Ability to climb and descend steep grades.

[4570Man]

Reliable and dependable with ease of service would top my list... Anyone change the CV belt on one of these? Looking online it seems a gates belt is about $55 My other CV question is how much engine braking is there if any or is going slow downhill mean riding the brakes?

I have never changed the belt. I have over 500 hours on it and have only changed the oil and battery. There aren't any electronics on the mule so I guess that means it isn't very hard to service. The mule undercarriage is pretty well protected, but that makes it hard to work on. The mule has a little engine braking, but nothing like a Kubota RTV. The RTV on the other hand has fantastic engine braking. The RTV has a 3 range transmission. The engine braking is more effective in low range, and is probably equal to a HST tractor.

 

[dfkrug]

Anyone change the CV belt on one of these?

Looking online it seems a gates belt is about $55

My other CV question is how much engine braking is there if any or is going slow downhill mean riding the brakes?

I have done a few CVT belts, the last one on a Yamaha Kodiak 400, which had a mouse nest in there. It's
engine-braking worked great.

The only CVT auto I have driven that did not have some form of engine-braking was a smaller sporty one
(Polaris). Note that even the "cheap" Kubota RTV uses CVT, while all the other RTVs are HST.

CVT is proven technology, and the belts usually last a long time, unless you are abusing the machine
by not being in LOW range when appropriate. They can also suck in water, since they have to breathe.

 

[ultrarunner]

No water hazards in the foreseeable future...

I'm going to wait and see if anything comes of the Ranger 400 advertisement I responded.

 

[Zerk]

Probably the most capable... I think it would be too big to fit in the back of the pickup.

Good suggestion!

My Teryx fits in 8' bed. One reason I chose it. Rinos might. Rzr do, but box is to small IMO.

 

[ultrarunner]

Thinking if I were to take it to Washington from California... it would be a lot easier in the back of the pickup than towing a trailer up and back...

 

[bcp]

Thinking if I were to take it to Washington from California...

That might be a good idea. It probably causes cancer in California.



Bruce

 

[dfkrug]

It probably causes cancer in California.

No "probably" about it, Bruce. Anything that uses diesel fuel has to have a cancer
warning label on it in CA. Or is it any fuel, I don't recall. :stirthepot:

 

[ultrarunner]

Update... the Ranger 400 that I wanted to see ended up being sold... from what I read it would have been ideal and the price point reasonable... spent it's life tending a ball park in Pleasanton...

So back to square one on that.

Read a lot more about the Kubota 500 and 900... seems many love them and some have had problems... even to the point of trading.

I want bullet proof dependability outside of something I damage though accident of abuse.

DF... what do you really think for the Mule 610XC outside of costing 9k out the door?

Just for kicks I was back looking for another Samurai today... found several under 4k with one in Boulder for $3200.

 

[dfkrug]

DF... what do you really think for the Mule 610XC outside of costing 9k out the door?

Just for kicks I was back looking for another Samurai today... found several under 4k with one in Boulder for $3200.

400cc, air-cooled with rear diff. I am sure the Mule 610 is a sweet smaller UTV machine. 52" wide,
weighs nearly 1100#. It is prob 2 or 3 inches narrower than a Sami. Kaw makes good stuff, Curt.

I just checked and there is a 1990 Geo Tracker (Sami) 4x4 for sale in Soquel now, listed for $999, no
smog. Windows are included.

 

[Zerk]

Reminds I got to bring my Kaw in, engine is leaking oil. Only thing I bought extended warranty on.