Power increase for RTV900 and lift kit...

Dargo · Feb 14, 2005

archdean and dozernut, I'll have to admit that I haven't checked the level in the transmission since doing the 50 hour service at 20 hours (I was having bad transmission trouble). Where should it be on the stick on level ground?

The hills I'm speaking of are extreme, but I have trails up several. They are sort of the "challange" part of a loop trail around my property. One is steep enough that standing right at the base of it, I can stick out my arm in front of me and nearly touch the side of the hill. I do have to lean about 1 foot to actually touch the hill. Yeah, it's extreme. However, the weekend before last, several times we stopped the Rhino at the base of it and then ran up it with two people in the seats and two in the back.

No matter what, the RTV won't climb the hill. I can try to take a bit of a run at it, or I can start at the bottom and try. Either way, it makes it so far and then runs out of power. The Bighorn Radials (on the Rhino too) make about 1/2 turn and are dug in hard. The RTV simply cannot turn them or climb the hill. This hill is only about 30 feet tall. Another similar hill is nearly 100 feet tall, and the RTV basically "need not attempt".

It's interesting you mention to check the fluid level. Please advise as to where the level should be on the stick on flat ground. I don't think I'd want to try to raise the bed on either of these hills. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I'm not quite that daring! Anyway, the design of the RTV makes it plenty stable on the hills, and the traction isn't the issue. I just need more power and it would be good to go. Thanks!

rtvman · Feb 14, 2005

This power issue has been brought up before and I think we have a great opportunity now to test it out. Personally I believe that on steep inclines, such as your describing here, the hydro level does shift away from the inlet and results with the "lack of power" your experiencing. I have two suggestions to prove or disprove this theory.

Test #1

Simply attempt this same hill going backwards. I believe the fill is located more to the front. If the hydro fluid is shifting away from the inlet going in forward as theorized, then by going backwards up the hill should keep the inlet and the tranny full. You still might not be able to climb the hill because it may lose traction, but I would think you will be able to tell if you lose power or not. My bet is that you will spin in the rear until you add weight and then it should climb it just like the Rhino.

Test #2

Not sure what the weight specs are for the Rhino but my guess is that is weighs a lot less then the RTV. My suggestion, because you apparently have both the Rhino and the RTV available to you, is to match up their weights and tie them back to back and just see who pulls who around. I think everyone in this forum would like to see the results from that comparison. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Please keep us posted if you find anything out. Some pictures of this incline your talking about would be fun to see too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Kevin

Dargo · Feb 14, 2005

I did not try the hill in reverse, but will be happy to try. Because of my work schedule, I won't be able to try for a couple of weeks. I won't be home again until a week from Friday. However, when I do get home, I'll be more than ready for a nice day of riding. Heck, the "redneck" in me thinks it would be fun to tie them together and see who wins. I think I saw on the title where the Rhino has 40 hp, but it weighs almost 900 pounds less. I'll take pics. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Ricochet · Feb 14, 2005

You might be able to squeeze some more power out of the engine, but you will be limited by the transmission (gearing).

whoodle · Feb 14, 2005

I have found that my rtv climbs way worse in reverse than in forward.

Archdean · Feb 14, 2005

I will try to look tomorrow at the internal placement of the strainer foot and see where we go from there (don't know at this point but probably in the middle some place!! If it is and the fluid level is sufficient then so much for my Idea! Still need to see the hill you are trying to climb and another thing you said that you serviced your unit at 20 hours I'm assuming that you changed the trany fluid! IF YOU PUT ANYTHING OTHER THAN KUBOTA SUPER UDT back in the trany DUMP it and refill to the new level With SUPER UDT only!! NOT UDT or something else regardless of who tells you what!! IT DOES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENC!!!!!

I honestly think we can solve everyones problem and thanks to all for putting there brains to work in a positive manner!!

Dean

Dargo · Feb 14, 2005

Oh yes, the Super UDT made a HUGE difference over the regular UDT! I agree strongly with you on that issue! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Archdean · Feb 15, 2005

You weren't being sarcastic with the grin face at the end were you? As that will end it for me , if that was the case I have a lot of other things to do!!
My apoligies to you if I read it wrong!!

rtvman · Feb 15, 2005

I can't speak for Dargo but I don't believe he was being sarcastic with you. In my work I deal with a lot of e-mail correspondence and sometimes wording in type versus saying the same thing direct in conversation can be totally misinterpreted. I find it hard sometimes to not sound sarcastic when responding to comments made on this forum and others. I am sure it happens deliberately, but in this case I think he was definitely agreeing with you.

For what it's worth, I also agree with you on using the Super UDT oil as well. Very important.

Kevin