Rtv Range Select

bczoom · Jul 11, 2005

Fred,

Been on vacation for the past 10 days. No internet access to speak of.

For the abrupt stop, you'll just need some time to get used to feathering the pedal back. Don't just take your foot off... especially with passengers who aren't expecting it.

So you lost 3 mph with the version that has the abrupt stop? That's odd since I lost about 3 mph with the version that didn't have the abrupt stop. I can get to about 27 or 28 mph now and can bury the speedo on a slight hill.

Brian

Tact · Jul 11, 2005

Yea, my top speed is about 23 mph. No big deal, not expecting to drag race anytime soon.
I thought you went back to the old version speed control. Do you like the newer version over the old? At least with the old version I know it's going to stop the same way every time. The new version I couldn't predict which way it was going to stop.

bczoom · Jul 12, 2005

Sorry, I'm now confused.

Are you currently running the "new" style or "old" style. (The old style being the one with the abrupt stop).

I have reverted back to the "old" style. With it, I have better stopping control, easier shifting and higher top speed.

Tact · Jul 12, 2005

Everything you have I also have now except the higher speed. My top speed is now about 3 mph slower. Could there be some type of adjustment. It wouldn't surprise me since the dealer didn't even change the damper position. I figure they should know the proper install procedure. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

bczoom · Jul 12, 2005

So many adjustments....

First, take a look at the speed control assembly. When in neutral does the cam lay directly in the detent in the speed control assembly? Take a look at this picture. This is when I put on the new speed assembly. Notice that it's not laying right. If yours is offset that may not be correct. Not sure but it seems the detent in the old and new assemblies are not in the exact same position. BTW, here is the full thread that had that picture and my notes.
EDIT - (Can't attach?!?!?. It's only 60K but says it's too big. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I can send if you want) Attached is a pic of the instructions for switching to the new assembly (reverse to go to the old). No adjustments provided.

Tact · Jul 12, 2005

Brian,
PM sent

REX · Jul 12, 2005

I've been following the discussion on the RTV 900 for the past several weeks. I have several Kubota products( tractor, ZTR), and are very satisfied with them. Since, I'm in the market for a utility vehicle, it seems, due to this past discussion, the RTV 900 has some unanswered problems, and Kubota is not responsive to these concerns. It disturbs me, that the cost is $10,500+, and you have to "gerry rig" drive shafts, replace fogged gauges several time over, and the kubota reps response is
the "fix" is being developed. Should I seriously look at the JD Gators And, what models compare (apples to apples) to the 900.

Dargo · Jul 12, 2005

I'm an RTV owner, and I won't argue your logic.

FL_Cracker · Jul 12, 2005

I've owned a lot of equipment and I now own a RTV. I have not had any of these problems yet although my RTV is still young. I think you will find that many brands have problems, more so around start up. I owned a Mule and it went through a set of front bearings and at least one front spindle every year. No one could ever solve the problem.

Overall the RTV is a great UV and I am sure that Kubota will fix the front shaft problem very soon. As for the gauges, that too will be fixed. It's hard for them to solve problems that everyone doesn't have and when their concept parts fail then it takes time to redesign new parts and "TEST" them before you can get the fix on the street. Kubota took a quick fix shot at the front shaft and it seems to have failed so I think the next fix will come slower, (time testing required) but they will get it done.....

I think that even with what I know about what might be in the future for my RTV I would buy another. It's just a fine machine....

My thoughts for your consideration... (Dargo please don't shoot me)

Charles

Ricochet · Jul 12, 2005

Well said FL_Cracker!

REX · Jul 12, 2005

Charles, Due to my past experiences with Kubota, my gut tells my you are right. On the other hand, it doesn't seem logical to purchase a product that has inherent defects, in the hopes that the manufacturer will in good time resolve these problems. I realize these aren't your issues, but as a consumer, where do you turn. I prefer Kubota products, buy want to purchase sooner rather than later. I suppose I'll call the dealer tomorrow and begin the dialoque to determine if they are aware of these problems. I have followed the advice of this board through the purchases of a fair amount of equipment without regret. So, I'll make my calls tomorrow, and continue to monitor the board for further help, and make the plunge soon. Thanks for the help.

Ricochet · Jul 12, 2005

Rest assured these minor problems (experienced by a minority of RTV owners at best) will be rectified soon.

MessickFarmEqu · Jul 12, 2005

I don't want to discount what these guys are saying, as I know they have legit problems. We have sold 60+ RTV's and I have not heard of a single one with a drive shaft problem. We have replaced some fogging gauges. I've heard talk that new fixes for both of these problems will be here in short order.

Dargo · Jul 13, 2005

No shootin', just frustrated. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif It's been an honest year and a half for me on the gauges, and a full one on the drive shaft issue. I'm well out of warranty now and my dealer isn't at all sure that I'll be taken care of "when" (hopefully) a fix is available. I'm just feeling that maybe I shouldn't have bought when I did; too early in the production. First all I heard from my dealer was that they have never heard of the problems I have had. Then they told me that Kubota was aware of the issue. Now I'm told that they are working on a "fix", but I'm not sure that I'll be covered basically since I bought early.

Actually this thread is on the range select sticking. I had that issue to the extreme and seemed to be the first person to have that problem. I cured that one myself at my own expense by changing my hydro fluids and filters at less than 20 hours. Doing so made a big difference. That issue is now starting to creep back now that I'm just over 50 hours. I suppose I need to drop another $80 and change the fluid and filters again.

riptides · Jul 13, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( it doesn't seem logical to purchase a product that has inherent defects )</font>

Hmm... I never considered the gauges to be a defect. They are annoying. Since I am the passenger and blind on the left side, I rarely look at them anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am more interested in making sure the driver goes where I tell them to go.

That said, would we get another one, knowing these "issues".

Absolutely. It is the most used vehicle at our place right now.
And has exceeded our expectations.

Best of luck in your search!

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FL_Cracker · Jul 13, 2005

It's got to be a pain to deal with that stuff. I have over 50 hours on my RTV now and still none of these problems. No shaft rattle, gauges don't fog, and I haven't done my 50 hour service but my unit still goes in and out of gear like a champ, even on a steep hill. Now you do have to wait the required 5 seconds with your foot on the brake.

As for the dealer, it's just a case of BAD communication. When I was buying my L5030 I was asking about this problem of the QA buckets falling off when back dragging and everyone in sales was telling me they have heard nothing and no one was having a problem. Then the day I pick my unit up the show was welding two hooks on my bucket and I ask the shop foreman the same question, he told me that YES they had several problems with this but now the fix was out and they work great. He check my and it was updated..... Just BAD Communication

Charles

bczoom · Jul 13, 2005

REX,

I'm a big critic of the RTV but will also praise it.

Like Charles said, it's a great machine but has some first year things to get straight. I have a tendency of buying new products and will say that I can't think of one that also didn't have first year issues.

Would I buy a RTV again? Absolutely (and still over the JD or Mule).

I'm sure Kubota will get the gauges and driveshaft rattle fixed. Some machines have the issue but like Neil said, it's the exception, not the rule.

REX · Jul 14, 2005

I jsut spoke to the Kubota dealer about the problems discussed in this thread. He said he was aware of the linkage and gauge problems. According to him, and I have no reason to be skeptical, those problems were due to parts being manufactured in USA, and not Japan, and have been addressed. He has not heard of any shaft rattle complaints. So, I'm going to visit the dealership in Saturday and test drive the RTV. As an added note, what would be a resonable $$$ for a RTV Worksite model with windshield and canopy?

riptides · Jul 14, 2005

I am not sure of the windshield price, but the base price here in Northern/Central VA. was about 10k. And the dealers I spoke with, three of them, did not want to haggle. This was a year ago. Doubt things have changed THAT much.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FL_Cracker · Jul 14, 2005

Look at what he has is stock. Last week I was at my dealers lot and he must of had 30 units. I said to the salesman that I purchased my tractor from, "Are you guys still selling that many of these RTV to have that many in stock?" He said no, they just dropped off and they haven't sold one in two weeks.

You might give them a low offer and see if you can get a deal if he has lot of them in stock...

Good Luck

Charles