RTV500 Poll

timswi · Dec 9, 2009

Ok, those of us who have RTV500's I have a few questions. This is to show Kubota that Matt's advise did not cut into service visits. That's the only reason that I can figure that he's been silenced, since no one has heard from him in weeks.

1)-Who complained, repeatedly, to their dealers about low power and throttle response?

2)-Did your dealer tell you that's the way it is and there is nothing that could be done about it?

3)-Did you respond to the various Kubota surveys and state that this is underpowered and something is wrong? Did they contact you about this?

4)-Did you tweak the servo & RPM's and achieve much better performace?

5)-Would you have paid your dealer to do this if they would have been willing?

6)-Based on the above, would you buy a Kubota RTV again?

I'm just curious given the fairly high page views on the subject.

Jw5875 · Dec 9, 2009

Kubota got me with the L3400 3pt lift valve problem, and now with the RTV 500 problem. I'm done and will be looking at other "Colors" for future purchases.

JW 5875

737pilot · Dec 10, 2009

I would never buy this unit again....let me tell you about my Big Red or polaris ranger in 2 years. Im going deaf with this rattle and thats my biggest complaint not so much the performance.....I knew the performance when i bought the machine but The performance tweak definately made it a more enjoyable machine to drive. Kubota sticks there head in the sand and ignores obvious defects. They got me once and thats all i need to switch brands. Have a happy holidays Guys....Good hunting!

Stonehaller · Dec 12, 2009

I doubt that Matt was 'silenced' by Kubota. Many of us (me included) do not have the extra time to keep up with these forums.

It does reflect poorly on Kubota that so many dealers and apparently Kubota factory reps. are not properly educated on their products. I recently bought a shop manual for the RTV500 and it does not even mention the servo adjustment screw Matt brought to our attention.

However, I am happy with my RTV500. Yes more power and a better suspension would be nice, but there are not many options if you need a small UTV.

coobie · Dec 12, 2009

Jw5875 said:
Kubota got me with the L3400 3pt lift valve problem, and now with the RTV 500 problem. I'm done and will be looking at other "Colors" for future purchases.

JW 5875

I agree,kubota has got to big for there shorts based on there reputation.That is one of the reasons I chose a Kioti tractor over the Kubota.coobie

SDS · Dec 12, 2009

I have had my RTV 500 since September and I am pleased with it. I to wish it had more power and better suspension, but for what I use it for it is fine. There is not a lot to choose from in a small UTV. If these machines were legal on our atv trails I may have gone with the Polaris 400 for more speed. I use mine on 14 acres for hunting and checking deer cams. I have not done any tweaking with the machine yet. There seems to be a lot of dissapointment with these units. I have not experienced any major problems yet and hope I don't. I just Drove mine through 15+ inches of snow and it walked right through it. Overall at this point I have no major complaints. I would by another at this time.

robinbr · Feb 2, 2010

I would not buy another RTV 500 or any Kubota. My Dealer has told me that I do not know how to drive the unit? I was advised to let off the accelerator in order to allow the engine to catch up to the hydrostat. Just talked to another Kubota dealer in Wytheville, Va., this morning and he immediately became defensive at the mention of loss-of-power with the RTV 500.

He was quick to say that Internet forums ".....do not know what they are talking about...." now go figure???

Kubota you got me twice, not again!!!!

timswi · Feb 2, 2010

robinbr said:
I would not buy another RTV 500 or any Kubota. My Dealer has told me that I do not know how to drive the unit? I was advised to let off the accelerator in order to allow the engine to catch up to the hydrostat. Just talked to another Kubota dealer in Wytheville, Va., this morning and he immediately became defensive at the mention of loss-of-power with the RTV 500.

He was quick to say that Internet forums ".....do not know what they are talking about...." now go figure???

Kubota you got me twice, not again!!!!

I can safely say that we know more than the dealers at this point. They are still in denial that there is a problem, and treating us like the crazy uncle in the attic.

gobraphil · Feb 2, 2010

I would DEFINITELY not buy it again based on the power alone. In the cool weather, my rtv500 will not maintain the advertised 25 mph top
speed EVEN with the servo and governor adjustment...

IF it did the 25 MPH top speed under ALL loads, it would make it more bearable.

timswi · Feb 2, 2010

gobraphil said:
I would DEFINITELY not buy it again based on the power alone. In the cool weather, my rtv500 will not maintain the advertised 25 mph top
speed EVEN with the servo and governor adjustment...

IF it did the 25 MPH top speed under ALL loads, it would make it more bearable.

Agreed...It does need to be at full temp, especially in cold weather to get the max out of this..Even after tuning the servo and max RPM.

I too wish it would do 25mph everywhere...I'd be thrilled. Is that too much to ask?