RTV for hilly property in Vermont

[tractortad]

We own a new XUV Gator and have similar hilly property in the Shenandoah Valley near Lexington, VA. An XUV Gator will do all the things that you are looking for, just like most of the other UTVs that have been described on this thread. You should go test drive them to see which one will suit your needs and preference best. One of the big differences between a Gator and a Kubota RTV 900 is the Kubota's hydrostatic transmission. This gives it significant engine braking power when going downhill with a full load - however, it will also apply that engine braking power on flat terrain when you let your foot off the gas. The gator will coast down a hill, requiring constant braking to stay at a safe speed. Both will work, but there is a big difference on how they feel when you drive them. Another feature you definitely want to look into is a power lift dump for the bed - both Kubota and Deere offer this an an option.

 

[Double Orange]

RTV 1100 & Trail Gator. Big Difference...

 

[coobie]

Hi,

My wife and I are looking into an RTV (or whatever acronym you prefer) for our place in Vermont. It's a total of about 250 acres broken into two lots separated by a 1/4 mile or so. It's mostly forest and logging trails, and much of it is quite steep. How steep? Well, I can get up and down using a 4wd tractor (Kubota 2910), and the parts that are open we can get around (though will difficulty) with a riding mower. This is a log way of saying that strong hill climbing capability is very important, including with a full dump load of fire wood, stone, or other heavy material. Roll-over stability is also important to the extent there is much difference between models/makes. From the little research I've done, they all appear to be the same width and hence presumably have similar roll-over stability. We want a dump bed, and good load carrying capability. 4 WD is essential due to the terrain. Speed is not particularly important since the terrain it too rough to go fast anyway.

The Kubota's with their tractor-like design strike me as best suited for lugging heavy loads up steep hills, but that may just be because my Kubota tractor does well at it.

Other thoughts?

I have owned a 2002 Kaw.3010 mule 4X4 (gasser) and a 2006 Kubota RTV 900.I had no issues with my mule in the 4 years of ownership,it was flawless,but after owning the RTV 900 IMHO it is the best unit out there hands down.We love ours.coobie

 

[Cottonhawk]

My Polaris Ranger 6x6 can go up and down steep hills with ease and stability. There is engine brake and paddle brake. In order to get the right unit you want, test drive is a must.

 

[Cottonhawk]

This is on You Tube showing the Ranger 6x6 going through rough terrain and steep slopes. .... http://www.youtube.com/watch

 

[Cottonhawk]

The site didnot work, try again..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geV38ojiVtg

 

[kubota men]

that some fine looking riding but the kind of hill i am talking about makes that look like a golf course bring a polaris to the southeastern part of ky and you see that coming down some large hills is a exciting experience that i will never take again in a polaris my rtv 900 crawls down the steepest hills and i have to keep giving it fuel or it stops locked in four wheel drive give you excellent controll .if polaris would change the four wheel engagment on it atv utv thay would be a great machine the problem is the back wheel has to spin 20% before the front will kick in and going down steep hill the last thing you wont to do is keep it throttled up all the time . now let me say this the polaris is the only true 4x4 on the market when its locked in but the problem is comeing down hills even if the switch is engaged the front wheels is not lock in with the back one and just try comeing down a steep hill in 2 wheel drive the backend try to past the front up not good.

 

[Cottonhawk]

What you're looking at here is the only true 6x6. IMHO, the 4x4 is very good but the 6x6 is unbeatable.

 

[podzie]

What you're looking at here is the only true 6x6. IMHO, the 4x4 is very good but the 6x6 is unbeatable.

You are so right.

I have ~400 hours on my 2001 Ranger 6x6. There is NOTHING that comes close to its combination of ride comfort, strength, and traction.

Having said that, I gotta throw in my editorial. I haven't ridden in one of these UTV's that I didn't like. Each just seems to have a particular strong point (and weak point). I now proudly own 2 Kubota tractors, and would probably own the RTV 900, but i would split a kidney using it for my kinda riding....sure do love that diesel, but, Man, that machine is rough in the rocks. It seems WAY more suited for manicured places then for hunting leases.

On the flip side, I sure wouldn't want my Ranger 6x6 in the woods! It's wider and hard to turn at slow speeds.

I think someone else said it best...Test drive em! You will know which is right.

 

[kubota men]

if i said it once i said it a million times coming down the steep grade i ride on in a polaris is sucide.but thay sure do ride good if thay would only redsign the 4x4 engagment point mister i buy but ther not so i'll stay with the slow and steady rtv 900