RTV500 Owners, How Well Would The RTV500 Climb This Hill?

[Misfire]

I'm down to two candidate machines. Of of them is the RTV500. There have been lots of posts saying they are underpowered, which has left me wondering how well they will climb a steep grade, assuming the servo and WOT adjustments are OK.

I have been searching for a video showing one of them climbing a steep incline. So far, I haven't been able to find what I am looking for. The following link is for a short vid of a Mechron climbing a steep, rough hill. I would appreciate some expert views on how a RTV500 might do on the same hill, especially if it had a full load.

View attachment 276061

Kioti Mechron 2200 - Getting Dirty in New Zealand (1 of 5) - YouTube

Thanks,
Misfire

 

[PapaPerk]

I'm down to two candidate machines. Of of them is the RTV500. There have been lots of posts saying they are underpowered, which has left me wondering how well they will climb a steep grade, assuming the servo and WOT adjustments are OK.

I have been searching for a video showing one of them climbing a steep incline. So far, I haven't been able to find what I am looking for. The following link is for a short vid of a Mechron climbing a steep, rough hill. I would appreciate some expert views on how a RTV500 might do on the same hill, especially if it had a full load.

View attachment 276061

Kioti Mechron 2200 - Getting Dirty in New Zealand (1 of 5) - YouTube

Thanks,
Misfire

No idea about the Kubota. What's your other candidate?

 

[Misfire]

It happens to be the Mechron, which is how I found this video. I'm not looking for a direct comparison of machine to machine performance on this hill, especially since the Mechron has duallies on the rear. I just just couldn't find a vid of the RTV500 attempting anything like it, so opinions are the only thing I can go on.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I'd say my old RTV 500 could have climbed it with ease....it would need to be in low and it wouldn't set any speed records but it would definitely climb it. I had times going up steep mountain roads when it would lose some speed but it would still get up anything I threw at it. For weaknesses I'd say the biggest ones are ground clearance and a rough suspension....the suspension is set up for working and it works well for it. The RTV 500 is the smoothest side by side I've ever driven....they take off so nice and smooth....when you want to slow down just let off the gas and it will slow down. They are a great machine.

 

[timswi]

The RTV500 will climb that with no problem...Not the fastest thing around but they go like billy goats.

 

[General Lee]

It will climb it, like others have said but you aint zippin up it quickly. As long you have the traction it will climb a barn wall. What machine is your other option?

 

[Misfire]

It will climb it, like others have said but you aint zippin up it quickly. As long you have the traction it will climb a barn wall. What machine is your other option?

Thanks, folks.

The other machine is the Mechron. It's not all that much more than the RTV500 with worksite tires, comes with a well proven diesel engine, quite a few additional features like full instrumentation, and is even more tractor-like than the RTV500. It even has a removable chaff screen in front of the radiator. The load capacity, 12 inches of ground clearance, smooth ride, and adjustable IRS are real standout features. The downside is the CVT and the larger overall size.

I dunno. Neither one is perfect, but I do have a lot of downed timber to deal with. That 12 inches of ground clearance is very attractive. It may come down to which one I can get the better relative deal on.

 

[General Lee]

If it were me, I'd get the Mechron. Never tried one out but I like what I'm seeing. That ground clearance is real plus. I don't mean to bash my RTV500, but I wouldn't buy it again if I had to do it all over. It has its purpose for what I use it for and it works for me. Took me a bit to learn it weak spots. If your duties include a lot of off-roading (woods, etc) I wouldn't get the RTV500 unless you have a good network of clear trails you'll be on.

 

[Alien]

We have the Kymco and it would climb a tree if it could get a grip. We have had it in some real hairy spots and it always excelled.

 

[PapaPerk]

I agree the Kioti looks like a better unit. The only thing I would be concerned with is build quality and reliability. I have no experience with Kioti.

Kubota needs to up the competition with their UTVs. I just bought a Polaris Ranger 400 because of the Kubota's antiquated suspension and slow top speed. In the UTV market, the vehicle really needs to do it all.

The RTV 500 would be an awesome machine if the hydro trans was replaced with a CVT or 3 speed auto (like honda big red). And good full independent suspension installed. The current swing axle design is far from ideal. :thumbdown: These vehicles are automotive related... not tractor related... tractor technology doesn't work well in the automotive world.... and vice versa. :laughing: