RTVX-1120 Versus 1140

[Ohio_Pawpaw_Grower]

Happy New Year Everyone!

We have a small fruit growing operation on 19 acres in SE Ohio. An '04 Honda Foreman has been our workhorse for 12 years. To make our lives a little easier and get more done, we had been planning to purchase an 1120.

Recently, my Wife became interested in the 1140 mainly due to the larger bed when in two person mode and the ability to haul a couple of passengers when needed. I have to admit, its a pretty slick conversion and is a little more money.

There are three main things I am hung up on. First, the property is a mixture of open fields and thick woods with trails. Most of the trails are relatively flat but some are pretty steep climbs. Also some of our nut trees are back in the woods where maneuverability is important. So the turning radius is important to me; 13.1 on the 1120 and 17.1 on the 1140. I already drive a crew cab long bed chevy which is like driving a bus sometimes.

Second is the top speed - 29 on the 1120 versus 25 on the 1140. Since they have the same motor, I have to conclude the speed diff is due to the 300 additional pounds of weight on the 1140. I am wondering how it might affect hill climbing ability.

Last is the ground clearance. On the 1140, its a little more in the front and a little less in the rear - versus the 1120.

For you 1140 owners, have you had any trouble with turning radius, power or clearance?


Thanks

 

[hondajoe]

kubota 1120

Well I am going to put in my 2 cents.Top speed will only happen on down hill runs.On steep hill runs this thing will kill you unlike your Honda.It will bog down at the wrong time if your tires are working this will run out of power in the middle of the hill.If you haul loved ones be careful.Read these posts on here and some will mirror what I am telling you.If you are willing I will bring mine down so you could test drive your land.Would have to wait until after winter.Joe

 

[Ohio_Pawpaw_Grower]

I m grateful for the response.

If I might ask, how old is your 1140? Its hard to tell if these are problems common to all 1140's or just the older ones.

As of reading your message and other messages on the site, I am inclined to go with the 1120 or reconsider the Honda Pioneer 1000. We can't afford to be wrenching on this thing every weekend or spending money at the dealer.

Appreciate your kind off for the test drive - it actually caused me to consider calling the dealer tomorrow to see if we could sign out a demonstrator for the weekend and try it out on our hills.

Thanks

 

[Mark.Sibole]

Im not sure on the 1120 0r the 1140 models but the regular rtv 900 in low gear I have had no issues hauling heavy loads up steep hills even pulling a trailer.The only issue you may run into is loosing traction.As long as you can hold traction it has no issues loosing power going up steep hills.Ive ran mine up a 2oo foot hill at about a 55 degree angle fully loaded with logs with no issues of loosing power.I know things differ from one machine to another but i dont thik there is that much of a difference if the machine comes from the manufacturer set right.I also perfer to use the hand throttle to set motor speed while making steep up hill runs.But you will get different answers from different people depending on their expierence.Most reputable dealers will let you try out a demo model on your property for a day when they know you are serious about a purchase.Just my pennys worth....

 

[Doc]

I'm right there with ya Mark. I'll 2nd everything Mark said.
I'm also in Meigs county. I have 48 acres of hilly terrain on the ohio river. Very steep hills with little margin for error. Like Honda Joe said, the RTV can peter out on ya half way up the hill, but I only saw it do this when in M (medium). In L (low) I could always pull the hill even fully loaded and pulling a trailer. Traction is key so the right tires can also make a big difference. After all the talk of the hand throttle I added that to my RTV last year and like others have said, it helps so that I can now climb hills in M with no problem.

All my experience is with the 06 RTV 900. LIke Mark said I suspect All Power Equipment in Athens would be happy to bring an 1140 out to your property so that you could try it there. I've used them for service on both my tractor and RTV and they are good guys to deal with.

You would be welcome to stop by my place and go for a ride in my RTV to compare hills and terrain. I also have a honda 450 ES and love it. Mine is a 99 and has served me well. Both have their uses on my property.

Good luck neighbor!!!!!!

 

[bczoom]

Can I pile on with a couple of my thoughts tossed in?

I have a 2004 RTV 900 and a few ATV's with the main driver being a Honda Rancher.

The first thing that comes to mind is turning the RTV in the woods. I have steep land with trails that traverse the side to get up and down. One corner is really tight and requires me to make a 3-point turn with the RTV. That's a real PITA, especially when loaded down. First issue is when you need to back up to do your turn. When under load and on a hill, the RTV's sometimes don't like to shift due to the pressure (but with age, they do loosen up nicely). Not sure about the new RTV's by on mine, reverse is geared like medium. Trying to back up a hill with a loaded RTV can make it want to stall. If you get a demo 1140, make sure you can maneuver around your land without having to make 3-point turns.

As for bed size, the larger bed is nice if you're hauling lighter things where you need more volume (let's say bales of hay). If you're hauling firewood, you'll probably hit the weight limit or your pucker factor using the standard size bed.

As for top speed, to me High range is highway gear. Using top speed off-road, you really need nice trails or you'll get bounced all over. The suspension on these are really stiff (compared to ATV's or go-fast UTV's).

Passengers? Most of the people that come my way actually come on their own ATV's or UTV's so the most I ever have a need for is the wife and dog (and one of them can walk if I need space for someone. ). The ATV can take 2 as well so if I have several people, they can just drive that. I don't want to drive something like a Chevy Suburban with 3-rows of seats when I normally have 4 or less passengers. The older RTV's have a bench seat so you can fit 3. I added a seat belt for the middle seat so 3 can ride safely.

If you have a choice, I won't part with your ATV. There's still a thousand reasons to have it, even if you have a RTV. If I had to put a number to it, I'd say 4 out of 5 times I need a vehicle, I still go for the ATV as it is lighter, more nimble, faster and can haul me and adequate tools/gear in the racks for most projects. Now, when it comes to harvesting firewood or something big/heavy like that, the RTV is the "go to" machine.

Good luck! BTW - If you buy one, it's a forum rule you need to post pics of it.

Also, we're really good with OPM. That's Other People's Money. Once you have a RTV, you'll want/need to accessorize to your liking. Post your wants here and we'll help you blow all your cash.

 

[ccmdvl1960]

Get the 1140. Its versatility is great. We love ours, and the new X1140 looks to be even better. IF not worn out, keep your ATV, having two machines is handy and they are each good at different things.