Old dad

[Scottstc]

My dad is 85 and having more trouble walking, he has a atv he uses around his ten acres. I’m thinking about buying him a utv that is easy to get in and out of no need for it to be fast just a little more capable off road than a golf cart. Funds are limited looking to spend around k the most important thing is ease of use and reliability. Thanks for any insight.

 

[tassmannn]

My dad is 85 and having more trouble walking, he has a atv he uses around his ten acres. I’m thinking about buying him a utv that is easy to get in and out of no need for it to be fast just a little more capable off road than a golf cart. Funds are limited looking to spend around k the most important thing is ease of use and reliability. Thanks for any insight.

@Scottstc, we have a Kubota RTVX 1100 that is very easy to get into, and maybe you could find an older one that fits your price range. We used to have a Polaris Ranger, which was also easy to get in and out of, but there are a lot of choices out there. Those two brands are pretty reliable. Our Kubota is not fast but strong and is a diesel, which is what we wanted on the farm.

 

[paulsharvey]

We have a Honda 700; and i would say, without power steering, it takes some effort to steer sharp, at low speeds. I think the budget rules out anything new; but maybe a used Polaris 500, or similar.

 

[tassmannn]

We have a Honda 700; and i would say, without power steering, it takes some effort to steer sharp, at low speeds. I think the budget rules out anything new; but maybe a used Polaris 500, or similar.

Yeah, the $5000.00 budget limits choices for sure.

 

[rontaki]

Electric quadricycle - there are quire a few models out there, one with suspension might fit the bill.
These are like 4-wheeled bicycles, not an ATV. Some
are even sold as electric all-terrain wheelchairs. (Utah Trikes)

 

[anomad]

Golf carts can get around pretty good. I would try and weigh mobility and ease of use against all terrain capability and think about a balance there. Keeping Dad active and patrolling the property maybe doing some chores is important. Been there with a few of my elders. Getting on/off or in/out of vehicles got hard for my Dad in his later years. I think he would have been more active if he had something easy to get on/off of. Rather than just parking his butt and driving around.

 

[Scottstc]

Golf carts can get around pretty good. I would try and weigh mobility and ease of use against all terrain capability and think about a balance there. Keeping Dad active and patrolling the property maybe doing some chores is important. Been there with a few of my elders. Getting on/off or in/out of vehicles got hard for my Dad in his later years. I think he would have been more active if he had something easy to get on/off of. Rather than just parking his butt and driving around.

I think a golf cart might be ok except he does have one low area that I’m afraid he would end up getting stuck in. He has always had a large garden and finds trees that need attention in the woods. I think you’re right I just want him to keep going as long as possible, once you give in and sit on the couch it’s all over.

 

[scootr]

Another vote for a modified golf cart. I put floatation type knobby tires on mine. Big single lithium battery relieves 300#s of dead weight and adds power. These are our ranch rides.

 

[paulsharvey]

How about a Polaris Ace? It's kinda a hybrid between ATV and UTV. They are fairly affordable, compared to a SxS. It's easier to get into for someone who has limited mobility.

 

[Eagle1]

How about a Polaris Ace? It's kinda a hybrid between ATV and UTV. They are fairly affordable, compared to a SxS. It's easier to get into for someone who has limited mobility.

Discontinued.... but like a Razor harder to climb in than on an ATV in my opinion. Then you have get your legs out or fall out.

 

[tassmannn]

Discontinued.... but like a Razor harder to climb in than on an ATV in my opinion. Then you have get your legs out or fall out.

Ha Ha too funny!

 

[rontaki]

Ha Ha too funny!

Maybe that's why they're low to the ground...

 

[dj1701]

Kawasaki SX is around $8,700 new, so a used one could be just the ticket. I have the next size up the Pro-MX and it's been good. This model I don't think has power steering.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/side-x-side/mule/2-passenger/mule-sx

 

[paulsharvey]

Kawasaki SX is around $8,700 new, so a used one could be just the ticket. I have the next size up the Pro-MX and it's been good. This model I don't think has power steering.

https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/side-x-side/mule/2-passenger/mule-sx

Many/most UTVs can be retro fitted with electric power steering.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I think a golf cart might be ok except he does have one low area that I’m afraid he would end up getting stuck in. He has always had a large garden and finds trees that need attention in the woods. I think you’re right I just want him to keep going as long as possible, once you give in and sit on the couch it’s all over.

As mentioned, a golf cart with knobby tires could well fit the need, and for a much lower price. Or electric golf cart, our second, is used every day many times per day. We have low soft spots, thick wooded areas, as well as many open areas. It's used to haul feed, tow small trailers, truck the garbage cans to the road, and just about every utility one could need a small cheap hauler for. I keep a chain saw and some tools in the bed of ours ...just in case I see something that needs to be cut or fixed.
Golf carts are nice and quiet which is especially nice for cruising in the woods and/or on remote trails. Simple to operate with no starting problems - just step in and go. When you get wherever your going, simply stop, and get off; no stepping up high nor throwing your leg over a saddle - a nice feature for us older folks.
We bought our first one, 9 years used, for $750. The second one 5 years later, 3 years used, for $2K. Total repairs cost on the second newer one has been ~$2K for a new set of batteries and a tie-rod replacement. On fuel requirements are a little electric power to charge it up every few days.

 

[scootr]

My wife's Aunt has a big horse ranch not far from us. They started using golf carts for ranch chores and repairs in the 1970s. I got my first cart free from them when the repair guy said it wasn't worth fixing. We have used GCs on our ranch for 25 yrs. Lithium has been a game changer. Lighter, zero maintenance, longer lasting, and 30% less cart weight. (improved power to weight ratio )

 

[Jeff Jones]

My dad is 85 and having more trouble walking, he has a atv he uses around his ten acres. I’m thinking about buying him a utv that is easy to get in and out of no need for it to be fast just a little more capable off road than a golf cart. Funds are limited looking to spend around k the most important thing is ease of use and reliability. Thanks for any insight.

Try American Landmaster, nice machine or the price. My 87 year old mother uses one every day. See a video here

 

[skid mark]

Yes, for ease of maintenance and use, it's hard to beat a golf cart.

A friend of mine gave me a 1971 Melex in exchange for some work I did for him.

I run three 12V lead acid batteries in it, and it works great for my needs.

 

[ruffdog]

My dad used a golf car for years and used it well beyond normal golf car duties.

 

[kneedeep]

I am a ‘old dad’ with mobility issues. There’s a Mule and an old BadBoy buggy on this place and the BadBoy gets used daily to save my legs.
The Mule is treated like a service truck now, hauling tools, sprayer, etc.
If only one was available, the BadBoy wins.
TSC has off road carts cheap with fair reviews for what they are.
Hope you find dad a good ride!