Kubota RTV 520

[Code54]

We been looking at a Kubota RTV 520 for use around the house. It will be used to get the mail, haul stuff to and from the garden, maybe move some split wood, nothing heavy duty. We have a Talon for trail riding so speed/articulation/rock crawling is not an issue. We currently have a very nice Mule FXT Pro but will be selling it to downsize. It is the 6 person model and we just dont need a big machine anymore. It was great when we had two kids at home, but doesn't really fit where we want to use it anymore and we never haul anyone except the two of us (and the dog but he is only 4.5 lbs- lol)

Anyone have one, use one, or can give some thoughts on one. We also are looking at the Mule SX but the drum brakes are not really high on my list, especially since we have a LOT of steep hills to operate on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[shooterdon]

I have the Mule SX. It runs like a mule. We are looking at upgrading. Rides rough, noisy, and is slow if driving 2-5 miles to visit neighbors or pick up mail. Mailbox is 2.5 miles down the road

we are looking at the Pro FX.

 

[Bronco82]

Can't say from personal experience, but they do look nice and the true work UTV's have sure come a hell of a long way.

We did a run from our house a few years back and one guy came in his John Deere Gator and made it everywhere we did. It was quite impressive.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

Wife wanted the 520. We got gas as diesel does not do well with short runs - like to mail box, garden spot - same usage as you describe. She's been happy with it.
I wanted the Club Car off road. More comfortable, easier entry/exit. We have a Club Car electric and gas golf car. Both have been trouble free (as have our Kubota tractors)

 

[shooterdon]

Wanted to add:

The Mule SX is bullet proof if the downsides mentioned in my first post do not matter to you. Nice having an air cooled engine.

Bit of a PITA to change the oil filter.

My Kubota dealer is a jerk so have not considered one of their machines.

 

[Code54]

Thank.

I drove one at the dealer today and it is VERY smooth and quiet. Seems like 20-25 is top speed for sure but that is fine as I very rarely go over 20 in the lane. Our main road is a 25mph zone but almost never see a car so that will be fine.
I love our Mule Pro FXT LE but it is BIG, way bigger than I really need anymore and I like the idea of small and nimble.
Going to take the wife back to the dealer later today so she can drive one and see what she thinks. I will say that low gear is LOW. Feels like it would pull a house which was shocking for the tiny motor these thing have!

 

[shooterdon]

Code54,

I have been though some crap with the Mule SX and it has never gotten stuck.

I got close to the base model, only upgrade was fuel injection IIRC, and I wish I had gotten the model with the larger tires and more ground clearance Some of the logging roads we travel give it a challenge. I have "bottomed put" a few times...but never got it stuck.

 

[Code54]

Thank everyone.

Tonight we got to drive the RTV at a local dealer that has a STEEP narrow gravel hill to test on. WOW it was impressive. we went part way up in high until we spun out. Locked the diff, and 4 wheel drive, shifted to low and it walked right up the hill without any issue. We turned around at the top and my wife said I should take it back down. I declined and told her she would be fine so she tried it. She was even shocked how easy it was. If you let off in low it all but stopped (without touching the brakes).
Her only grip was it was a little hard to steer (she is used to power steering in all other other machines including her ATV) - I wonder if it loosens up at all? Now we were on 6-8" gravel sometimes, and in 4x4 so I sure that stiffens things up a bit.

We drove the Mule at the local dealer - nice little machine, but did feel tippy and nearly as planted as the Kubota. The steering was a bit lighter (we just on the flat parking area at a dealership so that could be part of it) and she liked the "look" of the Mule better. I personally didn't care for transmission engagement/disengagement and noticed it was built a lot lighter duty. (Mule is listed at 1031 lbs and the RTV 520 is listed at 1378 so almost at 350lbs difference) It was an LE model so it did have a roof, nicer alum wheels and the front brush guard. (There Kubota had the front bumper/guard but no roof, and had steel wheels).

The pricing is close with the Mule being about $400 higher out the door. Now I will buy a roof for the Kubota so that will wash out quickly. The Kubota does have front and rear 2" receiver hitches from the factory so that was also a plus to me.

My wife and I talked it over at dinner and decided we are going to move forward on buying the Kubota. The Mule is a nice vehicle but the Kubota seems to fit us a bit better.

Now to see if I can add power steering for her or just hope it loosens up a bit.....

 

[ohio farmer04]

Did you get 0%36 ?
get windshield
get bed mate

 

[ohio farmer04]

Get bumper

 

[ohio farmer04]

Windshield keep down rain wind and cold

 

[Code54]

Bought the RTV yesterday.

The one we got has great steering and my wife commented how easy it was to steer, no idea wha the difference was from the one we test drove but ours is great.

I did not do the 0% as I was able to get another $450 off with the National Cutting Horse Assoc. discount if you paid cash. The membership is FREE - just fill out the form on their site and received a card the next day. The dealer also cut a few $100 off for cash on top of the discount.

I got the roof, speedometer, and the front brush guard (the guard should be standard because that front end is flat and not protected at all) from the dealer.
I ordered a Warn winch, the mount and a hard coated windshield from various other companies and the parts will be coming this week.

I am going to Rhino line the bed so I did not get the mat. The bed is VERY easy to take off so I will scuff and shoot it soon as it warms up a bit. If you never used Rhino liner it is a GREAT product and holds up really well (Just make sure you prep it correctly). It is pretty close to LineX in a do it at home version. If you have a med. sized compressor you can get a kit for a bit over $100 that includes the gun to spray it.

 

[ohio farmer04]

Have 2-rtv 500 and new 520

 

[Code54]

Do you notice much difference between the two?

 

[ohio farmer04]

Old was 10 years old ran like brand new
new was more power

 

[Code54]

It seems the general consensus is the 520 has a decent increase in felt "power". I was surprised how well it did on our hills in high range. If they put a medium range on those machine it would be perfect!

 

[johnparkercom]

I have had an RTV 500 for 15 years and it's great. My biggest complaint is when plowing snow - shifting back-and-forth between low and reverse is often very tedious. Doesn't always wanna go in gear - I have to lightly goose the throttle, or coax it into gear etc. so as not to grind the transmission.

Just wondering if the 520 has been any improvement in this regard? THANKS for any replies

 

[tassmannn]

I have a 2023 1100c, and if there is pressure on it, I have to do the same thing. I think it's the tranny. If I have a lot of pressure on it, and it won't shift, I shut it off shift and restart it, but that does not happen that often.

 

[check 6]

If it helps, I’ve had an RTV 500 for over six years. I think I have 650 hours on it and it still runs like a champ. It’ll do everything I wanted to do is get the front grill guard. Yes get a windshield and I put Trailer hitch balls, front and rear and I have a winch in the front on mine and I’ve used it. It’s a great vehicle just keeps on running.

 

[Code54]

Yep - the 520 is the same. If you have pressure, it is hard to shift.
Overall, I really like the machine, and it is perfect for working in tight areas.