Best Workhorse UTV?

[benandgeorgialee]

Hey guys! I'm new here and have been reading up on the best UTV's for what we need, but I also thought I'd ask for advice. We have about 5-6 acres we'll be turning into an orchard - first year maintenance will be plowing 2-3x, spreading lime 2-3x and mowing as much as needed (possibly weekly, depending on rain). After the first year, it will be plowingor tilling once in the spring and mowing as often as needed. Ideally, we really need a tractor, but part of the acreage is sloped and I am uncomfortable operating a tractor on it (I'm trying to set this up so I can do it on my own, without my husband's help). I'll be hauling bags of lime, fertilizer, etc.

What UTV will be the best for my needs? Obviously, pulling and hill safety are my top concerns. Good brakes as well, since I don't want to be running over any trees Thanks for the help!

 

[628pm]

I've had 2 UTV (RTV Kubota Model), one was a 2009 4010 Kawasaki and the other is my current one a 2014 Kubota X900. The Kubota is a much better machine in quality and build. I don't want to slam the Kawasaki because it was good when I had it but the Kubota in my opinion is a stronger machine. You can get hydraulics for the front and rear of the Kubota to do some of the work you are talking about. I don't know if they have a hydraulic powered mower for the Kubota.

If I was buying again and needed hydraulics I would end up with the 1100 series for the hydraulic capability. I really don't need that part since I have a Kubota b2620 also so I am good right now.

 

[jeff9366]

Approach "Workhorse" Utility Vehicles by considering the transmission first.

Kubota RTVs have Hydrostatic (HST) transmissions, essentially the same dual-range HST transmission used on the BX series of Kubota tractors.

The advantages of HST are many, but for hill use max torque (starting power) at zero MPH is one, self-braking when accelerator is released is two and ease of use is three. (Just two pedals; accelerator and brake.)

Kubota RTV500 = $10,000

Consider an all terrain, dumping trailer too.

Photos: Kubota gas RTV500


LINKS:

MUTS - Multi-Use Trailer System for your ATV, Quad and 4 Wheeler - Welcome

Search Results RTV500 - TractorByNet.com

 

[DIXIEDOG]

For a flat out work machine the Bobcat is the one to get....it makes the Kubota look like a featherweight. For a work/sport machine I like the Gators and Rangers....the Kubotas don't have enough power or suspension for sport...they lack real 4wd (only 3 wd). In my opinion if you're going to have the ride of the tractor you might as well be using one. $.02


For the ultimate work machine the Bobcat 3650 is where it's at....that's the machine the stone guys use
Bobcat 3650 Hydrostatic Utility Vehicle (UTV) - Bobcat Company

 

[benandgeorgialee]

Thanks for all the feedback!

Bobcats are out of our price range at the moment, though they look like excellent machines. I know that we need a tractor, but I have to work with something I'm comfortable with. I'm not even comfortable driving an old Ariens garden tractor on the hills, so I'm sure with a larger tractor it will be terrifying, hahaha! I think we'll go to the Kubota dealer this weekend to talk with them about our needs and how they match up with their utvs.

 

[bigdeer2000]

I have owned 3 kubota rtv's with no issues. I used my rtv to pull a wheel disk to work some of my food plots that were a few miles away.

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks for all the feedback!

Bobcats are out of our price range at the moment, though they look like excellent machines. I know that we need a tractor, but I have to work with something I'm comfortable with. I'm not even comfortable driving an old Ariens garden tractor on the hills, so I'm sure with a larger tractor it will be terrifying, hahaha! I think we'll go to the Kubota dealer this weekend to talk with them about our needs and how they match up with their utvs.

Did you look at the Bobcat UTV?
Bobcat 3600 Hydrostatic Utility Vehicle (UTV) - Bobcat Company

You won't have to worry about a UTV rolling over on a side hill, if going slow, it will slide first.

This is my Polaris Electric powered UTV on a 27 degree slope.

 

[PapaPerk]

So you want to use the UTV to plow dirt up? With a plow and disc? If so the only option is a Kubota RTV minimum 900 size. However you really need a tractor or some type of walk behind large tiller for ground engaging tasks. How steep are the hills? Are you trying to plow them?

 

[PapaPerk]

One last question.... What's the budget ?

By the way... Welcome!!!

 

[bigdeer2000]

So you want to use the UTV to plow dirt up? With a plow and disc? If so the only option is a Kubota RTV minimum 900 size. However you really need a tractor or some type of walk behind large tiller for ground engaging tasks. How steep are the hills? Are you trying to plow them?

The rtv has done fine pulling the disk. If it gets too hard to pull just let wheels down. ( haven't had to do that yet) I also have a 95 hp tractor and it's just easier to use the rtv on some of the plots. Can load all the fertilizer,lime,seed and spreader in the back and just make 1 trip. Don't know if they are interested in cultivating with rtv, just wanted to show what it was capable of.

 

[troutsqueezer]

There are some, but not many who use a UTV for plowing or ground engagement type work. How steep is the slope? If you keep the tractor facing uphill and don't do any side traversing you'll be ok.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I live on a steep hillside and have owned several Kubota tractors in the BX, B and one L. The L was scary due to the steep hillside and traded it in short period of time.
I have a RTV1140 which has the back seat or larger dump bed with a couple of minutes of rearranging. The RTV1140 is a slow workhorse, not a fast fun sporty "thing". The Kubota RTV runs thru a driveshaft, not belts. Let off the floor throttle and the RTV stops. Top speed on my RTV is 27 MPH on paved road with slight down hill stretch. Won't trade my RTV1140 unless it's for another one. The dump bed will hold/carry 3 to 4 BX tractor loads of dirt or gravel with out the slightest strain. Kubota also has a nation, well world wide, dealer network with any necessary part needed available as well as mechanics for when they may be needed 20 or 30 years from now when it might need some type service. You can do your own fluid and filter service on the RTVs, simple and easy to reach for anyone to do.
Kubota has been building tractors and RTVs for many years and does do some construction equipment but mostly known for their dependable engines (Kubota engines are used on several other brands of machines) and tractors and work RTVs (slow and dependable, not fast).

 

[benandgeorgialee]

I appreciate all the advice!

I'll probably hire someone to come in and do the initial plowing, or even buy an old tractor and let my husband do it. For everyday purposes, I'll be using it to mow weekly, cultivate/till once per year and spread lime several times the first year, and maybe yearly after that. The slopes are probably 20 degrees in some places, maybe a tiny bit steeper.

Price range...preferably under 18k.



One more question... am I just scared of what I don't know? lol! Will a tractor do fine on the hills? There is not a spot to ascend the hills where it is less steep, so it will be going straight up and down the slopes. The garden tractor we have is very old and doesn't work so great. It slips on hills and will fly down backwards, or not be able to go over a tiny bump due to traction on damp grass and I'll get stuck on the hill, terrified because I can't go up and don't want to fly back...and these are only 13 degree slopes in our front pasture, not as steep as in the back. I looked at the Kubota B series and the price is similar to the UTV.


edited to add: One thing I need to consider is the trees will be planted fairly close - 6 feet apart, rows are 10 feet apart. There's not going to be a huge amount of room to maneuver a large tractor pulling a mower or tiller.

 

[WTC67213]

Take a look into the Intimidator UTV truck seriers

Heaviest payload and Towing capacity. 1,600 payload 2,100 towing
Granny gear of 36:1 reduction Lowest gearing in the industry
50% larger wheel bearings and spindles
larger a-arms
27'' rubber stock
Largest bench seat (more knee room and head room)
Gas and Diesel engines available

Have had farmers hook a 8' disc behind one of these and go to work as well!

Truck series


Classic with short box

 

[dusty3030]

Kubota B with the tires set wide, hydrostat transmission, fluid filled tires would be more capable.
Got to remember you'd be pulling some kind of mower on a UTV versus one attached to the 3 pt or a belly mower like on a tractor.
So on the UTV that would make backing up near impossible if you are pulling a tow type mower.

 

[benandgeorgialee]

Take a look into the Intimidator UTV truck seriers

Heaviest payload and Towing capacity. 1,600 payload 2,100 towing
Granny gear of 36:1 reduction Lowest gearing in the industry
50% larger wheel bearings and spindles
larger a-arms
27'' rubber stock
Largest bench seat (more knee room and head room)
Gas and Diesel engines available

Have had farmers hook a 8' disc behind one of these and go to work as well!

Truck series
View attachment 389726

Classic with short box
View attachment 389727

I like that I have the option of a crew cab with those, as we could fit our whole family if we wanted to go ride at Windrock. What are the differences between the Intimidator 1000cc diesel and a higher-end Kubota RTV? How is it going to handle pulling attachments up a hill? Can an after-market 3pt be attached (not sure that we will, but the option is nice). The closest dealer to us is about 200 miles away, which we'd be willing to drive if we think it's the right fit for us. Thanks

 

[newbury]

Price range...preferably under 18k.



One more question... am I just scared of what I don't know? lol! Will a tractor do fine on the hills? There is not a spot to ascend the hills where it is less steep, so it will be going straight up and down the slopes.

Maybe a B w/ dually turf tires on the rear?
Sort of like

 

[newbury]

or maybe

But my concern would be once the ground is exposed ALL the soil would wash away.

/edit - or even worse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvBeEi9Pfyo

 

[WTC67213]

I like that I have the option of a crew cab with those, as we could fit our whole family if we wanted to go ride at Windrock. What are the differences between the Intimidator 1000cc diesel and a higher-end Kubota RTV? How is it going to handle pulling attachments up a hill? Can an after-market 3pt be attached (not sure that we will, but the option is nice). The closest dealer to us is about 200 miles away, which we'd be willing to drive if we think it's the right fit for us. Thanks

The Intimidator will have a wider foot print compared to the Kubota with our 27'' rubber vs their 25'', more speed in the CVT 35mph vs kubota hydro 25mph, heavier automotive grade 4 wheel disc brake and rotors, 50% larger wheel bearings and spindles, 800lbs more towing capacity, Wider and deeper bed with option of the versabed (Aluminum flat bed) front and rear 2'' receivers.

Currently no 3pt mounts available but many different routs to hook up implements via 2'' receiver and a full 4 point frame mount.

Our granny gear of 36:1 is the lowest on the market allowing you to scale any hills with whatever you're pulling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYdabIrhuYU

 

[PapaPerk]

I like that I have the option of a crew cab with those, as we could fit our whole family if we wanted to go ride at Windrock. What are the differences between the Intimidator 1000cc diesel and a higher-end Kubota RTV? How is it going to handle pulling attachments up a hill? Can an after-market 3pt be attached (not sure that we will, but the option is nice). The closest dealer to us is about 200 miles away, which we'd be willing to drive if we think it's the right fit for us. Thanks

Stick with the Kubota 900 RTV or larger for pulling hard. It basically has a tractor hydro transmission. Plus the braking action of the hydro trans would work extremely well on your hilly terrain. Trust me.

So you would use a gasoline powered tow behind Bushhog? Certainly a valid way to mow. A bit unconventional but will work. In Eastern KY a lot of folks use 4wheelers with tow behind gas powered rough cut mowers for mowing those steep grassy hills! 4wd UTV and ATV climb hills like goats and are fairly stable.