Kubota RTV vs Ranger vs whatever

[Mulgunnia]

Hi All,

We own a farm which we need to spray twice a year, its pretty hilly country with rocks and the like.

The spray tank we have is 630kg loaded with water + 100kg for the trailer (if used).

We are thinking the Kubota RTV is the machine for the job but I wonder if the weight of the trailer wont be too much for it (specs say rolling weight to be 590kg - whats rolling weight?). Speed we need to travel is 10kph (6mph) so not looking for a quick ride but more grunt.

The ranger can pull more, but I read about that its gutless on hills and not good for solid work. Plus its more expensive

Can anyone recommend the Kubota for this job - or perhaps another machine?

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I have no clue how the Kubota is spec'd on pulling as far as the "rolling weight thing" but I can tell you that the loads I pull with my RTV 500 are crazy and it's the baby of the line up. I pull my bassboat around which weight over 2500 and the little RTV loves it, you do need to allow some extra time when stopping on hills in the dirt because the boat will push you a bit but if I just let off the gas it will slow down to a snail crawl and keep the load well under control. For offroad use I have no concerns pulling even more weight if needed.:thumbsup: These things are little beasts and I'm sure the larger diesels are even better for pulling.

 

[jcmseven]

I am not sure where you heard about the Ranger being "gutless" on hills, but whomever that might be likely has never used one. They are collectively one of the best hill-performing UTV's on the market. You have mentioned two excellent machines here. Either will do the job you want them to do. The Ranger I have will pull some heavy loads, as it has a lot of power, but one concern I have is that the machine weight (operational--or rolling) is only 1300ish pounds or around 600KG for the machine itself. The larger RTV Kubotas are very heavy, nearly one ton or over 800KG for the machine (I am not speaking of the 500) and would be a bit safer pulling a heavy trailer or such around, especially if frequent starting and stopping is in order. They are made for this type work. The downside is that they are pure work machines. They are slow, have limited suspension travel, which may hurt you if the rocks on your property are large. They also do not have true four wheel drive with an open front differential. That can be a killer on highly irregular terrain. The Kubota's are well made and hold resale well. The Ranger would certainly do the job, but you may be pulling a trailer that weighs more than the machine pulling it, which in this case makes me a bit uneasy. Polaris does a good advertising job selling its high towing capacity, but I will tell you from experience I would be reluctant to pull the rated trailer max weight on my property with a Ranger. It would likely pull it great but might not be able to stop it. I have seen two examples of UTV's of other brands jackknife and turn over pulling trailers too heavy for the machine and both operators were injured, one seriously. Even though I think the Ranger is the superior performer here, the Kubota would add an element of safety that I like in the larger models (not the 500).

John M

 

[Avondale]

I have a 2008 Ranger 700. It has pulled my steel trailer rated for 2000 lbs filled with firewood and also dirt/stones without any problems. Also use it in spring pulling trailer through snow collecting sap for sugar shack operations. Owner's Manual states requirement to pull heavy loads only in low range in 4x4. Also, the Ranger can not shift from LOW to HIGH range on the move and max speed is about 10 mph in LOW. Braking, as mentioned, is a serious consideration.

 

[Mulgunnia]

Cheers guys. It's the rtv 900 we are looking at.

With the 4wd, I am expecting it to be much more able than a ute but don't see it it the same class as the ranger. I guess though that unless you are rock hopping you might not need all the extra suspension goodies the ranger gives.

The problem with the ute is that you cannot see the ground direct in the long grass ahead so hitting stumps and rocks happens all the time. This is what a lead us down this path I guess

Any thoughts on our expectations in suspension?

 

[timswi]

Cheers guys. It's the rtv 900 we are looking at.

With the 4wd, I am expecting it to be much more able than a ute but don't see it it the same class as the ranger. I guess though that unless you are rock hopping you might not need all the extra suspension goodies the ranger gives.

The problem with the ute is that you cannot see the ground direct in the long grass ahead so hitting stumps and rocks happens all the time. This is what a lead us down this path I guess

Any thoughts on our expectations in suspension?

The RTV has a decent suspension. The 1100 that I have rides nice for what the machine is. The ranger is going to have a sport UTV type of suspension, meaning more travel and a better ride over very rough terrain. think mountain climbing and high speed activities. Seems that isn't what you're looking for.

Don't know about the new Rangers, but the ones I looked at had plastic beds. The RTV is steel. A consideration maybe. The RTV's are the 1 ton 4x4 dually vs a Ford Lightning in the pickup world.

That's a compliment to both sides by the way.:drink:

 

[CosmoAU]

I have pulled this roller :turfroller. (the 84" one) with a 900 many times without problems. Empty weight is 1880# or 850 ish kg. I have tried it with a little water in it but the tail starts to wag the dog when you start getting around 2500#. This is on golf course terrain so it is a good mix of flat and hilly. It would pull it fine full of water-4500#-if it was on flat. I've never driven a ranger so I can't speak for it, but the rtv will have no problems.

 

[SpudHauler]

I pulled this little darling in low on a steep grade. and medium on pavement going from site to site and then low when working a lawn. Mostly flat surfaces.

Owner claims it is 4200 lbs when empty and weighed at a fertilizer plant scales.
Should be accurate as these places don't give you anything for free.LOL

 

[redharley]

Can you test drive each unit at the dealership pulling some weight?Maybe take your trailer along with some weight on it,most dealers have hitch's to fit these units ready to go. These two machines are two different animals for sure. For me the RTV made the most sense for the work we do.I have never been sorry.It pulls great and engine braking is a plus going down hill with weight. Good luck, have fun chosing.

 

[Mulgunnia]

Thanks all, seems like it's well suited to the job at hand. Unfortunately the local dealers don't stock the ranger 800 but will be trying the kubota next week