RTV 900 vs. X900

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I've decided it's time for me to buy a utility vehicle. It will be used only for work around the farm, so I'm leaning towards a Kubota RTV. The 1140 may be too big in the woods on my place, and the 500 only has a manual dump bed, so I think I would buy the 900.

My question is whether I should bite the bullet and get a new x900 or save $3,500 - $5,000 and buy a used 900. I'm not sure what all improvements were made in the X900 vs. the original 900.

I'm 66 years old, so whatever I buy may be with me the rest of my life. I can afford either one and will spend what I have to in order to get the right one. But if the improvements in the X900 are marginal, I'll buy a used 900 and use the savings to buy a nice 8' twin-spindle brush hog.

 

[jeff9366]

I've decided it's time to buy a utility vehicle. It will be used only for work around the farm, so I'm leaning towards a Kubota RTV. The RTV 500 only has a manual dump bed, so I think I may buy the 900.

I'm 66 years old, so whatever I buy may be with me the rest of my life.

The gas RTV500 is quite a bit quieter than the heavier diesel RTVs. RTV500 has a tighter turning circle.

I did not plan it this way but the bed of my RTV500 has filled with two Stihl saws and an ammo box with saw accessories, saw fuel, chain oil, a Sawzall, two sizes of loppers, etc. Other tools ride according to need.

Loads go in my MUTS dumping trailer which is easier to load with dirt, brush, etc., because of its low sides.

The only time I tilt the RTV500 bed, which is load distribution biased toward the rear to assist dumping, is thrice per year when I clean the RTV500.

Consider the Turf Tire option on my RTV500. They are more akin to R4/industrial tires than turfs.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I just bought a 2005,one owner, RTV900 with the auxiliary hydraulic system,Essex top and windshield for $7950. It has been kept garaged all it's life and is cleaner than the new units I looked at on the dealer's lot.
I prefer the older units for the 3 range trans. and what seems to be stouter under carriage and running gear.The seat is not as comfortable as the new ones and the hydrostatic trans. requires a lighter foot but all things considered I'm very happy. I bought a used 1140 before this and it was just too big for me so I sold it to a young friend with a family and they love it.
Everyone has different opinions but for my needs this fits just fine.I hope you find one that works as well for you.

 

[Will_C]

I have a 2013. I have looked at the new models. I don't like the 2 speed transmission-it seems like I am in medium 90% of the time. The box is shorter, although wider. Also, I don't like the way the transaxle sticks out at the rear of the machine.
I do like the extra ground clearance of the new models.

Will

 

[biffnh]

I can’t say I know anything about the 900 series, but I do have. 400 and a X900. The x900 is a wonderful machine. The IRS is amazing, the ride comfortable and it is a workhorse. I’ve had mine for almost four years, 6,400 miles and 1,100 hours. I plow all winter with it and use it all year. Worth the price and then some,

 

[s219]

Big difference between the old models and the new X models. Go for the X for sure.

 

[s219]

I have a 2013. I have looked at the new models. I don't like the 2 speed transmission-it seems like I am in medium 90% of the time. The box is shorter, although wider. Also, I don't like the way the transaxle sticks out at the rear of the machine.
I do like the extra ground clearance of the new models.

Will

I had the same concern about the gearing, but because of engine improvements and more torque in the X models, Kubota was able to eliminate M gear and reconfigure the ratios for L and H to better match the engines. I wouldn't have known that except for a comment by Neil Messick several years ago, and he was 100% right. I can run my RTV-X1120D in H most of the time and only drop into L for super steep off-road hill climbs or pulling something heavy. For everything else H works great, even towing a loaded trailer.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

View attachment 572758

Love our 1140 RTV. I actually traded in a 900 after two years for the 4 seater option. Mine has the 3 gear options, but stays mostly in low because we are in the mountains. One thing to know, the turning radius on these rtv's is about a quarter of an acre... It is the only complaint I have with mine.

 

[AllDodge]

I have the 1100 and turning radius is not bad. If the older 900 is anything like the older 1100 I would go newer. The older ones where real jerky if you let off the throttle to fast, the newer is smoother so no whip lash. I say newer and mine is a 2015

 

[coolnature]

Pappy go test drive the older 900 then the new X900. The difference in the ride is night and day thanks to the independent suspension on the X. The new X models also have the radiator up front where it should have been all along. The location of the radiator on the older models sometimes caused over heating problems. I have owned an X1120D for over 4 years and have been well satisfied with it. It is not fast, but for farm work you will love it.:thumbsup:

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I want to thank everyone for your feedback. Based on the responses, I think I'll probably go with the X model. This will likely be a lifetime purchase for me, so there's no sense in compromising just to save a few bucks so that my kids can p!ss it away when I'm gone. :laughing:

But now I'm wondering whether a diesel is a wise choice for me since my uses will likely be short runs down to the pasture and back, checking on cattle or driving down to the woods to get firewood, etc. I.e., uses where the motor may not have a chance to get fully up to operating temperature. I'm not sure if a gasoline UTV would be better for that type of use. I think I'll start another thread on that topic.

 

[ultrarunner]

Same boat but found a one owner 900 for sale and that was that.

The seat is not comfortable at all... but, other than that, it has been a real trouper on some steep terrain around the farm... no issues.

Again... I do miss the seat from the X model and ride was better at speed but I don't need speed around the farm.

 

[Jim Nelson]

One other thing I will say about the older RTV's is on most that I looked at and I've looked at several and bought 2, the paint on the beds is terrible. The 2010 1140 I bought and sold,the paint was coming off in big pieces with a corroded,almost rust look underneath. It looked like the surface was not cleaned well before painting or primer was bad. I'm no authority but was really disappointed in Kubota as I'm a long time Kubota owner. The 2005 900 I ended up with is a little faded, needs wax job, but it was a 1 owner, always garaged.
I would have probably bought new but at my age,75, and health I just couldn't do the numbers.
Good luck with your purchase, they are a heck of a machine.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I really appreciate all the feedback. Great information!! I think I'm about ready to go buy the X900.

 

[ultrarunner]

Love to have your feedback... I think you will enjoy it once the sticker shock wears off.

One plus is Kubota RTV tend to hold value and have a ready market.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

The resale market for used RTVs is why I'm probably going to buy a new one. There's just not enough price savings on a used one to justify the hours and the wear and tear. Plus, if I buy new I'll know how it was treated and maintained from the very beginning.