Mudd-Ox Model Comparison
This comparison video showcases the differences between our three models: Vengeance, XL and Fort Mac. Since filming this video, we now offer both the 57 hp and 85 hp engines in the XL and Fort Mac models.
Selecting the Right Model for You
Our number one customer question is, “Which machine is best for me?” Each of our models – Vengeance, XL and Fort Mac have been designed for specific demands while keeping budgets in mind. All three models utilize the same Mudd-Ox body design, while the internals separate the pack. Below is a detailed comparison of each model and their best suited applications.
VENGEANCE
Starting Price: $33,995
Applications: Light commercial and recreational
Common Uses: Municipality land management, private hunting, farming
Engine: Gas EFI Kawasaki 31 hp liquid-cooled and Briggs 40 hp air-cooled
Drivetrain: CVT clutches to T-20 skid-steer transmission
Final Drive: Both single 60 and dual 50/60 chains
Steering Wheel or Remote Controls: Not compatible
Driving Style – Transmission
The defining separation between Vengeance and XL/Fort Mac is the utilization of the skid-steer transmission. It’s driving characteristics are most comparable to a mixture between a skid-steer loader and a traditional snowmobile. In forward position, pushing the control levers forward engages the transmission – and the vehicle moves forward. The more throttle applied, the faster it will go. Pulling the control levers back applies the vehicle’s brakes. The more pressure applied, the more brakes are applied. Thus, in order to make a sharp left side turn, the operator would firmly pull back on the left control lever (to apply brakes) while pushing the right side forward (to apply power). Vengeance will “skid” on the left side wheels while the right side powers the turn.
When going down a steep hill with no throttle input, Vengeance will naturally want to roll down freely. Users will pull back on the control levers to apply brakes. The more brakes applied, the slower Vengeance will go down the hill.
A CVT clutch system provides a rougher ride over hydrostatic when traversing over large obstacles such as logs. When coming up to a log, the operator will push the control levers forward and gently input throttle. Vengeance will quickly “bounce” over the log.
In comparison to a traditional automobile, users manually shift the transmission from forward to reverse. Although Vengeance is a skid-steer, we install (2) shift levers for the ability of counter-rotation. When the transmission is in reverse, the driving characteristics are similar but flipped around – meaning pulling back on the control lever powers the vehicle while pushing forward applies the brakes. To make a counter-rotation, users manually shift one side of the transmission into forward while the other in reverse. For example: imagine putting the left side transmission in forward and the right side into reverse. When you push the left side control lever forward and pull the right side backward, Vengeance will power both sides of wheels in opposite directions. This achieves a 360 degree turn right in place.
Maintenance
Basic maintenance is simple and only requires common tools. As Vengeance utilizes a transmission and CVT clutches similar to a snowmobile, there is increased maintenance over XL/Fort Mac. However, taking care of the vehicle in terms of storage and driving style will provide longevity of all components. The #1 cause of premature wear is letting the vehicle sit outside, filling with rainwater, and thus rusting inner components: chains and bearings. Keeping water out of the vehicle, bearings greased, and chains lubed/adjusted will ensure their longevity. As for the transmission itself, smooth driving styles without jerking and sudden movements are important. It will periodically need adjusted – but it’s a simple job. This goes for the CVT clutches and drive belt. Overall, basic maintenance as described in the Owner’s Manual will keep the Vengeance in healthy status.
Applications
Light commercial and recreational use is where the Vengeance shines. Each component on the vehicle is extremely simple – even the transmission can be completely rebuilt with basic mechanical skills and tools. A wide range of engine options and accessories provide any desired fuel type and engine cooling. Most Vengeance are sold to municipalities and private owners who do not require the heavy duty and more costly XL/Fort Mac.
XL
Starting Price: $49,995
Applications: Commercial and recreational
Common Uses: Remote utility maintenance, commercial rental fleets, private hunting, heavy cargo transport
Engine: Gas EFI liquid-cooled 57 hp Kubota and 85 hp Ford
Drivetrain: Engine direct drive to hydrostatic pumps, two motors – one per side of vehicle
Final Drive: Dual 60 chains
Steering Wheel or Remote Controls: Optional
Driving Style – Hydrostatic w/ Control Levers
XL provides significantly increased agility and ease of driving over Vengeance. As there is no transmission but rather a hydrostatic system, no shifting is required. It is most comparable to driving a zero-turn lawn mower. There are two hydraulic motors – one per each side of the vehicle. The left side control lever operates the left side motor, and vise versa for the right. Each lever controls every aspect of its respected side of the vehicle. For example the left side control lever: Pushing it forward will cause the left side wheels to drive forward. The further forward the lever is pushed, the faster they will go. Pulling back on the lever will cause the left side wheels to drive backwards without shifting.
As the levers operate their own respected systems, users have the ability to push the levers in opposing directions and make the XL instantly counter-rotate 360 degrees by driving each side of wheels in opposite directions. Users can drive through a trail going forward, immediately (but gently) pull back on both levers to go backwards, or counter-rotate. Instantly.
Hydrostatic shines in total control. When coming up to a large obstacle such as a log, the operator can gently move the control levers forward and slowly creep. The machine will go as slow as the operator wants, allowing for control of “teetering” balance while climbing over the log.
When going down a steep hill, users “drive” down the hill rather than use brakes like the Vengeance. XL will not roll freely – rather users will gently push the control levers forward to slowly creep down. There’s no need for worrying about throttle control – simply set the desired engine rpm on the dash and only use the control levers to operate. XL provides total precision and instant response times. Users can literally thread a needle.
Driving Style – Hydrostatic w/ Steering Wheel
Hydraulic pumps allow the ability for drive-by-wire technology. Users may purchase our optional automotive style steering wheel controls. This transforms the driving style of XL from dual levers to a traditional steering wheel with gas and brake pedal. This extends the controllability of XL for handicapped individuals. The steering wheels maintain the precision characteristics of the machine with a high and low range.
In low range, gently turning the steering wheel to the left will make the Mudd-Ox steer to the left, and vise versa for the right. Turning the steering wheel completely in either direction will allow the Mudd-Ox to counter-rotate, meaning each side of wheels will travel in opposite directions for the tightest possible turning radius.
In high range, the Mudd-Ox utilizes a hybrid steering program: 0-5% gas pedal input: Turning the wheel completely in either direction will counter-rotate the vehicle. 5-100% gas pedal input: Steering sensitivity is decreased for higher speed travel. Turning the wheel completely in either direction will not counter-rotate the vehicle. Instead, the Mudd-Ox will act as a skid-steer vehicle. Meaning, one set of wheels will rotate while the other acts slows down to turn the vehicle.
Maintenance
Similar to the Vengeance, basic maintenance, proper storage and gentle driving techniques will guarantee vehicle longevity. XL utilizes heavier duty components that do not require as much maintenance and adjustments as Vengeance. Unlike a transmission, the hydrostatic system can operate for thousands of hours without needing rebuilt. There are no clutches or drive belt to maintain. It is important to keep bearings greased, and chains greased/adjusted. Letting XL sit outside and filling up with rainwater will cause premature rusting and seizing of these components. Always follow basic maintenance as described in the Owner’s Manual and XL will last.
Applications
XL is the most versatile model in our lineup for the widest possible range of uses. It can be used for recreation such as hunting and private land transportation, while also performing in demanding commercial applications like rental fleets and utility maintenance. Stronger internals allow XL to serve as a true workhorse with it’s increased load and carrying capacity. Over the commercial lifespan of a Vengeance and XL where maintenance time costs the company money, XL will be more cost effective as a result. It’s no surprise heavy duty equipment utilizes hydraulic power just like the XL. It’s the best of both worlds.
FORT MAC
Starting Price: $69,995
Applications: Commercial
Common Uses: Commercial and rental with little downtime
Engine: Gas EFI liquid-cooled 57 hp Kubota and 85 hp Ford
Drivetrain: Engine direct drive to hydrostatic pumps, four motors – two per side of vehicle
Final Drive: Zero chains, Ripsaw tracks
Steering Wheel Controls: Optional
Driving Style
The operational characteristics of Fort Mac are fundamentally identical to XL. This includes both traditional dual control levers and the optional steering wheel setup. It’s only difference comes with the addition of tracks. Fort Mac utilizes four wheel motors – two per each side, one at the frontmost wheel and one at the rearmost. Center wheels are idlers, just like a tank. Thus, tracks must be installed at all times.
Driving the Fort Mac with Ripsaw tracks is identical to driving an XL with Ripsaw tracks. As the tracks cannot be removed, users must be cautious about driving across certain terrains. On maintained landscapes do not make sudden turns as it will uproots grass, and on pavement sharp turns can prematurely wear out the rubber track. Tracks significantly increase driving capabilities in mud, swamp and snow conditions.
Maintenance
Fort Mac stands above the model lineup in maintenance. Aside from oil changes, tire pressure, and greasing just four wheel bearings, there are no other basic maintenance requirements. Hydraulic motors directly driving the wheels eliminates chain and almost all components. Over the commercial lifespan of a Vengeance, XL and Fort Mac where maintenance time costs a company money, Fort Mac will be more cost effective than an XL, and significantly more so than a Vengeance.
Applications
Fort Mac is truly at home in heavy duty commercial environments. It was designed to operate in the Fort McMurray oil fields at a high duty cycle. As Ripsaw tracks are always installed, it’s desired terrain is mud, swamp and snow. It has proven itself in rental fleets, utility maintenance, and remote location travel. Those who travel to locations where maintenance is limited, consider the Fort Mac.