Used Kubota RTV900 Diesel(?)

[genusCastor]

Looking to buy a utility 4 wheeler, and found a 2006 model Kubota RTV900 nearby for sale (asking $5500). The diesel engine was overhauled last year, he has receipt for $5600 of work done. I'm going to ask why it needed rebuilt, but I'm wondering if there have been any issues with the diesels?

Or a general review of diesel 4 wheelers. Or this model of Kubota. Great? Junk? Just OK...?

Thanks in advance.

- djb

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota utility vehicles, if well maintained, are practically indestructible. A Kubota diesel RTV should go 10,000 hours with just fluids, filters and adjustments. As seller has a receipt for repairs, I would contact the mechanic at servicing dealer.

All Kubota utility vehicles have Hydraustatic (HST) transmissions. None go over 25 mph top speed but they will go up any slope and haul almost any load in a trailer. Turning radius is just a little wider than some other UTVs, compensated for by power steering, which not all competitors have. The diesel RTVs are a little loud, in my subjective opinion.

How many hours are on the eight year old RTV900?

 

[genusCastor]

How many hours are on the eight year old RTV900?

From the pic it looks like 104?, can't make out the last number. Maybe 1,047.

- djb

 

[jeff9366]

$5,600 repair at 1,047 hours is a reason to be cautious evaluating this RTV900.

Even if the 50 hour and 500 hour service intervals were skipped a repair of $5,600 at 1,047 hours would be EXTREMELY unusual.

I would contact mechanic at servicing dealer.

 

[genusCastor]

OK, thanks.

For these utility types of 4 wheelers (with bed), I'm wondering if diesel is worth the extra cost. It will get light use, I won't be putting a big load on it, and I only have 10 acres. I see used Kubota RTV500 gassers, couple yrs newer with lower miles, at a local dealer for a little more money. Like this RTV500.

I don't mind buying from the public, but I don't see many of these utility vehicles on Craigslist etc.

Decisions, decisions...

- djb

 

[jeff9366]

I have an RTV500 with 700 hours. I would say mine gets medium duty use. Absolutely no issues beyond recommended service intervals. I intentionality let the gas tank get almost empty before filling with FRESH gasoline.

I have optional roof and optional turf tires, turf give a smoother ride on roads. I have never been stuck, with or without trailer, in 700 hours. Rarely use 4-WD. Less noisy than the diesel RTVs but I still wear ear muffs when operating. (At age 67 trying to preserve the hearing I have left.)

Max speed 25 mph.

 

[aczlan]

All Kubota utility vehicles have Hydraustatic (HST) transmissions. None go over 25 mph top speed but they will go up any slope and haul almost any load in a trailer. Turning radius is just a little wider than some other UTVs, compensated for by power steering, which not all competitors have. The diesel RTVs are a little loud, in my subjective opinion.

Note that the RTV400 does NOT have HST (it has a belt transmission) and neither the RTV400 or the RTV500 (both Gas engines) have power steering.

Aaron Z

 

[genusCastor]

I have an RTV500 with 700 hours. I would say mine gets medium duty use. Absolutely no issues beyond recommended service intervals.

Kewl. Thanks for your input.

- djb

 

[genusCastor]

Note that the RTV400 does NOT have HST (it has a belt transmission) and neither the RTV400 or the RTV500 (both Gas engines) have power steering.

Power steering isn't an issue [for me]. But the HST would be nice.

Thanks for pointing that out.

- djb

 

[jeff9366]

AARON Z is always accurate.

The RTV400 is a new offering. Not much horsepower.

Most people feel Kubota produces the best HST available for tractors and RTVs. The HST in RTV500 is the major feature differentiating RTV500 from its direct competitors.

It is a minor inconvenience to buy and store diesel for the tractor and gas for the RTV500.