New Kubota RTV-XG850 Sidekick

S

symphony

New member
Found some information on the new gas version of the RTV-X.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmQpkBNItY[/ame]

I will reserve my judgement when I see the full specs. Hope it has a proper cab with all the amenities.
 
O

ovrszd

Well-known member
Taking a whole new direction aren't they. Trying to compete with Polaris, etc.

I'm curious. My closest dealer is about 40 miles away. When he gets one I'll go take a look.
 
S

symphony

New member
ovrszd said:
Taking a whole new direction aren't they. Trying to compete with Polaris, etc.

I'm curious. My closest dealer is about 40 miles away. When he gets one I'll go take a look.
Click to expand...

That's what immediately came to mind when I first viewed the clip. Now that I've viewed it a few more times, it reminds me of the JD XUV line with the quad headlights.

I actually don't mind the styling, I just hope it hasn't lost its Kubota pedigree for heavy duty work. I don't want belt driven CVTs or light duty drivetrain components. The RTV has the best factory cab and so I also hope that wasn't lost in the new design.
 
S

symphony

New member
If the specs and features listed in the BW article are accurate, this is a major disappointment and so I won’t be purchasing the new RTV. They clearly positioned this vehicle to complete in the multipurpose UTV segment but failed even before getting out of the gate. They have done nothing to differentiate this new RTV from the Polaris Ranger, CanAm Defender and other manufacturers’ offerings (Viking, Mule, Gator). On a spec to spec, feature to feature comparison, the competition looks far more attractive.

They had a great platform to start with (RTV-X) and all they needed to do was increase engine power (turbo diesel or gas) and add a more efficient torque converter PTO transmission. Throw in some selectable locking diffs with turf mode and in my view, the RTV would be a formidable competitor.

I'll still wait for the full specs and continue to hope that that it turns out to be better than the purported specs in the BW article.
 
O

Ohio_Pawpaw_Grower

Member
Site Supporter
I agree, it is clearly being positioned to grab a piece of the UTV market. There is a ton of money to be made there and I guess I can't blame Kubota for that.

But for me, I'd like to have seen the R+D dollars go to increasing the HP and a better trans in the RTVX, as Symphony mentioned.

One thing that might set this Sidekick apart from its UTV competition would be if it uses no belts. From a very long list of UTVs, it is what is what helped me narrow the choice down to either Honda or Kubota RTVX. I am 100% happy with my choice.

I can't imagine running our tree farm without the RTVX. We moved thousands of pounds of firewood last weekend and dragged a 50ft sycamore that was as big around as me. It took diff lock and 4wd with these stock tires but the RTVX moved it where I needed it. I can't imagine something with a centrifugal clutch doing that.

As for this new unit coming in the spring, it will never be a replacement for the RTVX. Its great that Kubota has entered the sport UTV market but I believe that is where the Sidekick will find most of its buyers. I would love to have one as a toy if I had 20K burning a hole in my pocket. I am sure it will be well made.
 
O

ovrszd

Well-known member
Alaskanassasin said:
I think it sounds freaking awesome!
Click to expand...

I'm happy they are moving into that market. Problem I see is someone will buy one thinking it's a workhorse like the RTV and it will fail. Then the brand name will lose some credibility.

I'd consider trading my Yamaha Rhino for one. But I wouldn't give up the RTV in the process. :)
 
O

ovrszd

Well-known member
Ohio_Pawpaw_Grower said:
I agree, it is clearly being positioned to grab a piece of the UTV market. There is a ton of money to be made there and I guess I can't blame Kubota for that.

But for me, I'd like to have seen the R+D dollars go to increasing the HP and a better trans in the RTVX, as Symphony mentioned.

One thing that might set this Sidekick apart from its UTV competition would be if it uses no belts. From a very long list of UTVs, it is what is what helped me narrow the choice down to either Honda or Kubota RTVX. I am 100% happy with my choice.

I can't imagine running our tree farm without the RTVX. We moved thousands of pounds of firewood last weekend and dragged a 50ft sycamore that was as big around as me. It took diff lock and 4wd with these stock tires but the RTVX moved it where I needed it. I can't imagine something with a centrifugal clutch doing that.

As for this new unit coming in the spring, it will never be a replacement for the RTVX. Its great that Kubota has entered the sport UTV market but I believe that is where the Sidekick will find most of its buyers. I would love to have one as a toy if I had 20K burning a hole in my pocket. I am sure it will be well made.
Click to expand...

In the above description "CVT Plus Transmission", I'm guessing belt drive.

Little late to ask this question. Is Kubota replacing the RTV or adding to the lineup???
 
O

Ohio_Pawpaw_Grower

Member
Site Supporter
Was just at our dealer....the Sidekick is an addition to the lineup. Not a replacement. I hope you are wrong about the belt drive but I suspect you are right. Dealer did not know.
 
A

aurthuritis

Well-known member
Site Supporter
I am ok with the new sidekick but i would not trade my x1100c for one. i hope the sidekick is just another machine to add to their lineup and not a replacement. heck Kubota may as well have a pony in the race for that sort of consumer too. i hope they do well and the folks that buy them enjoy them for what they are.
 
O

ovrszd

Well-known member
aurthuritis said:
I am ok with the new sidekick but i would not trade my x1100c for one. i hope the sidekick is just another machine to add to their lineup and not a replacement. heck Kubota may as well have a pony in the race for that sort of consumer too. i hope they do well and the folks that buy them enjoy them for what they are.
Click to expand...

Well stated. I agree.

Several farmers in my area use their Polaris Rangers to check cattle at distant locations. It's "legal" to drive them on public roadways as long as you are doing farmer chores. I live on a State paved hiway. They go by here several times a day at speeds of 50mph+.

If the new Kubota won't run at that speed it won't be popular here.
 
L

Lee1935

Active member
symphony said:
If the specs and features listed in the BW article are accurate, this is a major disappointment and so I won’t be purchasing the new RTV. They clearly positioned this vehicle to complete in the multipurpose UTV segment but failed even before getting out of the gate. They have done nothing to differentiate this new RTV from the Polaris Ranger, CanAm Defender and other manufacturers’ offerings (Viking, Mule, Gator). On a spec to spec, feature to feature comparison, the competition looks far more attractive.

They had a great platform to start with (RTV-X) and all they needed to do was increase engine power (turbo diesel or gas) and add a more efficient torque converter PTO transmission. Throw in some selectable locking diffs with turf mode and in my view, the RTV would be a formidable competitor.

I'll still wait for the full specs and continue to hope that that it turns out to be better than the purported specs in the BW article.
Click to expand...

Folks said the Model T would fail☺☺☺ and my dealer confirmed I get the 1st one he gets
 
A

aurthuritis

Well-known member
Site Supporter
good deal Lee1935!!! would you take some pics and let us know how it all works??? love to see Kubotas take on the competition.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top