Letter: Hybrid or Electric UTV?

15 Comments

1. Just some thought: RE: silent running. There’s some whine with electric motors and their gearing, but you’ll be surprised how loud 4 rolling tires are. Tire type can affect this, but it’ll never be zero.

   I’d suggest looking at much larger and more efficient mufflers (think: custom design and fitment for an auto muffler, but much of that can be outside the bodywork) and heat and fireproof sound deadening insulation on the inside of body panels to dampen engine mechanical noise. Be sure to maintain good ventilation, though.
   Gasoline engines will be much quieter than diesel “clatter.”

   Don’t forget engine intake noise – reducing that usually means large diameter intake hoses to large air filters which, again, can be mounted outside the bodywork. Don’t forget fan noise from radiator cooling fans; a thermostatically-controlled fan can often switch on automatically even with the engine off.

   Batteries: eventually you’ll need a new one(s). Where will they come from? Vacuum-sealed, unfilled batteries can be had and will last for years until they’re filled with electrolyte. Assuming there’s a source of electrolyte (it’s a solution of distilled H20 and sulfuric acid, so it should be available).

   Range: Will your electric solution allow farther travel than you’re contemplating right now? Electric offers “free” solar charging, but won’t easily keep up with discharge rate. A gas can can be strapped to a luggage rack.

2. For that kind of outlay, consider getting a horse and some good used tack.

   1. Now you’re talking.

3. The more complex the system, the more likely the failure. It sounds like you already have the equipment you need. Don’t succumb to ” Heavy Metal Disease”.

4. The more complex the system, the more likely the failure. It sounds like you already have the equipment you need. Don’t succumb to ” Heavy Metal Disease”.

5. I did alot of research on this topic 2 years ago, ALOT, prices, review, reliability and so on. I went with the Polaris Ranger 570 Full size, 4×4 Single bench seat holds 3 adults with seat belts.mine is a 2015 with EFI electronic full injection THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE with the gas we have now days, IT ALWAYS STARTS. Now I looked into electric one of every manufacturer but was not happy with horse power ratings and matetenence . Not to mention EMP proof none really are. For the cost of 10k in my area of TX for a new one. Get a new one nobody has abused and they will last forever, all the chores these things can do and you will save gas because I rarely fire up my old full size farm truck for chores, heck it has a a dump bed even. Don’t fall for alot of add ons just get a poly top from on line and go work and it turns to fun when you hop in these “side by sides” I have many acres and only put about 5 gallons of gas in every two weeks. My wife is saving up for another that will be hers alone because mine stays so dirty from work.

6. We found a used Club Car utility cart with dump bed for less than $500 at a local golf course. It was 10 years old and it and 6 others were being retired. The frame and bed is all aluminum, so no rust ever. We’ve had it for 5 years and still going strong. The gas engine is approx. 11 HP. With some regular maintenance and occasional belts it will run forever and go up inclines if not too steep or rugged. You can modify with a lift kit and bigger tires, better seats, roof and windshield, and add LED lights, etc. (buggiesunlimited.com) You may have to visit many golf courses to find a used cart for sale. Some courses run the club cars until there is not much left, but you can do a lot with the not-much-left, aluminum frame club car.

7. I’ve recently seen a small electric mini truck at the institution that I work at.

   It is very quiet and they have a high rack on the bed for hauling trash from outdoor receptacles.

   I’m not sure who makes it, but it is probably foreign, similar to these, if not one of them:

   https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/most-environmently-friendly-electric-truck-electric_60480006525.html

   https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Small-Electric-Light-Truck-With-800_60571075572.html

   https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Sale-brand-new-small-electric-truck_60400255790.html

   Too bad they don’t make something like that in America… [as far as I know]

   —–

   I would like to have one of these, but who knows if they will ever make it, or export it to America…

   Global Vehicle Trust OX

   http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a30678/gordon-murrays-flat-pack-truck-is-fantastic/

   https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/can-flat-pack-truck-save-world

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFBxCS08OgI

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmD2G5J__1k

8. I understand the virtue of silence, but, IMO, a clean, well maintained gas model is the way to go. Stick with ‘farm/work’ ATVs over ‘performance models.’

   I’ve long maintained the belief that a well maintained Honda XR250 or KLR 250 dual sport bike is the best low-profile vehicle. Super quiet when the silencer is properly maintained, and can still get you out of a bad place in a hurry. Same holds true for ATVs. On the SXS’s, pops has one, and its a hoot, but the motor/tranny are terribly loud. He keeps his up very well, and the tranny is still too whiny for covert travel.

9. Look at what good farmers/ranchers in your area are using. They’ve already done the cost benefit on gas vs diesel vs electric and figured out the logistics of fuel and repairs as your vehicle will require both. There is nothing worse than buying equipment and having to mail parts back and forth because you didn’t buy the brand that everyone else in your area has. It’s also good to blend in-have the same color tractor as everyone else. That being said, we like John Deere gators (diesel and gas versions) with dumping beds and Honda Recon/Ranchers(gas) for quads. Go for no frills foot pedal shifter instead of thumb button electric shift as the electric components on everything wear out quickly or get wet and cost a lot to repair. Some brands are cheaper than others but repairs can more costly. It is best to ask around what other people have found with the dealers in your area, whether they are good or bad, inexpensive or pricey. Diesels are also not loud like they used to be and diesel in bulk stores much better than gasoline. Good advice from BobW on sticking with utility/farm versions of vehicles as they will have the utility racks and accessories available like hitches, beds, and baskets to haul your tools, unlike the sport versions that are virtually worthless on the farm except for getting from one field to the next.

10. I have had a 6 wheeled polaris ranger: powerful, costly, wide turning radius, good hydralic dump bed, goes anywhere. Had for 5 years daughter hit a barn pole with it and started having trouble with wheel casing, fixed 3 times never got it right traded it away. Next was a JD gator, much less power, some difficulty getting up steep muddy hills, hydralic dump, much better turing radius, when getting repaired only dealer was 1 1/2 hr away and not very responsive. Got the job done, but the latch for the dump is the worst piece of engineering I have seen. Currently have kawasaki mule, have had it approximately 3 months. It is a beast, will go anywhere, has a unique 6 seating 2 row system whereby the back seat folds down and enlarges the dump bed by 50%. All utv’s have been diesel for fuel storage issues, power and longevity of diesel. Highly recommend hard top cover over seating, hydralic dump, but most importantly a good dealer with first rate repair shop that is close.

11. I have had a 6 wheeled polaris ranger: powerful, costly, wide turning radius, good hydralic dump bed, goes anywhere. Had for 5 years daughter hit a barn pole with it and started having trouble with wheel casing, fixed 3 times never got it right traded it away. Next was a JD gator, much less power, some difficulty getting up steep muddy hills, hydralic dump, much better turing radius, when getting repaired only dealer was 1 1/2 hr away and not very responsive. Got the job done, but the latch for the dump is the worst piece of engineering I have seen. Currently have kawasaki mule, have had it approximately 3 months. It is a beast, will go anywhere, has a unique 6 seating 2 row system whereby the back seat folds down and enlarges the dump bed by 50%. All utv’s have been diesel for fuel storage issues, power and longevity of diesel. Highly recommend hard top cover over seating, hydralic dump, but most importantly a good dealer with first rate repair shop that is close.

12. Hi everybody. My friend has a Polaris dealership and I been able to use both of the lead acid and lithium battery models. I’ve used them on his 1500 acre ranch that is spaced out between other ranches and is hilly. The lead acid batteries don’t have the needed range. So if we would be out for a long time we would put a generator in the bed to get us home. It would take 2.5 gallons of gas to recharge the batteries from almost fully discharged which would almost be all night. To cover the same distance would be about 3/4 a gallon of gas in a gas model. Unless solar recharging it’s not cost effective. Now for the lithium model. Very nice it will travel all around the ranch twice and still have 1/4 charge left. It is now useful for full time use. Still would be nice with a solar bank batteries for recharging or replacement batteries for switching out. Also the lithium model is a 2 person side by side which makes for tighter turning radius and less likely to high center. The lithium model is 300lbs lighter than the lead acid model. The vehicle noise comes from the tires and when you have no engine noise to cover the sound it makes. It is noticed in gravel areas mostly but quiet in grass. You can buy a conversion unit to retro fit the lead acid ones to lithium. Once crossing a flooded area of road the water was about 3 feed deep and the electric model went through it with no problems. A gas one would have stalled out or the noisy belts would slip.
    The cost CHOKE!! is like buying a new Toyota Corolla. I would definitely buy the lithium model only if I could afford it.

13. Some good input here. I’ve thought on this a good bit for my situation. The virtue of simplicity is most often overlooked.

    A simple, manual shifting gas powered ATV with low decibel output at moderate throttle settings is key for keeping a low profile.

    IMO, after decibel rating, the most important consideration is ease of replacement of electronics. If there is an chance of an attack that wrecks the power grid (even setting aside EMP), you will struggle to keep an electric only ATV/SXS operational. But sourcing two or three older more basic ‘ranch’ style ATVs of same year, make, model, and sourcing a couple replacement wire looms would still be less money invested than that Toyota Corolla.

    Having the ability to replace fried wires (EMP, wear-and-tear) and keep a bone simple ride moving is the key. Its not the amount of luxury you can amass, but the rock-solid reliability of simplicity that is key here.

14. I too have steep elevation changes and had similar needs. I did lots of checking before buying.
    I have Intimidator 800 cc gas model. The chassis is much heavier built than most all others especially axles and suspension. The cargo/tow capacity is very high compared to other makes. I had nearly a year and not one problem.It daily is used on 20% plus grades.

    Noise is not problem – out at 75-100 yards its hard to discern in high gear, low engine revs – on otherhand it will also do 60+mph if one needs to get to or away from an area quickly.

    If one wanted quiet I think Intimidator lends itself nicely to mods of that type due roomy engine bay.

    Only issue would be Intimidators small dealer network compared to other makes.

    I happen to have one close so made sense.

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