Top Allure of Utility Vehicles
Utility Terrain Vehicles (or simply UTVs) make a real difference to the daily jobs on the farm, in forestry or horticulture. If youve already driven a UTV, the allure of these vehicles will have firmly taken hold! Manfred Eckermeier tested the CubCadet 4x4 and John Deere Gator 855 D to perform daily tasks over all types of terrain.
Driving through town on a UTV also known as a side by side vehicle means passers-by at the edge of the road always have a warm, friendly expression on their faces. And they respond favourably when technical questions are cleared up and gratefully accept invitations for a ride!
No wonder our test drivers felt good about driving both vehicles from the word go. When they subsequently experienced the features of these vehicles in daily use they were very enthusiastic!
The John Deere Gator 855 D and CubCadet 4x4 were capable of finding a way through the tightest spots at almost any location. Whether through a muddy pothole, over residential roads, forest routes or steep hillside tracks, the UTVs showed no weaknesses. And they even stole the show from a Bentley while driving along an avenue!
Our professional test drivers put both these side by sides through their paces well into late autumn. The UTVs were tested doing all manner of jobs and over different terrain. Experts working everyday on rough terrain mainly foresters and farmers focused on the test vehicles, examining engine performance and drive, comfort and bodywork across undulating and steeper terrain as well as field tracks filled with potholes and also on smooth surfaces. Our test drivers made sure these 20-HP task vehicles with the extra fun factor had to handle all sorts of challenges. Ultimately, they proved to be two winners with no losers!
Efficiency
At first sight, the Gator with its proven plastic flanks and thick treaded tyres on sport rims makes a bolder impression than the sturdier Cub-Cadet. The comfortable seats combined with individual wheel suspension ensure both vehicles hold the road ordinary streets or rough terrain and are great to drive whether or not they are fully loaded. Both vehicles are easily manoeuvrable. In spring 2012, the Gator will also be fitted with an electronic, speed-dependent steering aid.
Both UTVs will fit through most garden gates and are generally easy to park dimensions are 1.50 metres wide and about three metres long, including bumper. The loading platforms (equivalent to a single pallet size) are easy to load or unload using the rear flap and low loading platform. Twenty 50-litre sacks of plant compost or a large hay bale can be loaded on the one-and-a-half square metre platform. Additionally, various tools can also be transported. Its best to opt for an electromechancal or hydraulic lifting device for the loading platform. This enables sand, gravel or plant cuttings to be easily offloaded. Both manufacturers also offer an optional winch for loading on especially challenging terrain.
Driving mode
The 3-cylinder diesel engines also perform well when carrying a full load. They are fitted with electrical non-permanent four-wheel drive and differential lock. This is especially useful on difficult terrain. With ground clearance beneath the rear axle of 260 mm (CubCadet) or 267 mm (Gator), its perfectly possible to drive over rocky and rough surfaces. But dont expect top speeds on clear routes. At a maximum speed of 40 km/h, the UTVs crawl like tractors on the road. But they maintain speeds on field or forest routes causing few problems either to the bottom or back, as these nimble vehicles have excellent suspension and exceptionally comfortable seats.
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Fuel consumption is also moderate. Both models will easily travel 300 km on a full fuel tank. Our test vehicles were of course approved for road travel. This included halogen and LED headlights as well as rear and brake lights, marker lights and indicators. Across the board, the braking systems handled all driving situations extremely well for the entire test period. The mechanical handbrake also kept fully loaded vehicles firmly on the road even up steep slopes. The fender in the front area and mudguards protect the UTVs from minor bumps. Additionally, both vehicles have a range of optional extras starting with the side doors for the drivers cabin and extending to snow ploughs, among others.
Uses & Functions
UTVs recommended areas of use include ordinary roads as well as field or forest tracks or lawn areas. Here, instead of the usual agricultural tyres with tread, thick low pressure tyres without tread are fitted. When fully loaded, the vehicles will exert a bearing load of only 0.5 to 1 kg/cm2 on lawn areas, in other words less pressure than a persons foot despite a load of up to 500 kg.
Its undisputed: these are clearly utility vehicles. They are built to work in agriculture and forestry, in towns or on golf courses or be of use to hunters and horse owners. They are real workhorses, but still trendy vehicles. They are recommended for professionals and for daily use, but they come at a price: neither vehicle can be purchased for less than 15,000 euros. That does not detract from the immense fun value that the test drivers experienced on their travels.
Summary
Its difficult to tell these test UTVs from John Deere and CubCadet apart. The extensive testing period proved there was no outstanding winner or a clear loser. These workhorses with high fun value are expensive, but their utility is high and certainly meets the needs of professionals.
back to
Beinhart durchs Gelände
CubCadet 4x4 und John Deere Gator 855 D im Langzeittest.
Wer die Side-by-Side-ATVs einmal gefahren hat, wird von einem Virus befallen, den er nie wieder los wird. Wir haben für Sie diese zwei Typen einer sehr eigenständigen Fahrzeugkategorie unter die Lupe genommen.
An die Arbeit: CubCadet 4x4, John Deere Gator XUV 855 D. Foto: eck.
Driving through town on a UTV also known as a side by side vehicle means passers-by at the edge of the road always have a warm, friendly expression on their faces. And they respond favourably when technical questions are cleared up and gratefully accept invitations for a ride!
No wonder our test drivers felt good about driving both vehicles from the word go. When they subsequently experienced the features of these vehicles in daily use they were very enthusiastic!
The John Deere Gator 855 D and CubCadet 4x4 were capable of finding a way through the tightest spots at almost any location. Whether through a muddy pothole, over residential roads, forest routes or steep hillside tracks, the UTVs showed no weaknesses. And they even stole the show from a Bentley while driving along an avenue!
Our professional test drivers put both these side by sides through their paces well into late autumn. The UTVs were tested doing all manner of jobs and over different terrain. Experts working everyday on rough terrain mainly foresters and farmers focused on the test vehicles, examining engine performance and drive, comfort and bodywork across undulating and steeper terrain as well as field tracks filled with potholes and also on smooth surfaces. Our test drivers made sure these 20-HP task vehicles with the extra fun factor had to handle all sorts of challenges. Ultimately, they proved to be two winners with no losers!
Efficiency
At first sight, the Gator with its proven plastic flanks and thick treaded tyres on sport rims makes a bolder impression than the sturdier Cub-Cadet. The comfortable seats combined with individual wheel suspension ensure both vehicles hold the road ordinary streets or rough terrain and are great to drive whether or not they are fully loaded. Both vehicles are easily manoeuvrable. In spring 2012, the Gator will also be fitted with an electronic, speed-dependent steering aid.
Both UTVs will fit through most garden gates and are generally easy to park dimensions are 1.50 metres wide and about three metres long, including bumper. The loading platforms (equivalent to a single pallet size) are easy to load or unload using the rear flap and low loading platform. Twenty 50-litre sacks of plant compost or a large hay bale can be loaded on the one-and-a-half square metre platform. Additionally, various tools can also be transported. Its best to opt for an electromechancal or hydraulic lifting device for the loading platform. This enables sand, gravel or plant cuttings to be easily offloaded. Both manufacturers also offer an optional winch for loading on especially challenging terrain.
Driving mode
The 3-cylinder diesel engines also perform well when carrying a full load. They are fitted with electrical non-permanent four-wheel drive and differential lock. This is especially useful on difficult terrain. With ground clearance beneath the rear axle of 260 mm (CubCadet) or 267 mm (Gator), its perfectly possible to drive over rocky and rough surfaces. But dont expect top speeds on clear routes. At a maximum speed of 40 km/h, the UTVs crawl like tractors on the road. But they maintain speeds on field or forest routes causing few problems either to the bottom or back, as these nimble vehicles have excellent suspension and exceptionally comfortable seats.
Page 47
Fuel consumption is also moderate. Both models will easily travel 300 km on a full fuel tank. Our test vehicles were of course approved for road travel. This included halogen and LED headlights as well as rear and brake lights, marker lights and indicators. Across the board, the braking systems handled all driving situations extremely well for the entire test period. The mechanical handbrake also kept fully loaded vehicles firmly on the road even up steep slopes. The fender in the front area and mudguards protect the UTVs from minor bumps. Additionally, both vehicles have a range of optional extras starting with the side doors for the drivers cabin and extending to snow ploughs, among others.
Uses & Functions
UTVs recommended areas of use include ordinary roads as well as field or forest tracks or lawn areas. Here, instead of the usual agricultural tyres with tread, thick low pressure tyres without tread are fitted. When fully loaded, the vehicles will exert a bearing load of only 0.5 to 1 kg/cm2 on lawn areas, in other words less pressure than a persons foot despite a load of up to 500 kg.
Its undisputed: these are clearly utility vehicles. They are built to work in agriculture and forestry, in towns or on golf courses or be of use to hunters and horse owners. They are real workhorses, but still trendy vehicles. They are recommended for professionals and for daily use, but they come at a price: neither vehicle can be purchased for less than 15,000 euros. That does not detract from the immense fun value that the test drivers experienced on their travels.
Summary
Its difficult to tell these test UTVs from John Deere and CubCadet apart. The extensive testing period proved there was no outstanding winner or a clear loser. These workhorses with high fun value are expensive, but their utility is high and certainly meets the needs of professionals.
back to
Beinhart durchs Gelände CubCadet 4x4 und John Deere Gator 855 D im Langzeittest.
Wer die Side-by-Side-ATVs einmal gefahren hat, wird von einem Virus befallen, den er nie wieder los wird. Wir haben für Sie diese zwei Typen einer sehr eigenständigen Fahrzeugkategorie unter die Lupe genommen.