Who makes the best overall Utility vehicle

hunterridgefarm · Feb 27, 2007

Robert,
I am looking for basically the same thing you are right now and will not be ready to buy until late Fall. The RTV and XUV as well as the Mule are the main ones I am looking at.

However I am not looking for a 6x6. But that said I did pick up a brochure for the Polaris Ranger. The 6x6 listed in the brochure states it has a 40hp, 700 twin EFI motor; 1700 lb payload; 1250 cargo capacity; 1750lb towing capacity; top speed of 44mph and true on demand 6-wheel drive but only 7.2" on ground clearance.

Not endorsing because I no nothing about the Ranger except what I have read on TBN. Just FYI.

k6dyc · Feb 27, 2007

Robert, I can't say what might be the best choice, but I can tell you my experiences. I have owned two Polaris Rangers, the first a 4x6 and the current one is a 4x4. I had the electric dump bed on the 4x6 and have a cab on the 4x4. I have had no problem with either unit and the new Rangers have some additional improvements. You can get several types of cab enclosures ranging from canvas with plastic to steel with glass. It is great for hauling stuff around a ranch.

I'd take a look at the other suggestions offered here as well, drive them all, and choose based on your preferences and price. Hope this helps!

darkday · Feb 27, 2007

I can't make any guarentees that there will be a enclosure for the diesel but it is rumored to be around july. Or next year who knows... I really don't understand why they don't just make one because it can't be that much different from the gas and it is a known issue.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · Feb 28, 2007

they have the 854cc deisel gator with the front hood rack to carry deer .lol
M Gator

Old Coot · Feb 28, 2007

I am one of the owners of the RTV that have problems with the shifting. I live on a hill so everything is either up or down and in the woods. I have a problem with getting it out of gear if it is underload. I have been told this problem is corrected on the newer ones.
That said, it is a real work horse and built like a tank. The powersteering is great in the woods and I fill it up with wood and pull a 4X8 trailer full with no problem.
Traction is good but I think the Gator XUV looks like it has better traction.
I believe I seen that the air intake on the RTV and be moved up higher. Otherwise I don't think it would work crossing the stream.

Robert_in_NY · Feb 28, 2007

Thanks guys. I have started looking more into a few of the models. Mainly the XUV, and Bobcat 2200 and will also look at the RTV as I have good relations with these dealers (the Bobcat is also a Kubota dealer so 2 for 1 there). The Polaris dealer is a little further away but I will be heading out that way in a couple weeks so I will stop in and see what they have. They are actually a John Deere dealer also but not the one I normally deal with but who knows what I might find when I visit.

I do know one thing, I will want the brush and fender guards as I will be in and around a lot of limbs. I also want to make sure the belly is protected as I know I will be driving over limbs during trimming.

I do like how the XUV has a lighting package that gives this machine turn signals, brake lights and 4 way flashers as I know I will be on the road with this as I go from field to field so the more lights the better. I haven't checked the Kubota site yet to see if the RTV has this also but hopefully they will have something similar. Thanks again for your thoughts and opinions.

Robert_in_NY · Mar 1, 2007

Does anyone have any experience with the Cub Cadet or the Mule utility vehicles?

Old Coot · Mar 1, 2007

Hate to keep replying so often for a new guy, but yes I had a Mule I traded on the RTV 900. I liked it alot but didn't feel the transmission would hold up to the work I was doing with it. Also like the power lift and power steering on the RTV.
I had it a couple of years and only had one problem in that time. For some reason a valve had a carbon build up on the valve stem and stuck in the valve guide. Had to remove the head and clean it up. Bought a service manual and found it easy to work on.

tractorsanmore · Mar 1, 2007

I have a 3010 4x4 mule I bought new around 5 or 6 years ago . It has the gas engine in it . Other than being cold natured until the engine warms up , I've had zero issues with it . It can haul anything you can fit in the bed , I don't think you can overload it . Never have pulled a trailer , although I believe it would do ok . We use it on the farm . That being said , I do take good care of my equipment . This was bought before the utv ( kubota came out ) If I ever bought another utility vehicle though , it would probrably be the kubota with the diesel

Robert_in_NY · Mar 1, 2007

Old Coot said:
Hate to keep replying so often for a new guy, but yes I had a Mule I traded on the RTV 900. I liked it alot but didn't feel the transmission would hold up to the work I was doing with it. Also like the power lift and power steering on the RTV.
I had it a couple of years and only had one problem in that time. For some reason a valve had a carbon build up on the valve stem and stuck in the valve guide. Had to remove the head and clean it up. Bought a service manual and found it easy to work on.

Don't worry about if you are new or not, if you have something to add to this board then speak up. I appreciate all the insight I have received so far and as I keep looking at more units I keep thinking of new questions to ask. As it is I found out that I can also buy the Land Pride Trekker from one of my favorite dealers that I don't get to visit very often anymore but they are some good farmers who expanded into selling new tractors and equipment about 10-15 years ago. They treat people fair so I give them my business whenever I can. So now I am looking at the Trekker but I have to weigh everything out first. I am fairly certain that I want a diesel and I don't think the Trekker has that option but I like to keep my options open and gain insight on all the different units.

Being in New York we have plenty of cool mornings and evenings so if the gas motor is going to be cold blooded then I would not want it. I did like the Caterpillar diesel option the Cub Cadet has and also the bright yellow would work well for me as it should stand out as good if not better then the Kubota Orange. I am going to visit the dealers when the snow is off and see what they have and if I can get some of these to demo out here. Put them thru their paces and see if they hold up as there are a lot of springs so they have to handle just about everything imaginable and spring time is the best time to see if they can.