New UTV

[timswi]

If you need speed and heavy duty mudding performance get the Polaris. If you just neeed a really good Utility Vehicle for Work and basic transportation then the Kubota RTV 500 is great. I use mine for pulling a drag harrow to stepping in the bed to trim tall bushes. Its a great $10000 wheell barrow.

$10,000 wheelbarrow?...Oye!!!

 

[farmboy12]

I didn't know the price of the new little Rangers. I knew the 500 was certainly more than $7K when I was looking. I'm surprised if they can sell an electric at that price -- if they can.

The 400 is $8k. The EV (electric) is $10,700. The 500 is $9,800.


Kyle

 

[WV Tractorman]

I bought a Deere Gator HPX diesel model in 2006 . Have not gotten it stuck yet. Other than oil changes and the like no repairs ! Wish I had waited for the newer model though , higher ground clearance. Would highly recommend going GREEN !

 

[Blitz51]

Just got the Kubota 500 after looking for a machine to cruise around the farm/trails on and still be able to have a little fun now and then. I almost went with the 610 Mule, but the EFI and Trans were to great to pass up.

Took it out last night for the first time and was on some steep hills that required 4x4 with the mud....Worked as advertised without issue. I think you have to get into some hard stuff to really need to shift into 4x4 as I could go anywhere the ATVs could go.

PS- Smaller size allows for places the gator can't go.

PSS- Thanks to all the feedback on this board...I used the advice to make my decision.

 

[whistlepig]

They hain't legal here.

They don't care out here. Preble County, OH only has one sheriff. Farm kids out here that have been raised right. No trouble out here. If we have our ATV on the road we have a darn good reason for doing so. The sheriff knows that.

 

[project_X]

My vote is for a Japanese Mini truck, a third the price of one of the other well equipped UTVs. Heat, air conditioning, 60mph,........


here is mine:

 

[KentT]

My vote is for a Japanese Mini truck, a third the price of one of the other well equipped UTVs. Heat, air conditioning, 60mph,........


here is mine:

Having looked at them pretty closedy, IMO, the Kei truck is only a good choice if:

1. Work is your primary purpose, and trail riding is not something that really interests you -- i.e. pure utility.

2. You're not dealing with mountainous or steep terrain -- when you modify them to get the ground clearance and needed off-road tires, you also raise the center of gravity a LOT.

3. Parts availability isn't a concern, since they're all "grey market"

IMO, the Kei truck is only really competing with the Kubota RTV, JD Gator and perhaps the Kawasaki Mule. They simply do NOT compete with the off-road capability of the Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Teryx, Polaris Ranger or Arctic Cat Prowler. Those are the true "sport utes" in this market, if recreational trail riding is one of your intended uses...

 

[Milo]

I am shopping for a UTV. Mostly to haul firewood, Secondarily for cleanup around the house, Thirdly, run some trails for fun w/the grandkids....

Jeff I can't comment on the Bushhog or Cub. The small Mule 610 was mentioned which I'll add to FWIW.
I've had mine for over two years now and I use it about like you say you indend to. In fact I hardly even use my ATV's any more. I like that it'll fit on almost any ATV trail. It's had no malfunctions, which I kind of expected from a Kawasaki, and there's not even a squeak or rattle. It's easy to work on, I change the oil and did the initial 50 hour service myself. The belt size (width) is the same as on the bigger Mules and it's sealed from water and dirt yet is air cooled with a filter. Also air cooled is the engine so there's no coolant to change every few years. It has a high-low range, selectable 2-4 wheel drive, a limited slip front differential, and a selectable locking rear axle. It steers easily w/o needing power steering.
I was with a friend who was looking at small tractors. They also had Husqvarna UTV's there which I was just looking at. The mechanic came out and asked if I had any questions about them. I said no, I was just looking and actually had a small Mule. He said "you made a good choice, keep your Mule".

 

[JeffandTamara]

Well I Started the Thread back in 06, now it is 2010, and I still havn't made the purchase. BUT, Perhaps Tomorrow or Saturday.

What I have homed in on.

For less than $8,000.
Kawasaki Mule 610XC
Cub Cadet Volunteer 624.

Both are air cooled, I like the simplicity and lower maintenance. Performance and ground clearance not that much different.

I think it is gonna be the Cub. I think the money is gonna be real close on either one.
I Think I need the Extra Haul & tow capacity of the Cub, I like the cast iron rear axle setup...Not as refined as the Mule, but looks over engineered.
I like the 4 wheel disk brakes on the cub vs drum brakes on the Mule.
I would have preferred the bench seats like the Mule, but usually not a big deal, Cub Dealer is 3.5 miles away and has a pretty good shop service going. 2-Yr warranty....
I couldn't find anything definitive about the horsepower on the Mule, I think about 13 or 14, and I was concerned that might be a bit low. Although the Kaw. Dealer says you'll run out of traction way before you run out of power in low range.... From that perspective, the Mule might be better on fuel, which would add up in the

My concerns: During a test drive, I found the Cub kind of hard to smoothly start moving. Kind of jumpy. That could be a problem trying to hook up a trailer or getting into or out of a tight spot. My hope is I will get used to it,and/or the belt will break in a little. Anybody got any insight into this??? I didn't like the Parking break / starting permissive set up on the cub, but I am hoping there might be a solution to that there as well, or I just get used to it.

The cub is just not as a refined machine. IMO, it just don't look as slick, But rule 1 in engineering school, Form follows Function.....

ANYBODY out there got any good reason's I shouldn't go with the Cub, or something I have missed or should consider.... This is a lot of money, at least for me, so if there is something I'm missing I sure would appreciate your thoughts.... Thanks...Jeff

 

[DIXIEDOG]

Have you looked at the Kubota RTV at all? The 500 is a very heavily built unit and smooth starting and stopping is very easy with the hydro tranny....if you're looking for tough they are tough for sure. They also have the bench seats you mentioned that you prefer.

Just throwing it out there, RTV's aren't speed demons but when it comes to work they do it very well and the price is inline with what you are looking at.:thumbsup:

 

[gauthier]

Well,if your looking to haul fire wood,bed size is the thing,,,my little 610 has had 5-600 lbs in back,,[think thats a good bit more than they say you should],,but that was rocks,,,wood,you couldn't get that much cause beds so small,,trailer might be the thing,but you could over load it pretty easy.

 

[jcmseven]

I suppose it depends on what one wants. My neighbor has an RTV 500 and it is a nicely built reliable machine. It also is tippy in the backwoods and gets stuck often. If one does not do much off roading (also keep in mind your work time), the Kubota would be fine. The Bobcat, Husqvarna are very similar machines. The Bobcat is expensive relative to the power one gets. I personally own a Ranger 800 EPS XP and a JD Gator 850D. I have tried and ordered a new XUV 825i for my dad, but it will not be here until next week. For a well-rounded UTV the Gator XUV is tough to beat. It has a hydroformed frame, fully independent suspension, diesel option for those so inclined, excellent build quality and customer service, and true four wheel drive. It is almost as good a pure work vehicle as a Kubota RTV 1100, but is much better off-road. It is almost as good a play vehicle as a Ranger but a bit more heavy duty. My Ranger is my personal favorite, but it is clear looking at it and the XUV that the Deere is the heavier made machine. That said, I have to this point (82 hours) had no trouble with my Ranger and I work it hard. Truly it drives like a car.

Thus, forgive me if I cannot get excited about an RTV 500 or Mule. They are great machines. But, with the new 825i Gator coming out recently, one may be able to get a good deal on a trade in or even new 620i or 850D Gator with full JD support and solid track record also. Just a thought.

John M

 

[gauthier]

Those mules require very little or no dealer support

 

[JeffandTamara]

Test drove the Mule 610 XC yesterday. IMO, Much smoother than the Cub Cadet Volunteer I had been looking at. Still probably a little under powered....but I am pretty sure I could live with either one, In the long run there probably isn't a whole lot more I would be able to do with one versus the other. Now, for me it all comes down to price:

I think My local Cub dealer is doing about the best he can...$7,999 + tax
Kawasaki Dealer, $6,290 + fees + tax

I hope to make a purchase by Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

[Milo]

$7,000 seems like a pretty good price on a 610XC. (Depending on "the fees" of course) Let us know what you decide, and we like pictures!

 

[BleedGreen]

Is the Cub you are looking at the 4x2 or 4x4 version? Also, I know a few people earlier in the thread mentioned the Deere HPX - you should be able to get one for $8,500.00 - true 4WD, Hydroformed steel frame, four wheel hydraulic disc brakes and available with either a bench or bucket seats - a very sturdy unit overall. If my choice was between the Mule and the CC, I would go with the Mule hands down.

I understand what you mean about "form follows function" (from one of your previous posts) but, in this case remember that we are comparing Kawasaki and MTD here... I do not want to be seen as bashing the CC, but I am just not a fan of thier UTV's. I personally think there are several better choices out there in the same general price range. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[CJBOTA]

I don't know about the small Cub Volunteer but I have the 750 efi tracker Volunteer and it has been great. plenty of power, hauls and pulls alot.was much less then the JD and Kubota. rides smooth.
I wish it had power steering but otherwise a real nice UTV. My local dealer made me a great deal. It came with overhead fog lites, a front mounted steel wire mesh carrier, and gun case. I have 100 hours on it and would make the same choice if I had a do over.
cj from ohio

 

[JeffandTamara]

Well the searching and fretting is over... Bought the Mule 610XC. Last Night.

Time will tell, but obviously I thought it was the best bang for the buck. There are some things I don't particuraly like about it.

(1) Haven't quite got the starting down. It has to be choked quite a bit more than I would expect.
(2) Dump handle is on Passenger side, not driver side.
(3) The front cargo compartment is very hard to open...will have to be adjusted..Put the mail in it and didn't think I was going to get it open again...

Other than that and the bank statement...I think it's going to be OK....

 

[Redgoatea]

I bought a Deere Gator HPX diesel model in 2006 . Have not gotten it stuck yet. Other than oil changes and the like no repairs ! Wish I had waited for the newer model though , higher ground clearance. Would highly recommend going GREEN !

I wondered where the green team was in this thread. Love my Gator. 7

 

[BleedGreen]

Well the searching and fretting is over... Bought the Mule 610XC. Last Night.

(1) Haven't quite got the starting down. It has to be choked quite a bit more than I would expect.
(2) Dump handle is on Passenger side, not driver side.
(3) The front cargo compartment is very hard to open...will have to be adjusted..Put the mail in it and didn't think I was going to get it open again...

I think you will be very happy in the long run with your decision - Kawi makes some very nice machines. In reference to #1 above - all of the Kawi non fuel-injected engines I have ever been around (Deere L&G tractors, Gators, etc) have all been extremely cold blooded. The addition of EFI to the Gators was a a huge feature IMHO. Interesting about the dump handle.

Oh, and WHERE ARE THE PICS???