RTV1100 Opinions

[timswi]

I've heard the same but when I was looking to buy a SXS two years ago I test drove them all and decided to take a chance on the 2008 Polaris Ranger 700 XP/LE based mainly on the test ride, looks, performance, features, ergonomics, db noise, and etc. It's been trouble free now for two plus years with over 2000 miles and 400 hrs. I don't run it really hard but I don't baby it either. I'd definitely buy another one tomorrow if I was looking to buy a SXS.

BTW. Nice reaction time...Close to a 4.0...Tough to do with a diesel. Congrats!

 

[sunnyside360]

BTW. Nice reaction time...Close to a 4.0...Tough to do with a diesel. Congrats!

Not really knocking Kubota. I test drove the RTV 1100 cab a few mos ago and they have a nice product. I think it's top speed is around 25 mph. The twin cylinder Rangers on the other hand will go around 50 to 55 mph. I don't know what my Ranger will really do speed wise but I easily cruise at 40 mph down the secondary road for about one mile along my property.

 

[timswi]

Not really knocking Kubota. I test drove the RTV 1100 cab a few mos ago and they have a nice product. I think it's top speed is around 25 mph. The twin cylinder Rangers on the other hand will go around 50 to 55 mph. I don't know what my Ranger will really do speed wise but I easily cruise at 40 mph down the secondary road for about one mile along my property.

I'm aware that the Polaris will do 40+MPH...i really have no need to go that fast...General stable power at 25mph works for me...is this what I can expect?

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm aware that the Polaris will do 40+MPH...i really have no need to go that fast...General stable power at 25mph works for me...is this what I can expect?

I can't speak for actual RTV 1100 top speed. Maybe someone who has one can answer, but the dealer told me around 25 mph. Many who have an RTV 1100 gripe about the power and speed, especially going up an incline.
Like I said before Kubota makes a good solid unit but one has to compare them with others and choose based on features that are important to you. IMHO the best thing going for Kubota and Honda Big Red is that they have real transmissions, no belts like most of the others.

 

[xterra]

I have some advise...don't do it! Since having bought a rtv 900 last summer I've come to the conclusion that their junk. They have no power, transmissions are crap, and the shifting mechanism is just plain terrible. My Bx2350 has more power. I know you guys love them but I'm really disappointed with it. Wish I went with my first thought...Polaris. Thinking of selling mine this spring. Love my tractor though.

 

[Dargo]

I've heard the same but when I was looking to buy a SXS two years ago I test drove them all and decided to take a chance on the 2008 Polaris Ranger 700 XP/LE based mainly on the test ride, looks, performance, features, ergonomics, db noise, and etc. It's been trouble free now for two plus years with over 2000 miles and 400 hrs. I don't run it really hard but I don't baby it either. I'd definitely buy another one tomorrow if I was looking to buy a SXS.

BTW, I've been a strict Honda fan for over 40 years and this is the first I've broken ranks and bought something else.

I'm watching Polaris to see how the 6X6 units pan out. Do they have FI now? I'm spoiled and really despise the old carbs. I just think the 6X6 units would be the ultimate off roaders! My issue is that I have 3 friends who bought them several years ago and got absolutely burned on them. Still, with their power and 6 wheels, I gotta get one some day! My friend's never ran right and they took a real arse whipping when they finally decided to unload them. It's kept me away for a while, but won't forever. I'd love a 6X6 for fun and a RTV for work. I hauled and dumped hundreds of loads of dirt weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds each load. The Polaris can't do that, but the Kubota is a pig speed wise.

 

[sunnyside360]

I'm watching Polaris to see how the 6X6 units pan out. Do they have FI now? I'm spoiled and really despise the old carbs. I just think the 6X6 units would be the ultimate off roaders! My issue is that I have 3 friends who bought them several years ago and got absolutely burned on them. Still, with their power and 6 wheels, I gotta get one some day! My friend's never ran right and they took a real arse whipping when they finally decided to unload them. It's kept me away for a while, but won't forever. I'd love a 6X6 for fun and a RTV for work. I hauled and dumped hundreds of loads of dirt weighing between 1500 and 2000 pounds each load. The Polaris can't do that, but the Kubota is a pig speed wise.

I can't speak with authority about the Polaris 6X6 Rangers but they do have the twin cylinder 800 EFI engine. And, I know what you mean about having EFI instead of the old carb.
The only negative for me getting a Polaris Ranger 2 yrs ago was the notorious reliability issue. That is why I purchased the 48 mos zero deductible Polaris extended warranty. Also, I have relatives who swear by the newer Polaris ATV's (less than 4 years old).

 

[timswi]

Thaks for all of the input. I'm getting the sense that most want the RTV to be an ATV..That's not really what I need. I do alot of snow plowing and general pasture puttering. Alot of hills and stuff. if it'll pull reasonable hills in M range and maintain 25mph all other times I'll be happy.

I have no need to go 45mph..that would be nice, but I personally don't need that.

Any opinions in that regard?

 

[radman1]

Thaks for all of the input. I'm getting the sense that most want the RTV to be an ATV..That's not really what I need. I do alot of snow plowing and general pasture puttering. Alot of hills and stuff. if it'll pull reasonable hills in M range and maintain 25mph all other times I'll be happy.

I have no need to go 45mph..that would be nice, but I personally don't need that.

Any opinions in that regard?

I only test drove a 1100, but even in mid range, it seemed to lack acceleration and power. I was on flat ground but the power/acceleration wasn't there IMHO. I would have to question it's ability to maintain any speed going up hills in mid range. Also, it was painful to have to stop to shift ranges compared to a CVT transmission which seems to get the max torque/power throughout its powerband.

Personally, I would consider the 1100 if - a cab with A/C and heat was a very high priority or if I was doing very serious pulling or hauling tasks. The 1100 cab is not great because if it significant noise but noise is a problem with all hard UTV cabs. If you want a great ride, better traction (true all wheel 4x4), easier handling, less cost and less weight, consider others.

The 1100 had 24.8 hp but it seems to lose too much getting the power to the ground. A polaris ranger, Kaw teryx, or yamaha rhino is going to be in the 40-45 hp range with quick response gas engines. People praise the low end torque of the diesel but hp still matters when it is 25 vs 45 hp.

You seem set on getting the 1100 and that is just fine. However, I think you should test drive a polaris, kaw or yamaha. I do believe, Polaris has come a long way by improving their reliability from several years ago.

 

[timswi]

I only test drove a 1100, but even in mid range, it seemed to lack acceleration and power. I was on flat ground but the power/acceleration wasn't there IMHO. I would have to question it's ability to maintain any speed going up hills in mid range. Also, it was painful to have to stop to shift ranges compared to a CVT transmission which seems to get the max torque/power throughout its powerband.

Personally, I would consider the 1100 if - a cab with A/C and heat was a very high priority or if I was doing very serious pulling or hauling tasks. The 1100 cab is not great because if it significant noise but noise is a problem with all hard UTV cabs. If you want a great ride, better traction (true all wheel 4x4), easier handling, less cost and less weight, consider others.

The 1100 had 24.8 hp but it seems to lose too much getting the power to the ground. A polaris ranger, Kaw teryx, or yamaha rhino is going to be in the 40-45 hp range with quick response gas engines. People praise the low end torque of the diesel but hp still matters when it is 25 vs 45 hp.

You seem set on getting the 1100 and that is just fine. However, I think you should test drive a polaris, kaw or yamaha. I do believe, Polaris has come a long way by improving their reliability from several years ago.

Thanks for the input...I'm not set at all on the 1100 that's why I'm fishing for opinions. I have driven rangers et al..they are a different purpose machine. I just wanted some real world experiences with this given that there aren't alot of opinions to be found anywhere.

Just so you know..I have an RTV500, so I'm very used to the low speed thing, and that's fine. The lack over overall power is what I don't like. Don't want the same thing in an 1100, at double the price.