Because many applications don’t require a big UTV, John Deere downsized its classic Gator to produce an affordable compact model machine that is just right for smaller spreads. The Gator CX is built on a unibody steel frame and offers a low center of gravity for excellent stability and a turning circle under 20 feet for easy maneuverability. Headlights are standard, so you won’t be racing the sun to get your chores done by dark.
MSRP: $4,999
Engine: 286cc Kawasaki 4-stroke
Transmission: CVT, forward, neutral, reverse
Drive Wheels : 2WD, rear, manual locking diff
Front Suspension: Independent single A-Arm
Rear Suspension: triple rate spring over shock
Wheelbase: 65.5 in
Curb Weight: 867 lb
Ground Clearance: 4.8 in
Fuel Capacity: 3.0 gal
Bed Capacity: 400 lb
Tow Capacity: 600 lb
One of the most unique utility vehicles is the John Deere Gator TH 6×4, thanks to its dual rear axles that provide excellent stability. Both rear axles are drive axles, so this is a four-wheel drive utility with six wheels. It is powered by a 19 horsepower 675 cc Kawasaki four-stroke twin. The Gator TH 6×4 is designed more for work than play, with a 11.2 cubic-foot 16 gauge steel bed that can handle a thousand pounds of cargo. You might call it a half-ton hauler.
MSRP: $ 7,999
Engine: 675cc 4-stroke twin
Transmission: CVT
Drive Wheels: rear 4WD, locker
Front Suspension: Independent, single A-arm
Rear Suspension: Solid axles
Wheelbase: 79 in
Curb Weight: 1,087 lb
Ground Clearance: 6.7 in
Fuel Capacity: 5.2 gal
Bed Capacity: 1,000 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,400 lb
With a retail price under $7,000 (the 2WD 600 is under $6,000), the Kawasaki Mule 610 4×4 is a popular compact UTV. It is also easily transported in the back of a full-size pickup truck, for those times when you want to venture off the ranch for a hunting trip or other recreational activities. The 401cc single-cylinder Kawasaki engine is simple and dependable and quite economical. Maneuverable and agile, the Mule 610 a sensible UTV that’s easy to operate.
MSRP: $6,699
Engine: 401cc air cooled 4-stroke
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels: 2WD, 4WD, w/low range
Front Suspension: Independent MacPhearson Strut
Rear Suspension: Unit swing axle
Wheelbase: 70 in
Curb Weight: 979 lb
Ground Clearance: 6.7 in
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal
Bed Capacity: 400 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,100 lb
The newest vehicle in our roundup, the 2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 is clearly designed to compete with the Yamaha Rhino and Arctic Cat Prowler. Teryx takes Kawasaki’s Mule work ethic and blends it with a sporty, recreational attitude. Power from the 749cc 90-degree liquid-cooled V-twin allows the Teryx to work as hard as it plays. An electronically controlled Kawasaki engine brake control aids downhill control. Kawasaki is distinguishing the Teryx as a RUV or Recreational Utility Vehicle.
MSRP: $10,599
Engine: 749cc liquid-cooled V-twin
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels: 2WD, 4WD w/low, shaft drive
Front Suspension: Independent dual A-Arm
Rear Suspension: Independent, adjustable
Wheelbase: 75.8 in
Curb Weight: NA
Ground Clearance: 11.2
Fuel Capacity: 8.0 gal
Bed Capacity: 500 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,200 lb
The RTV1100 offers Kubota’s Grand Cab as standard equipment. With the Grand Cab you’ll be riding in style and comfort thanks to air conditioning, heater, defogger and windshield wipers. The cab is integrated into the chassis to provide a rigid platform that seals out the elements. The windshield opens outward from the base on gas struts when more ventilation is desired. Powering this luxury UTV is Kubota’s 24.8 horsepower 3-cylinder diesel.
MSRP: $16,999
Engine: Kubota 1,123cc 3-cylinder diesel
Transmission: Variable Hydro Transmission
Drive Wheels: 2WD, 4WD, w/lock, lo, med, hi range
Front Suspension: Independent MacPhearson Strut
Rear Suspension: Semi-Independent DeDion axle
Wheelbase: 77.4 in
Curb Weight: 2,469 lb
Ground Clearance: 7.5 in
Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal
Bed Capacity: 1,102 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,300 lb
The Ranger 800 RZR is a pure sport UTV that isn’t afraid of pulling its own weight around the property. The small bed is just 42-by-22 inches, but it is rated to carry 300 pounds and tow 1,500 pounds. Though not intended as a workhorse, those chores are likely to get done in a hurry. The RZR is a blast to drive and the 760cc liquid-cooled Polaris four-stroke twin will propel the under 1,000-pound UTV at impressive speeds.
MSRP: $10,299
Engine: 760cc Polaris liquid cooled twin
Transmission: Polaris Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels: on-demand 4WD shaft drive
Front Suspension: Independent double A-arm
Rear Suspension: Independent, adjustable
Wheelbase: 77 in
Curb Weight: 945 lb
Ground Clearance: 10 in
Fuel Capacity: 7.25 gal
Bed Capacity: 300 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,500 lb
Introduced last year, the Rhino 450 is a more economical version of Yamaha’s popular side-by-side to own and operate. Mechanically, the 450 is identical to its big brother except it is powered by a liquid-cooled 421cc single overhead cam four-stroke transplanted from the Grizzly 450 ATV. The result is a capable, sporty UTV priced $2,200 less than the Rhino 700. It features Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission and a three-way locking differential that provides 2WD, 4WD and locked 4WD operation.
MSRP: $8,299
Engine: 421cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission: Yamaha Ultramatic w/reverse
Drive Wheels: 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbone
Rear Suspension: Independent, double wishbone
Wheelbase: 75.2 in
Curb Weight: 1,031 lb
Ground Clearance: 12.1 in
Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal
Bed Capacity: 400 lb
Tow Capacity: 1,212 lb
E-Z-Go ST4X4
With shift on the fly four wheel drive and front and rear differential locks, the E-Z-Go ST 4X4 (www.ezgo.com/personal/sport/st_4_4.html) can handle virtually any terrain with ease. And should that terrain be wet, salty or muddy, the vehicle’s roto-molded cargo bed and hot-dipped galvanized steel frame will keep the corrosion to a minimum. This handy little go-getter has the provision to add an electric power lift bed as well as a number of other performance and safety options.
MSRP: $9,379
Engine: 614cc Honda V-twin four-stroke
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels : 2WD, 4WD
Front Suspension: Independent, coil springs with hydraulic struts
Rear Suspension: Leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers
Wheelbase: 76 in
Curb Weight: 1,250 lb
Ground Clearance: 8 3/8 in
Fuel Capacity: 6.7 gal
Bed Capacity: 1,100
Tow Capacity: 1,100
PUG Frontier 4X4
Equally at home on the range or on the hunt, PUG (www.feterl.com/Pug/htdocs/index.html) provides sure-footed four wheel drive with plenty of storage under the hood, seat, and in a unique cargo box with stowaway seat for extra riders. Smooth ride, rapid acceleration, narrow profile and plenty of room make the PUG a good choice for hard-core hunters and fishermen, as well as a terrific vehicle for farm and ranch work.
MSRP: $9,565
Engine: 614cc Honda V-twin four-stroke
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels: On demand 4WD
Front Suspension: Independent, A-arms with McPherson struts
Rear Suspension: Leaf springs
Wheelbase: NA
Curb Weight: 1,250 lb
Ground Clearance: 8 3/8 in
Fuel Capacity: 8 gal
Bed Capacity: 1,000
Tow Capacity: 1,500
Club Car XRT 1550 SE
With its IntelliTach system, the Club Car XRT 1550 (www.clubcar.com/xrtUtilityVehicles/) readily converts from 4 X 4 utility vehicle to tool carrier. It can be outfitted with forklift, bucket (standard equipment), blade, broom, and mower attachments and making the changes is virtually effortless. The IntelliTach-equipped XRT1550 allows you to carry up to 500 pounds on the front loader attachment with up to 800 pounds in the cargo box — no counterweight is needed. In SE trim, the aluminum-framed XRT 1550 has seating for four.
MSRP: $10,750
Engine: 719cc 3-cylinder Kubota diesel
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Wheels: IntelliTrak all-wheel-drive
Front Suspension: Independent, double A-arms
Rear Suspension: Swing arm with coil over shocks
Wheelbase: 81.5
Curb Weight: 1,786 lb
Ground Clearance: 7.4 in
Fuel Capacity: 8 gal
Bed Capacity: 800
Tow Capacity: 1,450
SOURCES
ARCTIC CAT
www.ArcticCat.com
218-681-8558
BOBCAT
www.Bobcat.com
800-743-4330
CUB CADET
www.CubCadet.com
800-800-7310
JOHN DEERE
www.JohnDeere.com
800-537-8233
KAWASAKI
www.Kawasaki.com
800-661-RIDE
KUBOTA
www.Kubota.com
888-4KUBOTA
POLARIS
www.PolarisIndustries.com
800-POLARIS
YAMAHA
www.Yamaha-Motor.com
800-962-7926
