Ability to climb and descend steep grades.

[4570Man]

I would go up or down that as long as it is dry in my 2wd drive Kawasaki mule. I have 4 wheel brakes though, and 4wd doesn't help much going up a hill. Especially since my mule is rear engine and pretty front end light to start with.

 

[ultrarunner]

So it would seem just about any of the RTV with 4 wheel brakes would be OK?

 

[ovrszd]

So it would seem just about any of the RTV with 4 wheel brakes would be OK?

Yes. They all have value. Choose the one that best fits your personality.

When I start my RTV I have work in mind. When I start my Rhino I have fun in mind.

 

[s219]

29 degrees isn't any slouch of a hill -- I sure know that when I have been on equivalent roof pitches (7/12) or ski slopes, it's enough to make me adjust my foothold and stance quite a bit, and not fool around. I would want to test any UTV/RTV before committing to the purchase.

If you shop for a Kubota RTV, this would suggest skipping right to the higher HP models (RTV-X 1120 or 1100). The Kubota HST will be a help in terms of engine braking coming back downhill, as you may not want to be riding wheel brakes heavily.

The Honda Pioneer has a real transmission (geared or auto) and can transmit engine braking through the wheels too. Not sure about the other brands, but generally the ones with a belt and/or CVT cannot apply engine braking, so you'd be relying on wheel brakes alone. Not something I'd want on long downhills.

If you are used to HST on a tractor, the Kubota will feel natural and confident on hills. But I still would want to test it on a similar slope to say for sure. I have done steep slopes in my RTV-X1120D, but only short ones, as part of a rolling trail. It handles that fine, but that is not the same as a long continuous slope.

 

[nybirdman]

The Yamaha's have true four wheel engine braking and do "not"free wheel like most of the others.Most people when the think of "belt driven"CTV's they are familiar with Polaris;Yamaha has a totally different"patented" system.

 

[DK35vince]

My Kawasaki ATV has KEBC (Kawasaki engine brake control). An electric servo spins out against the clutch at lower speed to keep the CVT engaged.
It has very good engine braking (no freewheel).
I know the Teryx side by side uses the same system, and probably others.

 

[ultrarunner]

So much to learn... appreciate the brain trust willing to share.

Never tried taking the L3800 as the trail didn't exist and then we have had some much needed rain... just enough to make it slick with fresh bladed dirt.

The back side after cresting the ridge is much steeper so no plans to continue along the back fence line.

Mentioned the Honda 1000 to my sister-in-law and right away she was interested... she is a Honda person since day one...

 

[Zerk]

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.

A little dramatic here.



I have 4 wheeler and side by side. I prefer the side by side cause I can carry stuff. Also the rollbar can bust through brush. You can go alot of places with them, if you are willing to trash the plastic. Squeezing through trees and knockign stuff over. They are more money though.

45 degrees is steep, but not awful.


Whatever you get, get a winch, these things are heavy, and you are not pushing them out. But realize you need a tree to hook on to.


If you have property, you should have 4 wheeler or SXS, it is a quick way to get around, and haul stuff.

 

[Zerk]

Id 4wd doesn't help much going up a hill.

h.

I can't disagree more. IMO this is awful advice. Sometimes need to lock the diferental even.

I would not buy a maching without 4 wd, unless you plan on just driving it around the field and roads. Granted you can do alot with 2wd.

 

[ultrarunner]

Have a couple of friends that I invited to come out once the mud goes away...

Nothing like doing a demo at the property.

Not really sure which way to go... keep checking the ads to see what might be available used.

It has to work and should be something the kids can use... the oldest can do a lot of work with the L3800 and is careful...

The Honda Pioneer 1000 looks very interesting... just shy of the dual cone transmission and it is the first year roll out.