Need a recommendation for a Utility Vehicle

[clayj]

We have a 4 1/2 acre piece of relatively flat land in Eastern Washington with about an acre of "aluminum" farm (I'm a ham radio operator), 3 acres of alfalfa the neighbor is working, and a house and assorted "stuff" (40' container, irrigation pump shed, driveways, etc). The property is 200' x 2000', with all the buildings concentrated on one end.

I have a Deere 1026 with a loader that I use for moving dirt, dragging a small disk and generally doing any "heavy" (relative, I know) work.

I'm thinking about a utility vehicle of some sort to haul stuff around, visit the neighbors and so on (we're planting some trees on the "long" end of the property to act as a sound break, and it would be easier to get down there with a small ATV rather than the tractor. Whatever we get needs to be 4WD, since we get mud whenever the ground gets even slightly damp. Obviously, we'd like to spend as little as is reasonable; but want something that will last a while. We're thinking something used, but not ancient.

Given all of this - any recommendations for makes/models/features to either consider or stay away from would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

ClayJ

 

[rmk700]

Really like my Honda Pioneer 700 4. Has a real 3 speed tranny and no belt drive.

 

[troutsqueezer]

I would say get yourself a UTV but they are usually expensive and used ones are hard to come by, at least the ones that get used for actual work, not the four-seaters or "Razor" variety. The novelty wears off for those pretty fast and are all over Craigslist but not so for the ones that have beds on the rear.

A used ATV may be best, along with a small trailer to pull around. I have both and the ATV will do the job but is not as convenient or comfortable as the Ranger.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

For a lower priced used utv keep your eyes peeled for an older Rhino they sell for a bit less than Rangers and Gators but still offer good ride and they'll go about anywhere.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Cheap prices wont get you a real workhorse like the Kubota RTV's but if you get one, you will love the durability, and workability. I love my 2009 RTV900 that I bought barely used with 60 hours for $8500 back in 2010. I get lots of use out of the hydraulic dump bed, front winch, glass windshield and canopy top (very good to keep out the sun and rain) AND diesel engine, 3 speed tranny and true hydrostatic drive. I have used it to drag pretty large trees, pull up saplings up to 3" in diameter at the base, haul loads of dirt/rock piled high. It is a true workhorse but not a racehorse as top speed is about 25 MPH.

 

[Xfaxman]

This company sometimes has used UTV's bidadoo Auctions - Global Construction Equipment and Fleet Remarketing Services

Corporate Address: 1001 3rd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032

On eBay: items in bidadoo auctions store on eBay!

 

[jeff9366]

I have a Kubota RTV500, $10,000. Outstanding feature for work is its HST transmission. HST provides max torque at low end.

RTV500 is a little loud, in my opinion. Kubota diesel RTVs are louder.

 

[WTC67213]

Look into intimidator. They build a flat bed truck series as well as a standard and crew series. Out specs all vehicles in payload and towing.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a Kubota RTV500, $10,000. Outstanding feature for work is its HST transmission. HST provides max torque at low end.

RTV500 is a little loud, in my opinion. Kubota diesel RTVs are louder.

Everyone claims the RTV engines are loud, but I don't find mine to be that loud UNLESS I have the bed raised, then it is pretty loud. I have a spray in bed liner and that may help insulate the noise a bit. I don't find the Kubota RTV 900 to be any louder than a JD Gator which my BIL has. Tractors, UTVs etc are not noise isolated like driving a luxury car and engine/tranny noise is going to be present.
I think I could put some spray foam insulation or glue on some HD polyurethane insulation on the bottom of my RTV hydraulic tilting bed and really reduce the noise level a lot if it were bothersome to me, which it isn't.

 

[texasjohn]

Sounds like you are interested in a working vehicle rather than a high speed joy riding vehicle.

If so, then the RTV should be at the top of your list. Several different models available with various seating capacities and options for cab, windshield, etc...

Watch out for scams on Craigs List ... have seen several there for RTV's...but if you find one you can see, drive and talk to the owner about, it should be OK.

My RTV 1140 goes with me daily . Others have posted how they use theirs. It is extremely versatile, strong, reliable. A small trailer is extremely handy. I put all my fence repair supplies in mine and leave them there...keeps the bed free for other stuff.