Hoe does the Kubota RTV 900 do on hills and shifting problems

kas1263

Active member
<font size="3">I am considering a Kubota RTV 900 for purchase. I just read many complaints about the machine going up hills and trouble with the shifting. I was wondering if anyone has any insight. I live in eastern Kentucky where the hills are steep.
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There's been a lot of complaints but there's also a similar # of posts discussing the resolution.
The RTV has dual pumps in the tranny. The 2nd (aux) pump is for more power but it will sacrifice speed.
When climbing a hill, if/when it starts bogging down, let off the pedal (to approx. 1/2) and you'll notice the aux pump kicking in. It'll be known since the engine RPM's will increase and you'll have more power.

Re. shifting issues, they're more pronounced when the unit is new. Once things "break in", it'll be less of an issue. The issue is related to the fact the HST transmission retains pressure when under load (e.g. when you stop on a hill). If you try to shift when it's under pressure, it may be difficult. There's several resolutions. The main one is the new RTV's have a "hydraulic dump" knob on the dash which will relieve the retained pressure. On the older units, if the pressure is such you can't shift, you simply apply the emergency brake. By doing so, the braking (pressure) is now on the brakes and off the tranny and you can then shift.

BTW. I live in W. PA. I'm going to guess we have similar terrain (steep hills). I have no issues.

I always propose you have a demo unit brought to your place so you can try it under your particular conditions.
 
In my limited experience, if you are comfortable with a tractor the RTV is a piece of cake. No problems shifting. </P>


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If you have an ATV only and are looking for a UTV the <SPAN id=google-navclient-hilite style="COLOR: black; BACKGROUND-COLOR: cyan">Kubota</SPAN> will take a few drives to get acclimated with the differences between the <SPAN id=google-navclient-hilite style="COLOR: black; BACKGROUND-COLOR: cyan">Kubota</SPAN> transmission vs the belt drive in every other UTV.</P>


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RTV with 1400lbs of sac-crete and me (220lbs.) goes up hill just fine in low. I didn't go fast or more than 1/3 to 1/2 throttle.
 
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