Upcoming UTV purchase

ottoengineer · Feb 24, 2010

I will be in the market for a UTV in the next couple months. I am flexible on the price if it is a good machine. The following are things that are important for me.

reliability, long service life, moderate 4x4 capabilities, payload/towing, seating (single bench or double bench), moderate hill/offroad performance, a reasonably quiet machine would be a plus.

speed and ride quality are not priorities

I am thinking of the mule 4010 or 4010 trans, kubota rtv900, or the gator xuv or a mini-truck

What would yall recommend?

Any tips for a first time ATV/UTV buyer?

Thanks

project_X · Feb 24, 2010

I love my Mini Truck. I've got a '93 Suzuki Carry, 4x4, 4sp with Hi/Lo, diff lock and AC. It has 22,000km. I have added a lift, a hydraulic dump bed and am in the process of finishing my hydraulic snow plow.

I searched long and hard for a UTV, but for the price couldn't beat the features of the mini trucks. I'm in Canada, so I can use mine to drive to beer store, pick up topsoil,....as well as go pretty much anywhere that a UTV will go.

Take a look at minitrucktalk.com if you have any questions. I'm project_x over there too, and have posted several threads on my projects.

Cheers,
Rob

Avondale · Feb 25, 2010

I have a Polaris Ranger and use it mainly for work in the bush (i.e. snow plowing maple sugar trails and driveways, hauling logs and stones and hunting). On the test drives of various Mfr's products, I found no use for the steering assist systems avail. Sadly, now I load my Ranger, it seems like I should have opted for the steering assist. When the Ranger is fully loaded and when backing up with a loaded trailer, it can be a real workout. If a concern to you, consider asking for a load to be put on before testing.

The Ranger has very good off-road capabilities but can be difficult in the woods. The roll-bar/roof and windshield can get in the way due to protruding branches and downed trees.

So far, very reliable. I would buy another one.

mburke121 · Feb 25, 2010

I, too, own a Polaris Ranger. I purchased the XP800 back in August of last year. It will cost you between $10 and $11k, without any accessories.

I am totally satisfied with the machine. I store it in a shipping container at my property here in Kansas, and the winter has been well below normal - I've been able to start the machine with no problems in sub-zero temps. It has great off-road capability, has plenty of power, and a nice tranny and AWD set up. It uses very little fuel.

I have literally taken it through the woods, over saplings up to 3" diameter, up steep, wet terrain, and nothing seems to be able to stop it. It has a 1000# payload, and 2000# towing capability. The dumping bed with tailgate is nicely designed. I like the bench setup - I can take my wife and daughter (and small dog) around the property in relative comfort. I agree with the previous post - the roll bar and windshield do have a high profile when you're in the woods.

Overall a very handy and user-friendly machine, with great capabilities.

Happyman · Feb 25, 2010

wbhinton said:
I will be in the market for a UTV in the next couple months. I am flexible on the price if it is a good machine. The following are things that are important for me.

reliability, long service life, moderate 4x4 capabilities, payload/towing, seating (single bench or double bench), moderate hill/offroad performance, a reasonably quiet machine would be a plus.

speed and ride quality are not priorities

I am thinking of the mule 4010 or 4010 trans, kubota rtv900, or the gator xuv or a mini-truck

What would yall recommend?

Any tips for a first time ATV/UTV buyer?

Thanks

I have the older (2007) 3010 Trans 4x4 Kawasaki Mule. I researched a lot of UTV's before buying this one. For the $ you really can't beat its toughness and durability. I use it on my farm for everything. After my Kubota L3940, it's the best workhorse I've ever owned. I added a hydraulic bed lift, skid plates for the engine, tranny and CV jonts and a Warn RT300 winch. I don't think I could get stuck if I tried. The 4010 offers fuel injection and power steering, which I would have liked. For a quieter machine go with the gas instead of diesel. The double bench or single bench switch is a real plus when you want to carry more people than cargo. I also much prefer the CVT over the HST on the kubota UTV's. Go for the Kawasaki!

xterra · Feb 25, 2010

Not to sound like a broken record but I say go for the Polaris. I bought a used RTV 900. I'm not happy about the transmission. Had I known they were so touchy I would have stayed away.

mburke121 · Feb 25, 2010

After re-reading the original post, I'll just add that the Ranger is also a very quiet machine.

timswi · Feb 25, 2010

Well, the big decision is whether you want a CVT or HST.

CVT --Generally faster with better throttle response. Negative- some/most have belts and clutches for the main drive components. Can be wear items.

HST- Slower, with less throttle response. Generally more 'grunt" power for towing and pulling stuff around. Just don't be in a hurry. Also has the annoying throttle feathering that you have to do in order to maintain speed in anything but low range. Positives- no belts or clutches..Direct drive set up.

It really depends on what your overall use is. CVT is more fun..HST is more for work.

If you want quiet, go with a gasser..The diesels are great for work duties, but quiet, they aint.

Good luck. no matter what you do, you'll love an UTV.

I'm probably upgrading from an RTV500 to an RTV1100, both HST. Wish Kubota could come up with something that bridges the gap between the two types of tranny's...But as you can see, I'm not THAT annoyed (anymore) by the HST to drop close to $20K on the new one.

Avondale · Feb 26, 2010

The biggest annoyance factor on my Ranger is the in-ability to shift from Lo to hi while moving. If I pull a wagon load of wood out of the bush onto a roadway, must stop, shift then proceed. Not ideal as momentum would help rather than trying to start in Hi with a heavy load.

forester2 · Feb 26, 2010

I recently have gone through the same mental exercise you are going through. I ended up with a Kubota RTV900 because of the heavy hauling I anticipate. The deisel for power , low maintainence and long life, true hydraulic dump and overall beefiness of frame and trans. made me select it. If heavy hauling capacity wasn't a major foactor, I would have purchased a Ranger based on experiences of many people I know.

jinman · Feb 26, 2010

Drive 'em all and buy the one you like. Whichever one it is, I recommend getting a windshield and roof. Those two things really make a difference.

1bush2hog · Feb 26, 2010

jinman said:
Drive 'em all and buy the one you like. Whichever one it is, I recommend getting a windshield and roof. Those two things really make a difference.

Great advice!

I liked the Mules until I sat in one. I'm 6'3" and my knees were touching the bottom of the steering wheel.

I went with a Ranger as I wanted a machine that could work and play, and the reviews I read indicated it could do both reasonably well. I fit much better in the Ranger, the steering column can be tilted to your taste, it rides great, has plenty of power, and will be putting it to work as soon as I can

4ironhead · Feb 26, 2010

I just purchased a JD620i because I could'nt afford a Kubota 1100. You can't go wrong with either JD or Kubota. Best quality and resale. IMHO
Good Luck!

Brent

FamilyFarm · Feb 27, 2010

We all vote for anything we own (or have used) and really like. I have the Kubota and have not had any of the issues posted. It is new and has the "improved" shifting setup. There was some resistance to shifting the first few hours, but now it rarely happens. I also don't have power issues on steep hills, etc. Mine is the 1140 (2 seater) and is not a small rig - turning radius about only complaint I can think of. I like the Kawasaki also, but for the money difference, I believe I got a lot more out of the deal.

04honda · Feb 27, 2010

I would look hard at the Honda Bigred. It is supposenly great all around!

forester2 · Mar 1, 2010

Remember, Kioti keeps threatening to come out with one too. I for one got tired of waiting.

Brokermike · Mar 1, 2010

I just bought a Mule 610 XC. It is awesome! I'm 6'3" and 300lbs and I have plenty of room (it has a smaller wheel). It has great ground clearance, it is a nice easy size (fits in the back of the truck), and it tows/hauls like crazy!

It is however not fast, it only goes about 25mph.

I sold my ranger to buy it after test driving it.

nickel plate · Mar 1, 2010

1bush2hog said:
Great advice!

I liked the Mules until I sat in one. I'm 6'3" and my knees were touching the bottom of the steering wheel.

I went with a Ranger as I wanted a machine that could work and play, and the reviews I read indicated it could do both reasonably well. I fit much better in the Ranger, the steering column can be tilted to your taste, it rides great, has plenty of power, and will be putting it to work as soon as I can

You didn't mention what year or model of Mule. I have a 2008 3010 Trans which came with a height adjustable steering column. I haven't adjusted it but I am 6'-4" 210 lbs. and my knees clear the bottom of the wheel by 2".

Sportsman762 · Mar 3, 2010

wbhinton could you post more information on what you plan on doing with it? What are moderate hills to you if you live in the rocky s moderate hills might be extreme hills compared to if you live in Florida. What tasks do you want this machine to do? Are you needing heavy hauling capabilities, and don't care about speed, speed and agility, or a mix. Are you driving mostly on roads and established trails or are you purely off road? Do you want speed or are you happy putting along at 20. What is your budget? Thanks this will help to keep this this tread a little less subjective and more objective.

Scotty370 · Mar 5, 2010

Keep the feedback coming! I'm about to 'do the deal' myself! We've got Kawi 360, and 650 Praries. I'm looking to upgrade to a side X side also. Any comments are appreciated! ~Scotty