Adding extra seating behind the regular front perches for driver and passenger has made the multi-seat farm buggy an increasingly popular alternative to a road-going 4×4 for anyone wanting to carry people through forests, up hills and down dales.

The new John Deere Gator XUV 550 S4 and Kubota RTV1140 join the long-established Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans Diesel and Polaris Ranger Diesel Crew.

JD Gator XUV 550 S4

Converting the John Deere XUV 550 S4 and Kubota RTV1140 from two-seat mode to a four-seat layout is straightforward and both machines provide a rear bench seat with room for two passengers and a gundog or two.

The Deere has the same drivetrain as its two-seater sister, but with a longer wheelbase. It also gets a manually-engaged rear differential and limited slip front diff to help get it through the mud.

Power comes from a 550cc v-twin petrol engine with 16hp on tap. Top speed is 28mph.

Disc brakes front and rear and 262mm of ground clearance can be complemented by optional underbody skid protection. This would probably be worth the investment on examples likely to run fully laden on rough, stone-strewn tracks.

Kubota RTV 1140

Though similar-looking to its two-seater counterpart, Kubota has put some extra meat into its first multi-seat utility ATV.

The RTV1140 has more power than the two-seat RTV900 thanks to its larger capacity Kubota engine and an uprated version of the VHT hydrostatic transmission. Power is provided by a mid-mounted, 25hp, three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine, channelled through just the rear wheels or all four if the operator deems that necessary, and there is locking rear differential for extra help when things get slippery underfoot.

Hydrostatic drive remains unique to Kubota and the VHT system has speed control within each of three ranges and dynamic transmission braking when travelling downhill.

When stowed for maximum cargo capacity, the base of the rear bench seat forms the front panel of the cargo box floor, with the cushion tucked neatly away. For extra passenger space, a floor panel at the front of the cargo box is raised and secured by two sprung bolts, and two short side panels folded inwards.

The seat is then lowered into position and a protective screen normally positioned behind the front seat slid back on rails to perform the same function for the rear seat passengers. Using rubber components for the pin-and-strap securing mechanisms eliminates any annoying rattles.

KEY – Transmission: CVT – continuously variable transmission (variator + belts); Hydro – hydrostatic drive; EM – electric motor(s); 4wd – permanent four-wheel drive; 2/4wd – selectable two- and four-wheel drive; a2/4wd – automatic two- and four-wheel drive; n/a = information not available. Note: * These models have extra seating when the cargo box is shortened; ** cargo load allows for driver and passenger weighing 100kg each.