Looking at buying a used Kubota RTV 900 Diesel - NEED ADVICE, PLEASE!

[Bigfoot62]

I have a 100+ acre farm, mostly raising and selling hay. I want a UTV to use here. (currently using 4-wheelers and pulling a trailer) I have to maintain my hay meadows and grazing land, surrounded by about 4 miles of fence, which includes repair, trimming trees and brush, spraying for weeds, etc. This will be strictly a farm vehicle. I don't go mud riding.

Looking at a 2004 Kubota 900 UTV Diesel 4x4 with 300 hours. They're asking $6k. (a little high, I think) A diesel UTV really appeals to me, since I have a bulk fuel tank. (one less thing I have to haul gas for)

My questions are:
1. Was this a good, solid, dependable side-by-side, or do I need to run away?
2. If it's a good machine, what are the problem areas I need to look closely at?
3. If you don't think this is a good choice, which UTV would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[FTG-05]

2004 with 300 hours for $6k? Tell me where so I can go buy it.

Get bigger tires for it. I take mine in 2wd where I won't take my Kubota L4330 tractor in 4wd. I bought ITP Blackwater Evolutions for it, one size bigger than OEM. 8 ply, tough tire. Don't buy ATV tires for it, they aren't tough enough.

Add a rifle rack to it plus a couple light bars. It's essentially a UTV tractor.

Good luck!

 

[Bigfoot62]

FTG,
I appreciate your thoughts.
Yeah, the gun rack would be a necessity. Need a spot for the Mini-14. I would also want a windshield.
What year is yours? Good looking ride! :thumbsup:

 

[thepumpguysc]

One of the biggest problems is> they sip fuel.. that may not seem like a problem but>> the fuel sits in the tank & goes bad.. big problem.
Not as big of a problem as a gas motor but is more expensive to fix..
You should become familiar w/ removing the injection pump.. the control rack will stick because of bad fuel..
& taking it in for repair is very expensive.. They charge THAT MUCH because they can, is the only reason..
Another thing is the air cleaning system.. filters & such.. ALOT of 900's in the scrap yard because of "dusted" engines..
Just do you maintenance on it regularly.. CHECK & TIGHTEN the air system REGULARLY.. Change the engine oil before its due & keep the fuel filters changed ATLEAST 2x a year & she would be a good choice for anyone..
ALOT of maintenance comes w/ owning a diesel..

 

[ultrarunner]

We bought used 4 years ago and paid more... there just was not a lot available... even the Dealer would sell the new ones as they came in.

So far... the only issue was solved by getting better tires... too many flats with the one that were on it.

Dust isn't a factor here and it gets used a lot... not every day but almost... so far no issues except one repair to a weld on the muffler... just patched it when we brought it home.

Only thing I have been meaning to do is to add the throttle cable kit.... have some real steep trails and more pedal isn't the way to navigate because it is more hydro...

Definitely better seats on other brands and newer Kubota models comfort wise. Not all that quiet but so far couldn't be more pleased at how reliable it is...

Second having a windshield...

 

[Bigfoot62]

One of the biggest problems is> they sip fuel.. that may not seem like a problem but>> the fuel sits in the tank & goes bad.. big problem.
. . . ALOT of maintenance comes w/ owning a diesel..

Thanks, that's the kind of information that I need. Question: does the fuel tank have a drain plug? Looks like that would be easy enough to just drain the fuel if it has been in the tank for a while.
I have a 300 gallon bulk tank for my off-road diesel, and it gets filled 2 or 3 times per year. I have a fuel filter/water separator on the pump, so I'm putting clean fuel in.
I always use fuel stabilizer in all the gas that I buy now, and I only buy non-ethanol. (ATV's, mowers, outboard, etc.) I haven't had a fuel system problem.

Yeah, I've been around diesels my whole life. I currently own 4 diesel tractors, 2 diesel pickups, and a Peterbilt. I know the drill: Clean air, clean fuel, and clean oil.

 

[Bigfoot62]

We bought used 4 years ago and paid more...
So far... the only issue was solved by getting better tires... too many flats with the one that were on it. . .

Definitely better seats on other brands and newer Kubota models comfort wise. Not all that quiet but so far couldn't be more pleased at how reliable it is...

Second having a windshield...

Appreciate your honesty. I don't think that engine noise would be a huge factor for me either. A more comfortable seat would be nice, but my property is 1/2 mile x 1/2 mile. That's about as far as it will go. Not like I'll be riding the thing across the country.
Thanks

 

[Gary Fowler]

One of the biggest problems is> they sip fuel.. that may not seem like a problem but>> the fuel sits in the tank & goes bad.. big problem.
Not as big of a problem as a gas motor but is more expensive to fix..
You should become familiar w/ removing the injection pump.. the control rack will stick because of bad fuel..
& taking it in for repair is very expensive.. They charge THAT MUCH because they can, is the only reason..
Another thing is the air cleaning system.. filters & such.. ALOT of 900's in the scrap yard because of "dusted" engines..
Just do you maintenance on it regularly.. CHECK & TIGHTEN the air system REGULARLY.. Change the engine oil before its due & keep the fuel filters changed ATLEAST 2x a year & she would be a good choice for anyone..
ALOT of maintenance comes w/ owning a diesel..

First off, diesel fuel wont go bad setting in the tank (vehicle or storage tank), I keep over 200 gallons of fuel in storage and it has never had any issues. I finally changed my fuel filters at 550 hours and about 5 years on my RTV 900 and even then the filter was not stopped up.

Never had any issues with injector pump either. Matter of fact, never had any issues at all with my Kubota RTV 900. It is a 2009 with about 650 hours (last time I checked) and only thing I have done is motor oil change every year or so or 200 hours, changed the hydraulic and HST oil at 250 hours (it is due for another change ).

As for air filter, it is the same type that is in my tractor and has outer and inner filter. Never heard of anyone "dusting the engine" if normal maintenance is done and I doubt you will find very many Kubota RTV's in the scrap yard because of the air cleaner. Anything in the scrap yard is likely due from lack of maintenance and/or using it for a mud buggy. They aren't designed for mudding mostly due to the weight and the max speed of about 25 mph.

I find that there is actually less maintenance with a diesel than a gas engine as long as you keep clean fuel and clean air to it, it will more than double the life of a gasoline engine. Gasoline really goes stale fast and is a constant aggravation for consumers of small engines. A diesel vehicle could set for years and with a fresh battery, crank right up. The only issue for a diesel is that it has to have clean fuel (just like a gas engine) but contrary to gasoline, diesel wont ever go bad as long as it is kept water free.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a 100+ acre farm, mostly raising and selling hay. I want a UTV to use here. (currently using 4-wheelers and pulling a trailer) I have to maintain my hay meadows and grazing land, surrounded by about 4 miles of fence, which includes repair, trimming trees and brush, spraying for weeds, etc. This will be strictly a farm vehicle. I don't go mud riding.

Looking at a 2004 Kubota 900 UTV Diesel 4x4 with 300 hours. They're asking $6k. (a little high, I think) A diesel UTV really appeals to me, since I have a bulk fuel tank. (one less thing I have to haul gas for)

My questions are:
1. Was this a good, solid, dependable side-by-side, or do I need to run away?
2. If it's a good machine, what are the problem areas I need to look closely at?
3. If you don't think this is a good choice, which UTV would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The price doesn't seem too bad considering the cost of new ones. What options does it have? You will want a windshield (preferable glass so it doesn't scratch up like Plexi-glass does-a $800 option when mine was new in 2009) I use my winch a lot for pulling and dragging things. Hydraulic dump bed is really nice and I wouldn't want one without that feature (I don't really know if that is optional or not). A rear screen on the back is nice and almost a requirement when hauling limbs and such to keep them off the driver.
Rear screen and winch can be installed later if it doesn't have them.

Mine has the ATV tires with is minimum necessary for off road use. The street tires give no traction in the mud. FTG-05 says ATV tires aren't tough enough. Well I drive mine in the woods and everywhere on my farm and never had a flat. My rears are getting pretty slick now and soon will need replacement. I am sure the ITP tires are great, but far more than I need for my work. I will likely replace the rears with like kind especially since the fronts are still good. I don't want to get them out of sync too much with a larger tire on the rear and I am too cheap to replace a perfectly good set of fronts.

 

[FTG-05]

FTG,
I appreciate your thoughts.
Yeah, the gun rack would be a necessity. Need a spot for the Mini-14. I would also want a windshield.
What year is yours? Good looking ride! :thumbsup:

You're welcome!

Mine is a 2006. I got it for ~$9K a couple years ago. Unknown to me, it had been mudded and that trashed the right rear axle bearings. $500 for a new rear axle. Another downside to Kubota RTVs; lack of used spare parts.

 

[smstonypoint]

I purchased my RTV 900 new in 2009. Prior to the purchase, I researched the potential problems with 900s. In earlier models there was a problem with "noisy" operation in 4WD that had been fixed by 2009. As I recall, the fix for earlier models required replacing a drive shaft carrier bearing.

Shifting gears and into/out of 4WD can be quirky, but it's something you can get used to in a short amount of time.

I'm 70 years old and I expect my 900 with less than 700 hours will outlive me. I won't hesitate in buying another if it croaks before I do.

Steve

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I purchased my RTV 900 new in 2009. Prior to the purchase, I researched the potential problems with 900s. In earlier models there was a problem with "noisy" operation in 4WD that had been fixed by 2009. As I recall, the fix for earlier models required replacing a drive shaft carrier bearing.

Shifting gears and into/out of 4WD can be quirky, but it's something you can get used to in a short amount of time.

I'm 70 years old and I expect my 900 with less than 700 hours will outlive me. I won't hesitate in buying another if it croaks before I do.

Steve

:thumbsup: I had a 2012 900 for two years and then traded up to the 4 seater 1140. These are fantastic machines. Pull the trigger. View attachment 542535

 

[rgr33]

I’ve said it before, my RTV is the most used tool on my property, more than my tractors, my truck, or any tool in the shop. I too started with an ATV and a small trailer, one day in the RTV and the Polaris remained parked most of the time.

Mine is a 2008, and it gets a thorough servicing in early spring, other than that, I have never had to do any work on it, never had any fuel or injector problems with it, but it sees a lot more mud than dust every year.
The one thing I will warn you about is the shifting, it’s wierd, it’s different, and it’s irritating until you get used to it.You have to use the compression release, especially when in reverse on a hill, to try and muscle it into gear is risking a bent linkage.

Regarding the machine with 300 hrs, I would jump on that before someone else does, it’s perfect for your operation.

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . Regarding the machine with 300 hrs, I would jump on that before someone else does, . . .

Too late. I just heard back from the guy and it's sold.

I still appreciate all the advice. I'll find another one.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

I have an '05 I purchased in '10 with about 1400 hours on it. Probably over 2000 on it now, but I'd have to look to make sure. Had to replace a steel sleeve in the head where a coolant pipe attached, then later the pinions in both rear axles, and keep the propeller shaft lubricated where it passes through the frame members, otherwise it's been trouble free. At 300 hours the one you'er looking at is barely broken in. If you think $6k is expensive, price a new one. Then again, if that one has sat outside all the time, hasn't been maintained, and shows lots of abuse, RUN the other way. If the guy selling it seems a little shady and the rest of his stuff (truck, home, tractor) look junky, RUN the other way. Also, don't expect the RTV to keep up with a quad. They're utility vehicles meant for hauling, not racing. Shifting can be a problem. I never shift while moving, and always apply the brake. Even then I sometimes have to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then the right, to get it to shift. And going out of 4WD is a lot easier if you're on level ground with no load on the transmission. The dump bed is a necessity; I can't count the number of loads of gravel and dirt I've carried in mine. I drilled and tapped holes in the tailgate and bed to mount a TSC 15 gallon sprayer, and punched a hole in the headache rack so I can carry long pipes or lumber sticking out through where a windshield would be. It's a tough little son'of'a'gun, just give it regular maintenance and it'll be a good little workhorse for you.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Spent several hours researching this today. I'm hoping to find a similar deal on a good used RTV. But, I did notice that Kubota has 0% for 48 months on the new ones. $14k for the 1120. The extra HP and a warranty would be nice. Any thoughts?

 

[ultrarunner]

Too late. I just heard back from the guy and it's sold.

I still appreciate all the advice. I'll find another one.

It happens... not that many used around here and they tend to go quickly if properly represented.

Was out in it 11 hours today... had some wind damage at the 1860 barn... then up to the squeeze barn also wind damage... it was nice having all the tools in the back to get the jobs done.

 

[Will_C]

I have a 2013. I paid 12,900 for it, so the 14k on the new one doesn't sound bad at all. My RTV only has 200 hours so I am not an expert about longevity or problems, but I haven't had a single incident. Change the engine oil and filter and air filter every spring, grease it and drive it for another year-I grease in the fall as well.

Will

 

[Bigfoot62]

That was a typo. $14k, out the door, for the 900x camo.
Almost $2k more for the 1120. Is it worth it, or is the 900 all I need?

Another question: Canopy, windshield, and winch. The salesman told me that aftermarket was cheaper. What are the best sources for those?

 

[smstonypoint]

That was a typo. $14k, out the door, for the 900x camo.
Almost $2k more for the 1120. Is it worth it, or is the 900 all I need?

I think the answer depends on the # of people you want to transport. Back before my wife passed, our RTV 900 accommodated her, our Lab, and me in the one row of seating with no problem other than the Lab overlapping the passenger's lap. Seating for three adults would be a stretch. I haven't checked the specs, but I suspect that the 1120 is longer than the 900. I have some trails with tight turns that would have to be modified to accommodate a 1140.

Steve