RTV or Tractor

swoods80 · Jun 24, 2004

Just curiouse why someone would choose an RTV over a small Kubota Tractor like the BX2230? I am wrestling with this decesion.

Will_C · Jun 24, 2004

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

Bob_Skurka · Jun 24, 2004

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.

rmorgan · Jun 24, 2004

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!!

swoods80 · Jun 25, 2004

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

Dave___in___CT · Jun 25, 2004

Hi...

A used garden tractor or small Ag tractor with a cart/wagon can acomplish this at a low cost...

Dave...

swoods80 · Jun 25, 2004

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 · Jun 25, 2004

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 · Jun 25, 2004

( Also what is a "slip scoop" ? )

See the attachment. Some call them slip scoops, some flip scoops.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 25, 2004

( Also what is a "slip scoop" ? )

See the attachment. Some call them slip scoops, some flip scoops. )

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.

swoods80 · Jun 25, 2004

Just got back from the Kubota dealer and the salesperson said that there was no way to put attachments to the RTV. Do you have a picture of an RTV with a scoop?

Bob_Skurka · Jun 25, 2004

No, I don't have a picture, but I would probably trust that salesman. There are only limited units that the aftermarket accessories fit. Typically they won't fit newer designs, and typically they are only made for models that have a lot of units out in actual use.

Tractors4u · Jun 26, 2004

Bob I have heard them called utility scoops, flip scoops, and pond scoops also. Homier calls the one I posted a Slip Scoop and yes you are right about the Swisher slip scoops for ATVs. Our local TSC carries those. I thought the one like I posted might have been what he was looking for because as I understand it, a 3 point hitch attachment is available for the RTV.

mathteacher · Jun 26, 2004

If you already own an ATV, look around for a small used utility trailer to hook up to your ATV. A 4 X 8 or a 5 X 8. I have used my ATV trailer setup to move lots of stuff. Get the tractor with the FEL to help load the trailer.

Donald B.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 26, 2004

Brent, I didn't realize a 3pt was available. That might make an RTV a bit more interesting. Does it also have a pto?

rmorgan · Jun 26, 2004

I'm not aware of any credible three-point setup for an RTV, and there definitely is no rotating PTO. Because the whole machine is hydraulic, there are rear remotes for the bed lift, and there are many tools which can be driven by those hydraulics, but again I don't think the RTV is in any way an overall replacement for a CUT; each machine does things the other can't.

L48_RTV · Jun 26, 2004

In my case I had purchased an L48 a year ago. This is the work machine but is way too heavy and large to mow the lawn around the house 3 acres. I considered buying a zero turn Kubota diesel but bought the RTV instead.

Will buy a small three blade gang mower for the yard and kill the need for the Honda ATV I was considering. In my book this mix is perfect for me.

PS. Did a quick trail ride with the family today... With the diff locked it will really climb over anything.

After reading the postings on Gang Reel Mowers... gas power swisher is looking like a better idea. Tks for the info.