Two Kubota rtv 900s.. Which one?

bsrfarms97 · May 3, 2015

Hello everyone. Im looking at two different Kubota rtv 900's. Im just looking for opinions on which to settle on. Both at at the same dealership, one is camo the other orange. The orange is a 2009 model with roughly 1600 hrs. The camo is a 2005 model with just over 1300 hrs. The 09 is priced only $500 more than the 05. What im wondering also is there any problems that I should be aware of with either of these 05 or 09 year model 900's? Both seem to have been well taken care of and lightly used.

timswi · May 3, 2015

Personally, I'd go with the 09..There were a few non fatal issues with the early ones..U-joints mainly if I remember correctly..

DT86 · May 3, 2015

I would much rather have the newer model with a few more hours.

RollingsFarms · May 3, 2015

With 4 years and 300 hours between the two you will get back that $500 difference if you ever sell it later on down the road. How are the tires? If they're worn down or cracked or anything now would be the time to replace them. Maybe that could be your bargaining chip and the dealer will work a deal with you on the price.

xtruckerbob · May 3, 2015

We have a 08 Kubota RTV 900 work site model and have had no issues. Like all our other Kubotas (5) we have never had a warranty or service call. We do work ours on the farm hauling, pulling and riding. I would go with newer for no reason other than it is newer. Either one I decided to go with I would try to get to a get a full service because it is not cheap.

RollingsFarms · May 3, 2015

xtruckerbob said:
We have a 08 Kubota RTV 900 work site model and have had no issues. Like all our other Kubotas (5) we have never had a warranty or service call. We do work ours on the farm hauling, pulling and riding. I would go with newer for no reason other than it is newer. Either one I decided to go with I would try to get to a get a full service because it is not cheap.

You're right these things are very expensive to have serviced! When I bought my UTV the dealer handed me a piece of paper telling me that I had to bring it to the dealer for the first service to keep my warranty in check. Total was going to be $225!!! That's more than servicing my truck! Or my tractor! Or anything else I have!

JOHNTHOMAS · May 4, 2015

Yes, probably pretty expensive to......HAVE.........serviced but the easiest machine made to self service. The hyd filter is sticking out the back and the oil filter is easy to reach and one does have to send someone down on the ground if they don't have a lift and drain the fluids. Occasionally one may have to replace the $3 fuel filter. The SUDT2 hyd fluid may have to be replaced every 400 or so hours. I'd go by the current hours recommended change on new machines and I think that's what it is. Cost of materials is all it should ever cost to service these machines. Ask the dealer for the filters and fluids for the next service and I'm sure they will give them to you, mine does when I ask at purchase.

smstonypoint · May 4, 2015

timswi said:
Personally, I'd go with the 09..There were a few non fatal issues with the early ones..U-joints mainly if I remember correctly..

When I was doing my research prior to the purchase of my RTV 900 in 2009, I read about a problem with "noisy" front-wheel drive shafts. As I recall, the problem arose from a bearing design/parts flaw. Apparently the problem had been fixed by 2009. However, I believe there is a Kubota "fix" for the problem on earlier models.

Steve

Gary Fowler · May 4, 2015

I have a 2009 model RTV 900 and it has been flawless. I only have about 450 hours on it but no one issue with it so far. I does have the pressure release knob that is required if you want to shift on a hill. Just pull the knob and it shifts great, don't pull the knob and it stays locked in gear. I don't think the newer models have that and just use the brake to release the pressure. I don't know how well that works.

I would go with the 2009 model as some bugs were designed into the earlier models. I would dicker with the dealer to have all fluids changed before the sale. One can never know when the last fluid change was done on used equipment. I bought mine used with only 60 hours on it but the seller admitted that he hadn't done the required 50 hour service which was all fluid and filter changes including engine, HST and hydraulic fluids.

bsrfarms97 · May 5, 2015

timswi said:
Personally, I'd go with the 09..There were a few non fatal issues with the early ones..U-joints mainly if I remember correctly..

Ive talked with a few Kubota mechanics and they say the better Ujoints came along in 07. The older models had a few issues with rear axle joints and transfer case joint wearing out sooner than 2000 hrs. which still isnt bad by any means. But like you said. For the price difference im thinking the 09 also.