Pug-Badlands-Gondo

[BonzoDog]

Dear Iflod: Your story made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. You were very lucky indeed. The reason the Pug was not mentioned for maneuverability was an army mule M274a2 had 4 wheel steering and could do a 360 with a diameter of +/- 15 feet. I had a fleet of 6 that I would rent to Hollywood production companies for $350 a day and they would request the 3 with 4 wheel steering. With the pug you would need to plan ahead and as I remember you had to do alot of steering wheel turning for effect. Other than that its #1. Just saved some searches on eBay for Pug, Gondo, Badlands wish me luck. Merry Christmas. Riley

[ElDiaOctavo]

I had an older Pug which I probably should have kept. It was the best utility vehicle for work around the house. I hauled blocks, dirt, gravel and brush with absolutely no problems. It would climb like nothing I've ever experienced.

Unfortunately, you are correct about going across hills. My son and I were taking a very slow ride through the woods and tried to climb over a log on the trail. It rolled over as opposed to going forward. I grabbed my son and threw him up over me onto the ground and I went over with the machine. Having that much machine land on my back was not very fun at all.

It sat in the woods for 3 days upside down until my neighbor dug a path to it with his Bobcat. Got it home and it fired up like nothing ever happened to it!

I think the newer machines use an automotive clutch and 4 speed transmission which alleviates the wet clutch problems.

I've got a 2003 model with 4 speed. It is a tough, tough UTV. I can carry a face cord of oak with little effort and tow a loaded utility trailer behind it at the same time. Around my farm, it is indispensible. I use it everyday, sometimes all day.

I read your comments on driving across a hill and am not sure I'm following you - were you driving along the side of a slope? Like across the side of a hill?

I have had my Pug in some pretty odd positions but have never felt like it was more unstable with respect to rollover than, for example, my tractor. It does not seem top heavy to me - the engine is beneath the seat, as is the trans and differentials. I'm sure it could roll - there is a warning sticker on the dash that says not to drive on more than a 20 degree slope and I take care to follow that advice...but I would take that same care with any farm or utility vehicle. I would not drive my pickup across a 30 degree slope, for example.

What I'm wondering is whether the Pug is really more prone to roll than, for example, a Mule or Gator. I don't have experience with any other machine but, as my childrend drive the Pug all the time, I'm concerned if the thing is more dangerous than other, similar machines.

BTW, mine has a Ford Escort 4sp transaxle coupled to a 20 HP V-twin Kohler with Dana Spicer differentials and axles. It is bombproof. The trans is rated for 100 HP - it would take four or five Kohlers to make enough power to harm it. I'd buy another Pug in a heartbeat if this one disappeared. My only real complaint is that it sucks gas. Maybe all machines do, I don't know, but I do know this one seems to use quite a lot. I can burn three or four gallons a week with it just doing chores.

The center of gravity is outside the machine. Highlighting once again the superiority of the AATV.
Thanks again Mike. Riley

Riley: I do not understand the C of G "outside the machine". Can you explain a little more?

As I mentioned in another post, my kids drive my Pug - I want to make sure they are properly trained and educated in how to do so safely.

To me, with the engine, trans and heavy hardware at chassis level, it seems like the C of G would be down low. I have also heard that Pug's can flip over backwards when going up a steep hill. I know mine will climb anything but after I read that comment I've been careful not to try any "test pilot" moves. Any intel you can provide would be appreciated.

I'm trying to upload a photo of my Pug carrying a load of elm tree last summer. It'll give you an idea of how much work it can do. The only limit was I ran out of cubic airspace in the dump box.

The pic I tried to load is 60kb...might be too large but here goes.

[liflod]

I really think the torque of the drive shaft rolled the bed over intsead of going forward. I, the driver was on the upward side of the hill. I would just about bet that if I were going the other way, driver side down hill, it would not have rolled.

The left front tire was up against a rotted log about 6 inch in diameter and I pressed the throttle very slowly. I had barely moved forward up onto the log and we were rolling.

[GondoFan]

BonzoDog,

I have a 2005 Gondo with 65hrs on it. It has a full cab enclosure, 72" plow blade, log skidder, steel dump bed, personnel carrier box, two spare bar tires and wheels, and more.

Contact me if you are interested

[BonzoDog]

Dear GondoFan: What is that number?? Any extras?? Where are you located?? Can you send me some pix?? 86l7s@sbcglobal.net Thanks and Merry Christmas !!!! Riley

[GondoFan]

BonzoDog,

Did you get my reply sent to the email address above? Thanks!

[lflitepilot]

I too have a gondo unit for sale...If interested give me a call or check craigslist in Connecticut . fairfield county Farm and garden section for details.. I have had 2 units and I love them but one must go soon. Otherwise the wife says I can't have any new toys for spring.......

[a1arbk]

Hi,
First time on here.....

I see some people are looking to buy a Pug Badlands. I have on with a whole bunch of extras...... bed, trailers, cabs, hayspikes, and the RARE Gooseneck trailers. You can email me direct at "a1autorescue@yahoo.com" for pic's, etc.
Thanks!
Be Good,,,,,,, Be SAFE!!!!!
Bryan

[lflitepilot]

How much for a flatbed for the pug gondo ?

[pugrick32570]

do you still have the gondo how much do you want for it if you do could you send me pics of it at rick32570@gmail.com thanks rick