I know this comes up every year, but I haven't seen it here lately. I'm trying to figure out which UTV to buy and how to outfit it. I'll be using it exclusively for wildland fire use. That means I don't need to go fast, but I need to carry alot of weight (about 750 pounds of water and gear), and I need to be able to go nearly anywhere I want to OFF TRAIL. (over logs, up hills, etc...) without tipping over. The ones I hear the most about are the Kubota RV 900, Kawasaki Mule 3010 (2009 Model is the 4010), and the Polaris Ranger 700. But what about a Bobcat or a John Deere? I don't know why they wouldn't be as good, but I never hear anyone talk about using them for the sort of use I'm talking about. Also, what about an Argo Avenger? It's an 8-wheel AMPHIBIOUS vehicle (that's right, it floats, even with 800 pounds in it - I've done it!). And it goes anywhere you want. I know some folks use it for EMS uses, but I just never hear anyone talk about using it for wildland fire. Any reason for that? Isn't it as heavy-duty as the more popular brands I hear about?

 

Get a polaris ranger, or arctic cat prowler. Both of them provide plenty of power to help you get up and over and can haul lots of gear.

 

only one choice here, a polaris ranger 6x6

 

Check these guys out. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Click on A.R.U.

http://www.impactoffroad.com/

 

Have you considered one of those Suzuki mini trucks? We just sold one to a guy up here that was going to use it for that exact reason. To put a water tank and sprayer in the back of it. Sold it for $3500. Might be something to think about.

 

I've heard these are pretty serious

http://www.badboybuggies.com/

 

Kubota. If you want one to work, it's head and shoulders above the rest IMHO.

 

Ranger Crew

Seats 6, hauls 1750 lbs and tows 2000 lbs. 4x4 and fast!

We have about 20 mules were I work. Most are used exclusively for on-pavement purposes. We have two Rangers that handle the tuff offroad stuff.

 

Burnguy,

Here is a good article on the different manufacturers to choose from.
They also make the fire skid attachments for them.

http://www.kimtekresearch.com/safetyArticles.shtml


-Mike

 

i am currently outfitting my ranger 6x6 with a fire skid. i am building it myself (with exeption of the welding part). i am using a 110gal aluminum auxilary diesel tank for water. it is not too heavy and will fit nicely on a skid in the bed. all pumps and hoses ordered from darley. fittings and ball valves from any plumbing or hardware store (lowes/home depot). dont hesitate in adding a scottie around the pump foam unit. you will increase effctivness of firefighting close to 3 times (less water consumption and more fire suppression) using class a foam. make sure you also have a 3/4" hose ready for protecting the vehicle while someone else is figting the fire. i will post pictures as soon as my skid is ready in about 3 weeks or so. Darley supplies Kimtek with pumps and equipmet. they are nice skids. kinda expensive, but nice. if you are a doi it youselfer. do it yourself. save about $3500.