Best Workhorse UTV?

benandgeorgialee · Sep 8, 2014

Hey guys! I'm new here and have been reading up on the best UTV's for what we need, but I also thought I'd ask for advice. We have about 5-6 acres we'll be turning into an orchard - first year maintenance will be plowing 2-3x, spreading lime 2-3x and mowing as much as needed (possibly weekly, depending on rain). After the first year, it will be plowingor tilling once in the spring and mowing as often as needed. Ideally, we really need a tractor, but part of the acreage is sloped and I am uncomfortable operating a tractor on it (I'm trying to set this up so I can do it on my own, without my husband's help). I'll be hauling bags of lime, fertilizer, etc.

What UTV will be the best for my needs? Obviously, pulling and hill safety are my top concerns. Good brakes as well, since I don't want to be running over any trees

Thanks for the help!

628pm · Sep 8, 2014

I've had 2 UTV (RTV Kubota Model), one was a 2009 4010 Kawasaki and the other is my current one a 2014 Kubota X900. The Kubota is a much better machine in quality and build. I don't want to slam the Kawasaki because it was good when I had it but the Kubota in my opinion is a stronger machine. You can get hydraulics for the front and rear of the Kubota to do some of the work you are talking about. I don't know if they have a hydraulic powered mower for the Kubota.

If I was buying again and needed hydraulics I would end up with the 1100 series for the hydraulic capability. I really don't need that part since I have a Kubota b2620 also so I am good right now.

jeff9366 · Sep 8, 2014

Approach "Workhorse" Utility Vehicles by considering the transmission first.

Kubota RTVs have Hydrostatic (HST) transmissions, essentially the same dual-range HST transmission used on the BX series of Kubota tractors.

The advantages of HST are many, but for hill use max torque (starting power) at zero MPH is one, self-braking when accelerator is released is two and ease of use is three. (Just two pedals; accelerator and brake.)

Kubota RTV500 = $10,000

Consider an all terrain, dumping trailer too.

Photos: Kubota gas RTV500

LINKS:

MUTS - Multi-Use Trailer System for your ATV, Quad and 4 Wheeler - Welcome

Search Results RTV500 - TractorByNet.com

DIXIEDOG · Sep 8, 2014

For a flat out work machine the Bobcat is the one to get....it makes the Kubota look like a featherweight. For a work/sport machine I like the Gators and Rangers....the Kubotas don't have enough power or suspension for sport...they lack real 4wd (only 3 wd). In my opinion if you're going to have the ride of the tractor you might as well be using one. $.02

For the ultimate work machine the Bobcat 3650 is where it's at....that's the machine the stone guys use
Bobcat 3650 Hydrostatic Utility Vehicle (UTV) - Bobcat Company

benandgeorgialee · Sep 8, 2014

Thanks for all the feedback!

Bobcats are out of our price range at the moment, though they look like excellent machines. I know that we need a tractor, but I have to work with something I'm comfortable with. I'm not even comfortable driving an old Ariens garden tractor on the hills, so I'm sure with a larger tractor it will be terrifying, hahaha! I think we'll go to the Kubota dealer this weekend to talk with them about our needs and how they match up with their utvs.

bigdeer2000 · Sep 8, 2014

I have owned 3 kubota rtv's with no issues. I used my rtv to pull a wheel disk to work some of my food plots that were a few miles away.

Xfaxman · Sep 8, 2014

benandgeorgialee said:
Thanks for all the feedback!

Bobcats are out of our price range at the moment, though they look like excellent machines. I know that we need a tractor, but I have to work with something I'm comfortable with. I'm not even comfortable driving an old Ariens garden tractor on the hills, so I'm sure with a larger tractor it will be terrifying, hahaha! I think we'll go to the Kubota dealer this weekend to talk with them about our needs and how they match up with their utvs.

Did you look at the Bobcat UTV?

Bobcat 3600 Hydrostatic Utility Vehicle (UTV) - Bobcat Company

You won't have to worry about a UTV rolling over on a side hill, if going slow, it will slide first.

This is my Polaris Electric powered UTV on a 27 degree slope.

PapaPerk · Sep 8, 2014

So you want to use the UTV to plow dirt up? With a plow and disc? If so the only option is a Kubota RTV minimum 900 size. However you really need a tractor or some type of walk behind large tiller for ground engaging tasks. How steep are the hills? Are you trying to plow them?

PapaPerk · Sep 8, 2014

One last question.... What's the budget ?

By the way... Welcome!!!

bigdeer2000 · Sep 8, 2014

PapaPerk said:
So you want to use the UTV to plow dirt up? With a plow and disc? If so the only option is a Kubota RTV minimum 900 size. However you really need a tractor or some type of walk behind large tiller for ground engaging tasks. How steep are the hills? Are you trying to plow them?

The rtv has done fine pulling the disk. If it gets too hard to pull just let wheels down. ( haven't had to do that yet) I also have a 95 hp tractor and it's just easier to use the rtv on some of the plots. Can load all the fertilizer,lime,seed and spreader in the back and just make 1 trip. Don't know if they are interested in cultivating with rtv, just wanted to show what it was capable of.