RTV900 transmission

[podzie]

I hear a lot of folks say that the tranny is goofy on the 900 and they don't shift easily. I hear other folks say that the hydro is amazing and that you just have to learn how to use it.

Does anybody have advice on how to make it more friendly? I'm looking at getting a side by side, and love Kubotas in general, but I don't know if my family will do well with the hydro tranny?

 

[TWO GUNS]

The RTV tranny is a machine within itself. Nothing " Goofy" about it.
It's very, very strong !!!! Not Fast >>>> If you are wanting speed, the RTV is not for you, but if you want dependablilty, and strength. It's the only way to go.
One cannot just jump into a RTV and know how to ride it. You will have to learn that hydro transmission. It's nothing wrong with it. Heck, we have small children on farms down here running them. Some folks, go to a dealership and think it's like running a pick-up truck or some other style of utility vehicle, and so call test fire one. You cannot make a judgement on a lap or two around a dealership. It takes some thinking and time ......And just because they don't know how to run it, it's " so called goofy" . .... You have to learn the RTV's hydro-tranny. Once you master that, it's like blinking your eyes. It will come automaticly to you. It took me about three to five hours to master it. I would not trade my RTV for anything in the world. It's my workhorse.
Some folks don't like the engine braking, that is no problem either, just slowly get off the fuel petal. As long as you have just a few lbs. of pressure on the petal, the engine brake will not engage. You will see. Just takes a little time.
>>>>>>>> two guns

 

[milkman]

The RTV tranny is a machine within itself. Nothing " Goofy" about it.
It's very, very strong !!!! Not Fast >>>> If you are wanting speed, the RTV is not for you, but if you want dependablilty, and strength. It's the only way to go.
One cannot just jump into a RTV and know how to ride it. You will have to learn that hydro transmission. It's nothing wrong with it. Heck, we have small children on farms down here running them. Some folks, go to a dealership and think it's like running a pick-up truck or some other style of utility vehicle, and so call test fire one. You cannot make a judgement on a lap or two around a dealership. It takes some thinking and time ......And just because they don't know how to run it, it's " so called goofy" . .... You have to learn the RTV's hydro-tranny. Once you master that, it's like blinking your eyes. It will come automaticly to you. It took me about three to five hours to master it. I would not trade my RTV for anything in the world. It's my workhorse.
Some folks don't like the engine braking, that is no problem either, just slowly get off the fuel petal. As long as you have just a few lbs. of pressure on the petal, the engine brake will not engage. You will see. Just takes a little time.
>>>>>>>> two guns

Well said, and I think that's the reason that Kubota has not included the RTV in a lot of magazine tests, because the testers simply don't know and don't take enough time to get to know the way the hydro works then give it a not so stellar review. Can't say I blame Kubota for not participating.

 

[Old Coot]

I had a 2004, one of the first made. I had some problems with not being able to get it out of gear if you stopped while pulling a hill. Learned to shut the engine off and it would pop right out. Just got a new 900 and it has changed quite a bit. Rides better, quieter, and has a pressure release knob. They are built like a tank. Just my feelings.

 

[podzie]

Thanks guys. I have a hydro on my little garden tractor and love it, but didn't know if the RTV tranny was similar. If the RTV900 is built anything like the B7100, it will last forever!

I had a Polaris Ranger 6x6 that I gave up that was simply too hard for the wife to steer, so I want to make sure she can drive the RTV easily. I'm gonna have to take her to a local dealership and drive one. Hopefully she'll catch on pretty quick.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Don't worry, she'll do fine.
The steering is so easy, you'd swear the wheel is not even hooked up to anything ....
Ya'll have fun >>>> I wish we could be there to see her smile !!!!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> two guns >>>>

 

[riptides]

I took my family to test drive both the JD gator and Kubota when the RTV first came out.
Both lineups have had numerous changes since then, but we all agreed on the RTV (back then).

Since then, I still see everyday use on the RTV. It has a fun factor, and the bench seat just helps everyone get on board.

 

[podzie]

That's awesome. I have a FJ40 Land cruiser for a farm truck right now. I'm going to have to sell it to afford the RTV, but I think that like you, I'll use it every day, whereas the Toyota only gets used marginally.

 

[Dargo]

I spent about a hundred bucks and five minutes to install a coast valve on my RTV1100 and it made all the difference in the world to me. I guess the valve has been in there for a year or so now and anyone can just jump in it and drive it no problem with no learning curve. Why Kubota doesn't use that valve from the factory is beyond me. It still has dynamic braking from the engine but it doesn't throw you through the windshield. That is beside the fact that it cured the sticking in gear issue. I'd just put a coast valve in any RTV and not look back.

 

[coobie]

I spent about a hundred bucks and five minutes to install a coast valve on my RTV1100 and it made all the difference in the world to me. I guess the valve has been in there for a year or so now and anyone can just jump in it and drive it no problem with no learning curve. Why Kubota doesn't use that valve from the factory is beyond me. It still has dynamic braking from the engine but it doesn't throw you through the windshield. That is beside the fact that it cured the sticking in gear issue. I'd just put a coast valve in any RTV and not look back.

I also have the same coast valve that Dargo has installed in my 2006 RTV 900.Mine has been in for about the same period time with no issues,coobie.