UTV Suggestions

[Drstrangeglove]

I have the pioneer 1000. My 83 year old father has no problem riding in it. The power steering would make it easy to steer if he drove it.

 

[panamaguy]

I'm shopping for a UTV that my 82 yo father will use to putt around the farm. He primarily would use it to check his groundhog spots throughout the year and a slow cruise around the property. I'll use it occasionally to carry a chainsaw, tools, pickup the mail and trash cans, simple stuff like that. He does drive on some manicured trails, nothing really rough, rocky, or muddy. The only UTV I've checked out and driven so far has been the Polaris Ranger SP 570 as it checks the boxes on price and size. It's a little tall for my dad to be able to slide onto the seat due to his bum knees and old legs. He can't step up into something easily. The Ranger seemed more for performance than pleasure. My other options are the Kawasaki Mule SX and the Kubota RTV520. I haven't seen the Mule or RTV in person yet, but they seem similar in size and look to be easy to get in and out of. Both seem to be nice to just put it in H or L and press the gas to go. Simple is best for the old man. I ruled out the Honda Pioneer 520 due to the reports of jerky shifting from the geared trans. I'm leaning toward the Kubota so far since the trans is HST which should make it very easy and smooth to drive. I don't have any UTV experience so if you can add some insight to the models listed as well as any models worth mentioning, please do so. If you need a ballpark price, let's call it <$12,500.

Check Kubota. Slower but a true work horse

 

[deserteagle71]

Wanna talk about something that can be difficult to get in/out of for an older person, that is definitely a jeep!

^This!

Been a Jeep owner for many, many years...latest is a 2006. Of all my vehicles the Jeep is definitely the hardest to climb in and out of. And it is worthless for hauling stuff around. The open bed of a side by side is much handier.

 

[Deanes]

Golf Cart

 

[TractorNoob85]

For that level of money you can buy an older Jeep that will serve him very well, and probably you too when you're 82.

One of the problem he has with his age is his spatial awareness is beginning to decline. He's been driving a S10 4x4 around the farm for years but recently he has ran over stumps and logs because he didn't see or notice them. I figure a smaller SxS with an open cab will help with his ability to see his surroundings. A Jeep would be a great idea if the circumstances were different.

 

[shooterdon]

I have a Mule SX. Except for the noise, low speed, and rough ride it is a good machine.

 

[shooterdon]

I have a Mule SX. Except for the noise, low speed, and rough ride it is a good machine.

 

[deserteagle71]

One of the problem he has with his age is his spatial awareness is beginning to decline. He's been driving a S10 4x4 around the farm for years but recently he has ran over stumps and logs because he didn't see or notice them. I figure a smaller SxS with an open cab will help with his ability to see his surroundings. A Jeep would be a great idea if the circumstances were different.

A side by side has one big advantage over a Jeep or pickup or other vehicle of that type....no hood to see over! It makes a huge difference in nasty terrain because you can see right down in front of the vehicle and what's there. If the vehicle has a long hood out there then your visibility is limited to 20 feet or more out in front. And cresting a hill - in a Jeep all you see is hood and sky. Not so in a side by side.

Looking out the windshield in a Jeep. The front bumper of the Jeep is a good 6-7 feet in front of the driver and you can't really see what's just in front of you. Why they use spotters when rock crawling.

Looking out of my Can-am. The front of the Can-am is only a couple feet past your own feet when driving. You can see the ground and any obstacles much better, much closer to the vehicle, and that may enough to keep him from running over stuff. No spotter needed. I'm 78 years old and I can relate!

 

[EddieWalker]

One of the problem he has with his age is his spatial awareness is beginning to decline. He's been driving a S10 4x4 around the farm for years but recently he has ran over stumps and logs because he didn't see or notice them. I figure a smaller SxS with an open cab will help with his ability to see his surroundings. A Jeep would be a great idea if the circumstances were different.

Nothing is going to be lower to the ground, or easier to get in and out of then a golf cart. They are designed for this more then anything else. Just look at who uses them, and how every brand is almost identical. It is the very best design for getting in and out. They have plenty of power, the ride is decent, and there is very little maintenance.

Every other UTV, or Side by Side is going to be fancier in some regard, including the Mule like I have. Your dad doesn't need 4x4, or mud tires, or something that goes 30 mph or faster. Just something safe and easy to operate.

In your case, the least expensive machine is going to be the best choice.

 

[TractorNoob85]

Nothing is going to be lower to the ground, or easier to get in and out of then a golf cart. They are designed for this more then anything else. Just look at who uses them, and how every brand is almost identical. It is the very best design for getting in and out. They have plenty of power, the ride is decent, and there is very little maintenance.

Every other UTV, or Side by Side is going to be fancier in some regard, including the Mule like I have. Your dad doesn't need 4x4, or mud tires, or something that goes 30 mph or faster. Just something safe and easy to operate.

In your case, the least expensive machine is going to be the best choice.

He doesn't race through trails but he does drive through some less-than-ideal places in the woods when looking for new ground hog spots. The golf cart would get trashed. The last thing I need is him driving a golf cart into a swampy bottom of a field and getting stuck, requiring him to walk back to the house with nobody around to help. They aren't made for anything outside of smooth surfaces unless you pay the premium for a 4wd model. Aside from that, it is going to be a vehicle that I can use for farm needs when I want. It's being bought with his needs in mind, but it still needs utility at the end of the day. The golf cart idea is not on the table. I've made up my mind and will be checking out the RTV520, Mule SX, and 4010 if any are available. They should both be easy to step into while having 4wd and a utility bed as well as hitch/receiver.