Kubota RTV 500/610 mule Opinions

[roamerr]

As I mentioned before it's all about how you plan to use it.

If it's for farm or work then get the Kubota. They are slow but will take lots of abuse with no issue. The Kubota may go 30mph but doubtful.

If it's for some work but alot of play go to the Yamaha Rhino. It will also take abuse but has a CVT tranny with a wet internal clutch. The belt will generally last 5+ years under normal use. My Rhino hits 54mph with just a $150 CDI change to remove the limiter. Stock is 40mph+. The Rhino is a climbing fool -- Climbs great and loves Mud. Best 4wd system in the industry but the locked rear-end will destroy a yard. The Polaris Ranger is similar to the Rhino but has a rear-end that can be unlocked with a switch -- a real turf saver. I like the Rhino better for long-term durability but the Ranger is good also.


As for a Mule -- It's an old design. Suspension travel is 3" or so. Rides rough and loud. Kawasaki markets it for work but with the CVT tranny I'd choose a Rhino or Ranger. Ten years ago the Mule was a good choice since there were few other options...

[sunnyside360]

As mentioned above it all depends on how you plan to use the UTV. I went thru the same dilemma of looking for a UTV about a year ago. I'd highly recommend test driving all that interest you prior to buying so you know what features they offer, and you'll less likely to be disappointed. After test driving several including the Tyrex, Rhino, and Ranger I went with the Ranger 700 XP and have not regretted it. It gets run every day and I rarely ever run the Grizzly 700 any more. Great for work and play, plus it is the quietest running of all.

[okie350]

I have 560 hours on my mule 610. and have been very pleased with it. and have never had a problem with it and it gets used hard but is taken care of.

The RTV500 was not available when I made my purchase, but i have been looking them over, just can't justify the purchase when my 610 seems to be bullet proof. these machines are tools not toys, if you want speed and mud bogs look elsewhere (even though I have had mine in places I was sure i would need the tractor to retrive me, lots of advantage having 4x4 and locking differential)

[Ken45101]

Originally Posted by okie350

if you want speed and mud bogs look elsewhere (even though I have had mine in places I was sure i would need the tractor to retrive me, lots of advantage having 4x4 and locking differential)

I have the winch on my RTV900. I've only needed it a couple of times but having it available has let me do trail maintenance in areas that I would have avoided if I didn't have it for backup.

I've had to tow out a friend's stuck JD Gator a few times with my 4wheeler ;-)

Ken

[sunnyside360]

Originally Posted by Ken45101

I have the winch on my RTV900. I've only needed it a couple of times but having it available has let me do trail maintenance in areas that I would have avoided if I didn't have it for backup.

I've had to tow out a friend's stuck JD Gator a few times with my 4wheeler ;-)

Ken

The Kubota RTV's are nice. I made a mistake and test drove an RTV 1100 at the recent Kubota Road Show. It was loaded with cab, A/C and heater. It was quiet compared to others with a cab, but the price was way up there around $18K (list?). They claim the abrupt engine braking was fixed in the 2009 model and I believe it based on the test drive. Top speed is only 30 mph and our properties span about 2 mi along a secondary road. The Ranger 700 I currently have will go around 50 mph. However, I'm still thinking about the Kubota 1100 as being our next UTV in 2010.

[Ken45101]

Originally Posted by sunnyside360

The Kubota RTV's are nice. I made a mistake and test drove an RTV 1100 at the recent Kubota Road Show. It was loaded with cab, A/C and heater. It was quiet compared to others with a cab, but the price was way up there around $18K (list?). They claim the abrupt engine braking was fixed in the 2009 model and I believe it based on the test drive. Top speed is only 30 mph and our properties span about 2 mi along a secondary road. The Ranger 700 I currently have will go around 50 mph. However, I'm still thinking about the Kubota 1100 as being our next UTV in 2010.

I haven't found the speed of the RTV900 lacking. Even on a blacktop road, it goes fast enough for my needs. YMMV

I'm sure the cab is great under certain circumstances (rain, sleet, snow), but we tend to use ours more for short distances and/or work in the woods where I would imagine having to open and close doors would be a hassle most of the time.

Even when out plowing in last winter's snow/sleet/freezing rain I was on and off the 900, having to grab the chain saw to clear the driveway. I'm not sure a cab would have made a difference, LOL.

Ken

[CosmoAU]

Great info. The only experience I've had is with a RTV900. A company doing some work on the golf course I work at had one and it is definitely a tank. I don't want to hi-jak the OP thread, but does anyone have any experience with the Cub UTV? I have a Cub dealer less than a mile from my place and he has offered me what seems like a deal on a leftover UTV. It is the kohler fuel injected version, green, hurst shifter, and aftermarket rims for a tad over $8K. I just don't know anyone that has one.

[thunderworks]

If you decide that the Kubota is best for your needs, try to find a used one. I recently bought a used RTV900 with only 30 hours on it . . .it's really as good as new. I bought it from a dealer in Kentucky.

[Blitz51]

Just answered this question for myself yesterday with a new RTV 500. This thing has the power to do whatever you want within reason. I went to multiple dealers and drove the Mule 610 and the Kubota 500 at least 4 times each. The Kubota kept calling my name. EFI is great and the cost is down now. Dealers were anywhere from $8,300 to $7,499! That is well below MSRP.

I'm using mine for minor farm cruises and trail riding. I took it out and challenged it last night and it was awesome. I was worried about a lack of power, but it over performed for me. Thanks for everyone's feedback on this site....big help for me.

[SDS]

I to just picked up my Kubota RTV 500 yesterday. It seems to be everthing I expected. I will post more after I get more time to use it today. Thanks to everyone who gave their opinion on this unit. Where did you get the under hood storage.