Utility vehicles buyers' guide 2007: Utility vehicles buyers' guide 2007

As the utility vehicle market continues to evolve, a heavy-duty, four-wheel-drive machine is becoming the vehicle of choice. With the ability to do more, this machine is a versatile work tool for chores around your acreage. Photographs: Manufacturers

Hauling, towing, and pushing its way around the acreage makes the utility vehicle (UV) a machine with payload that pays off. But don't just think of it as a work tool. There are things beyond work, like recreational fun, that make this machine even more versatile.

As the UV continues to gain popularity on an acreage, the heavy-duty, four-wheel models are quickly becoming the vehicle of choice.

Key features to consider

Before you take a trip to a dealer, determine how you'll be using a UV. Here are some key features to consider.

Ride quality. Is a smooth ride important? Look for a UV with independent rear suspension to soak up the bumps.
Terrain capability. What type of ground will you be driving on? Consider a UV with true four-wheel drive. Also, look for machines with more than 10 inches of ground clearance.
Payload. What will you be hauling? Determine the payload capacity that is needed to handle your load.
Power. What kind of power do you need? Diesel engines typically last longer and are more efficient and powerful than gas. Higher powered engines can handle larger loads and tougher terrains. If you prefer gas over diesel, look for gas engines with electronic fuel injection.
Warranty. How long is the warranty? Many manufacturers only offer a six-month warranty. You may want a unit with a longer warranty, or you may want to purchase an extended warranty.
Attachments. What jobs do you plan to tackle? Make sure the UV can accommodate the attachments you need. Just a few of the options for attachments include sprayers, carts, blades, and push brooms.
Safety. Does the vehicle have an SAE or OSHA-certified ROPS and a low center of gravity for stability?
Transportation or muscle. Will you be transporting people and materials around your acreage? Or do you need a machine with a little muscle? Choose from 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, and 6x6 models. The main difference between these machines is hauling capacity. A 4x2 model is the economical choice for getting around your property. A 4x4 is a faster, more versatile machine with good payload capacity. If you're hauling larger loads, you'll want a beefier machine, like a 6x4 or a 6x6.
Seating. How many passengers will you need to accommodate? Models are available with bench or bucket seats, which can hold anywhere from two to four passengers. With a few quick adjustments, some vehicles can be transformed from a two-passenger to a four-passenger machine.
Accessories. Looking to enhance your vehicle and give it your own personal touch? There are a number of ways to accessorize your vehicle including lighting packages, canopies, heaters, glass and vinyl doors, windshield, wind screens, brush guards, and bed liners.

Utility vehicles can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $21,000, depending on size, accessories, and attachments.

Your dealer is a great information source. So get out there, kick a few tires, and take one - or two - utility vehicles for a spin.

Bobcat

The 2300 4x4 is powered by a 20-hp. Kubota diesel, liquid-cooled engine with a hydraulic transmission. Features include IntelliTrak drive system, double A-arm front suspension, swing-arm rear suspension, 800-lb. bed load capacity, adjustable steering column, and driver's seat. The machine has a travel speed of up to 25 mph. RapidLink attachment arm can lift loads up to 500 lbs. as high as 2 feet. Five attachments are available: bucket, pallet fork, mower, snow blade, whisker push broom. MSRP is $15,000.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1067

800/743-4340

Bush Hog

The TH4400 features a four-cycle, OHV V-twin, 24-hp., 670 cc, air-cooled Honda gas engine. Payload capacity is 1,500 lbs. The machine can haul rectangular hay bales in the cargo bed or handle oversized loads on an optional flatbed. Four-wheel-drive model are available. A wide range of accessories keep you dry, extend your day, and dump heavy loads. Ground clearance is 10 inches. Available in Mossy Oak Obsession, Bush Hog Classic Red, or Deep Forest Green exteriors. One-year limited warranty. MSRP is $9,399 to $9,912.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1068

334/874-2700

Club Car

The XRT 1550 SE seats four and features a 23-hp., air-cooled, Kawasaki gas or 20-hp., liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine. IntelliTrak all-wheel-drive system has no gears to shift or buttons to push. Has four-wheel, hydraulic disc brakes. The steel box has rustproof aluminum floor. Bed capacity is 800 lbs. Choose from bench or high-back bucket seats. Has a six-point certified ROPS (certified FOPS also available). Ground clearance is 7.4 inches. MSRP is $11,850 (gas) and $13,000 (diesel).

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1069

800/258-2227

Cub Cadet

The Cub Cadet 4x4 features a 20-hp. Kohler, air-cooled, V-Twin gas engine. Has four-wheel drive with differential lock. Features four wheel, fully independent dual A-arm suspension with coil-over shocks and 8 inches of suspension travel. Has continuously variable transmission with enclosure. Rack and pinion steering makes for easy maneuvering under all terrain conditions. Maximum ground speed is 25 mph. Has high-back bucket seats and a ground clearance of 9 inches (under transaxle). Comes with a two-year limited warranty. MSRP is $8,699 (yellow model shown).

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1070

877/428-2349

E-Z-GO

The ST 4x4 is powered by a Honda 18-hp., four-cycle, 614-cc gas engine. Features include a hot-dipped galvanized steel frame, roto-molded polybed, locking front and rear differential, on-the-fly four-wheel drive, front hydraulic disc, and rear hydraulic drum braking. Other features include a dash-mounted key switch, integral handgrip on hip restraints, and a passenger grab bar. Bed load capacity is 1,100 lbs. Ground clearance is 83D8 inches. Maximum ground speed is 25 mph. MSRP is $9,379.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1071

800/241-5855

Husqvarna

The HUV4213GXP has a Kawasaki 13-hp. engine. Features include two-wheel-drive traction system with locking rear differentials, 800-lb. payload capacity, corrosion-resistant frame, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, single A-arm front suspension, semi-independent leaf rear suspension, all-trail tires, and 7-gallon fuel tank capacity. Ground clearance is 6.6 inches Comes with a two-year limited warranty. Upgrades include light bar with overhead lights, nerf bars, power tilt bed, and tube front bumper. MSRP is $8,699.95.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1072

704/597-5000

John Deere

The XUV 850D features a 854-cc (24.6-hp.), liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, four-cycle Yanmar diesel engine. Other highlights include a two-range CVT transmission, independent rear suspension, 1,400-lb. payload capacity, and a ground clearance of 11 inches. Top speed is 30 mph; low-range speed is 17 mph. Standard Occupant Protection System with passenger-side handhold and three-point seat belts is SAE and OSHA ROPS-certified. MSRP is $10,599.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1073

866/993-3373

Kawasaki

The Mule 610 4x4 features an air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine displaces 401 cc. Other highlights include a CVT, a dual-mode rear differential, independent front suspension, swing-frame rear suspension, and sealed hydraulic brakes. Designed to carry 400 lbs. in its tilting cargo bed. Selectable four-wheel drive includes limited-slip front differential. The UV transports easily in the back of a pickup truck. Vehicle meets ROPS requirements for wheeled tractors. Ground clearance is 6.7 inches. MSRP is $6,699.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1074

800/661-RIDE

Kubota

The RTV1100 with a Premium Grand Cab is powered by a three-cylinder, four-cycle, water-cooled, 24.8-hp. (1,123-cc) Kubota diesel engine. Standard features include a variable hydrostatic transmission, power steering, front guard, four-wheel wet-disc brakes, hydraulic bed lift system, under seat storage area, padded head rests, retractable seat belts, and more than 1,100 lbs. of cargo load capacity. Has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches. Meets OSHA and SAE ROPS standards. MSRP is $16,999.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1075

888/4KUBOTA

Land Pride

The Treker 4420ST 4x4 features a Honda, four-stroke, air-cooled, 20-hp. (614-cc), two-cylinder engine. Other highlights include an enclosed CVT, auto-lock differential, high-mounted air intake, 91D2-inch minimum ground clearance, maximum speed of 25 mph, rack and pinion steering, overrunning clutch for environmentally friendly traction, 900-lb. rear cargo box capacity, and 1,300-lb. payload capacity, two bucket seats or one bench seat, and two standard seat belts. MSRP is $8,699. A 4x2 model is available for $7,499.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1076

800/255-0132

Polaris

The Polaris RZR is powered by a four-stroke, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 760-cc engine. Other features include electronic fuel injection, automatic Polaris Variable Transmission, switch-engaged on-demand true four-wheel shaft drive, double A-arm with Anti-Sway Bar and 9 inches of travel, rolled independent rear suspension, hydraulic disk dual piston calipers (front)/single piston calipers (rear), 300-lb. payload capacity, and 1,500-lb. hitch towing capacity. MSRP is $8,540.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1077

800/POLARIS

Pug

The Frontier 4x4 features a Honda GX620, four-stroke, air-cooled, 20-hp. (614-cc), two-cylinder engine. Has true on-demand four-wheel drive and shielded CVT. Maximum speed is 25 mph. Other features include rack and pinion steering, A-arms, McPherson Strut front suspension and leaf springs rear suspension, bench seats (bucket seats optional), four post accessory bar, seat belts, and front and rear hitch. Payload capacity is 1,500 lbs. Box capacity is 1,000 lbs. Ground clearance is 71D2 inches. MSRP is $9,565. Frontier 4x2 model is $8,695.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1078

800/367-8660

Simplicity

The Turf Cruiser is a two-passenger utility vehicle that is specially designed to handle turf-maintenance chores. It features a Briggs & Stratton, 16-hp., OHV V-twin, 480-cc, air-cooled engine. The 1,000-lb. payload has tilt box, turf-friendly tires, manual differential lock, and Class 1 (1,000-lb. tow weight) receiver. The machine has a 7-inch ground clearance and ROPS. Adjustable bucket-type seats have safety belts. Cargo bed has a manual lift system. Comes with a one-year factory warranty. MSRP ranges from $6,999 to $7,399.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1079

877/249-6647

Toro

The Workman 4300 is powered by a 26.5-hp. Briggs & Stratton Daihatsu, three-cylinder, four-cycle, liquid-cooled diesel engine. Standard features include four-wheel drive, independent A-frame front suspension, DeDion axle rear suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a 2,221-lb. total payload capacity. Ground clearance is 7 inches (with no load). Has a two-post ROPS. Features a full pressure lubrication with spin-on oil filter. Comes with a two-year limited warranty. MSRP is approximately $21,000.

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1080

800/348-2424

Yamaha

The Rhino 660 features a 660-cc, liquid-/oil-cooled, four-stroke, five-valve engine. Fully automatic Ultramatic transmission has dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse. Three-position On-Command in/out four-wheel-drive feature lets you switch between two-wheel drive, limited-slip four-wheel drive, and fully locked differential four-wheel drive with the push of a button. Ground clearance is 12.1 inches. MSRP is $9,799 (red and hunter green models).

www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1081

800/962-7926