Should I jump or step back?

[EThogfarmer]

I might as well chime in too. I've owned the 1140 for several months now and I really like it. What's more important is my my wife likes it as well.

I looked at the 900 but the advantage of the second row of seating or larger bed with one seat steered me to the 1140. For my use the cab would just get in the way and the area I live in doesn't get that cold. It gets hot in the summer but I don't like to go in and out of AC. I did get the factory canopy installed to keep the sun off my head, it also helps to keep the overhead branches out of my face.

As others have stated I wonder now how I got by without one for so long.

 

[smstonypoint]

Guess I've been leaning more toward the cab model RTV for the benefit (comfort) of my wife. She really likes traveling the trails and pasture roads, but a back injury (collapsed vertebrae) this last summer has placed limits on how far she can walk.

I think it would be a good idea to have your wife test (a) the ease with which she can mount/dismount the various models and (b) the ride quality. My wife is arthritic and requires use of the ROPS handhold when she climbs on board our RTV 900. The RTV's power steering has been a necessity -- she couldn't manage driving it otherwise.

Steve

 

[gerard]

gerard
When it goes south, I would seriously consider one of the japanese mini trucks. They are little trucks, come in 4wd with heat/AC/dump box etc. One in good shape is under $10K.

For example ???????????



[/QUOTE]

scesnick posted a picture. YouTube - MiniBrutes - Japanese Mini Truck commercial

the link should take you to a video. You can also do a search on japanese mini trucks on youtube, there are a bunch of them.

 

[2fast2]

Cab: Nice on a tractor where you have hours and hours of seat time cutting, plowing, etc. On a UTV, you get in, go (quickly) get out, work, get in, haul, get out, etc. Unless, of course, you're snow plowing or some other activity that requires long seat time per session where heat or A/C would be nice. In AL I don't think you'll be plowing snow enough, nor will you be driving around for hours with the A/C blasting in the heat of summer unless you like to drive back and forth (40 acres just isn't that big, you'll cover it in a couple minutes. I have 20, so I think it is twice as much :laughing: )
Wife happiness: A big factor for sure. But if you read through all these threads you'll find a universal theme that wife and kids ENJOY the UTV no matter what kind was purchased. Somebody with a bad back would do well to take ride comfort into consideration and maybe look at a Polaris Ranger or JD Gator XUV as these are known to have a nice ride, but other people will chime in and say their machine is good, too.
Usually these discussions break down to most people posting that whatever they bought is working out great for them. Not a lot of buyer's remorse with UTVs once we recover from the pain of the purchase price.
The mini trucks are an option but I don't think they are a fair comparison to a UTV. They both have 4 wheels. One is designed for off road but does OK on road, the other is designed for on road but can do OK off road.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[scoutcub]

It's certainly you're money and decision, I just have to comment that price absolutely blows me away! And that's a deal? I just never knew these machines were fetching those asking prices.
I would personally jump.....far away.

Good luck whatever you do!!

 

[sbakf]

Thanks again for all your input. Yes, these things are expensive and that's what makes me hesitant in pulling the trigger. One could buy a number of fun ATV's for this kind of money. If my wife and I were only 20 years younger. I'm not looking for a joy ride, however. Utility toward property maintenance is my need - pleasure rides are second tier.

My Kubota dealer has offered to bring out a RTV for evaluation - my choice and I can keep it for a few days. I'll accept, just need to pick a model. What would you choose?

RTV owners - how well do these things handle mud? How about hills? I have one hill along my perimeter road that is pretty steep. I can go up and down with my BX2660 and I've gone down it with my L5740 and Blazer. I'm still too afraid to try climbing it with the latter two. Pitch is probably in the 30 something degree range, but it feel more like 45 degrees. Plus it has a slight roll of 5-10 degrees. Length is about 150'. I once lost traction on such a hill with my first Blazer - back in 1974. That was one scary experience for me - such vehicles don't have much braking going down hill backwards. I came very close to flipping it.

 

[smstonypoint]

My Kubota dealer has offered to bring out a RTV for evaluation - my choice and I can keep it for a few days. I'll accept, just need to pick a model. What would you choose?

Because you asked, here are my $0.02.

1. I would opt for one of the diesels (900 or 1140) over the smaller gasoline-powered 500. The diesels are real workhorses. A plus for the 500 is that it can be carried in the bed of a full-sized pickup.

2. Regarding the 900s, your choices are the General Purpose (no brush guard, manual dump), the Worksite (brush guard, hydraulic dump) and Utility (adds speedometer and remote utility valve to the Worksite). I would recommend stepping up at least to the Worksite -- the brush guard is a necessity in my book and costs several $100s to add. If you are like me, you are not getting any younger and the hydraulic dump makes life easier. Unless you have a need to use hydraulic tools and the budget to buy them, I would pass on the Utility model.

3. If you want to transport more than two people (driver and passenger), step up to the 1140. You can add a "rumble seat" to the bed of a 900, but it will be a pain for most folks to mount/dismount.

4. Regarding operating in mud, I chose the Worksite tires that are less aggressive than the ATV tires. I have had to switch to 4WD on occasion, but I've never been stuck. But I don't go mud-bogging either. My impression is that the Worksite tires will do less damage to sod and will last longer than the ATV tires when driven on pavement.

5. Regarding slopes, the RTVs appear to have a lower center of gravity than some other brands. I haven't used my 900 on any really steep terrain, so I can't comment.

Steve

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Because you asked, here are my $0.02.

1. I would opt for one of the diesels (900 or 1140) over the smaller gasoline-powered 500. The diesels are real workhorses. A plus for the 500 is that it can be carried in the bed of a full-sized pickup.

2. Regarding the 900s, your choices are the General Purpose (no brush guard, manual dump), the Worksite (brush guard, hydraulic dump) and Utility (adds speedometer and remote utility valve to the Worksite). I would recommend stepping up at least to the Worksite -- the brush guard is a necessity in my book and costs several $100s to add. If you are like me, you are not getting any younger and the hydraulic dump makes life easier. Unless you have a need to use hydraulic tools and the budget to buy them, I would pass on the Utility model.

3. If you want to transport more than two people (driver and passenger), step up to the 1140. You can add a "rumble seat" to the bed of a 900, but it will be a pain for most folks to mount/dismount.

4. Regarding operating in mud, I chose the Worksite tires that are less aggressive than the ATV tires. I have had to switch to 4WD on occasion, but I've never been stuck. But I don't go mud-bogging either. My impression is that the Worksite tires will do less damage to sod and will last longer than the ATV tires when driven on pavement.

5. Regarding slopes, the RTVs appear to have a lower center of gravity than some other brands. I haven't used my 900 on any really steep terrain, so I can't comment.

Steve

I'm in agreement with all of this. Have done some steep with mine and it does well in 4wd low. I mostly use 2wd medium on most riding around. I was going for the 900 worksite but for $1600 more went for the 1140 so wife and twin grands can all ride at the same time. Less than 2 minutes and maybe one to switch between one seat and big dump bed or two rows of seats and smaller bed.
Going to do a video of the swap if I get any encouragement to do so and post here.
I hear the Kubota is more expensive than the others which was not the case for me. The Kubota compared against any of the others with diesel, two row seating and hydraulic dump for 60 months was less expensive. No others offered the financing that Kubota offered.

 

[redharley]

my 900 will climb and go down hills with no problem if you use your head.You will love the Hydralic braking even on the steepest of hills let your foot of throotle you will stop never need to touch brake pedal unless it's an emergency. [Steep] hills will require low range,med range for some dependiing on YOUR hills. As for 4 wheel drive if I was on a steep grade other than black top I would use it. Rather safe than wish you did. Mud can be a little tricky if you are used to a light weight 4 wheeler this is not it.This thing weigh's twice as much or more than a 4 wheeler it will sink in mud a 4 wheeler can cross. But it's weight is what makes it So stable and so good at work duties,along with it's toughness. Test it out for sure

 

[2fast2]

I shot this picture this morning collecting some firewood to split and send home with my son. This was from a dead, standing tree. Nice and hard and heavy and DRY!

My point is, if you buy the Kabota or another UTV, you will use it rather than your tractor with FEL. It can't do as much as a tractor but it is so maneuverable and comfortable. And fun!

PS I'm glad I got the power lift option. I can't imagine dumping this load by hand (but of course I could quickly pull the wood out of the back) and I heard it strain a little but lifted it no problem.

 

[smstonypoint]

My point is, if you buy the Kabota or another UTV, you will use it rather than your tractor with FEL. It can't do as much as a tractor but it is so maneuverable and comfortable. And [U]fun[/U]!

[/QUOTE]

Agreed!!!

BTW, nice looking Gator.

Steve

 

[nickel plate]

My Kubota dealer has offered to bring out a RTV for evaluation - my choice and I can keep it for a few days. I'll accept, just need to pick a model. What would you choose?QUOTE]
The closer the dealer can move that unit toward you, the more likely you will be hooked. Salesmanship 101.

 

[scoutcub]

My Kubota dealer has offered to bring out a RTV for evaluation - my choice and I can keep it for a few days. I'll accept, just need to pick a model. What would you choose?QUOTE]
The closer the dealer can move that unit toward you, the more likely you will be hooked. Salesmanship 101.

I was thinking the exact same thing....

 

[sbakf]

I was thinking the exact same thing....

Of course - but not sure many dealers would even offer such. I'm leaning toward a Kubota, but will take time this week to eval the other brands (e.g., Polaris, John Deere, Kawasaki ...).

Today was cold and windy - perfect cab weather. Next few days, lows are mid 20's, highs peak at mid 40's, winds 10-25 mph. As said already, to do most ground work, you've got to get out of it. Getting there would be a bit more pleasant, though. It ain't like I'm living in Grand Forks, ND (did once). Was in the 60's here yesterday - great day for working outside. Dropped some trees and cut a bunch of overgrown Privet. Cleared and stacked it today with some grapple work.

Getting off subject - Kubota RTV's seem more costly, but are they really? I need to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples. Not only with respect to costs for options (add-ons vs standard equipment), but also paying attention to warranties and expected service life (e.g., engines and transmissions). From what I've been able to read so far, Polaris and Kawasaki UTV's rate pretty high. They appear a bit less costly than the Kubota, but that 60 month/0% financing thru Kubota is inviting. I'll need to do some number crunching before I'll know the real costs for each.

 

[PoorMansCat]

Never owned a Polaris UTV... but I have owned many Polaris ATVs... The only issues I ever had were of the "self inflicted" variety. And trust me when I say I abused every one of them.
I would definitely look at the Polaris, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, and I believe Cub Cadet makes one also...
All of these can be had with stereos, auxillary lighting, cabs, (not sure about HVAC)
As for the winch, a 3K winch won't remove a well stuck ATV... even with a snatch block and proper use... Look for the highest capacity winch you can find... This is an area where there is no such thing as too big.. Look at RULE, Superwinch, Warn, etc... Just make sure its got a roller fairlead and weatherproof controls.
As for mud, not sure about the other manufacturers, but I understand the Polaris AWD system and its a true "all 4 wheels pawing the ground" 4x4.. not just one front pulling like some different systems.
Not trying to lead you to Polaris, its just the ones I am most familiar with.
At one time, the Cub Cadets could be bought with a small Caterpillar diesel engine. Just take the time to fully investigate all your options so you don't end up with buyers remorse.

 

[timswi]

Of course - but not sure many dealers would even offer such. I'm leaning toward a Kubota, but will take time this week to eval the other brands (e.g., Polaris, John Deere, Kawasaki ...).

Today was cold and windy - perfect cab weather. Next few days, lows are mid 20's, highs peak at mid 40's, winds 10-25 mph. As said already, to do most ground work, you've got to get out of it. Getting there would be a bit more pleasant, though. It ain't like I'm living in Grand Forks, ND (did once). Was in the 60's here yesterday - great day for working outside. Dropped some trees and cut a bunch of overgrown Privet. Cleared and stacked it today with some grapple work.

Getting off subject - Kubota RTV's seem more costly, but are they really? I need to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples. Not only with respect to costs for options (add-ons vs standard equipment), but also paying attention to warranties and expected service life (e.g., engines and transmissions). From what I've been able to read so far, Polaris and Kawasaki UTV's rate pretty high. They appear a bit less costly than the Kubota, but that 60 month/0% financing thru Kubota is inviting. I'll need to do some number crunching before I'll know the real costs for each.

This time of year is when I really appreciate the cab and HVAC.

 

[gwjd]

cheek out bobcat there utvs are rock solid we have 2 at work and we also have a tractor and skid steer its a city park about 50 acres we use the bobcats all day every day they will haul any thing you can put in them with in reason they diesel motors are reliable and easy on fuel we fill them up bout once a week wish ours had a winch ..... lots of power drug a 20 foot long tree that was 1 foot at the base up hill ..... dint really know it was back there .... we did bend the tail gate so cant advice that again the bobcats are a bit tippy though

if you got hills 4x6 gator will stay rock solid on any hill imaginable

and that price is a lot for a chian saw mover and these things are tanks you will want to drive it threw the woods at some point not sure the kabotas cab and body work are up for that

for general property task with 3 tractors all ready a work related utv with power bed and a winch will suffice

also new holand and huskavarna are the same looking parts might be a 3rd party turning out all these brands ?

o and about the AC in the cab the breeze has always been ok to keep me cool

 

[beretta96man]

Of course - but not sure many dealers would even offer such. I'm leaning toward a Kubota, but will take time this week to eval the other brands (e.g., Polaris, John Deere, Kawasaki ...).

Today was cold and windy - perfect cab weather. Next few days, lows are mid 20's, highs peak at mid 40's, winds 10-25 mph. As said already, to do most ground work, you've got to get out of it. Getting there would be a bit more pleasant, though. It ain't like I'm living in Grand Forks, ND (did once). Was in the 60's here yesterday - great day for working outside. Dropped some trees and cut a bunch of overgrown Privet. Cleared and stacked it today with some grapple work.

Getting off subject - Kubota RTV's seem more costly, but are they really? I need to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples. Not only with respect to costs for options (add-ons vs standard equipment), but also paying attention to warranties and expected service life (e.g., engines and transmissions). From what I've been able to read so far, Polaris and Kawasaki UTV's rate pretty high. They appear a bit less costly than the Kubota, but that 60 month/0% financing thru Kubota is inviting. I'll need to do some number crunching before I'll know the real costs for each.

I looked at all of them this fall and ordered the rtv 500 last week. Mostly because it seemed to be built tougher and I like my equipment dealer better than the "power sports" dealers around here. I'll have it by next week and review it for sure. I was close to buying the 610 mule because of the cost but I liked the hydro and PS on the rtv and felt it was a good value for what I was getting. It was hard for me to compare any of them to the kubota because of the drive train. I don't have it yet and I already hate the lack of storage but have plans to make some. The 0/60 was hard to pass up too:drool:

 

[timswi]

I looked at all of them this fall and ordered the rtv 500 last week. Mostly because it seemed to be built tougher and I like my equipment dealer better than the "power sports" dealers around here. I'll have it by next week and review it for sure. I was close to buying the 610 mule because of the cost but I liked the hydro and PS on the rtv and felt it was a good value for what I was getting. It was hard for me to compare any of them to the kubota because of the drive train. I don't have it yet and I already hate the lack of storage but have plans to make some. The 0/60 was hard to pass up too:drool:

The 500 is a nice machine....Not a speedster but a real work machine.

I liked mine alot. I kinda like having heat,A/C and a power angle now though.

The upside to the 500 is that you can go wherever the quad's go...I can't do that all the time anymore.

 

[scoutcub]

Never owned a Polaris UTV... but I have owned many Polaris ATVs... The only issues I ever had were of the "self inflicted" variety. And trust me when I say I abused every one of them.
I would definitely look at the Polaris, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat, and I believe Cub Cadet makes one also...
All of these can be had with stereos, auxillary lighting, cabs, (not sure about HVAC)
As for the winch, a 3K winch won't remove a well stuck ATV... even with a snatch block and proper use... Look for the highest capacity winch you can find... This is an area where there is no such thing as too big.. Look at RULE, Superwinch, Warn, etc... Just make sure its got a roller fairlead and weatherproof controls.
As for mud, not sure about the other manufacturers, but I understand the Polaris AWD system and its a true "all 4 wheels pawing the ground" 4x4.. not just one front pulling like some different systems.
Not trying to lead you to Polaris, its just the ones I am most familiar with.
At one time, the Cub Cadets could be bought with a small Caterpillar diesel engine. Just take the time to fully investigate all your options so you don't end up with buyers remorse.

Just FYI on the Cubs, they did offer a Caterpillar diesel for a few years, I drove one it was pretty nice. I have a 20 HP gas model that has been lots of fun, unfortunately it spends most of it's time in storage till I can build a pole barn and roam around the property with it. The newer ones have the Yanmar diesels and look pretty nice. I'm no authority at all on the utv's so no idea what they have/don't have.
I ended up with mine only because of a dealer that I know made me a deal I couldn't refuse.....:thumbsup:
I was under the impression the new machines run around 8-10K new, that's why the 18K got my attention!
I've got a soft cab kit, electric dump bed, actually can't wait to get to use it somewhere down the road....
Good luck testing/shopping!