Buying a side by side

[Branchchipper]

Forget brands for a moment:

For heavier work in hilly terrain, I would stay away from any machine with a CVT/belt drive system. That unfortunately eliminates even the newest Gators and Mules, along with many others.

With a CVT, the machine will free-wheel down hills, leaving you 100% dependent on your brakes. With a full load of firewood, that is not a good situation (been there many times).

You've got to use a two-footed, throttle-plus-brake technique to compensate, which is not rocket science, but kind of cheesy!

Here in the muddy foothills, we use a Gator 6x4 diesel for hauling- its been a very faithful and rugged rig, but, because of the freewheel issue, if we were to replace it, we'd get a Kubota RTV 900 (or 1100- the cab sounds nice). The RTV hydraulic drive train design is fantastic.

For lighter loads and going places, with true all-terrain capability, (as well as excellent downhill control!) we vote Rhino. Unbeatable machine.

 

[dougrout]

I have a Kubota tractor which I think is the greatest. But for some reason their UTV just don't seem to meet their reputation. I currently have a Cub EFI tracker with nearly 300 hours on it. It has done everything I have needed and could have done more. Although I have been happy with it, I am thinking about upgrading in the spring. I really like the JD gator diesel if I can somehow wrangle a deal from one of the two local snooty dealers. I don't look forward to visiting either dealership. After reading this thread I will probably look at the Bobcat and maybe the Ranger. Ireally think the Deere is hard to beat if you are lucky enough to have a reasonable dealer in your area.

My Dad had a Kubota tractor that I thought was a great machine but I've read some threads on TBN that scared me away from the RTV especially as regards the installation of tracks for winter use. Does anyone know if those issues have been resolved?

I have an excellent relationship with my local JD dealer so that disposes me to go with him if the machine is up to it. I've arranges for a demo on my property on a 625i Gator as soon as he gets one in.

 

[dougrout]

Forget brands for a moment:

For heavier work in hilly terrain, I would stay away from any machine with a CVT/belt drive system. That unfortunately eliminates even the newest Gators and Mules, along with many others.

With a CVT, the machine will free-wheel down hills, leaving you 100% dependent on your brakes. With a full load of firewood, that is not a good situation (been there many times).

You've got to use a two-footed, throttle-plus-brake technique to compensate, which is not rocket science, but kind of cheesy!

Here in the muddy foothills, we use a Gator 6x4 diesel for hauling- its been a very faithful and rugged rig, but, because of the freewheel issue, if we were to replace it, we'd get a Kubota RTV 900 (or 1100- the cab sounds nice). The RTV hydraulic drive train design is fantastic.

For lighter loads and going places, with true all-terrain capability, (as well as excellent downhill control!) we vote Rhino. Unbeatable machine.

I had read about this problem in another thread but didn't understand the consequences as clearly as in your illustration. Sounds a bit scary to say the least. Someone else mentioned that they had problems with their Gator 850D in water but they thought that the enclosed drive belt on the 855D might have resolved the issue - any comments from 855D owners?

The freewheeling issue might not be such a problem for me as most of my heavy loads would be going uphill.

 

[Dmace]

The patent system on the Yamaha keeps constant tension on the drive belt so no free wheelin on a Rhino.

 

[brewdog]

I have a mule today and it been pretty good. When I replace it, it will with a Kubota RTV model.

 

[sunnyside360]

I test drove most utvs including Polaris Ranger 800. JD 825i, Kawi Teryx, Yamaha Rhino 700, Honda Big Red, and Kubota RTV 1100 cab. I wound up getting the Polaris Ranger 800 XP/EPS for what I use it for. But given what you want to do with the machine with a cab I'd go with the Kubota RTV 1100 cab. Built like a tank, diesel, no belts, heat in winter and A/C in summer plus lots of accessories available.

Test drive all that you can and then decide.

 

[Branchchipper]

Dougrout;
I initiated a post last year(?) inquiring about tracks on RTVs;

Someone said that they didn't like tracks on the RTV1100 because the machine is too heavy- it didn't have the necessary power to perform in deep snow and hills.

But others said tracks were fine on both the 900 and 1100. Since then, I have seen pics of both types on tracks being used successfully at cross-country ski areas and other mountain snow venues here in the northwest.

I suspect that, if you were using it for "work" (not snowmobile-style recreation), you'd be fine.

I believe that both Mattracks (Litefoot) and Tatou make track kits for the RTVs, and there are probably others.

I hope to have such a setup some day.

 

[jimrs]

I have a 2008 Yamaha Rhino 700 and the thing is a tank. My son has a 2006 and neither of us have had any trouble with them.

 

[2fast2]

Let me add a comment about the freewheeling CVT, at least as far as the Gator is concerned. What I've found is that as long as you have the slightest amount of "gas pedal" pressure, the belt stays engaged and engine compression slows you down just as you would like. If you were doing heavy work you would be in low range and that seems even easier to do (stay engaged) than while in high range where you can feel freewheeling when coasting and going down hill.
It is a little strange to think you're applying a LITTLE throttle to go down hill but it takes very little and in doing so, you actually have engine compression -- which diesels have better than gas engines -- slowing you down.
As for hauling up hill, the Gator would be fine for you. Low range, flip on front drive axle switch, lock rear differential for true 4 wheel drive, and you will be able to haul all the firewood you can carry up any reasonable hill without any strain. There again, starting out is a little weird, like an automatic transmission, it will roll backward until you give a little throttle so the CVT engages and you move forward. This is easily solved by left-footing the brake until the clutch engages.
Good luck searching.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

This forum has obviously evolved to a mostly Kabota group but that proves they are highly popular and capable. The rest of us who own something else tend to hold back the posts until we get the change to chime in about our favorite brand (usually the one we own!) At first, that would seem like a brand loyal peeing match but actually I think it indicates that most people do their research and are happy with their purchases. I see VERY LITTLE BUYER'S REMORSE regarding UTV purchases.
There are some here who have personal experience owning various brands and their objective opinions and observations carry weight with me. The rest of us can only chime in with our personal stories of how our machine does what we want and we're happy.
Truth is, very few of us actually work our machines to their limit. I have a JD 850d that has been loaded with cut oak logs as high as I could possibly stack them 2 1/2 rows deep in the bed (about up to roof) and it hauled and dumped it fine. How overloaded? Dunno, but probably lots. And I pull cars around (and up hill) with it, or my 20 ft jet boat, and although these are all well beyond the "rated" capacity, the machine does it all without a problem. But you can't drive it across a stream because the belt will get wet and you'll be stopped dead. The 855d has a completely enclosed belt so maybe that is no longer an issue but I honestly can't say.
The vast majority of the hours I have on it are from driving it around the property at slow or moderate speed just to transport me and maybe a few little things from point A to B.
You have to go test drive these things to see for yourself. They're all nice, really. But some will likely appeal to you more than others. When you narrow it down to one or two, post here again with specific questions to people who own those machines to collect more data points.
They say the best two days of boat ownership are the day you buy and the day you sell. Well, for these machines I'd say the best days are the day you bring it home and every day you get to use it. Lots of happy owners here, all brands. (But Kubota owners outnumber the rest of us!!)
Good luck with your hunt.

Interesting that two people can look at the same thing and see two totally different pictures/images/ideas!
I'm a Kubota owner and have purchased 13 Kubotas in 8 years (Trying to get the exact right combination for MY needs), including the 5(five) I curently own. As I have been reading this thread I was thimking "Where are the Kubota owners, they aren't respnding to this thread?"
I don't usually respond to the threads here when the need/desire for speed is implied or expressed as a need or want.
Kubota RTVs are not for speed but for work and dependability. When that's the need, I respond.
As I've counted responses to this thread, it appears that Kubota owners, not those that want a Kubota, have been the fewest to respond.

 

[2fast2]

Interesting that two people can look at the same thing and see two totally different pictures/images/ideas!
QUOTE]

This forum has obviously evolved to a mostly Kabota group

Key word FORUM, johnthomas. This thread brought out the other members who, obviously, are still around in some numbers.

I don't know what to make of your comment that you've bought 13 Kubotas in 8 years. Clearly there is brand loyalty there. But just as clearly to me is some dissatisfaction that you keep "flipping" them. Hopefully you have a great dealer that you aren't loosing money on every buy / sell. I know they hold their value well. I'm also thinking that "13 Kubotas" is not referring to 13 UTVs, probably most are tractors (I'm guessing.)

If the original poster has a good relationship with his local Deere dealer, he probably will find a Gator to be a satisfactory purchase. I've only had one repair in 3 years on mine, so maybe dealers aren't an important part of the equation once you get past price. My decision reflected a brand loyalty as well as a sense of loyalty to a local dealer with whom I've had a relationship outside of tractors and UTVs and, all things considered, would rather give him my business than take it somewhere else. But number one consideration was product and I'm happy enough. So is my wife (that matters lots, too!)

 

[wyndham6]

I agree with the comment regarding cvt transmissions. I have a Polaris rangers 6x6 and recently bought a kubota 1140 rtv. I got real good at replacing the drivebelt on my ranger. I love having the hydrostatic transmission of the rtv. We have loved the ranger, but the kubota is just in a different class.

 

[dougrout]

Based on all the replies I think I'm going to arrange for test drives for the Polaris Ranger, the Kubota RTV and the John Deere Gator. I'm still not certain about which size of each to test. Cost is an obvious issue as is the power requirements for hill climbing and use of tracks in the winter. I'll talk to the dealers about these issues. Let you know what happens.

 

[patcopaul]

Before you buy take a look at the new Koiti Merchron. It is standeard with a 3 cylinder deisel, and rugged construction.
I understand that they are going out the door, with an hydralic dump bed, for 10 grand. Hard to beat that price and Koiti makes an excellent product regardless of price.

 

[dougrout]

Before you buy take a look at the new Koiti Merchron. It is standeard with a 3 cylinder deisel, and rugged construction.
I understand that they are going out the door, with an hydralic dump bed, for 10 grand. Hard to beat that price and Koiti makes an excellent product regardless of price.

Thanks - I'll try to find a local dealer

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm not knocking Kioti because I never had one but my neighbor has a Kioti tractor and he has trouble with dealer honoring warranty work, ie, leaking fuel filter (cracked), leaking radiator, and he has to pay for transporting the tractor to/from the dealer. I rarely have trouble with my Deere tractors and equipment under warranty but when I do I have never had a hassle and have never had to pay for transporting to/from the dealer. This has been my experience at three different Deere dealers. Can't say how Gator UTV's would be handled but I'd be surprised if you had a hassle for warranty work --- you would probably be responsible for transporting the UTV to/from the dealer.

Excellent decision to test drive all models of interest. Good luck.

 

[dougrout]

So I had a test drive of an RTV 1100 today. I was impressed with its ability to climb hills, even in 2 wheel drive. This was my first drive in a side by side - I was surprised at how noisy it was in the cab and how slow it was. Mind you, I certainly wasn't pushing it given the bumpiness of the route.

Tomorrow the JD dealer is dropping off a Gator 855D. I'll be very interested to see how it handles on my own property. I wonder if it will be as noisy? It has no cab, so I suspect it may not be as loud as the RTV.

What are your thoughts about cabs? I'm wondering if I can get by with only a roof and a windshield? The problem will be when I'm out grooming ski trails in February!

I'll let you know how the Gator works out.

 

[sunnyside360]

So I had a test drive of an RTV 1100 today. I was impressed with its ability to climb hills, even in 2 wheel drive. This was my first drive in a side by side - I was surprised at how noisy it was in the cab and how slow it was. Mind you, I certainly wasn't pushing it given the bumpiness of the route.

Tomorrow the JD dealer is dropping off a Gator 855D. I'll be very interested to see how it handles on my own property. I wonder if it will be as noisy? It has no cab, so I suspect it may not be as loud as the RTV.

What are your thoughts about cabs? I'm wondering if I can get by with only a roof and a windshield? The problem will be when I'm out grooming ski trails in February!

I'll let you know how the Gator works out.

All cabs are noisy. Some worse than others. The RTV 1100 cab machine I test drove did not seem too bad but it had padding all around the cab --- roof, doors, back panel. Maybe the padding is optional.

Let us know what you think of the Gator 855D. You could get by with only a roof and windshield. Just depends on what creature comforts you want and how much you are willing to spend. I thought the cadilac of all machines I test drove was the RTV 1100 cab but the price was more than I wanted to spend. Think list was around $18K but some dealers will discount. That heated cab would be nice in winter along with A/C in summer.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

So I had a test drive of an RTV 1100 today. I was impressed with its ability to climb hills, even in 2 wheel drive. This was my first drive in a side by side - I was surprised at how noisy it was in the cab and how slow it was. Mind you, I certainly wasn't pushing it given the bumpiness of the route.

Tomorrow the JD dealer is dropping off a Gator 855D. I'll be very interested to see how it handles on my own property. I wonder if it will be as noisy? It has no cab, so I suspect it may not be as loud as the RTV.

What are your thoughts about cabs? I'm wondering if I can get by with only a roof and a windshield? The problem will be when I'm out grooming ski trails in February!

I'll let you know how the Gator works out.

You don't need no stinkin cab!!! Cabs are for sissys! What's the big deal with a frozen face or hands??? What's it really worth in dollars and cents to be more comfortable? What's it worth to sit in a warm cozy cocoon in a T shirt and a blizzard outside? What's it worth to not want to come back in the house and unthaw fingers and feet? NO, YOU DON'T NEED NO STINKIN CAB!!!!!!!:laughing:
Actually I don't have a cab on my 1140 but I do have a roof and a self made plexiglas windshield that has saved my face when I go down the hill 4 or 5 times a winter for a 10 minute round trip ride to pick up my Grands when school is called off. Before the windshield my face would freeze and I live in Ky where it's not known to have much snow and not really very cold very often. No ski trails to groom for me.
I believe it's simply the weight of comfort on one side and money on the other. I've gone cheap but I don't brave the cold elements very often.
If I was back living in North Dakota or even Montana it would be a no brainer for me, cab (factory or self made) without a doubt.
I wouldn't/don't want a cab in the summer with my current location and usage.

 

[2fast2]

I think you can get by with nothing, but you'd be more comfortable with a full cab with heater and windshield wiper. Minimum would be a windshield and roof, but you'll get snow coming around the sides and a little backdraft from the negative pressure behind the windshield. In the summer, with my windshield closed, I eat some dust and debris from the bed if there is anything in there. With the windshield opened a couple inches at the bottom edge, not so much.
Really, no different than riding a snowmobile and getting snow on you. If you're OK with that, skip everything and save your money. Dress appropriately and you'll be fine.
OTOH, the guys who groom ski lodges with big snow cats have cabs with heaters.
Are you getting tracks? And a cab, heater, etc. WOW that is going to add up. I hope this is for a business and your accountant can work some magic to help.