RTV or Tractor
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Will_C
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I guess the first question would be: what are your plans? I don't think most folks who buy an RTV are buying one instead of a tractor, usually it is in addition to a tractor.
Will
Will
Bob_Skurka
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Just my theory, but some people look at an RTV as a toy that they really want to have, and it can do some tractoring jobs if they are light jobs. An RTV can pull an engine powered mower, it probably does a reasonable job, but not as fast as a tractor. An RTV can push a lot of snow with a blade, and some models can accept slip scoops to move light materials like mulch. They can certainly pull a cart.
People who buy tractors probably place a higher priority on the tasks that need to be completed to get them done in the best way possible. A small tractor will likely mow better and certaily would mow faster than a tow behind mower because it would be considerably easier to manuver around trees, bushes and landscaping. A front end loader will easily outwork a slip scoop and will either push snow or the tractor will handle a snow blower. A tractor will also do numerous other jobs such as dig post holes, run a backhoe, pull a plow/middlebuster/subsoiler, etc.
Generally, a tractor will outwork an RTV for most any task, but the RTV will be more fun when the work is done. My personal opinion is that the 2 machines are TOTALLY different animals designed for different purposes. People who buy RTVs probably end up buying a garden tractor for mowing eventually.
People who buy tractors probably place a higher priority on the tasks that need to be completed to get them done in the best way possible. A small tractor will likely mow better and certaily would mow faster than a tow behind mower because it would be considerably easier to manuver around trees, bushes and landscaping. A front end loader will easily outwork a slip scoop and will either push snow or the tractor will handle a snow blower. A tractor will also do numerous other jobs such as dig post holes, run a backhoe, pull a plow/middlebuster/subsoiler, etc.
Generally, a tractor will outwork an RTV for most any task, but the RTV will be more fun when the work is done. My personal opinion is that the 2 machines are TOTALLY different animals designed for different purposes. People who buy RTVs probably end up buying a garden tractor for mowing eventually.
rmorgan
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If you lived in the woods and didn't want to change that, you might buy RTV instead of tractor. For me, the reason for the RTV--besides that it is a lot of fun--is that I have acreage that I can't get to with the tractor due to relatively extreme slopes and a creek crossing but want to be able to maintain and occasionally patrol. That having been the stated purpose, my wife is thrilled with the RTV (after years of resistance) because she can load her garden tools, plants, etc. in the bed, and then as she works fill the bed up with cuttings, sticks, weeds, etc. and dump them. It is a much less intimidating vehicle for her than the tractor, and it is much faster to run a load of detritus back in the woods to dump than using the loader. It is also better for hauling a sprayer tank than the loader, and of course leaves less of an impression. Plus we can use it to take folks who can't or won't hike on partial tours of our land. In short, they are both highly useful, and they are both highly entertaining!!
The main reason I am looking at either a tractor or RTV is:
Cost
Hauling materials (Bails of hay, bags of horse pellets and shavings).
Is the RTV not good at pulling materials?
Also what is a "slip scoop" ? I did a google and could not find anything on it.
Thanks for the help
Scott
Cost
Hauling materials (Bails of hay, bags of horse pellets and shavings).
Is the RTV not good at pulling materials?
Also what is a "slip scoop" ? I did a google and could not find anything on it.
Thanks for the help
Scott
Dave___in___CT
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Hi...
A used garden tractor or small Ag tractor with a cart/wagon can acomplish this at a low cost...
Dave...
A used garden tractor or small Ag tractor with a cart/wagon can acomplish this at a low cost...
Dave...
One thing I forgot to mention was I currently have a large hill I have to go up and down. Our dumpster is at the bottom of the hill the house at the top. So it would be nice to have something that goes up and down a hill quickly (currently I wallk it or ATV it).
jinman
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Get a tractor. These UTVs are great for their primary purpose, but I would never consider them instead of a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Tractors4u
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Bob_Skurka
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<font color="blue">( Also what is a "slip scoop" ? )
See the attachment. Some call them slip scoops, some flip scoops. )</font>
Brent, let me make a more specific correction to what you just posted. What you posted a picture of is referred to by Tractor Supply in their stores as a UTILITY SCOOP, Northern calls it a DIRT SCOOP. I probably should have been more specific in my description.
The SLIP SCOOP that I was referring to is a front mounted mini-type bucket that does not lift high, but is used to carry a load. For RTV's the Swisher brand makes slip scoops that mount to the front of some of the units. Also, some garden tractors are capable of operating a slip scoop.
Here is a picture of my little Ventrac with a slip scoop attached. The MAXIMUM lift height is only about a foot off the ground, but it does a nice job moving mulch or carrying concrete landscape blocks.
Swisher products slip scoop for the front of the 4 wheelers looks very similar to the slip scoop pictured above.
See the attachment. Some call them slip scoops, some flip scoops. )</font>
Brent, let me make a more specific correction to what you just posted. What you posted a picture of is referred to by Tractor Supply in their stores as a UTILITY SCOOP, Northern calls it a DIRT SCOOP. I probably should have been more specific in my description.
The SLIP SCOOP that I was referring to is a front mounted mini-type bucket that does not lift high, but is used to carry a load. For RTV's the Swisher brand makes slip scoops that mount to the front of some of the units. Also, some garden tractors are capable of operating a slip scoop.
Here is a picture of my little Ventrac with a slip scoop attached. The MAXIMUM lift height is only about a foot off the ground, but it does a nice job moving mulch or carrying concrete landscape blocks.
Swisher products slip scoop for the front of the 4 wheelers looks very similar to the slip scoop pictured above.