky roads that I would have to drive 2 mph in my Rubicon the Defender easily glides over at 20 mph. There is no comparison in the ride and handling between the Jeep and Defender - the Defender is simply so much better. The Samurai rides worse than the Jeep! So - if a decent ride matters to you this is a consideration.

 

[plastikosmd]

^ you are looking at it all wrong!
At one point I had 4 kidney stones.
Now I have none!
The bumping is therapeutic

 

[Zebrafive]

^ you are looking at it all wrong!
At one point I had 4 kidney stones.
Now I have none!
The bumping is therapeutic

My experience with kidney stones is they only hurt when they are "coming out".
My DR. said many people have "silent" kidney stones that never give any pain.

 

[shadowm77]

have you checked out the mule pro fxt le you can go from a 6 seater to a 3 seater in minutes wich macke your body huge for hauling stuff have 7500 miles on mine and love it

 

[JTP]

Textron Prowler Pro XT. Now called Arctic Cat Prowler Pro, also known as Tracker 800. Caterpillar has a job site version too.
Designed by Textron and Caterpillar after Textron bought Arctic Cat. Arctic Cat had no part in the original design.
Have had mine for 2 years now with zero issues. I use it often around the property with about 500 miles on it now.
Most quiet, smoothest UTV of all that i tested. (Can Am, Polaris, Deere and Kubota) Fits a full size skid in the back, easy in and out, easy dumping bed, easy servicing.
Uses actual 1/2 hard doors and no nets. Full bench seat fits (3) 220lb adults.
Has hard cab options but the accessories are pretty pricey I think.
I would definitely give it a look. Prices were quite a bit less than the others listed above at that time but not sure where they are at now.

 

[Wakey]

There is no comparison in the ride and handling between the Jeep and Defender - the Defender is simply so much better. The Samurai rides worse than the Jeep! So - if a decent ride matters to you this is a consideration.

That’s good info.. I rode in a big Polaris that floated at speed over some rutted up logging roads.. I was impressed by that..

 

[inchman]

I've pretty much decided I'm going to buy a UTV but I'm having a hard time taking the plunge, particularly because the price is hard swallow for what your getting in a lot of cases. I doubt I'll buy new, as I don't think I can come in under $25k for what I want and I refuse to spend more than that.

I don't have any particular jobs I intend to put it to work on, just want a general little utility vehicle on the property that I'll also use for recreation. I'm right on the trail network that links to lots of friends/family and I see myself doing lots of that. I'll probably put tracks on in the winter.

I've also decided that I don't really want one unless I get a hard cab with glass windshield and heater. That somewhat limits the options and pretty much keeps me more or less in the utility side of things. I was originally looking at the Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Wolverine 4-5 seaters so I had room for the family, but I don't think those machines are well suited to a full cab (without losing the bed). I do NOT want a long wheelbase (crew) machine. I figured I'll just end up getting the kids a RZR 170 or something so they can tag along from time to time. A large bed like a Ranger or Kubota would be great, but I think I could live with a smaller one like on a Pioneer or Wolverine.

I have a lot of miles in a Kubota RTV X1100C at work, and I absolutely love the cab, ice cold air/hot heat and the solid, tractor-like build. They are SO slow though and not a huge fan of the HST. I might be able to live with one, but with the amount of road/trail running I might want to do, I don't think it's the best solution. Are any of the other RTVs somewhat comparable as far as the cab and solid build, but with a more road friendly engine/tranny?

I'm also looking at Polaris Rangers but my biggest worry with them is reliability, especially if I buy used. I have considered a smaller Ranger (570) as I think they are less prone to tranny problems like the bigger Rangers (and are a lot cheaper to buy new), but I'm worried about power with tracks. The accessories and aftermarket seems huge for the Rangers.

I love most things Honda puts it's name on and I was sure I would go with a Pioneer at one point, but I've heard they are very loud and I don't think the cabs are integrated all that well.

I just started looking at Wolverines from Yamaha. which seem like the cabs are a little better than the Hondas. I don't know how refined they are with a cab on. I'm a big fan of Yamaha too, and might even consider an older Rhino and save some $...

A Can-Am Defender or Commander might be an option, but finding a used one with a cab and heat (especially a Commander) is not easy and new is exorbitant.

The other option I'm considering is a Japanese mini-truck. I really like the looks of the little deckvans and many come with air and they are MUCH cheaper than a SxS/UTV. Not easy to find a ready to buy solution though (in Canada).

Anyway, just looking for general thoughts and insights.

I know that UTVs are attractive options, but for the money, function, and overall value, you are WAY better off getting an older 4X4 small pickup (like an old ranger.) For less than $3K, you can have a 4 wheel drive, heated (and poss A/C) fully enclosed cab truck that is STREET LEGAL! Beyond that, parts availability are WAY better and cheaper for a 10 year old truck than a 5 year old UTV. Again, the fact that it can be street legal means that you can drive it to pick up stuff at the local store.
I am analyst by trade, and a self confessed tool/equipment junkie. I have multiple tractors and other 'toys', UH, I mean 'Tools.' But there is not an argument in the world that I can find to justify the cost of the UTVs. 3 to 4 times MORE expensive for an open cab, with limited parts availability that you can never legally drive on the street. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[mgaylo]

I know that UTVs are attractive options, but for the money, function, and overall value, you are WAY better off getting an older 4X4 small pickup (like an old ranger.) For less than $3K, you can have a 4 wheel drive, heated (and poss A/C) fully enclosed cab truck that is STREET LEGAL! Beyond that, parts availability are WAY better and cheaper for a 10 year old truck than a 5 year old UTV. Again, the fact that it can be street legal means that you can drive it to pick up stuff at the local store.
I am analyst by trade, and a self confessed tool/equipment junkie. I have multiple tractors and other 'toys', UH, I mean 'Tools.' But there is not an argument in the world that I can find to justify the cost of the UTVs. 3 to 4 times MORE expensive for an open cab, with limited parts availability that you can never legally drive on the street. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[mgaylo]

What about a Mahindra Roxor. They are not street legal, and they are about the size of a UTV.

 

[Omega Woods]

I consider buying a new Kubota RTV 1100C one of the worst purchases I have ever made. I could have bought two used Jeeps and had money left over. I don't hate my RTV but it was a terrible purchase.

 

[plastikosmd]

^ sorry to hear
I had the luck of a close neighbor owning one so I could use at will to see if it would fit in.

I think they are ideal for property maintenance especially where there is a mix of paved, dirt and maintained pasture/trail (and you can buy though a company to offset cost!)
I see them running around at all the hospitals I work at.

my back 40 is rough, the neighbor sold. Upgraded his garden tractor, added a quad/plow/trailer and a RV for family.

 

[mx1alex]

I've had a Ranger, Gator, Pioneer, and now own a Mule Pro FXT. All have their pros and cons.

If you want a full cab and plan to do trail riding I would stick with either the Ranger or a CanAm Defender. They have the best cab systems imo. Gator and Kubota have good cabs as well but they're not as trail worthy as the Ranger or Defenders are.