Who makes the best overall Utility vehicle

[Dargo]

I don't think I ever really said just "what" it can do I just said I have applications where it would benefit. Don't put words into my mouth.

Oh, really now??? Exactly what were you implying here??

...it's pretty obvious what a front locking differential would do

It appears that someone has a very short memory. And, no, I do not use the rear diff lock very often, but to say that it works the same as a front locking differential only shows a lack of experience. When I do use my rear locking differential on my RTV, which has a convenient knob that keeps it locked if need be, it's when climbing steep hills or pulling hard on something. There is no comparison to locking the rear differential to the front at those times. At those times the front end is very light and does not offer much traction at all unless, of course, you have a complete rack of suitcase weights stacked across the front of your UTV; which I don't. Now on my larger tractor I can pull harder with the front differential locked, as well as the rear, since I have a couple of thousand pounds sticking out over the nose, but we are not talking about tractors, now are we.

 

[Skipholiday]

This is a no brainer.

My 05 HPX would just butt against the wall of some creek banks in my backyard. I would have to back out or use my winch.
My 06 HPX would climb right up with little effort. (all 4 locked)
Rhino would also need to be locked in to climb the same bank.
My XUV climbs it with little effort.

Personally I don't like slamming my utv into things to make forward progress.
I prefer to crawl. Try crawling over a slippery log with only one wheel pulling.

4 wheel lock is a huge advantage over 3 if you ride offroad.
Anyone that that says different is trying to sell a 3 wheel utv.
Or they are trying to convince there-self that its as good as 4 wheel lock when its not~!

 

[TWO GUNS]

MILKMAN,

WHAT IS YOUR INPUT ON THIS ON THIS WITH YOUR UTILITY VEHICLES ?

 

[Dargo]

Try crawling over a slippery log with only one wheel pulling.

4 wheel lock is a huge advantage over 3 if you ride offroad.
Anyone that that says different is trying to sell a 3 wheel utv.
Or they are trying to convince there-self that its as good as 4 wheel lock when its not~!

I've never had the need to crawl over a slippery log. And, I'm not sure how your statement applies to anything. Your statement implies a 2 wheel drive vehicle with a differential and that differential not having limited slip or a locking feature.

Next, I only ride off road with my UTV's. I'm not trying to sell anything. I don't know how you are confused on that. I am only reporting the facts from three and a half years use of an RTV and how a locking front differential would be of little value or use on that unit. Are you with me?? Third, I'm not trying to convince "there-self" (sic) anything. I assume you have not read my posts. I have several vehicles with locking front and rear differentials. I have been off roading with four wheel drive vehicles for over 30 years. Contrary to what you may believe, I actually have seen and used four wheel drive units before. I have installed and setup numerous locking differentials with numerous gear ratios; both front and rear. Have you?

Your statements still only ring true of you having zero experience of using a Kubota RTV with non-factory tires in various situations. Words mean things. Perhaps you wouldn't misunderstand what I am saying if you read what I've written. And, for your benefit, I'll state it once again; I do not feel that a locking front differential would be especially beneficial on a Kubota RTV when said RTV is equipped with aggressive off road tires. Nothing more, and nothing less. Are you still with me??

 

[milkman]

MILKMAN,

WHAT IS YOUR INPUT ON THIS ON THIS WITH YOUR UTILITY VEHICLES ?

My UV is my tractor that doesn't have a locking front differential, when I go to buy my UV, I won't buy one to ride over slippery logs, it will be used for work, some of that will possibly be in the mud just like some of my tractor work is in the mud. If I find that some of my work with my tractor has to be done on a platform of rollers with concrete blocks thrown in, then I'll realize that I just can't live without a front locking differential. I will look at more than that one feature, one that definitely turns me off is a locked rear that cannot be turned off, and it would have to be diesel.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Dargo, where I am and for what I will use this machine for it will find itself climbing over logs, rocks, dirt mounds, climb thru ditches and other obstacles. Not everyone uses these machines the same way or on the same type of ground. All that matters is that who ever bought the machine is happy with it.

Until I actually demo an RTV along with the rest I have not ruled it out regardless of the front dif issue. Only when I use all of these machines on my property will I know which one is best suited for me and my property.

I started this thread a while ago to get input from other UTV owners like yourself. I didn't want to see this turn into a debate.

 

[Dargo]

Dargo, where I am and for what I will use this machine for it will find itself climbing over logs, rocks, dirt mounds, climb thru ditches and other obstacles. Not everyone uses these machines the same way or on the same type of ground. All that matters is that who ever bought the machine is happy with it.

Until I actually demo an RTV along with the rest I have not ruled it out regardless of the front dif issue. Only when I use all of these machines on my property will I know which one is best suited for me and my property.

I started this thread a while ago to get input from other UTV owners like yourself. I didn't want to see this turn into a debate.

The RTV will likely not be the unit for you considering what your needs are. My only point is that a locking front differential would not be anything that would likely help the RTV. If it won't get over it now, it most likely wouldn't get over it with a locking front differential.

There is no debate. It's simply people who do not own an RTV trying to tell us guys who have used an RTV for years what an RTV will and won't do and what would help it when they have no idea what they are talking about. My statements are strictly about the Kubota RTV. Those who wanted to "debate" seem unable to grasp that fact. As I said in the beginning, if you want a locking front differential and feel you have the need for a locking front differential, don't buy anything that doesn't have a locking front differential. Whether a Kubota RTV would work for you in your particular situation, I couldn't possibly know, but from what you say, it likely won't. It does what it does extremely well, better than anything else in it's class regardless of price, in my opinion. But, again, as I stated earlier, it won't do everything.

 

[Skipholiday]

Robert, Have you looked at the Polaris Ranger?
I've rode with them and they are very capable machines.
They also have a 6x6.

I will not debate anyone that obviously knows all.
My only desire is to help others with similar interest.

Good-luck in your search.
Sorry your thread was led astray~!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

It is on my list of possible demo's. It all depends on the dealer.

 

[a37b]

Robert
I bought an xuv, it is a very capable utility vehicle. I also concur with Skip about trying to argue with someone like that.
I think that all the brands out there are all very good machines including the rtv.
MM