In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

What UTV do you recommend? Why?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by JD Guy, May 12, 2022.

  1. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Thanks for sharing that information! Don't know your background but based on your avatar and your experiences it sounds like you must have some time wrenching on equipment and machinery! As far as seating we would prefer a bench seat in the event one of the grandkids was over and we took them to the pond fishing. Not absolutely critical as I guess kids could ride in the dump bed. At our age the "go fast" tendencies have pretty much evaporated so slow and steady is more the norm! I do know that at least with JD tractors I can still find most parts for my JD 630 "two lunger" from the dealer or aftermarket/salvage. Where we intend to use the machine is on our 75 acres so I cannot envision any mud bogging although I do appreciate the ground clearance concerns of the Gator family.
     
  2. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I was a dealer tech back 2003-2008ish. In a land far, far away. :whistle: Specialized in the compact tractors, gators, and municipal mowing equipment. And did a fair bit of independent work after before I got into industrial maintenance/engineering. Enough to keep me occupied and out of trouble anyways.

    Ground clearance issues on Gators is only limited to the "unibody" models (4x2, 6x4, and the TS, TH Series) and was a bigger issue in deep snow vs anything else. But 'round here we don't know anything 'bout that! :thumbs: HPX and XUV machines were designed with trails and tougher terrain in mind without abandoning the everyday workhorse utility Gators built their reputation upon.
     
  3. Chud

    Chud

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  4. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Thanks MasterMech ! I kind of thought so,thanks for the enlightenment . So, the 4x2 and 6x4 are probably less desirable? When did JD add the Independent Rear Suspension? The lack of suspension was a negative I was told by some.
     
  5. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Chud Nice Kubotas!!
     
  6. Captain Kirk

    Captain Kirk

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    I worked on the YYC international expansion, our crew had a Kubota, diesel. I freaking love that machine. It was funny touring around the airport in it waving at cops...lol
     
  7. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    All depends on what it is you want the machine to do. The 6x4 and 4x2 rely on huge, floatation tires for their suspension. They generally ride good, but with a 15-18 MPH top speed, that's not a high bar to set! A 6x4 will drive down a golf fairway in standing water and not hardly leave a tire mark. The bodies are so rigid that they will lift a front corner right off the ground when climbing hills at an angle. If abused, they can bend rear axles or the housings, which is usually all replaced as a unit. I can personally attest that it requires some wanton thrashing to get one to break. :whistle:

    Swing-arm style rear suspension came along with the addition of the TX and HPX models (circa 2004 I think). True independent rear suspension, speeds over 25 MPH, and locking front differentials were introduced with the XUV series a couple years later. HPX units got the locking front diffs and fuel injection after the XUV release. The XUV diesel models were absolute tanks. I remember they would hop up 6" curbs moving at a pretty good clip and you'd hardly feel it in the driver's seat. While this is common in today's offerings from most manufacturers, this was 15+ years ago mind you in a unit that was built way tougher than what the ATV manufacturers were offering at the time.
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2022
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  8. Woodsnwoods

    Woodsnwoods

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    I again strongly stand behind the 855d xuv I have. I load it up and go up and down steep hills without issues. I never feel like I am lacking power. I also load it up mid winter and drive through a foot of snow and with common sense do not get it stuck. I know other machines , the Polaris for example are quieter and are more comfortable, but just do not feel as tough or powerful. If 90 plus percent of your work is on relatively flat ground the diesel may be overkill. Keep us updated!
     
  9. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The 825 and the 855 were absolutely disruptive when they were released. Previously, the 6x4/4x2 and the T series machines were all work and very little play. The HPX machines made working off-road a lot more capable, but still limited to 25MPH, and the suspension, while tough, wasn't really ready for rough terrain. Soon after, the market split as the recreational SxS's took off and vehicles like the Ranger were upgraded to compete more with the Gator in utility. Diesels were just S-L-O-W. The 825 gave us ALL of the Gator capability (and price! :emptywallet:) and 45MPH, which wasn't terrifying at all. I sure don't have to explain the 855 to you Woodsnwoods, but for those reading along, 30 MPH, diesel torque, and Gator build quality was a big deal back in 2007.
     
  10. 74buc

    74buc

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    We've had our Honda Big Red now for ten years. Hauled allot wood and pulled many big logs out of the woods with it. We like that it has no belt to worry about breaking. Very quiet too. Over 5,000 miles on her with zero issues so far. This I value the most in a UTV.

    IMG_3556.JPG
     
  11. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    That's a good testimonial! Don't see many Hondas for sale around here but don't really know why. I see y'all are just east of Madison. We go through Madison on our way to Phillips in October to hunt Grouse with Woodcock as bonus birds. We burn more boot leather than bag birds however . Like the fact that generally the weather is much cooler and super nice camping weather!
     
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  12. 74buc

    74buc

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    Not many for sale here either. I'm thinking cuz of the reliability people just hang on to them for many years. Lots of Polaris UTV's though.
     
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  13. Holland Dell

    Holland Dell

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    I'm partial to Kawasaki. All my rural neighbors have had a variation of the above mentioned machines. They all have their specific needs such as speed on trails to farming use. The one thing they all agree on is Kawis are a pulling, work hard machine. My use was strictly agriculture and pulling logs. You will give up speed, but the power is unforgiving. Search all the specific forums related to your machine of choice. The Kawis are quiet and the fold down seat is a bonus when not in use for the additional bed space. It's never let me down.
     

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  14. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Does anyone know who manufactured the Huskvarna UTV? It looks very much like the Club Car Carry All that was actually produced by Ingersoll Rand subsidiary.
     
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  15. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    That's right - they are Club Car vehicles under that orange paint. I'd forgotten that Husqvarna dipped their toes into the UTV market for a few years.
     
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  16. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Back in the early days (late '80s/90's) of UTV's, the Mule was the machine of choice for woods/trail use. 6x4 Gators were tanks and would out-haul most other vehicles, but the Mule was far more refined. Quiet, 4x4, independent rear suspension, four-wheel brakes, decent load hauling capacity, bench seat, full roll cage/brush bars, durable bed, it far out-classed the Deere Gators in the woods. Oh yeah, and they didn't sound like a VW putting them in gear..... Early Gators have that trademark gear grind putting them into gear. (Which isn't harmful if the powertrain is adjusted correctly, just, primitive.)
     
  17. Woodsnwoods

    Woodsnwoods

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    Looking forward to seeing where your selection lands….unless I missed it! I stay on my property my first the most part, therefore the top speed is fine. If you plan for soMe longer trips, the speed might be essential and I think you will be fine. Good luck
     
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  18. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    You haven't missed anything. I have yet to find the machine that is in decent condition, not priced as if brand new back in 2005 and within reasonable distance to go see. Rest assured after bothering y'all with all of my questions I will post with pictures as soon as a UTV hits my place
     
  19. Slocum

    Slocum

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    We have a 1140 Kubota. Perfect for our family of 5 counting the dog. It is heavy, not the best in the mud. We have busted through some deep snow with it. It’s one year old with 1000 miles on it. We love it.
     
  20. JD Guy

    JD Guy

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    Well, since I was the one who started this party I owe everyone an update to close it out! (Personally don’t like it when the OP just disappears :()

    Anyway, finally found a well cared for preowned Kawasaki 4010 with 4wd and locking differential that while not inexpensive was less than new pricing.

    I think it will serve our needs well…not a fast machine but being within a couple months of being 72, slower is much more preferable.

    Really wanted a Gator but just couldn’t locate the right one to investigate that wasn’t 4 hrs away or brand new $$

    Thanks for all of the help!!

    Edit: The machine also has H - L Range, almost forgot!
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2022