Ability to climb and descend steep grades.

[ultrarunner]

I won't be out that way for maybe a week... maybe I can use a smart phone app to approximate...

Looking at the above profile my guess is I overestimated...

Too bad the local Kubota Dealer doesn't allow test drives... I actually like the size of the 500 because it is more compact.

 

[ultrarunner]

The nickname for the 350c dozer is mountain goat...

It is way more stable than the D3 is used for 17 years... lower center of gravity is my guess.

 

[DT86]

As someone who has steep slopes and a Kubota RTV 900 (1,300-ish hours) this is what I know.

If I were looking to do 45 degree slopes I'd want a 6x6 Polaris Ranger.

The Kubota RTV is a great machine but I do not think they are your best choice.

The 900 is slower, heavier and more tractor like than most if not all other UTV's. I have stalled mine out in low range one time on a old logging road, it was extremely steep and it just bogged down until it refused to continue forward. It was several years ago but I remember it being less than 45 degrees. They have stiff suspension, the new models are somewhat better but not what I would want for a trail riding machine. It is very easy to loose ground contact with one or two wheels in rough terrain.

 

[ultrarunner]

Any thoughts on the RTV X900

 

[DT86]

I've driven one a few times but only on the dealers lot. The suspension is better but I'm not convinced it's the best for getting traction to the ground.

I'm saying this as someone who is absolutely satisfied with RTV for what I use it for. I just believe that better options exist for your needs.

 

[ultrarunner]

Looking at the dimensions... looks nearly as big as the Samurai.

They show a 72" plow option for the 900.

 

[roadhunter]

For hills that steep you need a skidder LOL.

 

[Ken45101]

Many, many, many folks have been injured on ATVs. There is a definite technique to riding one on steep terrain. If you have no experience you will probably tip it over backwards during the learning curve. An experienced rider can go places you cannot imagine. And as an unexperienced observer you will never fully grasp how it's done. Only seat time will give you that knowledge. It's a hard learn.

Sorry, experience is not the dividing line. Good sense is. I have a friend with years of experience. He has rolled his 4 wheeler several times. A few years back, we were checking a horse trail that had been rerouted. I parked my 4 wheeler. He had gone ahead and wondered where I was. When he came back up the hill, he understood the wisdom of my refusal, he almost rolled his.

UTVs (RTV, Gator, Rhino, Ranger, etc) are much more stable than an ATV. Tip over backwards incidents are much less likely. Side slope roll overs are also less likely. Injury is only less likely if seat belts are used.

The comparison of UTVs and ATVs is minimal. They simply are not the same thing.

A 4x4 ATV will weigh around 600lbs. A 4x4 UTV will weigh around 1300lbs. The Kubota RTV is near the heaviest at 2000lbs.

I have the Kubota RTV900. It has a almost 4'x4' dump bed and a capacity of 1400# IIRC. I feel it is more stable than the 4 wheelers but doesn't have the traction that my Yamaha Kodiak (400cc) 4 wheeler. BUT if stability and safety are the issue, then the RTV900 with seatbelts and roll cage are the definite choice.

 

[ultrarunner]

Safety is very important... the kids have chores to do and tending the livestock is part of it and checking the fence right of way.

A dirt bike would work but not for hauling posts and feed.

I really need to get out there and do a phone slope measurement...

 

[ovrszd]

Let me add one more thing.

I am in no way pimping a certain brand or type. I'm only passing on my experiences. I have no experience with a Gator for example. Not saying any one is better than any other. Just offering advice.

 

[ovrszd]

Sorry, experience is not the dividing line. Good sense is. I have a friend with years of experience. He has rolled his 4 wheeler several times. A few years back, we were checking a horse trail that had been rerouted. I parked my 4 wheeler. He had gone ahead and wondered where I was. When he came back up the hill, he understood the wisdom of my refusal, he almost rolled his.



I have the Kubota RTV900. It has a almost 4'x4' dump bed and a capacity of 1400# IIRC. I feel it is more stable than the 4 wheelers but doesn't have the traction that my Yamaha Kodiak (400cc) 4 wheeler. BUT if stability and safety are the issue, then the RTV900 with seatbelts and roll cage are the definite choice.

Experience is only valuable if commons sense is applied.

If your RTV900 has the factory tires you certainly are lacking in traction. Those tires would be great on a Golf Course but have no place on slick/steep terrain. I use 27" ITP Blackwater Evolution tires.

My Rhino is much more stable and safer than my RTV. Also much more capable offroad.

If you want a workhorse, then the RTV is the best choice.

 

[bcp]

I've used this for several years and really like it.

Theodolite iPhone App: Augmented Reality Compass, GPS, Map, Zoom Camera, Rangefinder, Inclinometer

Bruce

 

[dfkrug]

I really need to get out there and do a phone slope measurement...

Just bring a 2-foot level and a measuring tape.

You did not see my steeper slope trails when you were last here, but I am surrounded by
100% inclines that can not be driven up in anything, wheeled or tracked. I did have
a Case 850 and a Case 350 crawler make it up to my septic leach field by dozing
a 40% transverse cut back in the 90s.

I can make it up a 40% grade in my 4x4 ATV with FT 4x4 and new tires, but it is
dodgy, esp when descending.

As others have said, a UTV or 4x4 road vehicle will be less likely to wheelie on you,
but the extra width could be a problem if your trails are not wide enough.

My Samurai is amazing, even with only M&S tires on it. You could put mudders on yours
and do as well or better than any UTV, IMO. As you said, some UTVs are about
as wide as the Sami.

Steepest slopes I have ever gotten up or down successfully was in the Sierras, in
my old 1980 Toyota 4x4 truck. I had Mud-Terrain tires and was ascending one of those
granite domes you see in the mountains E of Fresno. Traction was ideal on the
granite, and it was about a 50% grade.

If you do get a UTV, make sure it has a rear differential. They do not all have them.
The turning circle will be better, and it will not tear up the ground as much. You can
lock the diff for best traction.

 

[ultrarunner]

I could be way off with my seat of the pants guessing...

It is the easiest path up and is right along the back fence line... everything else is steeper...

It was about year I was at your slice of heaven on earth... sure do like the redwoods.

My brother said if it was wet a horse with rider would have problems coming down.

The Samurai has lower profile highway tires... I did get it stuck once on loose gravel on a side hill... not bad because I stopped... came back with the Kubota and a length of chain and out... I was gong too slow over the patch...

 

[ovrszd]

If you do get a UTV, make sure it has a rear differential. They do not all have them.
The turning circle will be better, and it will not tear up the ground as much. You can
lock the diff for best traction.

More importantly is a front diff lock. That's the biggest offroad downfall to the RTV, they do not offer a locking front diff. So you never truly have 4wd. Best you can get is 3wd.

 

[rmk700]

100% inclines that can not be driven up in anything, wheeled or tracked.

A few can actually climb vertical.

https://youtu.be/U7bQKb7OplE


Edit: My Honda Pioneer 1000 crawls up steep hills very well. You can lock all 4 in on it.

https://youtu.be/aduq6FOZGbY

 

[4570Man]

Isn't 100 percent grade only 45 degrees? 45 degrees can be climbed with the right equipment. Going down is more interesting.

 

[nybirdman]

You should try a Yamaha Viking or a used Rhino(replaced by the Viking),4WD,independent suspension ,engine braking,differential lock(all four wheels) and lots of ground clearance.Decent payload,600lbs/1500 towing on the Viking.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I used to have an eight wheel drive ARGO. That would climb a 45 slope, no problem. Also amphibious and had tracks for deep snow. A lot of fun!

 

[Oldpath05]

More importantly is a front diff lock. That's the biggest offroad downfall to the RTV, they do not offer a locking front diff. So you never truly have 4wd. Best you can get is 3wd.

Amen to that, I wanted to buy the Kubota RTV because I like the utility of it and rear diff. lock, but when I saw it had limited slip front diff. with no lock option, forget it. If buy 4 wheels, I want all 4 wheel traction, so I went the Rhino because a lot of people said they have the best belt drive and most important to me is that the Rhino isn't ten ft. wide, fits through my cellar door.

Now Yamaha doesn't make that anymore, so to fit through my cellar door, I'd have to buy a Chinese version Rhino and cross my fingers, carry a rabbits foot, four leave clover, ware a cross and say three hail Marry's.