Work UTV ... narrow down some choices please

[MinnesotaEric]

We've needed something for a couple years, but I didn't want to spring for Quad, because I knew it wasn't the right "tool" for our needs. This Gator, and the truck like UTV's in this category, are so helpful and handy!

Glad I finally got one.

I'm still looking for a used, red, 2014-or-newer Yamaha Viking.

 

[ovrszd]

I think what if when reading these posts and a capable work UTV built like a truck would be a lot of fun getting the chores done.

On the other hand... I bought my Samurai for $1000 and use it haul, tow carry people, etc. and can drive it to town... it does not have power steering or A/C creature comforts but is as reliable as they come.

Yep, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, a Sami will outwork all of the UTVs and outlast all but possibly the largest Kubotas. But then, you could buy 20 Samis for the same money so I guess it would also outlast them.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm still looking for a used, red, 2014-or-newer Yamaha Viking.

I stopped watching the video when I realized they are still using the outdated single lunger. They are noisy and create a lot of vibration. And did I mention, outdated. Multiple cylinder engines are the only way to go in today's UTVs. Wayyyyy smoother. Much broader power base. Much more user friendly. For Yamaha to get back in the lead in the UTV market they need to start completely over. Heck the Viking is still using the same dump bed system they used on the first Rhinos. Gonna really have to "gimmick" up their sales game to get back on top with this rig. Sorry.

 

[TSO]

Yep, pound for pound, dollar for dollar, a Sami will outwork all of the UTVs and outlast all but possibly the largest Kubotas. But then, you could buy 20 Samis for the same money so I guess it would also outlast them.

Why would it outlast all but a Kubota vs say, a Deere? Besides the name, what's so special about the Bota?

Those samurai do offer a lot, however, they are about 700 lbs heavier than most UTV's, and use harder ply automotive tires... It wouldn't be practical for the sake of my lawn, especially this time of year. I'd also much rather work on a UTV than an "automobile."

 

[ovrszd]

Why would it outlast a Kubota vs say, a Deere?

Those samurai do offer a lot, however, they are about 700 lbs heavier than most UTV's, and use harder ply automotive tires... It wouldn't be practical for the sake of my lawn, especially this time of year. I'd also much rather work on a UTV than an "automobile."

Because I think the Kubota large units are built a lot better than the Deere models.

I understand everyone's needs are different. And we must buy what we can use practically. But, without looking back, I believe you just purchased 7 Samis using ultrarunner's example?? Neither your Gator or the Kubota's mentioned will outlast 7 Samis. Not a flame. Just a fact.

 

[TSO]

Because I think the Kubota large units are built a lot better than the Deere models.

I understand everyone's needs are different. And we must buy what we can use practically. But, without looking back, I believe you just purchased 7 Samis using ultrarunner's example?? Neither your Gator or the Kubota's mentioned will outlast 7 Samis. Not a flame. Just a fact.

No offense to his vehicle, but I highly doubt that a $1000 used car would typically outlast a UTV or ATV . And by outlast, you'd have to be more specific. They are both mechanical locomotion devices. You can keep repairing and replacing parts on either. What would make a samurai outlast a good UTV ... And at what cost?

Also, because I don't know as I am new to UTV's ... What is specifically better on the Kubota vs the Deere?

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I stopped watching the video when I realized they are still using the outdated single lunger. They are noisy and create a lot of vibration. And did I mention, outdated. Multiple cylinder engines are the only way to go in today's UTVs. Wayyyyy smoother. Much broader power base. Much more user friendly. For Yamaha to get back in the lead in the UTV market they need to start completely over. Heck the Viking is still using the same dump bed system they used on the first Rhinos. Gonna really have to "gimmick" up their sales game to get back on top with this rig. Sorry.

Out-dated? I love thumpers, but it sounds like Yamaha will come out with a twin later on.

That said, thumpers are cool.

Floating a wheelie down the back straight at 70 mph on my out-dated 500cc thumper.

Taking a stock Husky 610 through its paces.

 

[ovrszd]

Out-dated? I love thumpers, but it sounds like Yamaha will come out with a twin later on.

That said, thumpers are cool.

Floating a wheelie down the back straight at 70 mph on my out-dated 500cc thumper.

Taking a stock Husky 610 through its paces.

I too love thumpers. Great pics. When you get your thumper UTV you can post some pics of doing those things as well. No wait, UTVs won't do those things. They are designed to spend most of their time at or just above idle.

 

[ovrszd]

No offense to his vehicle, but I highly doubt that a $1000 used car would typically outlast a UTV or ATV . And by outlast, you'd have to be more specific. They are both mechanical locomotion devices. You can keep repairing and replacing parts on either. What would make a samurai outlast a good UTV ... And at what cost?

Also, because I don't know as I am new to UTV's ... What is specifically better on the Kubota vs the Deere?

We're in territory that's extremely hard to prove. I'll just say, when your Gator has the hours/miles on it that ultrarunner's Sami has we can further discuss the repairs necessary to get you there.

As to repair parts and their cost, see above statement. You can buy a complete front axle assembly for a Sami for what you'll pay for an individual axle shaft on the Gator.

With little time investigating it is visually apparent that the chassis of the large Kubotas are built stronger and with longer lasting design than the Gators. That would be proven on the scales as well.

I'm not flaming any color. Just clarifying.

Final point, I believe ultrarunner is already $6000 ahead of you in cost output. So your Gator has a lot of catch-up to do.

 

[TSO]

We're in territory that's extremely hard to prove. I'll just say, when your Gator has the hours/miles on it that ultrarunner's Sami has we can further discuss the repairs necessary to get you there.

As to repair parts and their cost, see above statement. You can buy a complete front axle assembly for a Sami for what you'll pay for an individual axle shaft on the Gator.

With little time investigating it is visually apparent that the chassis of the large Kubotas are built stronger and with longer lasting design than the Gators. That would be proven on the scales as well.

I'm not flaming any color. Just clarifying.

Final point, I believe ultrarunner is already $6000 ahead of you in cost output. So your Gator has a lot of catch-up to do.

I've had the Gator for a day, so I'm certainly not bleeding green over it... And anyone who's read my past posts will certainly not accuse me of being any kind of a JD groupie. But, I find it hard to believe that I could purchase a new complete front axle assembly for the samurai for cheaper than an individual axle shaft for a UTV. Perhaps you were exaggerating a bit.

I've owned and worked on lots of ATV's, and rebuilt some from the frame up. They are cheap and easy to maintain. Besides absolute destruction of a frame, I don't see how a UTV wouldn't outlast a $1000 used vehicle. Just because someone bought a $1000 used vehicle that is still on the road doesn't mean that every other $1000 used vehicle would do as well. You're also forgetting that it still isn't an actual UTV, and for most people that are shopping for a UTV, an automobile probably won't fit the requirements. It seems like you're over exaggerating to try to prove some argument... I don't get it.

I'm also wondering why, if the Kubota is built so much better than the Deere, why the ratings aren't better? Seems like Deere has had a lot of experience in this segment and Kubota is a relative newcomer ... In my reading, I didn't see frame strength issues come up with the Gator's... So I'm wondering what may be lacking compared to the Kubota? And, why are all of these municipalities buying and keeping the Gator's vs some other brands? So many questions. I'm curious to see how you'll make up an exaggerated answer for them this time.

 

[GolfAddict]

A $1000 dollar Sami will out work a RTV or Gator?? I guess you qualified that with "pound for pound, dollar for dollar" whatever that's supposed to mean.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I've had the Gator for a day, so I'm certainly not bleeding green over it... And anyone who's read my past posts will certainly not accuse me of being any kind of a JD groupie. But, I find it hard to believe that I could purchase a new complete front axle assembly for the samurai for cheaper than an individual axle shaft for a UTV. Perhaps you were exaggerating a bit.

I've owned and worked on lots of ATV's, and rebuilt some from the frame up. They are cheap and easy to maintain. Besides absolute destruction of a frame, I don't see how a UTV wouldn't outlast a $1000 used vehicle. Just because someone bought a $1000 used vehicle that is still on the road doesn't mean that every other $1000 used vehicle would do as well. You're also forgetting that it still isn't an actual UTV, and for most people that are shopping for a UTV, an automobile probably won't fit the requirements. It seems like you're over exaggerating to try to prove some argument... I don't get it.

I'm also wondering why, if the Kubota is built so much better than the Deere, why the ratings aren't better? Seems like Deere has had a lot of experience in this segment and Kubota is a relative newcomer ... In my reading, I didn't see frame strength issues come up with the Gator's... So I'm wondering what may be lacking compared to the Kubota? And, why are all of these municipalities buying and keeping the Gator's vs some other brands? So many questions. I'm curious to see how you'll make up an exaggerated answer for them this time.

I shall attempt to solve this discussion.

For $3900, you could have bought this Honda Passport.

2001 4WD Honda Passport 4 x 4 - reduced

Rip the doors and trunk lid off for ease in entry and exit and rock out to bluetooth radio and way better seats. Speaking of seats, you'll rip the all but the driver's seat out too because when you soar with the eagles, you soar alone. You'd enjoy, a reliable, multi-cyclinder engine and pushbutton 4x4ishness. Everybody who has ever purchased a UTV has been duped!

Honda Passports own this segment!

 

[ovrszd]

I've had the Gator for a day, so I'm certainly not bleeding green over it... And anyone who's read my past posts will certainly not accuse me of being any kind of a JD groupie. But, I find it hard to believe that I could purchase a new complete front axle assembly for the samurai for cheaper than an individual axle shaft for a UTV. Perhaps you were exaggerating a bit.

I've owned and worked on lots of ATV's, and rebuilt some from the frame up. They are cheap and easy to maintain. Besides absolute destruction of a frame, I don't see how a UTV wouldn't outlast a $1000 used vehicle. Just because someone bought a $1000 used vehicle that is still on the road doesn't mean that every other $1000 used vehicle would do as well. You're also forgetting that it still isn't an actual UTV, and for most people that are shopping for a UTV, an automobile probably won't fit the requirements. It seems like you're over exaggerating to try to prove some argument... I don't get it.

I'm also wondering why, if the Kubota is built so much better than the Deere, why the ratings aren't better? Seems like Deere has had a lot of experience in this segment and Kubota is a relative newcomer ... In my reading, I didn't see frame strength issues come up with the Gator's... So I'm wondering what may be lacking compared to the Kubota? And, why are all of these municipalities buying and keeping the Gator's vs some other brands? So many questions. I'm curious to see how you'll make up an exaggerated answer for them this time.

I try very hard to not exaggerate when posting. It's easy to do. In my area a front axle assembly for a Sami can be bought at a bone yard for anywhere from $200-$300 dollars. Stop by your JD dealer and price an axle shaft for your Gator.

Again, not flaming anyone. Just talking.

To call a Sami a "car" or an "automobile" is an exaggeration in the opposite direction.

I'll hafta do some research, but I doubt a Sami will weight anymore than a large chassis Kubota RTV. I'll get back to you on that one. But as I said earlier, everyone's needs and expectations of a UTV are different. I have a neighbor that has a Kubota RTV. He works the snot out of it. I'm sure right now it's performing a farm chore of some kind, or it's sitting out in the rain so muddy you can barely tell what color it is. Either way, the next time he requires it to work, it more than likely will. I've also got a neighbor that has a Gator. Has had Gators since they first came out. I'm positive he's on his 3rd, might be his 4th. Sometimes hard to tell. He too works the snot out of it and it never gets cleaned. Only maintained when it won't move. So, I'm not saying any brand is junk. Just saying there are large spreads of personal requirements/needs placed on UTVs. That's why there are so many variations. If I've made an error in this discussion it would be putting a Sami in the UTV class. Because as you stated, it simply is not. It's several levels above them in it's capabilities and broad range of uses.

As to your last paragraph, I'll let you explore those questions. I'll stick with a simple visual comparison of the two. That's usually enough. No exaggeration. No flame. Just simple mechanics.

As I've said before in many discussions. If you are happy with your purchase, I am happy for you. And I didn't even have to resort to insulting your character. :confused3:

 

[TSO]

I shall attempt to solve this discussion.

For $3900, you could have bought this Honda Passport.

2001 4WD Honda Passport 4 x 4 - reduced

Rip the doors and trunk lid off for ease in entry and exit and rock out to bluetooth radio and way better seats. Speaking of seats, you'll rip the all but the driver's seat out too because when you soar with the eagles, you soar alone. You'd enjoy, a reliable, multi-cyclinder engine and pushbutton 4x4ishness. Everybody who has ever purchased a UTV has been duped!

Honda Passports own this segment!

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDLFbDG3q2s

Um ... I can't imagine a world where this vehicle would be less expensive, long term, to maintain than a UTV... Just like his samurai comparison LOL. Additionally, the Gator uses a multi cylinder engine and push button 4wd.

 

[TSO]

I try very hard to not exaggerate when posting. It's easy to do. In my area a front axle assembly for a Sami can be bought at a bone yard for anywhere from $200-$300 dollars. Stop by your JD dealer and price an axle shaft for your Gator.

Again, not flaming anyone. Just talking.

To call a Sami a "car" or an "automobile" is an exaggeration in the opposite direction.

I'll hafta do some research, but I doubt a Sami will weight anymore than a large chassis Kubota RTV. I'll get back to you on that one. But as I said earlier, everyone's needs and expectations of a UTV are different. I have a neighbor that has a Kubota RTV. He works the snot out of it. I'm sure right now it's performing a farm chore of some kind, or it's sitting out in the rain so muddy you can barely tell what color it is. Either way, the next time he requires it to work, it more than likely will. I've also got a neighbor that has a Gator. Has had Gators since they first came out. I'm positive he's on his 3rd, might be his 4th. Sometimes hard to tell. He too works the snot out of it and it never gets cleaned. Only maintained when it won't move. So, I'm not saying any brand is junk. Just saying there are large spreads of personal requirements/needs placed on UTVs. That's why there are so many variations. If I've made an error in this discussion it would be putting a Sami in the UTV class. Because as you stated, it simply is not. It's several levels above them in it's capabilities and broad range of uses.

As to your last paragraph, I'll let you explore those questions. I'll stick with a simple visual comparison of the two. That's usually enough. No exaggeration. No flame. Just simple mechanics.

As I've said before in many discussions. If you are happy with your purchase, I am happy for you. And I didn't even have to resort to insulting your character. :confused3:

Gator weighs around 1400, samurai curb weight is roughly 2200 according to the web. Quite a bit heavier. The samurai has automotive components, electronics, highway built pieces. More like a car than a UTV.

Also, pretty ridiculous to base your "cost" argument on sourcing used parts from a bone yard. For so many reasons, it doesn't even justify explaining. You're better than that ... Be realistic.

And, again ... If the Kubota was built so much heavier, then shouldn't it be rated for higher specs? I don't need to research it, you're the one making the claims.

 

[ovrszd]

I shall attempt to solve this discussion.

For $3900, you could have bought this Honda Passport.

2001 4WD Honda Passport 4 x 4 - reduced

Rip the doors and trunk lid off for ease in entry and exit and rock out to bluetooth radio and way better seats. Speaking of seats, you'll rip the all but the driver's seat out too because when you soar with the eagles, you soar alone. You'd enjoy, a reliable, multi-cyclinder engine and pushbutton 4x4ishness. Everybody who has ever purchased a UTV has been duped!

Honda Passports own this segment!

Cute Eric, real cute. Not relevant. But cute.

I'll put you in the same category as TSO as in not having any experience around a Sami.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Um ... I can't imagine a world where this vehicle would be less expensive, long term, to maintain than a UTV... Just like his samurai comparison LOL. Additionally, the Gator uses a multi cylinder engine and push button 4wd.

It's a Honda, they never break!

Except for the odd condenser, transmission, and oil control rings, but those bad things won't happen!

 

[TSO]

Cute Eric, real cute. Not relevant. But cute.

I'll put you in the same category as TSO as in not having any experience around a Sami.

I owned a Ford Bronco II once (as well as full sized Broncos, rangers, etc) ... It was a nifty little truck thing. Did it have more capabilities than a UTV? Yup. Was it worth comparing to a UTV for the majority of users and tasks? Nope. Why? Because it's an automobile! Sheesh. Grow up.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Cute Eric, real cute. Not relevant. But cute.

I'll put you in the same category as TSO as in not having any experience around a Sami.

We've had two Sami. A red one and a white one.

They screw up. You simply don't know that a Honda Passport is better at doing what you think the Sami is good at.

 

[ovrszd]

Gator weighs around 1400, samurai curb weight is roughly 2200 according to the web. Quite a bit heavier. The samurai has automotive components, electronics, highway built pieces. More like a car than a UTV.

Also, pretty ridiculous to base your "cost" argument on sourcing used parts from a bone yard. For so many reasons, it doesn't even justify explaining. You're better than that ... Be realistic.

And, again ... If the Kubota was built so much heavier, then shouldn't out be rated for higher specs? I don't need to research it, you're the one making the claims.

Oh good, you did the research on the weight thing. So I'm guessing I was pretty accurate to claim the Sami weight as very comparable to the large chassis Kubotas. Rest my case there.

As for the parts discussion. Research bone yard prices for axle shafts for your Gator and get back to us.

I read back, no where have I made any claims about "specs". I pay very little attention to specs. Real life use and results are much more important to me.

Research the curb weight of a large chassis Kubota and report that compared to your Gator's 1400lbs and then we will continue which is "heavier" built.