Most Power, RTV or Mule

[Rodney]

The mule diesel motor is 953cc, how does this compare to the RTV? Some have said the RTV won't pull steep hills, can't imagine what this ""work vehicle" would (not) do with a full load of wood in some of my hills. I'm having second thoughts about buying this vehicle. Does the mule 3010 have more power? Noticed the 3010 can be had with 2 full bench seats. There was one on display at the Farm Machinery Show, pretty neat. It could be converted from one bench to two in about 15 seconds. Bed goes to half size. Not yet available with the diesel model, but will be soon according to the rep.

 

[Archdean]

The RTV will go anywhere you want it to go!!!
I own one and I will vouch for for my above statement!!

Drive It you'll buy it!!!

 

[bczoom]

I'll have to agree with Dean but I do have ot say what I recommend to all. Bring every one you're considerig to your location and try yourself. (the dealer should provide a demo unit).

 

[lloyd123]

Both fine machines - obviously my vote goes to the RTV900 as that's what I decided to purchase.

Here's some more unbiased reviews:

RTV900:
http://www.atvillustrated.com/atv_reviews/Kubota/review.html

Mule:
http://www.atvillustrated.com/atv_reviews/kawasaki/04_diesel_mule/review.html

Don't forget that if you're going up these hills with a load you're probably also coming down them. I think that's where the Kubota and it's VHT has a distinct advantage.

 

[kabootie]

let me give you some advice on a friday i bought a mule 3010 tuke it to my farm and unloaded it and went up a prety good hill no problem but when i started down .thats when the problem started both feet on the brakes and i barly could slow down enough to not crash o yes i had it in low 4x4 dif lok the hole 9 yards.i was very disapointed i called the dealer back who also sold kubota rtv and he let me bring it back and trade it for a rtv i was so lucky. and for pulling power up a hill i dont know whats a wrong with dargos but my rtv will go up a 60% plus grade hill with 2 adults who weights 300 plus each and 4 hundred pound of corn with no problem also had it loaded down to the max that the bed volume could hold two 300 pounder adult and the pwer was great no problem .(ps. only one thousend dollar diff. in price my rtv was 10,000 on the road rec.model) and as for come down hill its alwsome never have to us brakes. good luck

 

[Rodney]

It looks like the RTV is still the one to get! The articles were also quite informative.

One more question, will the RTV fit on a 5 x 10 trailer? I know its dimensions are a couple inches less than 5'. Is it to close to load and unload with ease? How about if some of the aggressive after market tires are used are they to wide? I think this size trailer would work nice behind the RTV as well as haul my lawn mower. Looking for a 5 x 10 tilt w/3500 axle. Thanks

 

[aloha]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( the problem started both feet on the brakes and i barly could slow down enough to not crash )</font>

The link provided by lloyd123 to the Mule review says "You'll need both feet to drive down a long hill with a load on the back though--your left foot for the brake pedal and your right foot to keep the accelerator pedal down far enough to give slight engine revving to the belt-drive system." Talk about an unnatural act.

 

[FL_Cracker]

Great questions and I have all the answers for you... I have a RTV900R and own a regular 5x10 landscape type trailer & a Performance (Brand) 5x10' trailer with a slanted front rail. I also put a 1 5/8" lift kit on my RTV and Essex 27" 589 tread tires. It loads great on both trailers. I also loaded it on both trailers before the lift kit and big tires. I settled on the Performance trailer for the RTV because I got a little more length with the slanted front, this gets the engine and trans of the RTV further forward to help with the tongue weight. It's also hot dipped galvanized which will keep it from rusting much longer than a painted trailer. I also use the trailer to pull behind the RTV to haul hay, tree limbs & other bulky things.

Go for the 5x10 it will work fine.

As for RTV v.s. Mule... It's not a question... RTV. I had mine loaded down with horse feed in the bed 500#, two 250# passengers, pulling the 1000# 5x10 trailer which was loaded with 900# skid steer grapple & 450# back hoe attachment. It pulled this just fine, including up and down two very steep hills. As an example when driving my Ford SD up the one hill, it's so steep when you get to the top you can't even see if you are on the road because of the hood of the truck. My RTV just pulls and pulls. Yesterday I found a rock climbing Jeep stuck down a very steep hill and assisted in getting him out. After he got out I drove down the hill to where he was stuck and attempted to back up the hill. It was so steep the RTV would not even spin the tires. I then did a three point turn and faced the RTV up hill and put it in LOW and pulled right up with out even spinning or struggling. Jeep was really humbled.......

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[rtvman]

I owned both a RTV and a Mule 3010 at the same time and ended up selling the Mule. Both machines compared quite evenly in terms of power and performance but the power steering and hydro bed lift was the deciding factor for me. I have very hilly and winding terrain and the power steering for me makes a huge difference. On-board storage and heavier gauge steel box are the Mule's advantage. My guess would be also that your resale value with the RTV might be better as well. Just my opinion.

Kevin

 

[rtv900]

I have an RTV. If you are concerned about pulling power check out the RTV section of the utilityoffroad.com. You will see some great pictures of mine doing some great pulling. It will pull and pull and pull. Everytime I use my RTV I am more and more happy with it.