Kubota RTV vs. PUG vs. AUSA Task M50?

Bob_Skurka · Sep 9, 2004

I've been toying with the idea of getting a utility vehicle and for the most part the Kubota RTV looks like a serious contender as well as the articulated PUG --ugly but funcitonal!--, then I stumbled across a new entry to the Amercian market, the AUSA Task M50 which looks very interesting.

Has anyone run across the AUSA units, seen one, played with one, etc???

TASK 50 utility vehicle

We have an AUSA dealer a few hours away which is a lot farther away than my local Pug dealer or my local Kubota dealer.

Here is some information about the AUSA unit that I got from a dealer:
Engine is single cylinder 4 cycle gas 4 valve 30 hp liquid cooled Rotax Bombardier
8 gallon fuel capability
Ground Speed up to 37 mph
Two & Four wheel drive system
High, low, reverse and parking brake
Four wheel vented disc brakes
Rack & Pinion Steering
AUSA's patented rear suspension with semi independent springs and hydraulic shocks
Weight of vehicle is 1100 lbs
Cargo Bed Capacity is 1100 lbs
Towing Capability is 1650 lbs
Ground Clearance centerline is 14", rear end is 8.3"
Attack of obstruction is 80 degrees
Departure Angle is 72 degrees

SAFETY FEATURES that come standard:
Daytime Running Lights
Certified ROPS
Turn Signals
Four way flashers
Adjustable Seats
Retractable seat belts
Back Up Alarm
Wing Mirrors

bczoom · Sep 9, 2004

Bob,

Not familiar with them but specs on this AUSA makes it looks like it could be a contender in the UTV market.
Did you get any pricing info?
I've seen some of these other companies (I just inquired about the Land Tamer in this forum) but found they can get pricy. (e.g. the Land Tamer is over $25,000). /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Bob_Skurka · Sep 9, 2004

Did you get any pricing info?


Not yet, they are suppose to get back to me.

There are some super units out there like the Bobcat Toolcat that can top $30,000 but can be had with an airconditioned cab and a front end loader too. I'm not looking for that.

bczoom · Sep 9, 2004

OK, let us know.
I had a hard time swallowing $30K+ for a truck first time I did it. Now it's the going price... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Going to have the same issue with these.

Bob_Skurka · Sep 9, 2004

The AUSA Task M50 is about $14,800 for the 4x4 version (sounds like there is some wiggle room in the price but that is the starting point from a dealer). That certainly places it in the premium price range. Not at all sure of the engine.

I like the fact that the Kubota has a diesel. Depending on how the Kubota is outfitted, it is in a similar price range from what I can see. I've not tried to push my local dealer to hard on the price yet.

rtvman · Sep 9, 2004

I like the fact that the RTV 900 is built in the USA (assembled anyway). This AUSA thing looks like a Quad on steroids! From the website it looks to me like their made somewhere in Europe. I still have to go with the RTV 900 because you got to love the diesel and most definitely the power steering! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

flyingn · Sep 9, 2004

+ the simple fact that Kubota has an EXCELLANT rep in the industrial vehicle industry.. What happens in 5 years if that Task breaks a part and the company goes belly up?? You KNOW Kubota will be here in 5 years..
BTW The Task is made in Spain..
Frank

Degree · Sep 9, 2004

( I like the fact that the RTV 900 is built in the USA (assembled anyway). This AUSA thing looks like a Quad on steroids! From the website it looks to me like their made somewhere in Europe. I still have to go with the RTV 900 because you got to love the diesel and most definitely the power steering! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Your reasoning is, just because its assembled in the USA with Japanese parts then its better? Europeans build and engineer some of the greatest cars. And AUSA has been around since the mid 1950's

Dargo · Sep 9, 2004

Degree, that is fine and dandy. However, the point stated earlier is very valid; who is going to work on it? I guarantee you that all the dealers in my area would simply say "tough luck, fix it yourself...you bought it!" I don't care how good it may be made. It will break.

riptides · Sep 10, 2004

Dargo,

Bob stated in his note that the dealer is close to others. So in Bob's case, he has a dealer with an excellent global reputation expanding into the USA market.

Competition is good. It should be very interesting to see this RTV, UTV, ATV market in the next few years. Lots of players.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif