RTV vs the Competition

S

symphony

New member
The utility side-by-side market has never been more competitive with new models being announced that are now challenging the iconic RTV. It appears to me that Kubota, once dominating the utility vehicle market segment, has been resting on their laurels in terms of innovation and improvements. If I look at the evolution of the RTV in say the last 10 years, there have been few improvements made to the RTV that can be considered industry leading? IRS and LSD are about the only incremental changes made in the last several years.

I’m in the market for a new utility vehicle and in comparing the competitive offerings, I note that the RTV could once again be the benchmark UTV if Kubota would make the following improvements:

- Power/HST – There was once a time when RTV’s 25 HP and 51 ft/lbs torque was sufficient but with the competition offering more than triple the HP and more torque for their gas models, Kubota could use some improvements to their power plants. Perhaps a factory turbo with intercooler would be just what’s needed? Dare I say it but maybe an HST is not ideally suited for the RTV? An automotive type, automatic transmission with a lockup torque converter may be more suitable given the HP/torque ratings?

- Speed – I think that the RTV’s top speed is dissuading potential buyers from the brand. Their advertised top speed of 25 mph just doesn’t cut it in today’s market. I’m not suggesting that they need to offer a 60 mph trail blazer but its current top speed is painfully slow. 35-40 mph would be more than sufficient for most utility applications.

- Locking Front Differential – While the LSD is an improvement over the older open differential, a true locking differential would make it a beast. Also, get rid of the cable actuated lockers and 2/4wd selector levers as modern electronic switches/actuators are reliable.

- Ground clearance/Suspension travel – give it an inch more to tackle the bush

There you have it, with these improvements, the RTV would be hard to pass up as a utility vehicle. The RTV has by far the best enclosed cab and heating/AC system out there. It is also in my view the most robust and well-built utility vehicle. The competition is moving fast and I hope that the Kubota R&D people visit this forum to read what consumers are thinking.

This post is not meant to disparage those of you that currently own RTVs but merely to get some ideas out. I was hoping to have an RTV in my garage soon but the competitive offerings are quite interesting and can’t be summarily dismissed.

Incidentally, feel free to post any improvements you’d like to see in the next generation RTV. This could be fun.
 
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For clarity, I own a 2008 RTV900 Worksite model. Bought it with 180hrs on it six months ago and have put on an additional 50hrs. My uses are 75% in steep timber hauling heavy loads of dirt, wood, gravel. I also own a Yamaha Rhino that I've had for 7 years and with 800hrs on it. Very little comparison between the two machines. So much disparity between them that I actually find a need for having both.

I agree with everything you said. Very accurate description of the RTV including it's strengths and weaknesses.

I helped the miserable clearance problem by adding a 1" lift and 27" tires.

As for the current engine/HST system, I again agree completely. Wayyyyy to small powerplant to properly drive the HP/Torque hungry HST. I notice the newer model HST systems have been minimized even more by only offering a 2 speed. I use all 3 of my speeds and actually wish I had a lower 4th speed. The awkwardness of use in regards to shifting, fuel peddle design, etc. is just something I've gotten used to and accepted. For a Kubota that disappoints me. This is my 4th Kubota machine. None of the other 3 have required such an acceptance on my part to use.

I still believe the RTV to be the most dependable and durable of all the offerings. I also believe that the RTV's market share will diminish if they don't bring this machine into this decade soon. Too many sacrifices have to be made by the buyer.
 
I have an old 1100cw and a newer X1100. when i compare the two as far as the two speed vs the three speed goes. my opinion is the old model needs the three speed but the newer model doesn't. they changed the hydro enough that it shifts easier and has more usable power. my X1100 has a limited slip front diff and a manual locker in the rear and it gets around much better than the old 1100 does. not to mention the huge improvement with independent suspension. as far as speed is concerned i think most people think the RTV is to slow,but most laws concerning use on a roadway determine the difference between a UTV and an ATV to be the limit of 25 miles per hour. maybe that's why Kubota stayed slow. my cousin has a deere X something or other and he uses his about the same as i use my RTV. i have been watching his deere pretty close so i could compare and i will say i don't think the deere will last as long as my RTV. my brother in law just purchased a new Polaris because of the speed so we shall see.
 
As a maintenance vehicle the X900 is almost perfect. I run mine on mostly dirt and logging roads. Clearance is fine and speed is not an issue - except I'd love a little more speed on hills when not loaded. The 1100 lb capacity is perfect for hauling gravel, stone and firewood. It plows snow so well that it doesn't need chains - and I have some steep hills! It sips fuel and the HST makes braking almost not needed. I carry ladders, lumber and a lots of tools easily. For my purposes it is ideal. I had a Ranger 400 before, and although I found it fun and fast, it was not as practical and was much noisier and consumed gasoline quickly.
 
For some reason I couldn't adapt to the instant stop thing. I added a Coast Valve. Like that a lot better. Also added a Hand Throttle so I can develop maximum HP/torque when needed in steep terrain.
 
i would have to agree with the original post for current production
for 20 large i would expect the 1100 model to have come around a little bit more and the 'trickle down' into the product line to have be the prime beneficiaries
. . . . however that being said i believe where the RTV shines and is exemplary is when comparing machines that are 6-10 years old
i have seen RTV's with 3500 hours selling for 5k!!! show me what a ranger rhino or mule looks like after 10 years and 2000 hours in this regard the RTV is still ready to work and will sell over the weekend due to the robust design
i am an old school engineer (my father taught me to use his slide rule) and tend to agree that less is more
 
I think that the Tier 4 diesel emission requirements has the Kubota up against the wall with little room to manoeuvre. Increasing the power on the RTV, thus improving some of its shortcomings (speed, off-road capabilities, etc…), would have to come at the expense of more complex and costly emission systems that require DPF and perhaps SCR and DEF if the EPA has its way. These emission components add significant cost and at the same time impact reliability. I suppose for these reasons we will not see a diesel RTV with more power for some time. The big bore UTVs with gasoline engines are now at the stage where they offer significantly more HP and even more torque than diesel offerings but likely at the expense of durability.


The HST has limitations under the current power and torque constraints and so it is not the best choice in my view for the RTV as a “utility vehicle.” The HST is probably best suited for “tractor” applications.

While the RTV has many excellent attributes, it will still need to evolve or risk becoming irrelevant in the utility market. I note that some utility vehicle manufactures are starting to move away from the CVT transmissions and now have DCT and automotive type transmissions in their vehicles.

Let’s hope we see something new and improved from Kubota soon.
 
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