All purpose UTV for farm use?

[jimgerken]

really, you must drive a Polaris 800/900 Ranger and a JD 825i before you buy. The Polaris is the one to beat basically. I mean, if you find one you like better than the Polaris, buy it. I evaluated many, came down to those two, and chose the JD. Your tastes may vary. My decision was swayed by center of gravity, ease of getting in and out of the craft for work reasons, overall quality of JD over Polaris (and I have owned a LOT of Polaris and JD products and still own some of each!). On the downside, Polaris has many more great accesories to customize the unit for your purposes. JD has some too, but not the wide selection of stuff Polaris has.
If you plan on using it in cold weather, get a GLASS full windshield with opening lower section to allow air flow-thru to reduce dust, right away. If you first buy a lexan windshield, you will have to go back and get a new one after the lexan is too scratched to see thru anymore. GLASS. And, a canvas top seems to be enough of a roof, costs $75 instead of $500. If you ever want to, you could whip up some simple doors and cover them with 3M window film, for cold winter use.
I opted for the hydraulic dump box, reluctantly at time of purchase. Now very glad I did so.
IF you think you will put it on tracks at some point, you will want power steering. It can be added later if you wish, but would be a hassle I think. I went thru a few winters with an ATV on tracks without power steering, and my elbows would be sore for days after driving the trails 8-10 miles to pull a groomer. So I got PS on the UTV. For use with tires only, PS is not needed, but maybe appreciated.

 

[houstonscott]

I have an RTV 1100, great machine. I looked for a few years bought one for the son and one for me. Overkill on 18 acres but the heat in cab this last week has been great, dealing with live stock issues in cold, wet and ice. Order of how I placed them; RTV1100, RTV 900, diesel Mule, diesel gator, diesel New Holland, diesel Kioti. HS

 

[Xfaxman]

Anyone familiar with Bennche?
If what you see is what you get at the price they have posted.. I don't need to say anymore.

From their website, the Bighorn 500:
"Upgraded accessories included - what a deal! Our middle-of-the-line/mid-level EFI Bighorn 500 not only features a four-stroke, single cylinder, 471cc 22.8HP engine with an automatic L-H-N-R-P transmission, but comes standard with a top cover, aluminum wheels, full-size windshield, cup holder, and winch. Perfect for lightweight work or play, the Bighorn 500 also meets safety requirements for a low-speed vehicle. Just get a license plate and you can ride on your neighborhood streets! Whether you use the Bighorn 500 for work or play, you'll find its power, flexibility and upgraded accessories make it the best value on the market!"

And from what I can see, comes with a receiver hitch!

Dry Weight: 1146 lbs
Bed Capacity: 400 lbs (35.5" x 44")
Towing Capacity: 1200 lbs

MSRP $8,299 / $9,149 EPS and as pictured in attachment.
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Closest dealer is about 25 miles from the new house. I'm gonna swing by tomorrow. If they're as nice as they look in pictures.. And ride as well as I hope they do.. My decision is made.. And I'll let y'all how goes it. Sub 10k for all of that is insane. I hope the quality is good.
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Last edit, I promise. I've found some reviews on both products. It seems like they get pretty high marks in performance/reliability and about average everywhere else. That's good enough for me! Off to the dealership tomorrow to take some toys for a test drive!

This is from their Website:

Production

Assembled in Texas U.S.A.

What it does't say is "with parts from China".

I still prefer my Polaris Ranger EV, It has more power, higher tow rating, higher bed capacity and much quieter.

The best thing about my EV is, no matter how cold it is, you get in, turn the key, push R and back out of the shop.

No waiting for glow plugs or waiting while the engine warms up (if it started).

It comes with a receiver hitch and I added one to the front.



More info here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/287792-electric-polaris-ranger.html

 

[aczlan]

This is from their Website:

Production

Assembled in Texas U.S.A.

What it does't say is "with parts from China".

Be prepared to wait a long time for parts and make sure you go through it from one end to the other checking for loos connectors, clamps, bolts, etc BEFORE you really use it.

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4145896/Bennche_UTV_s
Bennche ATVs..What you know about them? @ TigerDroppings.com
bennche bighorn 700 crew

Aaron Z

 

[farm23]

I use the front loader on my tractor and sometimes a trailer and it saved me a lot of money. If I was to get a UTV it would be a used RTV900.

 

[houstonscott]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

 

[dusty3030]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

I really looked at a Toolcat and now Polaris has the Brutus - but they are kind of a jack of all trades / master of none.

From using both small tractors and UTV's almost daily from a man whose "play time" is short, no way in heck would I want to have to take the loader off or the mower off the UTV if I get a wild hair to load it up and go hunting etc.

 

[dusty3030]

Also my wife uses the UTV's more than I do - in my situation she would NOT like it if I left some attachment on she has to fool with just to go get the mail.

 

[Xfaxman]

Kubota should consider an RTV with a three point rear hitch, PTO, small FEL. It would be a small property dream, one tool to replace both a UTV and Small CUT. HS

Bobcat makes the Toolcat, cab with heat and air, two seats, all wheel steer, 4WD, independent suspension, three point lift, rear receiver hitch, PTO, FEL with hydraulic SSQA, (drop the bucket, latch on the forks from the seat), 4,000 pound tow rating.



Box blade, either end.


4' long brush forks.


7' wide brush hog.


Parking the trailer.


More here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/toolcat/270965-toolcat-5610-series-f-pictures.html

 

[RoyJackson]

Bobcat makes the Toolcat, cab with heat and air, two seats, all wheel steer, 4WD, independent suspension, three point lift, rear receiver hitch, PTO, FEL with hydraulic SSQA, (drop the bucket, latch on the forks from the seat), 4,000 pound tow rating.

Polaris makes a similar UTV...but like the Toolcat, it's well above the price a homeowner (unless he's Donald Trump) can afford.
Polaris Commercial Vehicles: BRUTUS, RANGER UTVs, ATVs, GEM