Archwoodholding, thought provoking name?
I'm a fairly new RTV 900 owner. I purchased a 2011 RTV 900 XT on July 12, 2011. I'd heard too many war stories about common replacments of the CVT belts. As a result, I only seriously considered non-CVT units; however, I did try out a few. Only two non-CVT brand names exists to my knowledge. Honda and Kubota. THe Honda is pretty nice, yet possesses lots of plastic. Furthermore, the Honda Big Red MUV has been in existence for less than 3 years. I was afraid that too many unknowns remain for the Big Red. I spoke to friend that owns an RTV 500. He stated he would not purchase another one, like his previously owned Mule much better. The RTV 500 was low on power.
The RTV 900 XT possesses some very good upgrades. Previous RTV 900 were known to be have tremendous engine/transimission braking that contributed to failed driveshafts/u-joints. The XT has upgraded drive train and including heavier u-joints with grease zerks, something missing on the predecessors. The transmission has also been modified to reduce the engine/transmission braking, although the braking is still there which I believe is good. The XT has a full height back rest which I like much better than the previous models. Lastly, the XT has better acceleration than previous models.
Kubota missed some issues. The RTV 900 General Purpose and Worksite versions have the air filter mounted in from of the right rear tire with a short vertically mounted snorkel. This is a very dusty location for the engine air resulting in the need to clean the air filter often. The Utility version has a high rise air filter system factory installed. The filter canister and filter is also larger. This same high rise air filter system can be installed on the GP and Worksite models. Other options are extending the snorkel vertically to suck air from a cleaner location. Many of this forum members have changed the air intake with either Kubota pn V4271 installation or extended the snorkel tube. Both methods are successful.
Kubota installed the ignition switch beneath the steering wheel. For some drivers, this location results in their knee contacting the switch when exitting the seat resulting in the key rotating to the accessory position. When at this position, the hour meter operates without the engine running resulting in excessive accumulation of un-operated hours on the meter.
I use the RTV similar to your needs, but mine is used only for farm use. The 1900 lbs RTV weight is a plus to me. The weight coupled with the three cyclinder diesel and hydrostatic transmission results in one hell of a pulling machine.
It's not fast and it does not have the smoothest suspension. These two attributes go well together. Can't imaging needing to drive 50 mph and certainly can't imagine 50 mph without a smooth suspension. Rest assure, the leaf spring rear suspension is highly proven.
For your use I'd recommend the worksite version since the hydraulic dump is standard. If the snow plow you plan to purchase requires the RTV hydraulics, then I'd get the Utility version since it is capable of operating hydraulic accessories. The worksite model has a plastic hydraulic oil reservoir designed for limited hydraulic usage. I've been told that using the hydraulics on the worksite model for other task can lead to elevated oil temperatures that could lead to melting the plastic tank. The utility model has an extra steel tank and oil cooler.
The "S" series comes standard with spray-in bedliner, hydraulic dump, and alluminum wheels.
I highly suggest getting a canopy. I have the $233 plastic version.
Consider the correct tire for your usage. I went with the ATV bar tread tire since mine is used primarily on grass with occasional mud. I hear the worksite tire doesn't self clean well resulting in loss of traction in mud.
Lastly, this owners group forum is priceless. I've been participating for only 3 months and already feel like a member of this family. These people care for each other. The information/experience available through this forum is overwhelming!!!!!!!!!!
FYI. My 2011 RTV 900 XT Worksite model with ATV tires, plastic canopy, and speedometer cost $12, 079.
