First look at RTV500

[KeithInSpace]

Stopped by my dealership today and he had two, one orange and one camo. All I had was the cameraphone...see attached.

My impressions were fairly good. It looks VERY well put together and the tires are every bit as large as the RTV900 even though it is substantially smaller. The rear suspension felt very compliant, much more so than the 900. I'm not sure how that will fare with a load, but seems that it would ride nice when empty. More like an ATV.

It has a full 2" receiver on the back instead of the small 1" on the RTV900...a nice touch. And a 2" slot on the front. Not sure if the RTV900 has that, but it is GREAT to have.

One thing that stood out was the smallish bed. Very much like the ATV side-by-side beds in size. Although it was all metal and well constructed.

The other thing was that the bed is very high. Every bit as high as the RTV900. I have learned that this can be a pain when loading dirt in the bed with the BX backhoe. I have used my side-by-side for this function several times and wish quite often for a John Deere Gator where the bed is very low, right on top of the tires. But a low bed is great for the yard and not for much else, so it is all a matter of compromise.

My dealer had two used RTV900's for sale. Both with 290 hours. One with a full cab and front blade and stored outside for $10k, one with a roof and windsheild (no doors) and stored inside for $9k. I mention this only because these are quite close to the $8.5k my dealership was asking for the RTV500. I prefer new equipment over used, but the purpose of the two vehicles is quite different. RTV500 seems postured for heavy play, while the RTV900 is TOO HEAVY for play and is better suited to work. Depending on your use, a used RTV900 may be the way to go.

The gas engine would certainly be quieter, so that could be a plus or a minus, depending on your viewpoint.

Saw a thread a while ago wondering where these things were...well, here they are.

 

[emmy71]

Saw one at the dealer the other day. I was expecting to find a souped-up golf cart, but was quite impressed with the 500. Seems very well built and fit and finish seem very good. I believe it would be much easier to transport than a 900 also. My wife wants something to play around in and we just don't need a vehicle as heavy duty as the 900. Price may seem a little high but when you consider a new golf with a bed on the back and off-road tires runs around $5000, it's really not that out of line expecially considering it is 4WD. When the tractor is paid off we may purchase one of 500's.

Terry

 

[KeithInSpace]

I was a little taken back with the price, as well. But in comparison with "ATV" style side-by-sides, this actually has a lot of content for the money. 4WD being the biggest difference (all or very nearly all of the sub $8k side-by-sides are 2WD). Then there's the independent rear suspension and the 4 wheel disc brakes. And 25 MPH just isn't that slow.

When you start talking about those types of items, you get over $10k in a real hurry.

At first, I wasn't sure what to think. But it is really growing on me. The thing I like most about it? The size. Perfect for the person who wants one but doesn't want to be silly about it.

This machine, a soft canopy, and a 60" blade. Hot.

Hope the economy helps me out. I'm own a Civil Engineering firm that does Commercial Site Development almost exclusively. I'm here to tell you that NOBODY can get a loan right now. Things are pretty darn dead.

 

[Delta 3-2]

The warranty on the 500 is only 12 months. Doesn't say much for Kubota's construction quality of the 500.

 

[Jason537]

The warranty on the 500 is only 12 months. Doesn't say much for Kubota's construction quality of the 500.

And if you look at other s x s warranties some of them are only 6months to a year.

 

[amigauser]

The warranty on the 500 is only 12 months. Doesn't say much for Kubota's construction quality of the 500.

John Deere only offers 6 months

Polaris offers 12 months

Kawasaki offers 12 months

I guess they all must be junk to

 

[KeithInSpace]

I guess you need to consider the purpose for which the machine is designed. A car, for instance, goes down the road. If it is abused, you can tell. A tractor digs dirt. If it is abused, you can tell.

An ATV is for ambling over hill and dell, getting scratched by trees, punched by rocks, fording 12" deep streams, and carrying slain animals out of the woods. Why would a company want to be on the hook for an extended warranty on a thing that is, by its very purpose, going to get destroyed. And if you aren't destroying it, you aren't playing enough.

A little bit of kidding there, but I think you get my fundamental point.

 

[kubota man]

i highly rec one of these, I have one rtv 500 and love it, it is everything I need in a utility vehicle.

 

[art]

The warranty on the 500 is only 12 months. Doesn't say much for Kubota's construction quality of the 500.

What is better? You must have something in mind for such a degrading statement.

 

[john_bud]

What is better? You must have something in mind for such a degrading statement.

Unlimited miles / unlimited time / no co-pay / free pick up & return / free loaner / free fuel for life / free maintenance for life / free daily wash & wax all included for no extra charge.

That would be "better". Not sure if that's what he ment, but ...

 

[Crash101]

The warranty on the 500 is only 12 months. Doesn't say much for Kubota's construction quality of the 500.

No it doesn't say much about construction quality, it don't say much at all. It just says 12 months warranty. What's your point?

 

[Delta 3-2]

No it doesn't say much about construction quality, it don't say much at all. It just says 12 months warranty. What's your point?

Both Club Car and Cub Cadet offer 2 year / 2,000 hour "bumper to bumper" warranties on their side by sides. Seeing as you need to have "my point" spelled out for you....the warranty on the Kubota is minimal and that tells me Kubota isn't standing behind the product the way they would if they offered a better warranty. I.e., a lesser warranty is a lesser product.

 

[Delta 3-2]

John Deere only offers 6 months

Polaris offers 12 months

Kawasaki offers 12 months

I guess they all must be junk to

I love how you made references to only those examples that make your point....ignoring the below:

Two year warranties:

1. Club Car

2. Bobcat

3. Cub Cadet

 

[Delta 3-2]

I guess you need to consider the purpose for which the machine is designed. A car, for instance, goes down the road. If it is abused, you can tell. A tractor digs dirt. If it is abused, you can tell.

An ATV is for ambling over hill and dell, getting scratched by trees, punched by rocks, fording 12" deep streams, and carrying slain animals out of the woods. Why would a company want to be on the hook for an extended warranty on a thing that is, by its very purpose, going to get destroyed. And if you aren't destroying it, you aren't playing enough.

A little bit of kidding there, but I think you get my fundamental point.

A better warranty is indicative of a better product. Using your reasoning: "Why would a company want to be on the hook for an extended warranty on a thing that is, by its very purpose, going to get destroyed." I would ask why any company would even make a product such as a UV or SxS ?

Oh....and I couldn't let this pass as it is the most ignorant and childish comment I've heard from an alleged adult in a LONGGGGG time...."And if you aren't destroying it, you aren't playing enough." Not only an unbelievably ignorant comment but quite immature as well.

A little bit of kidding there but you get my fundamental point, eh ?

 

[Delta 3-2]

Unlimited miles / unlimited time / no co-pay / free pick up & return / free loaner / free fuel for life / free maintenance for life / free daily wash & wax all included for no extra charge.

That would be "better". Not sure if that's what he ment, but ...

Odd how you guys like to denigrate my observations on the poor warranty offered by Kubota on their new 500.

For $8,500 one can purchase a quality, used four wheel drive SUV ! Perhaps you like to pee 8,500 dollars down the toilet like it's so much of nothing. But if you were an astute consumer you'd realize that a lesser warranty is a lesser product.

BTW....your comments were absolutely asinine. Contributed absolutely nothing to my point that the warranty or the GUARANTEE ON THE KUBOTA product is minimal. Then again....if you like to pee money down the proverbial drain on a lesser product....it's your money.

 

[piller]

A better warranty is indicative of a better product.

Not so, a better warranty is not necessarily indicative of a better product. Kubota is a recognized market leader with a solid track record. An unknown or lesser known brand might show up with a product with a longer warranty period. This would not necessarily translate to a better product. It's quite possible that the unknown or lesser known brand would not even be around in the later stages of the warranty period.

 

[KeithInSpace]

....and I couldn't let this pass as it is the most ignorant and childish comment I've heard from an alleged adult in a LONGGGGG time...."And if you aren't destroying it, you aren't playing enough." Not only an unbelievably ignorant comment but quite immature as well.

Rest assured, Mr. Delta 3-2...I remember you. I hoped that our not hearing your comments for a while meant that you'd get back on your meds and your tone would improve if you returned to this forum. I see neither has happened.

This is the warranty period chosen by Kubota. There are longer warranties. It is a selling point.

By your model, Hyundai is by far the best and highest quality vehicle available in America. This substantiated by the simple fact that they provide the longest factory warranty.

I think QUALITY speaks to quality. Which is why if the POS Chinese side-by-side they sell at TSC came with a 4 year warranty, that would not mean it was of higher quality or that it would sway my choice to purchase. It would be a selling point, in my opinion, to OFFSET the LACK of quality and is a bid to increase customer confidence in what they may view as a dubious purchase.

As for my comment that was so obviously meant in jest, the basis was in this: I made this comment the very day I had taken a group of ATV's out with a friend mapping some back-woods trails for a work project. Though the machines (3 of them) were only 2 years old, they appeared to have gone to heck and back. I originally dismissed it as the owner being careless and not worrying if the machines were destroyed or not, but after riding it for 3 hours through trees, trenches, slopes, stumps, water, and brush, I realized that there is NO WAY to take these machines on the very trails they were DESIGNED to enjoy without getting a battle scar or two.

That was the day I realized these machines were/are designed to be taken on the trail and ACTUALLY USED. Therein lies the basis for my statement. In conjunction with my personal experience with the POS Chinese side-by-side I currently own (given to me by my brother), makes me think that if the machine is spotless after 1 or 2 years of use, then YOU'RE NOT USING IT. I have a similar opinion of tractors. And of pickup truck beds. By use, I don't mean abuse.

As I mentioned in my original analysis: I liken the RTV500 more to an ATV-type machine than the RTV900. Therefore, I believe it is more useable on the trail than the RTV900.

This is the second time you've replied to one of my posts and the second time you have called me "ignorant". I don't appreciate it and don't feel it is called for at all. We are good people who try to exchange good information. If you don't appreciate the banter, then don't come back. PLEASE.

CLARIFICATION: In your first response to one of my posts, you called me an "idiot", not "ignorant". Just didn't want you to call me a liar as well.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The 12 month warrenty is the norm for that industry. Thus, thats what they offered. We sell Kubota and one of the brands you listed with a two year warrenty.... let me tell you. You may have two good years of warrenty coverage, but after that you'll be paying way more bills out of pocket than you would be if you had bought an RTV500.

 

[art]

A better warranty is indicative of a better product.

Many companies jump on the band wagon with extended warrantee's to make up for what they are lacking in experience of building or to buy into a market and there are times their machines do take a hit as they are not built strong enough. There are times that they luck out as the bulk of the market doesn't use the machine to a point that the machines are made.

Delta, a warrantee's worth is somewhere between the dealer and the manufacturer. Chances are you will never find it's worth on a piece of paper from a manufacturer! The initial build quality you will find being explored here and in yours and your neighbors back yards. Twenty years from today not in two or three or even four years will the best item show it's face. It might not have needed a two or three year warrantee to sell itself, just what the company has been doing for the last forty years might be the reason for it to be purchased.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

My first thought on the 6 month warranty that Kubota is having on the RTV500 may be the class of people that they are seeing as buyers and how they are going to abuse the machine. If they are anything like the ATV crowd around here and after seing the Youtube videos of jumping an RTV900 alot more abuse will be taken by the sporty new RTV500. I have a Bombardier/CAN AM Outlander 800HO MAX LTD which is one of the premier quads in the industry and it only came with a 6 month warranty. Think it is more of the class of machine as the quality is on par with my RTV1100.

David Kb7uns