UTV Decision

[ultrarunner]

We put getting one on hold... just nothing that says buy me.

If the right deal were to come along it could still happen.

Only Deere will do demos and not really considering a Deere.

For now the Samurai will have to do double duty...

 

[JESSE1]

I've had my RTVX1100-C for nearly two years now. I like everything about it except for the slow acceleration. Top speed is not an issue because I ride it in the pasture to check on the cows and fence. I have to remind myself that part of the cause of the slow acceleration is that the RTV weighs empty as much as most of the other UTV's weigh loaded. My Gator 850 diesel I traded in was faster but if I loaded it to capacity it was slow, too.

 

[ovrszd]

I found a really good deal on a used RTV 900. Thought I'd try one to see what all the hype was about.

The operator learning curve is very steep.

The way the HST and engine throttle are configured it's very hard to get the most useable power from the machine when in steep terrain. In the beginning I stalled it constantly. I added a hand throttle which helped a lot.

The slide to a halt when letting off the foot throttle was a no-go for me. I've even read stories of driveline premature failure because of the stresses added by this feature. I added a Coast Valve which eliminated that problem. The machine has awesome wet hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. If I want to stop that's what the brake pedal is for.

The HDSW tires are worthless for anything except snow and Golf Courses. I too was stuck constantly. In the stupidest places. After walking out of the timber half a dozen times because of a petty stuck I bought ITP Blackwater Evolution 27" tires. Now the machine will actually get around in the timber.

Ground clearance totally sucks. I added an 1" lift kit and 2" taller tires which has helped a lot. But you still plan ahead. This is not an offroad toy. It's got a tire off the ground constantly in uneven terrain.

The slow top speed isn't an issue for me. Mine never leaves the farm unless on a trailer. Still seems silly that it couldn't be changed a little and get a respectable top speed.

As for the RTV's work capabilities. I'm very impressed with the machine overall. I've hauled dozens of loads of dirt, all you can pile on it. I've hauled dozens of loads of stacked blocked firewood, again all you can pile on with the tailgate down. I've only had one load of wet dirt, loaded with the tailgate down, that I had to help the hydraulic dump get started by picking up on the handle at the front of the bed. I might have lifted 50lbs and it continued on it's own. It's built extremely tough. Hitch receiver on both ends. Very well built steel bed. Very dependable hydraulic lift system. Unplug the bed cylinder using the Quick Couplers at the rear of the machine and that circuit can be used to run other hydraulic accessories. The diesel engine is awesome and sips fuel.

Today I wouldn't sell it for what I gave for it which was $5500. If someone offered me $8000 I'd probably sell it and try to find another steal with a cab.

I've got some pics but don't want to clutter this thread with them unless someone wants to see them.

 

[FTG-05]

ovrszd, can you talk a little more about the hand throttle and Coast Valve?

I too am going with the BW Evos (in 26-11-12) this month. The Carlyle 489s are dry rotted pretty bad.

thanks,

 

[ovrszd]

ovrszd, can you talk a little more about the hand throttle and Coast Valve?

I too am going with the BW Evos (in 26-11-12) this month. The Carlyle 489s are dry rotted pretty bad.

thanks,

Sure. Here's a couple links to threads I started on NTT concerning the install of the Hand Throttle and the Coast Valve. If you have any questions beyond those threads feel free to ask. Both modifications were money well spent for me. I could survive without the Hand Throttle if I had to. But I'd not give up the Coast Valve.

RTV900 Coast Valve Install - Net Tractor Talk

Hand Throttle Install RTV900 - Net Tractor Talk

Also including a link to a thread about my tire change to BW Evos.

ITP Blackwater Evolution 27" tire upgrade - Net Tractor Talk

 

[FTG-05]

Sure. Here's a couple links to threads I started on NTT concerning the install of the Hand Throttle and the Coast Valve. If you have any questions beyond those threads feel free to ask. Both modifications were money well spent for me. I could survive without the Hand Throttle if I had to. But I'd not give up the Coast Valve.

RTV900 Coast Valve Install - Net Tractor Talk

Hand Throttle Install RTV900 - Net Tractor Talk

Also including a link to a thread about my tire change to BW Evos.

ITP Blackwater Evolution 27" tire upgrade - Net Tractor Talk

Ok, wasn't going to say anything, but it was your ITP BW Evo thread on NTT that got me to buy the Evolutions instead of the STI Rocktanes. Have them on order from AllTerrainOnline as we speak.

Thanks for the links to the coast valve and hand throttle!

Thanks,


ETA: Where did you get your 1" lift from? I don't recall it being mentioned. Thanks,

 

[ovrszd]

I built my lift kit. Was pretty simple. Didn't do 2" because od driveline angles.

 

[FTG-05]

I built my lift kit. Was pretty simple. Didn't do 2" because od driveline angles.

Ok, that's what I plan to do as well.

Thanks,

 

[dirkdaddy]

I am just about to hit a year ownership of my rtv x1120d. Around 300 miles and almost 100 hours. I'll hit the high points first, as they really shine with this machine. First off, its built to work and built to last. I use the machine every day for general farm chores on my vegetable farm. With the rtv x you get a proven kubota power plant, that when used in industrial applications, can easily.last 7,500 hours of use before any major work is needed, thus the motor is a lifetime purchase. The frame and skeleton of the machine is built to match. Full osha certified ROPS that will save you if you tip, quality tractor-like frame build , steel bed. And then the transmission, which is another tractor style and quality component that is meant to last a lifetime of ownership, not to rocket your son and his friends 50 mph down a dirt road. I actually use my utv for work so the coast-to-stop feature is highly desirable for hopping out to take care of something real quick without having to lay on the brakes. Also great for traveling on steep hills, particularly down them.

I've put the rtv through its paces off road and unless you are buying a utv for the SOLE purpose of flying down trails I fail to see how one could be truly disappointed with the rtv. I've pulled a fully 8x12 dual axle trailer overflowing with wood mulch out of a hilly, muddy, and treacherous PowerLine easement on my property. I use to get around hunting camp, I use to show my property to friends, and it handles off road just fine. Does it like soft mud? No. Due to the beefiness of the work features the machine is over 2klbs, outweighing even the largest Polaris by nearly 800 lbs. So don't go charging into a mud hole like you see on these youtube videos and expect the mini-tractor with small wheels to come out.

I love mine. But it's a machine I put my butt in every day and I need it to turn over and work and work right. And if I wanna go have a little fun with it during hunting season or on the weekends I want it to handle that, too. If I was just going to have fun and no work, I probably would have gotten an 825i, but considering my uses I have never once regretted my decision.

 

[ArlyA]

My work using UTV's is quite strenuousness and might be different from everyone here. Do note, I do not personally own a UTV or ATV for that matter but do operate them for my job. Nonetheless Kuboto UTV's have failed among the world of snow grooming. There hydro-static transmission robs so much of there engines power and drive axles have broke etc, etc. Again, we may be working harder harder than you folks will.

 

[houstonscott]

My work using UTV's is quite strenuousness and might be different from everyone here. Do note, I do not personally own a UTV or ATV for that matter but do operate them for my job. Nonetheless Kuboto UTV's have failed among the world of snow grooming. There hydro-static transmission robs so much of there engines power and drive axles have broke etc, etc. Again, we may be working harder harder than you folks will.

If you are breaking drive axles on an RTV you are not working harder, you are just abusing and quit possibly don't know what you are doing... It's not the RTV, it's you! HS

 

[farm boy00]

My work using UTV's is quite strenuousness and might be different from everyone here. Do note, I do not personally own a UTV or ATV for that matter but do operate them for my job. Nonetheless Kuboto UTV's have failed among the world of snow grooming. There hydro-static transmission robs so much of there engines power and drive axles have broke etc, etc. Again, we may be working harder harder than you folks will.

I'm sorry but don't they build snow groomers to groom snow?? To me I would but a snow groomer for grooming snow before something that will have problems.

Are you over sizing tires?? Putting tires on that aren't recommended by factory?? There has to be something that ain't adding up to cause you problems.

I think it's time to by the right machines for the job

 

[ovrszd]

I'm kinda new to the RTV world. I installed a Coast Valve not long after buying mine. I don't mind taking my foot off the go pedal and applying the brakes if needed. Takes a LOT of stress off the rear axle assemblies. It seems most owners accept the "instant stop" design of the VHT and use if for braking. IMO, not a very good idea.

In ArlyA's case, he changes directions hundreds of times in a day plowing snow. I can see where that constant jerking force on the axles would take it's toll.

I also understand that everyone's uses are different. One owner might have failures that the next owner cannot understand.

I bought mine used. The rear bump stops had never contacted the frame. After 80hrs of use I have the paint worn completely off the frame rail where they contact. I haul a LOT of heavy loads. So eventually I'll see a failure of some kind. When I mention it there will be owners chiming in insisting it's not the RTV's fault, it's me.

 

[sunnyside360]

I installed a Coast Valve not long after buying mine. I don't mind taking my foot off the go pedal and applying the brakes if needed. Takes a LOT of stress off the rear axle assemblies. It seems most owners accept the "instant stop" design of the VHT and use if for braking. IMO, not a very good idea.

Is your RTV the older model? I have the RTV-X1100C cab model (current model) and the engine braking isn't so "instant" like the older RTVs. I've had mine a little over a year now and it's great. Only wish it would go a little faster, say 40 mph, since my property is along a mile of county road.

 

[ultrarunner]

I've been unable to confirm but have heard the newer X RTV series has softened the abruptness of the hydro pedal... can anyone confirm?

Also heard at the dealer there is suppose to be some changes to the 400 and 500 models at this year's Dealer Convention?

 

[sunnyside360]

I've been unable to confirm but have heard the newer X RTV series has softened the abruptness of the hydro pedal... can anyone confirm?

Affirmative.........Reference post #34 above.:thumbsup:

 

[ultrarunner]

Have you heard of any updates coming this fall for the RTV lineup?

 

[ovrszd]

Is your RTV the older model? I have the RTV-X1100C cab model (current model) and the engine braking isn't so "instant" like the older RTVs. I've had mine a little over a year now and it's great. Only wish it would go a little faster, say 40 mph, since my property is along a mile of county road.

An '08 model. On gravel it would slide the rear tires if you lifted the go pedal too quickly. There's nothing about that that's good. At least on the older models there's an adjustment that can be made to soften this function. I didn't know of that until after I bought my Coast Valve. Irregardless, it's a great mod for my uses.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm sorry but don't they build snow groomers to groom snow?? To me I would but a snow groomer for grooming snow before something that will have problems.

Are you over sizing tires?? Putting tires on that aren't recommended by factory?? There has to be something that ain't adding up to cause you problems.

I think it's time to by the right machines for the job

You haven't had any axle problems with your RTV?? How many hours do you have on it??

 

[DT86]

. On gravel it would slide the rear tires if you lifted the go pedal too quickly. There's nothing about that that's good.

How fitting.

I had a little incident with mine yesterday. Full speed to stopped by instantly letting off. It was not intentional.

There is now a hydro leak and complete lack of motion. Something internally has let loose.

I've been talking to a dealer tech and will start another thread detailing how and what happened, as I tear into it.