Is the RTV the right UTV for me?

S

symphony

New member
I was about to pull the trigger on a new 2015 RTV X1100C but after reading some of the experiences from owners, I’m having second thoughts. In particular, I have concerns relating to the ability of the RTV to handle very steep inclines. There are reported incidences of the machine “bogging” down on steep grades with a full load.

My property has several very steep inclines that I’m guessing would exceed a 20% grade. I will use the UTV to haul wood, gravel and construction material for projects around the property. Speed is not an issue as I don’t do any trail riding but it needs to climb like a goat. Eventually when I take up full-time residence at my retreat, the UTV would be part of my arsenal used for snow clearing. I will likely purchase a tractor with a snow blower that will handle the heavy work and the UTV will help to clear up some of the lighter snow clearing chores. Some areas of the property are off the beaten path and so I’m leaning towards having ATV tires installed as opposed to worksite or turf tires? I may also purchase Soucy tracks for times when the snow gets very deep.

So what do you think? Is the RTV 1100C the right tool for the job? I recently stumbled across the Polaris Brutus and although intrigued with the concept of having the ability to use PTO attachments, they appear to be light-duty and not built for serious work. I do however like the treadle pedal and really wish the Kubota had this feature.

I appreciate your thoughts.
 
I also went through the same experience before i purchased my RTV X1100c. although I don't have steep grade I do expect my RTV to work very hard. one thing i found when pulling an 1500 lbs dead weight sledding across some very rough terrain with an unloaded 1100c was to pull the hand throttle all the way out so the engine ran full rpm while using the foot control at slow speed. with this technique i was able to match the full capabilities of the engine HP to the hydrostatic demand. this should work on steep hills also.
 
Welcome to the forum!

I'd suggest you do what I did. Have the dealer bring it (or a demo) to your place so you can give it a try.

As already mentioned, a hand throttle will be a big help.

When going up hills, don't mash the go-pedal to the floor. You can start out hard but when it starts to bog down, let off the pedal to somewhere around half way. An aux pump will kick in and your engine RPM's will go back up and you'll have tons of power (but not as much speed).

I live in very hilly terrain but most of my heavy hauling is coming down. The powertrain braking is awesome on these RTVs. I can be pointed down a steep hill and let off the pedal and the RTV will just sit there. Wouldn't have a machine that free-wheels down a hill.
 
Hey Symphony, In my opinion the rtv is the best machine for work that is out there. I had a Polaris that I traded in on my rtv. The rtv will go up and down steep hillsides without all that spinning or tearing up the ground. It (rtv) is a heavier machine than the Polaris but will definitely out pull it. I live in the northeast ga mountains and have a lot of steep hills on my place. To me the Kubota is just a better built tougher work type of utv. The Polaris is a faster machine but I would not hook the kind of loads to it that I have hooked to the Kubota. I like the hst tranny in the rtv a lot better than the belt drive deal that was in the Polaris. The rtv takes some getting used to operating but the engine breaking hst is a must on this rough terrain! Good luck with the choice that you face. Here are some pics of the Polaris I traded off and the Kubota I bought. IMG_0095.jpg

IMG_0195.jpg
 
I agree with the other posters. I have a 2012 1100 RTV w/ Boss V-Plow. Allmost all of my use for this machine is on cleared fields and established trails. So, I'm not trail riding through swamps or gumbo mud. I have the worksite tires and sometimes use chains on the rear wheels. I have found that loading the bed with 12 8" cinder blocks has given me enough weight to allow me to snow plow this winter without chains and mostly 2wd (so far anyway). I have no issue with the engine braking (actually very seldom use the wheel brakes ) and there is plenty of power for going up hills - although its not a speed demon. I also travel on hardtop roads to another property that is 2 miles away at, hold on to your hat, 29 mph. My RTV is a compliment work machine to my J-D FEL tractor with bucket, pallet forks and grapple. Hope this info gives you some more insight on how I use the RTV. By the way, this Forum and the posts I read helped me decide the Kubota, even with all its quarks, was best for me.
keifer
 
As a work vehicle I believe the RTV is the best machine out there. I am not an authority, but I have steep hills and pull boats and plow snow with my X900 and I am amazed at what it does. You do need to get used to the "gas" pedal operation as it is different from an automobile. When the RTV begins to slow down on a hill you need to back off the pedal and let the HST gear itself down to provide more power. Seems counter intuitive, but that's how it works. I can plow fairly deep snow going up a steep grade with no problem - just make sure you are in L range before heading up hill. The other advantage of the RTV is the engine braking going down hill. About the only time I use the brake pedal is for shifting! The RTV won't win races, and if high speed performance is what you want, you will be disappointed. However, if you want a vehicle that can haul loads and is a reliable workhorse the RTV should be high on your list of vehicles to consider.
 
I can vouch for the machine going up and down steep grades.
I have no issues at all with mine and I go up and down at 45 degrees and sometimes more then that.
Tested it this winter going up and down with the tracks and no problem what so ever.
 
The Polaris is a light duty UTV. The RTV is a medium duty UTV. The BobCat is a heavy duty UTV.

Your description of use sounds just right for the RTV.

Fitch
 
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