Kubota RTV 500 or Kawasaki 610 mule?

[cointoss]

One or the other SxS is in my near future and both have features that I like and dislike. Which would you choose if you were going to purchase. Or if you own one or the other, what do you not like on it. Thanks for your response.

 

[proff49]

Don't own one but looked real hard at the 500 because I'm a Kubota fan. First off, it wouldn't pull a not-so-steep hill beside the dealership empty without shifting to low range. I could pedal a bike up this hill and have some steeper in my yard and the 500 wouldn't do it in high without a good run at it. I tried several units and they were all the same. Some people say you just need to learn how to drive the hydrostat tranny; I say bull. It just doesn't have it. No usable power in high and low might pull a freight train but is really slow (as it should be). I didn't want to do everything low and slow. Second, it rides rough. This isn't a deal breaker for me but something I did consider. I will say the 500 is probably the best built. It's a tank.

Don't remember which Mule I tried but it seemed ok. I'd say it was an all-around solid machine. It would easily handle anything I have to do. Just didn't tickle my fancy.

I ended up getting a JD Gator XUV. It seemed to be the best fit for me and the dealer was easily the closest to me.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I've got a RTV 500 Camo and I really like it. The hydro tranny does take getting used to, most guys pull up to a hill and as their speed starts to drop they plant their right foot.....with the hydro tranny you need to let off the pedal and you will get back into the power. If you aren't used to it that will drive you nuts the first couple trips. The ride is rough, kinda goes with being a work horse. The fuel economy is incredible, I have no idea in mpg what it gets but it has to be over 100 mpg, it uses next to nothing.

The advantages as I see them are the hydro tranny = no belt to slip, the Kubota is overbuilt.....I've pulled my 2500+ lb bass boat around the yard with no problems what so ever. Another big plus is that when you let off the go pedal the machine automatically starts slowing down and uses the engine to brake, if you're going down a hill and let off the accelerator your machine will slow down as well....brakes on this unit will last forever. I also like the fuel injected 2 cylinder engine, it runs so smooth and quiet you almost forget it's an offroad buggy. I also like the front and rear 2" receiver hitches, you can hook up ball mounts, shackle hitches, carry alls......with no problems because 2" is universal.

I've used my RTV 500 to do all kinds of work and it's loving it, I used it with a brush grubber to pull out small stumps from 2-4" trees I cut down, hauled trailers, mulch, and even my beagle when we went out chasing rabbits and I've yet to be let down by it. I can't say a Mule isn't great but it wasn't my first choice for the reasons mentioned. Enjoy which every you choose, I'm sure they are both fine machines.:thumbsup:

 

[smstonypoint]

In my search for a UTV, I had narrowed my initial search down to those two machines. Both appear to well-built and reliable. I ultimately decided to go with something larger and bought a RTV 900.

As mentioned earlier, it takes some time to get used to the Kubota's HST.

The literature for the RTV 500 emphasized that it could be carried in the back of a full-sized pickup. I don't remember if that was the case for the 610.

I would give weight to the respective dealerships. In my case, both were in the same general vicinity, but I felt more comfortable with the Kubota dealer.

In the end, I think you will be happy with either machine.

Steve

 

[timswi]

It seems that the 500 power issue has pretty much been resolved lately. Keep in mind though, the 500 doesn't generate is's maximum power until it reaches full operating temerature. The cold/hot difference is like night and day.

So if you test drove it cold, you can't get the full effect.

 

[Stonehaller]

This has been discussed before. For example, take a look at this thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/154148-rtv-500-mule-610-a.html

I recommend that you search this forum for both products to see what issue there have been.

I've had an RTV500 for over a year and have been quite happy with it.

 

[cointoss]

Thanks for the responses and to TractorByNet for this forum. The searches and replys helped us decide on the Kubota 500 in Camo. We added the factory roof and will later add a windshield and soft doors for winter along with a rear window. I will either put Herculiner or have it done where I had my pick-up done with x liner. Hopefully, the machine will be as good as the Kubota tractors I have had and have.