Which one for us?

[farmboy12]

Okay, here's one of the questions that I know the answer to-"Just go with the one you like best." I don' want that, I want to hear what you think would be best. Here is what we need it for-

-Light hauling
-Transport
-Towing
-Light farm work (pulling a drag, roller, spreader, etc.)
-Probably a front blade too
-Probably handle a little mud

Pretty simple. Now here's what I think we have it narrowed down to-

-Kubota RTV900
-Polaris HD
-Pug Badlands
-Gator HPX/XUV, 6x4

Remember, I want to hear YOUR opinion!

 

[loopyl]

What about a Kawasaki Mule, it meets all your requirements.

 

[farmboy12]

Sorry, but Kawasaki doesn't appeal to us. I admit they're nice, but we just would prefer one of these.

Also, I would like to add that we're considering the xp and crew. I can not find a local pug dealer, seems to meet our needs, but have long time relations with the Kubota, Polaris, and Deere dealers.

Kyle

 

[jcmseven]

I think it depends on how much "transport" you mean. The Kubota RTV fits your bill well and for work around the farm it would be tough to beat. It uses little fuel also. I would think a diesel option would be preferable for you since you likely have access to off road fuel. The downside with the Kubota is it is not very fast and lacks suspension travel for true off roading, although it would do fine for 90% of us off-roading too. The Polaris is a solid machine and I would really consider it if you have large acreage to cover or transport is the lionshare of your duties. I bought a Polaris for my dad (two actually over time) and he likes it. I have been somewhat "less than impressed" with the build quality of both, but that said neither have given any trouble although the second one is still quite new. I bought an XUV for many reasons, but the main reason is that it offers in my opinion the best combination of features. It is almost as fast as the Polaris, pulls a bit better, has a diesel option, true four wheel drive, better suspension than the Kubota and a really nice long factory warranty without the hassles of some other companies. In short, it had no weaknesses that I could see. I have been most satisfied with my purchase and since many farms have JD equipment already it is a comfortable choice for many (though this may be exactly the reason one might seek another brand, too). I can't tell you what to buy but in my mind these three are head and shoulders above your other options at this time, although I like the Kawasaki also, it falls a slight bit short of these three in performance.

John M

 

[farmboy12]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Gators had a top speed of 25-35mph and I know the rangers get up to 50 on their workhorses. The RZR S model goes 63!

 

[nmu98]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Gators had a top speed of 25-35mph and I know the rangers get up to 50 on their workhorses. The RZR S model goes 63!

Gators are speed limited to about 31, but they will do 30 in a field. I have rode many Polaris XP's and like them, but 50mph will only be seen on a paved road going slightly downhill. I have a diesel gator, and I keep up with my buddy on his 700Xp without issue. The RZR S does not meet your needs one bit.

 

[farmboy12]

Oh, I understand about the RZR S, I was just making a point.

 

[nmu98]

Oh, I understand about the RZR S, I was just making a point.

Im sorry, I missed your point.

We are talking machines that can do work. My Harley does 110 plus..... But it has nothing to do with your decision

 

[Donegal_TDI]

After years of Honda atv's,
I went with Gator XUV 850D diesel with full cab.
I hate all quad bikes that have a permanent
locked rear axle which 98% of them do.
Lack of manoeuvrability.
Also as it rains a lot here,
the Gator goes anywhere the atv went,
but this time in the dry and in comfort.
I cant help but feel a little smug
when it's pouring down and I have to check my stock.

 

[Tractors4u]

I have a diesel gator, and I keep up with my buddy on his 700Xp without issue.

Then there is something wrong with your buddy's XP or he is taking it easy or you have a very fast Gator. I have 2006 XP and it will do 44 MPH on a level paved road. If the road starts going down hill the speed limiter kicks in. I added an aftermarket speedometer and have clocked it with a GPS.

 

[nmu98]

Then there is something wrong with your buddy's XP or he is taking it easy or you have a very fast Gator. I have 2006 XP and it will do 44 MPH on a level paved road. If the road starts going down hill the speed limiter kicks in. I added an aftermarket speedometer and have clocked it with a GPS.

Sorry, I need to be clear. I can keep up with him, and i do not slow him down, in the field or on trails. Off road, we seem to be very close. Put us in deep sand, and I walk him. There is no doubt that at WOT he is faster, even in dirt, (except sand), but it does not seem to come into play when we are riding. Even when we kick it down to the back to the 80 acres, we both get back there about the same time. I have drove his and he has drove mine, and if we both floor it to get tot he back, there is little difference. But, this is not a clear drag strip test. There are bumps and obstacles....

XP's have a higher top speed no doubt. In the way we use ours, its not a factor in what machine is better, because the playing field is leveled by the real world. I hope that makes sense, cause I am not jabbing either machine.

 

[farmboy12]

Sorry to add another into the mix, but Cub Cadets with Cat diesels are nice. They don't put cats in 'em now. I've been watching this for a while, I think its a good deal, but far away from us in MD.

Go to eBay and look up 2006 cub cadet 4x4 diesel, it's in Paris, Illinois and is camo.

If you don't find it, let me know.

 

[nmu98]

Sorry to add another into the mix, but Cub Cadets with Cat diesels are nice. They don't put cats in 'em now. I've been watching this for a while, I think its a good deal, but far away from us in MD.

Go to eBay and look up 2006 cub cadet 4x4 diesel, it's in Paris, Illinois and is camo.

If you don't find it, let me know.

Are you buying it because of the "Cat" name? Have you ever drove one?

Please let us know what ones you have drove and what you think of them?

I have drove the cub at a dealer who was trying hard to get rid of an 07 that he had on his lot for over a year. I understood why it was there.

 

[farmboy12]

We're not sure we're even buying. It's very far away. They are very similar to the gator, if not made by the same company. I've grown up around equipment and we've operated Cats, but no, i've never driven on of these, but heard great reviews online.

 

[farmboy12]

I don't mean to keep throwing things at you, but there is one of those Bobcat 2300 with the front attachments for sale on eBay. It only has 80 hours, comes with a bucket and forks. $10,000. Not to bad right. The HD and RTV are $12,000 without options and accesories. There is a close Bobcat dealer, but haven't done business with them though. The Catskills aren't to far away from
us. I know I'm a dreamer but I think this may be the right way to go. Also, the bucket seats are comfortable, but cannot hold 3 people safely, or under cover when it's raining.

 

[nmu98]

We're not sure we're even buying. It's very far away. They are very similar to the gator, if not made by the same company. I've grown up around equipment and we've operated Cats, but no, i've never driven on of these, but heard great reviews online.

I don't mean to keep throwing things at you, but there is one of those Bobcat 2300 with the front attachments for sale on eBay. It only has 80 hours, comes with a bucket and forks. $10,000. Not to bad right. The HD and RTV are $12,000 without options and accesories. There is a close Bobcat dealer, but haven't done business with them though. The Catskills aren't to far away from
us. I know I'm a dreamer but I think this may be the right way to go. Also, the bucket seats are comfortable, but cannot hold 3 people safely, or under cover when it's raining.

Do you realize these posts are one right after another... Um, first the purchase is far away and now you might have found the right one.....

I know I am picking on you. But get you head out of your ......

BTW, the cub model is not built just like the gator. But then again, they both have 4 wheels, 2 seats, and a dump bed. You might be on to something

 

[vintovka]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the Gators had a top speed of 25-35mph and I know the rangers get up to 50 on their workhorses. The RZR S model goes 63!

IMHO 25 mph is fast enough for me on my RTV, any faster is kinda scary. You need a strong heart and good life insurance to exceed 35 mph in one of these. ( 37 mph downhill, flat out, no turns) . Would not let the kids take it out if it wern't governed for 25 mph. Heard insurance companies were putting fast atvs etc in same class as mean dogs and trampolines for non covered losses.

 

[farmboy12]

I dropped by the Deere/Polaris dealer today. I talked to one of the owners and asked him whether he liked the Gators or Rangers better. He said he would take the ranger anyday. I'm kinda partial to the polaris's, so this kinda strengthens it. But I am open to almost all brands. Call me a dreamer, but it seems every night, I end up with all the brands and models somehow appearing in a new barn that seemed to cost me nothing. Can't wait till I go to sleep!

 

[logfarmer]

Hi,
I have a Kubota RTV 900 for my place of 180 acres it is about perfect. It runs for a couple of weeks on 5 gallons of fuel, we have roads most every where we go which is good cause it is not as handy off road as my Honda 4 wheelers. The dump bed is good for eveything and will dump a bed full of river rocks without a whimper. It is not as fast as the 4 wheelers but it carries a lot more so since we mostly use it for work is better for running around in cause the bed is allways there to put stuff in. It is not as sure footed as the Hondas and slower but we still use it all the time. My big 450 Foreman just sits most of the time. The RTV is not good for chasing cows or going fast over bumpy roads but when it is cold the windshied breaks the wind so its not as cold to ride. Its easier to throw things into the bed and way cheaper to operate than a pickup. My old 73 Chev just sits most of the time now. It is also hard to get it away from my wife she likes to use it for hauling things back and forth from our different house locations on the place, hauling weeds to the compost heap, going to get the mail, carrying canning jars, she's always got some excuse for using it. I dont think it is as good in mud but we dont have much, what we do have the 4 wheelers run right through but the RTV is heavier and has to work harder to get through
Martin