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.