RTV500 HST Shifting

timswi · Nov 2, 2009

RTV owners...Stonehaller and I have had some discussions about this, and his help has been outstanding.

My question is this: When you are going uphill with the gas pedal mashed, does your RTV downshift (like a regular auto tranny), or do you have to let up on the gas to cause the downshift? In my case I have to let up on the gas, in Stonehallers case he doesn't.

Just would like to see what the overall HST behavior is out there. I'm thinking it might be a build date thing.

My warranty is about up and would like to address this. Had it back to the dealer a couple of time regarding this, and they said it's normal. I'm having a tough time with that.

Any responses are greatly appreciated.

westbrooklawn · Nov 3, 2009

timswi - I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I am looking to buy a utv in the $8000 range, and I have read all the previous threads on the rtv500, particularly comments from you and 737 pilot. When your machines were new you seemed to love them, but as time went by I sensed some dissatisfaction. I like the efi and transmission compared to other manufacturers in this price range, but you have "real world" experience, so I am looking for your overall thoughts. If you were to buy today, and were looking at the $8000-$9000 price range, what would you recommend?... would it be the rtv500 or something else? Any other owners, please feel free to provide your commnets also.

art · Nov 3, 2009

timswi said:
RTV owners...Stonehaller and I have had some discussions about this, and his help has been outstanding.

My question is this: When you are going uphill with the gas pedal mashed, does your RTV downshift (like a regular auto tranny), or do you have to let up on the gas to cause the downshift? In my case I have to let up on the gas, in Stonehallers case he doesn't.

Just would like to see what the overall HST behavior is out there. I'm thinking it might be a build date thing.

My warranty is about up and would like to address this. Had it back to the dealer a couple of time regarding this, and they said it's normal. I'm having a tough time with that.

Any responses are greatly appreciated.

Yours is right!!!!

Stonehaller · Nov 3, 2009

art said:
Yours is right!!!!

I disagree. Yes the backing off on the peddle does 'down shift' by changing the pump swash plate angle, but one of the two motors will change its swash plate angle depending upon the load of the transmission. This motor provides the automatic CVT function of the transmission.

timswi · Nov 3, 2009

westbrooklawn said:
timswi - I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I am looking to buy a utv in the $8000 range, and I have read all the previous threads on the rtv500, particularly comments from you and 737 pilot. When your machines were new you seemed to love them, but as time went by I sensed some dissatisfaction. I like the efi and transmission compared to other manufacturers in this price range, but you have "real world" experience, so I am looking for your overall thoughts. If you were to buy today, and were looking at the $8000-$9000 price range, what would you recommend?... would it be the rtv500 or something else? Any other owners, please feel free to provide your commnets also.

Overall I do like the machine after a year. Has some quirks, like the HST shifting and somewhat lacking in power. If you are going to use it to run around your property and work with it, it's fine. Going up steep hills requires low range and low speed. So, recreational use is limited. You're not going to run with the quads. I didn't buy this for top speed anyway.

If this fits your use, I'd buy it. It's very well built..Like a tank compared to others that I looked at. Those with CVT transmissions are more throttle responsive though.

westbrooklawn · Nov 3, 2009

timswi - Thanks for the reply... I did some serious shopping today, looking at mules, rangers, and finally Kubota rtv's. My kubota dealer happened to mention that he had sold a new 2008 rtv900 to a customer in April of this year, and now due to circumstances the fellow was trying to get rid of it and payoff his loan. Long story short... I ended up buying the used one... 65 hours, like brand new, and another 5 months of warranty left, for $7000. The diesel, power steering, and power dump are nice features... I picked it up tonight and haven't had a chance to play with it yet. I do know that I will have to get use to the quick stop of the hydro trans when you let off the accelerator... hopefully I can find out how to adjust this, or else check into a coast valve. I'm sure I will have more questions as I get into it.

If anyone else out there has been able to correct the hydro "quick stop" problem, I would be interested in details.

timswi · Nov 3, 2009

westbrooklawn,

Congrats on the 900..That's a great deal you got there!!! I'd like to buy one of those, but it's just a tad bigger than I wanted..I believe that may change in the near future as I'd like to have the diesel. My BX23 is ideal power wise.

You may grow to like the engine braking, I sure have. Give it a little bit. Let off the pedal slowly, you won't need the brakes. Try going down a steep hill and see what it does. You may begin to like it too.

There are coat valves available and they sound pretty easy to install.

Give me your impressions of the 900 once you get to run around a little bit..

And --- pictures, pictures, pictures!!!

TWO GUNS · Nov 3, 2009

You done great on that deal.
65 hours, that is a steel .... Have they done the 50 hrs service yet. If not, may I suggest several things my friend. First, go back with OEM Kubota filters and fluids. On the tranny, use the Super UDT ....
Go ahead and purchase you a high rise intake system for this machine. For it will save you big $$$ down the line on air filters, and will keep so much dirt, dust, grim out of your engine. After about 13 hours, mine was such bad shape, Installed the High Rise Intake, Got over 250 hrs on my unit now, checked the air filter two days ago. Still like brand new. Kubota put the air intake in the wrong place, that is a fact !!!!
Like mentioned on another post, you will get used to the engine brake ..... To me, it's well worth keeping it ....
You can't imagine how strong them RTV 900's are. They are not fast, but dern things is like a Sherman Tank, they just go & go & go !!!!!

westbrooklawn · Nov 4, 2009

timswi and TWO GUNS -

Thanks for the comments... I need to see if the 50 hour service has been done... forgot to ask the seller... I guess the first place to check would be the filters... factory filters on Kubotas are the solid gray color, and that should tell the story. Good info on the air filter also... who sells a high rise air intake?... do you have a link to an online seller or is it a Kubota part?

I was all set to order the coast valve, but both of you have convinced me to try to learn how to use the hydro braking system. I will get pics up within the next few days.

TWO GUNS · Nov 4, 2009

The Kubota High Mount Air Cleaner Kit V4271 is sold by your dealer .
That is for the ROPS model units.
The filters, the OEM Replacement Oil Filter (HH150-32430 ) for the Kubota RTV, is WHITE , the Transmission Filters are Orange and Cream / Beige in color . The Orange Suction Oil Filter ( Kubota HHK71-14080 ) goes in the very back, the Cream & Beige
( Kubota HHK70-14070) , goes on the side of the transmission >>>
Fuel Filter, Kubota 12581-43012 is clear ....

Does your machine have a roof ? Sounds like you got your hands on a Worksite model. Which is great !!!!! Send me a email with your email address, got some good pointers for you that will save you much $$$$$ on your machine !!!!!

........ jamie