RTV in the mud

[milkman]

I haven't heard much about this from people that actually know, ie have one, use one. The RTV is a few hundred lbs. heavier than the other side by sides and I'd like to know if it is the dog that some seem to think it would be in the mud even with 589s, how about suspension travel? What about lack of 4 wheel drive in the mud, is that a problem for real owners? I'd hate to spend 10K+ and wind up with a dud.

 

[darkday]

What are your uses?

 

[milkman]

Work, I know the speed is like 25mph, plenty fast for me, but I want it to carry a load and pull a woodsplitter or my wagon loaded with wood or rock. Riding around on the farm and in the woods, have some steep hills, but not into recreation riding, as in hauling it to the mountains. Also got some creek bottoms that get wet on the lower end in the wintertime.

 

[rutwad]

I drove a RTV900 into a semi-soft spot and wanted to back out before things turned ugly. It wasn't bogged, but it barely came out. It wasn't mine, but the owner said it will get stuck pretty easily. It has stock tires.

IMO, the Kubota is loud, and weak. Plus I don't like the feel of the power steering vs. others that don't have it. And the first time I drove it, I found that just letting off the accelerator is almost like jamming the brakes. I checked and double checked to make sure I had not left the parking brake on.

For the brand and price, I was not impressed.

 

[litework]

Work, I know the speed is like 25mph, plenty fast for me, but I want it to carry a load and pull a woodsplitter or my wagon loaded with wood or rock. Riding around on the farm and in the woods, have some steep hills, but not into recreation riding, as in hauling it to the mountains. Also got some creek bottoms that get wet on the lower end in the wintertime.

Given your application, the RTV should do fine. I have used mine to haul hay in the bed and pull a manure spreader up some very hilly terrain. I've also used it to drag pastures, paddocks and a very steep gravel drive. It has plenty of power to get the job done. It has a non-traditional method of operation, that leaves a lot of people in a quandry. You actually have to let up off the accelerator to gain power. Braking takes some getting used to.

The RTV does not get stuck easily. I drive in soft spots daily and have not even had to lock the rear differential to get out. This is with stock tires. I did cross a drainage ditch that left a wheel in the air; I had to lock the rear differential on that one occassion.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Well, fellow RTV owners, I have to say, this is the best hunting machine God could ever let be on planet earth !!! Our bow hunting in Louisiana started Oct. 1 , Gun seasons are just around the corner.... Been going into the swamps here and I will have to make a statement, this thing is the BEST investment I have ever made. Many folks has said that the RTV's are to heavy, WELL, THAT'S BULL **** !!! This machine, set up like I have it with the ITP 589 tires, is bringing me threw some messy places in these swamps. It doesn't sling mud like a mud-buggie, or some souped-up mud spinning jeep.... It crawls threw the mud, and I really mean deep, thick, gooky gumbo mud we have down here, like a caterpiller, just steps in and walks out with no spinning or trouble what-so-ever. This thing everyday will surprise anyone. I have owned just about everything made for the woods & swamps. But is this just the thing every man should experience. If he ever tried it, he would own one instantly. Not saying that I will never get stuck, but it's going to have to be some horrible situation, for yet, this thing has went in some ugly places so far. And never even come close to being stuck !!!

This RTV, rigged up with spot lights, GoLight search light, and the Front lights, looks like some sort of UFO coming threw the woods at night. My wife even says it looks wicked coming threw the swamps at night in route to pick her up after dark.

**** First, I thank God for everything he has giving us !!! And want to thank KUBOTA, for making such a fine, quality machine, that makes our hunting & deer management such a success !!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~ jamie

 

[milkman]

Well so far it's about even, owners like them, non owners say they're dogs, keep it coming, I'd like some more real experiences, I don't know if a dealer has a demo unit, or if any of them do for that matter.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Skipholiday,

You are right, I also haven't seen anything impressive on the utube or any other video blinks, that goes for ALL machines...

But, the only thing I can honestly say, this machine does everything and more in the swamps down here than any other thing I have ever climbed into.
In my applications, the RTV does perfect, I am not knocking other utility vehicles at all, just that I like the RTV the BEST. Even some of the other owners of different machine as the Rhino, Gators, and Mules are impressed.
But this is not a game of who beats who, as long as someone get a machine that serves their purpose and they are happy, I wish them to get any machine that works for them. I like all of the utility vehicles myself >>>>
Now, if you want to look at videos, just come on over here and jump in, and take all you want.

 

[Skipholiday]

Milkman if it was any better than the gators or rangers I would own one.
I'm on my 3rd gator. The ranger is the only vehicle that drove as good and felt as strong as my 1st hpx.
The rtv was $4800 more than the xuv when I last traded.
Don't get me wrong, the rtv felt very sturdy and it had the best cockpit of any utv I had driven.
It isn't worth the higher price imho... and it is only 3 wheel drive..

Well so far it's about even, owners like them, non owners say they're dogs, keep it coming, I'd like some more real experiences, I don't know if a dealer has a demo unit, or if any of them do for that matter.

Skipholiday,

You are right, I also haven't seen anything impressive on the utube or any other video blinks, that goes for ALL machines...

I have posted a couple videos of the xuv and rhino. If you search Google video (keywords rtv mud) you will find one (1) of the rtv stuck in mud.
I would post the link but it has foul language and isn't suitable for all audiences. So its up to you TWO GUNS.. I don't have an rtv or I would post a video.
As soon as we get some rain I will post some videos of the xuv rhino and sammy in the mud..

 

[milkman]

Skip, if I could get a diesel gator for $5700, I don't blame you, I'd be all over that thing too even if it doesn't have a belt cover, but the gators I've looked at have been gas and even they have been close to the price of the RTV.

 

[darkday]

Well so far it's about even, owners like them, non owners say they're dogs, keep it coming, I'd like some more real experiences, I don't know if a dealer has a demo unit, or if any of them do for that matter.

One thing I learned long ago is to never trust statistics. There is often an underlying reason behind their results. In this case you could look at it as non-owners just haven't seen the light yet. Or you could see it as the owners bought the RTV based on their needs and it met those needs to their expectations, or perhaps they just don't have enough experience with UTVs to know what else can be had. I know when I got my 6x4 I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was a tough machine and did everything I wanted and then a lot lot more. I was able to go places that were inaccesible to a motor vehicle for years with that thing. But guess what? It was a piece of junk for recreational use. I didn't know it then and you could have easily fooled me but I know better now.

I'm not bashing on anyone here and I don't want to see anyone getting all hissy about this post and coming back with some long defense on why I'm wrong. I'm merely providing food for thought.

No really, don't reply to this defensively.

 

[litework]

Skip, if I could get a diesel gator for $5700, I don't blame you, I'd be all over that thing too even if it doesn't have a belt cover, but the gators I've looked at have been gas and even they have been close to the price of the RTV.

When you choose to go diesel, as I did, the choices are much more limited...and much more expensive. When I made my purchase, I was not looking for speed or mud bogging. I was looking for something that was utilitarian and would compliment my farm tractor. Something I could actually pull into the barn with a cart if necessary. I actually thought about getting another smaller tractor, but opted for a UTV. After trying two different diesel UTVs (Kawasaki and Cub Cadet were not available locally) I made my selection-based on my very specific needs.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Skipholiday,
Don't know what you really ment by, " So its up to you " but, I know I don't have to prove a thing to anybody, I'm beyond that , Long as we are happy with our RTV, and your happy what ever you hunt or play with, everybody is a winner. DO YOU AGREE !!! Being you don't own a RTV, and I don't do video while I hunt. Looks like that is that >>
Like I said before, I'm not here to say I will never get stuck, I know it will happen, for everything you throw in them swamps get stuck, weather it's a RTV, Jeep, Sammy, Rhino etc, etc.. There is only two ways not to get stuck out there, one is the fly over in a Huey heli, the other is to stay out >>>>>>.

And by the way, that was a great video, one day we will all be there !
Might as well have fun while we are just stuck.... Yea ....

 

[Skipholiday]

Read the rtv 900 reviews from compacttractorreview.com

TWO GUNS I'm glad your happy.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I wish my back was better as our snow/mud season is fast approaching and I was looking forward to demoing the different UTV's. I like the RTV's color since I plan on using this along the road going from field to field so a bright orange machine would stand out better. I am worried about how the RTV will handle in the swamp which is why I planned on demoing the 6x6 Polaris.

One thing I have noticed is that the price of the RTV varies a lot around the country. Some of the quotes I was given on the RTV are a lot higher then what others have posted. If I ever get the chance to demo these machines I will post my personal reviews and pics of each. I know the swamp I travel thru to retrieve deer in would test my old Yamaha Big bear 4x4 with 27" Vampires so that is why I worry about the bigger and heavier UTV's.

 

[Double Orange]

I've had 2 gators. I traded my diesel trail gator for my RTV1100.
I've logged 109 hrs in less than 3 months.
I have a small, grain farm, and raise horses. I have 54 animals here. My equipment is for work. I'm very satisfied with my Orange Ranch Hand.
If your looking for a toy go to ..Toys R Us.
If your looking for a return on your investment go to Kubota!

 

[mikeyd]

Everybody knows, I love my 1100. I will say though that the stock worksite tires are useless in the mud. If you read my previous post I am either going with Mattracks or a 589 type tire for the fall through spring season. I think that the problem is the worksite tires and not the machine. In other words, put worksite tires on any brand machine and its not a mudder. I do like the worksite tires because they go easy of the lawn and give a comfortable ride, they are just not a mud tire.
I would hardly describe this machine as a dog. It is a torque monster, not a speed demon. If you want a work machine, it is an excellent choice. Believe me, I love speed, I race motocross and drag race cars. With that said, I have no desire to blast through the woods and fields at 50 mph in a 2500lb. machine and get tossed all over the cab. Honestly, about 15 mph is about comfortable. My friend has a Ranger that goes much faster than the 1100. When we go riding, he goes about 15 to 20 mph, not so I can keep up, but because thats whats comfortable. No doubt his machine is a more capable trail machine than mine. When he starts to brag about where he can go with his machine, I always say the same thing..."Get the chain"

 

[rutwad]

LITE WORK & TWO GUNS,

Do you both love your RTV's because it is the only one you have used? I am not picking on you guys, but you love them much more than I did, so I am wondering if it is the only brand you have used? If so, that would make a huge difference in opinion.

My opinion remains that the RTV will get stuck quicker than others. If you guys think they are great in mud, then you may be AMAZED at others.

My initial opinion of the RTV was AWESOME! My FIL has one, and it was the best thing ever. Then I drove others, and I told my wife it is certainly worth checking others before buying. Once I experience the others, my opinion of the RTV changed. Right now it remains at the bottom of my list between the Polaris Ranger
Yamaha Rhino,
Kawasaki Mule
Kubota RTV, in no specific order. I can't comment on the others. So I may change my opinion about all of these if I drove a Gator or something else.

I still say the Kubota is the loudest, heaviest, least responsive, awkward throttle/braking, and I like the power steering less than the others that seem to offer more steering feedback. Almost forgot, it also has the harshest ride.
And cost more. I am not bashing the brand, because we own a Kubota tractor and would love to own more. Just not the RTV.

Have you considered a mini-truck? I want to look at them before I make my next purchase.

 

[litework]

LITE WORK & TWO GUNS,

Do you both love your RTV's because it is the only one you have used? I am not picking on you guys, but you love them much more than I did, so I am wondering if it is the only brand you have used? If so, that would make a huge difference in opinion...

My opinion remains that the RTV will get stuck quicker than others. If you guys think they are great in mud, then you may be AMAZED at others...

Right now it remains at the bottom of my list between the Polaris Ranger
Yamaha Rhino,
Kawasaki Mule
Kubota RTV, in no specific order. I can't comment on the others. So I may change my opinion about all of these if I drove a Gator or something else.

I still say the Kubota is the loudest, heaviest, least responsive, awkward throttle/braking, and I like the power steering less than the others that seem to offer more steering feedback. Almost forgot, it also has the harshest ride.
And cost more. I am not bashing the brand, because we own a Kubota tractor and would love to own more. Just not the RTV.

I have owned and operated quads/UTVs in one form or another for 22 years. The UTV is the most utilitarian UTV I have ever driven. I never said the UTV wouldn't get stuck quicker than the others. I said that it was good enough to perform the OP's tasks without worrying about getting stuck. Simply put, the RTV does not get stuck easy. I think you, like many others, misinterpret the market Kubota is after with the RTV. This is evidenced by your listing of several very good sport side by sides, none of which have a diesel...except for the Mule; though I'm pretty sure the one you mentioned isn't the diesel version. The Kubota RTV is not a sport side by side.


Diesels are loud and expensive. Diesels are also meant to be driven all day long under load. The RTV is basically a tractor with a hydraulic bed. If you really want quiet, light and nimble and you want something to drive you to your barn or work vehicle...I think the EZ-Go electric is probably one of the better ones on the market.