RTV 500 Rattle Sound

[timswi]

I am going to try to spray some belt conditioner the alternator drive belt tonight-maybe it is something as simple as a squeaky belt.

I also think it's in the alternator...When I turn on the work lights, headlights and/or lift the plow it goes away...That's not what the techs are telling me though...I give up.

 

[737pilot]

Hey TIMSWI,
Im still here and alive. Got 51 hours on my 500 and I still have the rattle. You 500 owners quit trying to do Kubota's job and let there Engineering Department get off there big you know what and come up with a fix. I took my unit in like I posted for the 50 hr service and all they said was that they know about the problem. Well if they know about it then they darn well need to fix it. I got over $10 grand in this machine and I'm tired of it sounding like a loose clamp is rattling around. Guys my Kubota dealer from the get go told me it was the Alternator drive pulley that is the source of the rattle. that is why when you put a load on the alternator the noise stops. My dealer also told me that the rattle is hit and miss on different 500 units. That makes me feel that something is definatley not right with my unit and should be fixed. I would like all rtv500 owners to do like me and not let Kubota just ignore this defect but to come up with a fix. I'm pressuring my dealer and told them I want it fixed. They say there waiting on directions from Kubota. So I'm really disappointed that a rattle has to lower my happiness for the machine because it is a very useful and fun toy but the rattle is annoying. take care men and fire away.

 

[timswi]

737...Nice to see you back.

They turned up the idle on mine...Can barely hear it now...Not a fix however.

Took the snowplow off today..Feels like I have a turbo as far as power...Didn't realize how much HP that stupid thing was draining off.

Put a roof and windshield on it...I like the set up except the lower panel. I have to shim it up or it rubs all over the hood, which will eventually wear through...Also It scatches from just touching it...Don't like that part. The glass upper is nice though.

The roof adds some noise and dust, but it's definitly nicer for cruising in cool weather.

 

[timswi]

737.. I set mine up like yours...

 

[jimdan]

TIMSWI - how do the two front work lights get power. Are they integrated into the wiring harness with a rocker switch on the panel, or do they just plug into the 12V outlet?

 

[timswi]

TIMSWI - how do the two front work lights get power. Are they integrated into the wiring harness with a rocker switch on the panel, or do they just plug into the 12V outlet?

JIMDAN,

They are independent of the harness...Power comes from the battery via a fused wires. Put rocker switches under the dash. Routed the wire around the rops trying to hide it as best I could...Ran the power & ground leads down the pass side of the ROPS inside wire covers then under the hood. Theres a trough in the floor to get to the battery from the front...Just need a piece if stiff wire to make it back there. Not too difficult, although I wish there was a fuse panel of some sort to tie into, or a power bus away from the battery. If there is one, someone let me know where.

 

[737pilot]

TImSWI Im not sure if you have to have the warn winch to have this panel but under my hood is a panel that the hot wire for the winch attaches and a ground is right next to it. I didn't have to go to the battery for power as eveything was there under the hood. On the panel are 2 ports for future switches . I just pooped out the plug and pooped in the supplied switch that came with the kit that I bought at Wal Mart for $10. The lights work really good. When i had my 5o hour service I guess I got lazy and stupid but had them mount the 2 Kubota rear lights for $100 and they work great but not any better than my Wal mart $10 lights. They mounted the on/off switch next to the seat which I didn't like. They should have kept the switches together and used the other plug cutout on the dash. Oh well I guess I'm just to picky. I see you turned up your RPM which may stop the rattle but is does cause the engine noise to go up also when your stopped. I actually wanted my RPM turned down at idle to make it quieter but the service tech said that it could cause damage to the HST transmission if the Fluid was not kept at a certain pressure. I'm on a mission here and I am not going to be happy till Kubota fixes the defective Alternator pulley and fixes the rattle. I dont think that we should have to experiment on our units for a fix. I want clear guidance from Kubota. They know that they have a defect but don't want to admit it. If all the RTV 500 owners don't just accept that this is the way it is and Im gonna ignore it and live with it then it will get fixed. Like I said the noise is suttle but its there.....If Kubota management is reading this post then I want you to fix the rattle....Its annoying and reflects badly on Kubota quality.....lets not let this issue go away till its fixed.....

 

[timswi]

I'm compaining with you...You're not alone.

Sometime when you have the hood open, can you take a picture of that power feed/....Thanks...(I don't have a winch)

 

[DLH]

I E-mailed Kubota, they replied, that I should take to my dealer, they are highly skilled technicians._ A hours driving time each way.

 

[737pilot]

TImswi i'll be glad to do that for you. I got the same response from Kubota and complied with there request. I got it back form the Kubota service department with a note saying "no recalls or bulletins on this unit". Tech says they know about the rattle and so far silence. No guidance to local techs...Nada...nothing. There just passing the buck and blowing you off. Also be ready for your 50 hour bill. I was to say the least a little shocked at the cost of a couple of filters and some motor oil. I did have the rear lights put on but my bill was $480 for the service. Subtract the $100 lights and that's $380 for the service. Arggh!!!!! Didn't want to go battery powered because of the $800 batteries every 3-5 years. I think maybe next time I'll re-evaluate that decision. Service at just say $300/yr for Kubota is still about the same or more than Batteries. I do like my Kubota though and have to say Im happy even with the rattle.....Have a good day folks.