gator HPX4x4 vs Kawa 3010

gordon21 · May 28, 2006

I think I have narrowed my decision down to these two models. They both use the same engine. It appears that these are the main differences. If I have missed something, can one of you guys chime in.

Gator has bucket seats and Kawa has bench seat.
Gator has aggressive tires as standard equip. Kawa=extra $
Gator has a governor set at 25MPH. Kawa does not.

And Obviously the color. Dark green versus bight green.

I have not got to the point of discussing prices, but the JD lists for $599 more. I know JD will sell below list. What is the norm for the Kawa dealers. I love my new JD tractor and years ago had 4 Kawasaki motorcycles so I will definitely buy one of these two. Any last comments before I start price shopping?

One last question. Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200 when the UTV will never be used to go mudding? It will be used on gravel roads and well developed trails only.

gordon21 · May 28, 2006

I think I have narrowed my decision down to these two models. They both use the same engine. It appears that these are the main differences. If I have missed something, can one of you guys chime in.

Gator has bucket seats and Kawa has bench seat.
Gator has aggressive tires as standard equip. Kawa=extra $
Gator has a governor set at 25MPH. Kawa does not.

And Obviously the color. Dark green versus bight green.

I have not got to the point of discussing prices, but the JD lists for $599 more. I know JD will sell below list. What is the norm for the Kawa dealers. I love my new JD tractor and years ago had 4 Kawasaki motorcycles so I will definitely buy one of these two. Any last comments before I start price shopping?

One last question. Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200 when the UTV will never be used to go mudding? It will be used on gravel roads and well developed trails only.

Tractors4u · May 28, 2006

( Gator has a governor set at 25MPH. Kawa does not.
)

You better double check that. At one time I know the 3010s were limited to 25 mph. Personally I went with the Polaris 700 at 44 mph /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

( Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200 when the UTV will never be used to go mudding? )

Where the diesel will shine is the towing department. I am not really sure if it will out perform in the mud. That diesel will out last the gas burners though.

Tractors4u · May 28, 2006

( Gator has a governor set at 25MPH. Kawa does not.
)

You better double check that. At one time I know the 3010s were limited to 25 mph. Personally I went with the Polaris 700 at 44 mph /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

( Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200 when the UTV will never be used to go mudding? )

Where the diesel will shine is the towing department. I am not really sure if it will out perform in the mud. That diesel will out last the gas burners though.

JDGREEN4ME · May 28, 2006

( Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200... )
Not for me it wasn't. We have had our gas HPX for 17 months and have just over 24 hours on it! For our needs the gas model works just fine! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JDGREEN4ME · May 28, 2006

( Is the diesel really worth the extra $1200... )
Not for me it wasn't. We have had our gas HPX for 17 months and have just over 24 hours on it! For our needs the gas model works just fine! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RollTideRam · May 28, 2006

If you don't like JD green, get the trail gator. I liked the bench seat on the Mule, but think the gator looks alot better. I mainly got it because they financed it with the tractor and I got a good price on it, $8100 with a rear hitch. JC

RollTideRam · May 28, 2006

If you don't like JD green, get the trail gator. I liked the bench seat on the Mule, but think the gator looks alot better. I mainly got it because they financed it with the tractor and I got a good price on it, $8100 with a rear hitch. JC

TOMMYHPX4X4 · May 28, 2006

i would get the hpx. it's got the same engine and it does 30mph or better. i just clocked mine yesterdayand it was goin 29mph and thats with 27''itp589's. then i would look at the frame structure the gator hpx has a car like frame where the mule has tubing. the tires only cost me 560.00 and that was with the rims/lugs included.the mule is havin some problems with water too. checkout www.ridesidebyside.com you'll see that in the forum's. they post problems they are havin with thier mule and in the hpx or gator forum we don't have any problems posted.
because we have no problems with the hpx. to me the hpx beats the mule anyday. if your gonna pay money for something that has the same engine why not get the one thats built to last!!!!! J.D all the way!!

if you realy want a hpx make me an offer. i'm thinkin of gettin a new one .

TOMMYHPX4X4 · May 28, 2006

i would get the hpx. it's got the same engine and it does 30mph or better. i just clocked mine yesterdayand it was goin 29mph and thats with 27''itp589's. then i would look at the frame structure the gator hpx has a car like frame where the mule has tubing. the tires only cost me 560.00 and that was with the rims/lugs included.the mule is havin some problems with water too. checkout www.ridesidebyside.com you'll see that in the forum's. they post problems they are havin with thier mule and in the hpx or gator forum we don't have any problems posted.
because we have no problems with the hpx. to me the hpx beats the mule anyday. if your gonna pay money for something that has the same engine why not get the one thats built to last!!!!! J.D all the way!!

if you realy want a hpx make me an offer. i'm thinkin of gettin a new one .

jcmseven · May 28, 2006

Lewis,

I have had both a gasoline and diesel Gator and my parents' next door neighbor in Ashe County has a Mule. He likes the Mule; I have no experience with it. As for the Gator, personally I like the diesel a lot better than the gas. It is no faster but will hold its speed well on our steep hills and when pulling up long grades. I have pulled some major loads up long hills around my place, and the diesel really outperforms here. For just driving around, it is NOT worth the extra money, unless you just like a diesel, which I do. If you are pulling or planning ever to haul heavy loads, go with the diesel. It is also a lot more fuel efficient. The Kawasaki has a nice reputation, but like you, I just do not think they look as good, and also like you, my JD dealer is a champ and I wanted to support his business. One thing I will note: there has been a goodly amount of talk about the off road capability of the JD and others. I personally think that the Polaris and the Yamaha are the better "off-roaders" due to their suspension travel. The down side to the JD is that the frame is quite stiff and the suspension has limited travel. This means one has to lock the rear diff or use four wheel drive when the other two brands might not, BUT there is nothing to me that will haul a heavy load like the Gator. With nearly 700# of stuff in the back, my Gator runs like it does empty and will climb/negotiate almost anything. These machines really are meant to haul loads and are at their best when doing so.

John M

jcmseven · May 28, 2006

Lewis,

I have had both a gasoline and diesel Gator and my parents' next door neighbor in Ashe County has a Mule. He likes the Mule; I have no experience with it. As for the Gator, personally I like the diesel a lot better than the gas. It is no faster but will hold its speed well on our steep hills and when pulling up long grades. I have pulled some major loads up long hills around my place, and the diesel really outperforms here. For just driving around, it is NOT worth the extra money, unless you just like a diesel, which I do. If you are pulling or planning ever to haul heavy loads, go with the diesel. It is also a lot more fuel efficient. The Kawasaki has a nice reputation, but like you, I just do not think they look as good, and also like you, my JD dealer is a champ and I wanted to support his business. One thing I will note: there has been a goodly amount of talk about the off road capability of the JD and others. I personally think that the Polaris and the Yamaha are the better "off-roaders" due to their suspension travel. The down side to the JD is that the frame is quite stiff and the suspension has limited travel. This means one has to lock the rear diff or use four wheel drive when the other two brands might not, BUT there is nothing to me that will haul a heavy load like the Gator. With nearly 700# of stuff in the back, my Gator runs like it does empty and will climb/negotiate almost anything. These machines really are meant to haul loads and are at their best when doing so.

John M

chowl · May 29, 2006

gordon21

Get the diesel JD HPX 4x4. You will not be sorry. I have two, and they are "work horses".

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

chowl · May 29, 2006

gordon21

Get the diesel JD HPX 4x4. You will not be sorry. I have two, and they are "work horses".

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

TOMMYHPX4X4 · May 29, 2006

the deisel doesn't come with the clutch enclosure option!!! so if you are planning on riding in snow or mudd beware of the deisel. the extre power won't help you one bit it the belt is slippin.the deisel is just for workin no playin. the gas is for both.

TOMMYHPX4X4 · May 29, 2006

the deisel doesn't come with the clutch enclosure option!!! so if you are planning on riding in snow or mudd beware of the deisel. the extre power won't help you one bit it the belt is slippin.the deisel is just for workin no playin. the gas is for both.

ddivinia · May 29, 2006

Let me start off by saying I have a HPX 4x4 gas. I got it on a demo (2 hours - static display) - was a good deal. I have 98 hours on it in the last 6 months. If I had to do it over, I would have spent the extra money for the diesel. The gas one is cold natured and it seems to drink gas compared to the diesel. With all that said, I am happy with my gator and it has never failed me - period. $2K more fot he diesel - I would do it if I had to do it over.

Now -I would look at the Mule with the 3 rows of seats and the convertible box. That sucker seems like the ticket. Being able to haul 4 people around at times can be handy. Of couse, we can always take the truck out then...

D.

ddivinia · May 29, 2006

Let me start off by saying I have a HPX 4x4 gas. I got it on a demo (2 hours - static display) - was a good deal. I have 98 hours on it in the last 6 months. If I had to do it over, I would have spent the extra money for the diesel. The gas one is cold natured and it seems to drink gas compared to the diesel. With all that said, I am happy with my gator and it has never failed me - period. $2K more fot he diesel - I would do it if I had to do it over.

Now -I would look at the Mule with the 3 rows of seats and the convertible box. That sucker seems like the ticket. Being able to haul 4 people around at times can be handy. Of couse, we can always take the truck out then...

D.

chowl · May 30, 2006

( the deisel doesn't come with the clutch enclosure option!!! so if you are planning on riding in snow or mudd beware of the deisel. the extre power won't help you one bit it the belt is slippin.the deisel is just for workin no playin. the gas is for both. )

But the diesel will out last the gas by far. No plugs, and no break down of gas to deal with.

chowl · May 30, 2006

( the deisel doesn't come with the clutch enclosure option!!! so if you are planning on riding in snow or mudd beware of the deisel. the extre power won't help you one bit it the belt is slippin.the deisel is just for workin no playin. the gas is for both. )

But the diesel will out last the gas by far. No plugs, and no break down of gas to deal with.