How long has the RTV been made?

Robert_in_NY · Dec 29, 2007

This thread is a result of something said in Rapracings post about the durablity of the RTV. I didn't want to hijack his thread so I decided to start a new one as I am curious about this.

How long has the RTV been on the market? I am not trying to be negative in any way but am curious as so many people say how durable it is but it doesn't seem like the RTV has been on the market very long to know how it is going to hold up over the long haul.

As best as I can remember the Gator was the first UTV offered on a large scale (10+ years ago?) and that model is still selling. I don't recall seeing more UTV's being offered till 4-5 years ago and the last few years the UTV population has exploded with offerings from just about everyone.

One other thing I have noticed, a lot of the RTV's are bought by horse owners and used around their farms. There are a few guys on here that use them in more fun areas but it seems most of the XUV's, Rangers and others are bought for hunting and playing in more challenging terrains which will lead to more breakdowns.

Please, I do not want to argue, only open up a discussion about this and maybe someone will be able to find some stats showing durabilty ratings or something like that (though I very much doubt it

)

Take care guys and congrats on your new RTV Rap

Skipholiday · Dec 30, 2007

Good thread Robert. Personally I like the RTV.
I wish owners would post video's of the RTV in action.
Whats up with that? The only time you see the RTV it's stopped.

The RTV looks awesome setting on top of a pile of snow.

darkday · Dec 30, 2007

04 wasn't it?

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

darkday said:
04 wasn't it?

If I knew that I wouldn't have asked now would I

rapracing · Dec 30, 2007

I am not sure how long they have been built but the Kubota diesel engine and transmission that are in the RTV are proven pieces of equipment long before the RTV. The diesel is going to outlast gas that is just a fact.

The frame and suspension are much heavier build than the fun (fast) machines. I purchased the RTV for farm work, hauling wood and hunting. I will also use it for just going for a ride with the wife. I am not interested in going fast, jumping, rolling over or any of that fun stuff.

As I said in the other post after looking at the machines the RTV is better built. That is why it is heavier, more meat. I have two other machines with hydrostatic transmissions in them and absolutely love them.

I am not basing my statement on any track record I have seen, only on the machines that I have looked at. Not to say there isn't something else out there but I looked at the mule (second choice), ranger, yamaha and deere and this was the one that looked like it was going to hold up.

If someone wants to go fast and have a rip and tear time the RTV is not the machine for them. The dealer made it very clear when I was looking that it would not be the machine for anyone wanting to "have fun".

Hope this helps!

Skipholiday · Dec 30, 2007

rapracing said:
The dealer made it very clear when I was looking that it would not be the machine for anyone wanting to "have fun".

Same thing I heard from my Kubota dealer. What's up with that?

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

Skipholiday said:
Good thread Robert. Personally I like the RTV.
I wish owners would post video's of the RTV in action.
Whats up with that? The only time you see the RTV it's stopped.

The RTV looks awesome setting on top of a pile of snow.

I agree, I like the RTV but I also like all the other UTV's out there. I would not hesitate to own any one model if it fits my needs better then the others. The only product I am really loyal to is Ford trucks and that is for two reasons, I get the family discount and I have been raised around them all my life. I have had as good a luck if not better then my friends and their GM's and Dodge's also. Basically, they are all good but you will get a few lemons here and there regardless of the emblem on front.

I have some concerns with the RTV (suspension, traction and transmission) but then again I have some concerns about each of the UTV's on the market. When it is time to demo them I hope to answer my concerns with each model. I do know when I mention my concerns about the RTV some people are very protective of this model. The RTV does look like it is built like a tank and its listed weight confirms it at least weighs as much

I really would not hesitate to buy one if it works out as I want a bright color and Orange would really stand out. This is why I was drawn to the Husqvarna as it is orange, has a Kubota diesel and a better suspension for riding. I don't ever see myself hauling gravel or stone with the UTV but it will be hauling apples, grapes and other vegetables so I keep looking at the box dimensions as the bigger the better.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

rapracing said:
I am not sure how long they have been built but the Kubota diesel engine and transmission that are in the RTV are proven pieces of equipment long before the RTV. The diesel is going to outlast gas that is just a fact.

The frame and suspension are much heavier build than the fun (fast) machines. I purchased the RTV for farm work, hauling wood and hunting. I will also use it for just going for a ride with the wife. I am not interested in going fast, jumping, rolling over or any of that fun stuff.

As I said in the other post after looking at the machines the RTV is better built. That is why it is heavier, more meat. I have two other machines with hydrostatic transmissions in them and absolutely love them.

I am not basing my statement on any track record I have seen, only on the machines that I have looked at. Not to say there isn't something else out there but I looked at the mule (second choice), ranger, yamaha and deere and this was the one that looked like it was going to hold up.

If someone wants to go fast and have a rip and tear time the RTV is not the machine for them. The dealer made it very clear when I was looking that it would not be the machine for anyone wanting to "have fun".

Hope this helps!

Hi Rap, don't take this thread as anything you said in yours. It is something that has been said over and over. I almost think like you kind of pointed out (with the engine being around for a long time), that the RTV is being accepted more or less because of its name alone.

Also, why does there seem to be a negative attitude towards people who want to have fun with their UTV's as well as work them? I would think Kubota would work on meeting that market also as they can basically keep their machine the same but put on a better suspension and a front locker and call it the RTV sport. Just look at the sales they would get since a lot of guys buy the XUV because of these two reasons. Just the front locker alone would gain them a lot of sales. I am not an engineer but I wouldn't think it would be that hard to add the front locker to the RTV.

rapracing · Dec 30, 2007

I didn't intend a negative attitude toward those wanting a machine that goes fast and is light and agile, the race horse you might say. There is definately a market for that but I think with Kubota's background with their other machines they are addressing a market for the workhorse machine. I think in order to address the market you are talking about they would need another model to do so. I am not the marketing guro for them so really don't know their train of thought but I am sure they have reasons for doing what they do the way they do it.

I seriously thought about the Ranger, just to have the option of going fast and ripping around. I have had four wheelers, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and street bikes and love the thrill of having fun as well. I am getting older and some would say wiser and don't really need the thrills anymore. Heck, I might have a heart attack and never get to use it.

I know there are other good machines that serve a different purpose and also I am sure others that would be similar to the RTV. There are probably some junk machines as well.

It is best, if you are buying one not to buy based on what others say is "the best machine" as we know there are several good machines, but on what is going to serve your purpose and make you happy. If I could afford it, I may have a fast fun machine as well but at this time one is going to have to do.

Happy New Year!!!!

Skipholiday · Dec 30, 2007

rapracing said:
It is best, if you are buying one not to buy based on what others say is "the best machine" as we know there are several good machines, but on what is going to serve your purpose and make you happy.

Agreed

darkday · Dec 30, 2007

Skipholiday said:
Same thing I heard from my Kubota dealer. What's up with that?

Image? I don't know. Perhaps they figure there is a much greater market to those who need a UTV for work and if they make it seem like their UTV it just an all out worker (a man's v-hikal) they would be more prone to buying it rather then just some wanker's toy for running around on level ground.

Seems a might bit ludacris to me though, why try to turn off someone if they are going to buy a machine from you and want to play with it?

Skipholiday · Dec 30, 2007

What I have never understood is why the rtv owners are so defensive.

If anyone rides offroad much they know that 4 wheel drive is superior and safer than 3 wheel drive. It is common knowledge.
You mention it to a rtv owner and they attack you.. And say the RTV doesn't need 4 wheel drive.

darkday · Dec 30, 2007

Skipholiday said:
What I have never understood is why the rtv owners are so defensive.

If anyone rides offroad much they know that 4 wheel drive is superior and safer than 3 wheel drive. It is common knowledge.
You mention it to a rtv owner and they attack you.. And say the RTV doesn't need 4 wheel drive.

*GASP* You dare speak poorly of the masterful RTV??? You shall burn in **** !!!1111!!!1!!one!!!

Skipholiday · Dec 30, 2007

darkday said:
*GASP* You dare speak poorly of the masterful RTV??? You shall burn in **** !!!1111!!!1!!one!!!

I wasn't speaking of just the RTV.
Any offroad vehicle that is 3 wheel drive can't go to the same places as easily and safely as a similar 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Anyone that says different is wrong. For the life of me I do not understand why anyone would argue about this.

Deerlope · Dec 30, 2007

Skipholiday said:
I wasn't speaking of just the RTV.
Any offroad vehicle that is 3 wheel drive can't go to the same places as easily and safely as a similar 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Anyone that says different is wrong. For the life of me I do not understand why anyone would argue about this.

You and I have decussed the 3 & 4 wheel drive before and I sent you some links on this. I can not lock up my front differ on the RTV but it does have 4 wheel drive. It appears to me that you do not understand what 4 wheel drive is. It is useless for me to even do the research to send you links to read. A spinning wheel does have torque otherwise it would not spin and the other non spinning wheel has the same torque but it can not spin because the front differ is not locked.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

rapracing said:
I didn't intend a negative attitude toward those wanting a machine that goes fast and is light and agile, the race horse you might say. There is definately a market for that but I think with Kubota's background with their other machines they are addressing a market for the workhorse machine. I think in order to address the market you are talking about they would need another model to do so. I am not the marketing guro for them so really don't know their train of thought but I am sure they have reasons for doing what they do the way they do it.

I seriously thought about the Ranger, just to have the option of going fast and ripping around. I have had four wheelers, snowmobiles, dirt bikes and street bikes and love the thrill of having fun as well. I am getting older and some would say wiser and don't really need the thrills anymore. Heck, I might have a heart attack and never get to use it.

I know there are other good machines that serve a different purpose and also I am sure others that would be similar to the RTV. There are probably some junk machines as well.

It is best, if you are buying one not to buy based on what others say is "the best machine" as we know there are several good machines, but on what is going to serve your purpose and make you happy. If I could afford it, I may have a fast fun machine as well but at this time one is going to have to do.

Happy New Year!!!!

Again, I didn't mean to imply you had the negative attitude but you said your dealer as well as Skips dealer said these machines are not for people wanting to have fun. And in some of my discussions and others I have read on here during debates it has been implied by others over and over. Your either a member of the fan club or your the enemy with some RTV owners.

I like the Ranger because of the top end speed. However, I might use that speed a half hour out of the day and that day would only be 2-3 times a week during the spring and then only a few times during the summer. So I don't need it as I won't be going very fast in the fields anyway, it is only for when I am on the road going from field to field. I can get by with less and have been looking at others as so far the only requirement to get invited for a demo is a bench seat. Once its at my place I will see how it likes my ground and how I like the machine. From there it is anyones guess as to which one will win me over.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

Deerlope said:
You and I have decussed the 3 & 4 wheel drive before and I sent you some links on this. I can not lock up my front differ on the RTV but it does have 4 wheel drive. It appears to me that you do not understand what 4 wheel drive is. It is useless for me to even do the research to send you links to read. A spinning wheel does have torque otherwise it would not spin and the other non spinning wheel has the same torque but it can not spin because the front differ is not locked.

That is why when these companies promote their machines with front lockers they refer to it as "true" four wheel drive as all 4 wheels will continue to turn until you let off the throttle. It is the same on trucks. I have 4wd with a limited slip rear axle on the F-150 and one F-250, the other F-250 has the non-limited slip rear axle (both rear wheels keep turning). The F-250 with the non-limited slip rear axle will drive thru mud and snow without blinking while the F-150 with same tires as the 250 will get stuck easily and the new F-250 got stuck in one of my customers yards when I went to back up a hay wagon because the ground was soft and the front left tire sunk into the ground. Even in 4wd I couldn't get out. I had to use their Kubota to pull the hay wagon up to the barn then pull me out as I wasn't going anywhere. The only trucks that have been stuck have been with the limited slip axles. The other 250 was stuck once but that was because my dad decided to park it in a ditch (it was a nice size ditch too) while trying to get far enough off the side of the road when he went hunting one morning.

My experiences with these types of axles is not great and I wonder what the advantage is really for off road vehicles like UTV's.

TWO GUNS · Dec 30, 2007

Once its at my place I will see how it likes my ground and how I like the machine. From there it is anyones guess as to which one will win me over.[/QUOTE]

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU !!!!

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2007

TWO GUNS said:
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU !!!!

JayC · Dec 30, 2007

Skipholiday said:
Good thread Robert. Personally I like the RTV.
I wish owners would post video's of the RTV in action.
Whats up with that? The only time you see the RTV it's stopped.

The RTV looks awesome setting on top of a pile of snow.

There are a few on YouTube. I just did a search for "Kubota RTV" and these came up. Some videos definitely show the RTV can be used for "fun" as well, although one video has a bit more fun than I would have with one.