RTV 500 or Mule 610?

[janelew21]

I've been comparing the RTV 500 and the 610 Mule pretty close and was wondering if anyone recently went through the same process? If so, what did you decide on?

 

[Stonehaller]

I looked at both last spring. I ended up with the RTV500 mainly because my wife liked it better. I do like the fuel injection which provides easy starting. The Mule 610 you have to choke and let warm up. My wife also likes how the RTV stops when you take you foot off the gas and it is quieter than the Mule. If money is an issue, the Mule is a great value. I liked the glove box with a door and under hood storage on the Mule. Under hood storage on the RTV is a high priced option, like most factory options for the RTV. The Mule has tons of after market accessories where as there is limited after market for the RTV. We are very happy with the RTV and I do not regret the extra money we spent.

 

[timswi]

Agree with stonehaller on this...The mule might be a little quicker as well.

BTW stonehaller, I looked over my throttle linkage, and noticed that the pedal has ~1/4 travel before anything engages, is yours like that?

 

[janelew21]

Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward the Rtv 500. However, I called about the cost of a snow plow today and was stunned. They quoted me at like $1500.

The Price for the Orange RTV 500 in my area is $7399 and the mule was quoted at $7099. So not a huge difference in intial cost but the implements for the mule seem to be much cheaper.

 

[SDS]

I to faced this same issue between the RTV 500 and Mule 610. Last week I went with the RTV 500 Camo 7,999.00. I have only put a few hours on it, but so far i like it. It is no speed demon. I only plan to use it on a 14 acre farmette, so it is fast enough. I would like to see more accessories for it and not so expensive. I plan to put a top on it. Also I am looking into a Line X spray in liner. I wish they had a bed liner for it. Overall I am pleased with it.

 

[Stonehaller]

Also I am looking into a Line X spray in liner. I wish they had a bed liner for it.

Line X and the others that do spray in liners wanted $300-400 in my area. I ended up doing a brush on liner myself, Herculiner for $80. It turned out well, but it is a lot of work. If you do use one these kits, be sure to mask everything.

 

[janelew21]

Thanks, yes not looking for speed. Just something to ride around in, plow snow and help around the farm. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[timswi]

Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward the Rtv 500. However, I called about the cost of a snow plow today and was stunned. They quoted me at like $1500.

The Price for the Orange RTV 500 in my area is $7399 and the mule was quoted at $7099. So not a huge difference in intial cost but the implements for the mule seem to be much cheaper.

Yes that's what my plow cost too...If you have to plow gravel it's waaaaaay to heavy...Like a cut down truck plow and I'm not kidding. It'll move gravel around like nobody's business until it's frozen solid. Perfect on pavement and concrete.

Was at the dealer last week and they said that there is an aftermarket plow that they can get that is more like an ATV plow in size and weight. Wish that was available when I bought mine.



The machine does plow well though.

 

[Blitz51]

I just went through the same process 2 weeks ago. You will like the 500 a lot more than the Mule 610. It is a mini-tank and just seems more dependable. I test drove and compared both at least 4 times each. The mules just didn't seem to "run" as strong. I didn't notice the speed difference between the two. I was thinking the mule might be quicker, but I used my Iphone speedometer when test driving both and the numbers were almost exact. Both units seem to travel more in 18-20mph range unless you have a large flat straight run, then maybe you can top it out higher. I hope this helps.

 

[737pilot]

Shop around for the spray in bed liner. I went with line x and im 100% satisfied. I paid around $70 for a custom job. The Kubotoa dealer wanted over $200. I was told the difference is the material was in bulk containers at my line x dealer so he only had to use what was needed and the Kubota dealer had to open a can that most was wasted and you paid for it. It is such a small bed that $200 is way to much. You wont regret the finish and its rock hard tough. You'll never have to worry about rust.

 

[Milo]

The RTV 500 was announced but wasn't out when I bought my Mule 610 a couple years ago. I paid $6,100, I think it listed for $6,700 then. I mentioned on another post here that it's been trouble free, just sips gas, and I am totally satisfied. Were I buying now I would certainly look at the RTV 500 too, especially if it's just $300 more. Make sure you post back with what you decide!

 

[deanj]

I bought bedliner in a spray can for $7 a can from Walmart. Worked great.

 

[628pm]

Are you still pleased with the rtv 500? I will probably be buying the 610 or the rtv 500 this weekend. I have a b2620 with the backhoe, so I like the quality of kubota's.

Any issues on the 500?

Bill

 

[Blitz51]

This board also helped me make my decision for the RTV 500. No regrets at all for me. The 610 just didn't compare with the quality of the Kubota. Also, I wasn't a fan of the Kawasaki Dealer in my area. You will like the benefit of fuel injection....the 610 struggled to start at the dealer I visited.

Either machine will be fun, but I am sold on Kubota from here on out. Pay a little extra and have a machine for a lifetime...that's what I have been telling myself anyway.

Good luck.

 

[628pm]

Thanks for the info. What part of Illinois are you from, I'm live in Centralia. (southern Illinois)

 

[gec343]

It seems that I remember reading a few months ago about transmission lock ups with the RTV900's. Has their been any problems with the RTV500? I bought a new Mule 2510 in 1997, and the thing has been totally reliable, however, am considering the RTV500, due to Kubota quality, fuel injection, etc.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

It seems that I remember reading a few months ago about transmission lock ups with the RTV900's. Has their been any problems with the RTV500? I bought a new Mule 2510 in 1997, and the thing has been totally reliable, however, am considering the RTV500, due to Kubota quality, fuel injection, etc.

The RTV 500 doesn't have that same lock up problem, they shift very smoothly.

 

[timswi]

The RTV 500 doesn't have that same lock up problem, they shift very smoothly.

True...they do.

 

[timswi]

This board also helped me make my decision for the RTV 500. No regrets at all for me. The 610 just didn't compare with the quality of the Kubota. Also, I wasn't a fan of the Kawasaki Dealer in my area. You will like the benefit of fuel injection....the 610 struggled to start at the dealer I visited.

Either machine will be fun, but I am sold on Kubota from here on out. Pay a little extra and have a machine for a lifetime...that's what I have been telling myself anyway.

Good luck.

The 500 is a great UTV..Choose carefully. Good luck!

 

[ITHINKICAN]

We bought the 610 XC approx one month ago. We love it. The XC is a blast!