kubota rtv 500 plowing?

[swamprunner]

A lift atuator is just an electric motor that picks up the plow with using a chan...It's mounted to the plow subrame...There are no tangle issues with winch cables..besides, depening on the up/diosn cycling, winches really weren't designed for that...

60' kubota plow is perfect for the 500..I think Curtis actually make them for Kubota

Ok.. haven't heard a negative side to the 500 yet..... would like to order by the end of the week.. only thing I have not drove is the 610 mule..the interior room looks about the same but I know it must be louder and cant be as smooth.. and cvt... only about a 1 k price difference.... is anyone out there going to talk me out of the 500 into the mule for any reasons I am missing? Thank you all for the great feedback.. this is a healthy purchase and I just want something we will enjoy for a long time without major issues... the mules body almost looks identical but not as "solid"...

 

[prehm]

Swamprunner, I was shopping for for a UTV in 2011 and was seriously considering the RTV 500. Frankly, I was only considering the RTV 500, RTV 900 and the Honda Big Red because I was not interested in a CVT. My use of a UTV was for a 135 acres cattle farm in west central Arkansas which means work only on fairly flat grassy terrain. When I really looked at the Kubotas and priced them, I was appalled at the fairly small cost delta between the RTV 500 and the RTV 900, especially for the major differences in each. It became very easy for me to remove the RTV 500 from my list when the approximate $3000 delta did not measure up to the engine delta (diesel vs gas), 2 speed vs 3 speed variable transmission, power steering vs manual, hydraulic dump, and significant weight difference.

Then I began a detailed comparison of the Honda Big Red to the RTV 900 and decided that the Honda compared very well with the RTV 500 for another $1000.

So I purchase the RTV 900 XT worksite model and I must say I'm very happy with that decision.

Cost may be a significant driving factor for you, as it was for me. I just couldn't get past the over pricing of the 500 relative to the 900.

I suspect I've muddied the water for you. It is a significant purchase; therefore, I'd suggest at least checking out the RTV 900 XT prior to purchasing a UTV that you might out grow in the future.

prehm

 

[swamprunner]

Yeah, I really haven't looked into the 900's.... really liked the mid size of the 500. I thought the 900s were significantly higher priced, but maybe I was wrong on that? I was trying to get the utv and plow setup around the 10 grand mark, don't think I have a chance with the 900.... at least a new one.

 

[Stonehaller]

The RTV 500 verses 610 Mule has been discussed here before. Do a search and you will find lots of info on both. Take a look at this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/154148-rtv-500-mule-610-a.html

 

[swamprunner]

Thanks stonhaller... good info there.... does your 500 plow well? And is 10800 a good price with the plow setup?

 

[Stonehaller]

I do not plow snow with mine so I cannot give you any feedback there. I paid just under $8000 in 2009 for mine in camo with the front brush guard.

I am still happy with mine. Only complaints are the suspension and that if you dump a heavy load it can tip the bed enough that the fenders will contact the rear wheels. Then if you pull a head the fender can get pulled by the wheel and break the tail light. It does not damage the fender but Kubota wants near $50 for a new tail light.

 

[Storm56]

Then I began a detailed comparison of the Honda Big Red to the RTV 900 and decided that the Honda compared very well with the RTV 500 for another $1000. prehm

Hope you have great luck with the RTV 900, they are an awesome work machine.

Have to comment about the RTV 500 vs the Honda Big Red though. I recently bought a UTV, (ended up with a Big Red), and like you did not want a CTV transmission. Comparing an RTV 500 to the Big Red is like apples and oranges though. Yes they are both gas and do not use a belt, however the similarity ends there. The Kubota is heavily designed for work, the Big Red is designed for work and play. The Big Red has a bigger engine with at least twice the HP of the Kubota. It has twice the suspension travel as well. Big Red's supension is also 4 wheel indepenedent, not a straight axle like on the RTV 500. Big Red is 10 inches wider. Big Red has higher ground clearance The transmission is a true 3 speed automatic with a torque converter like an automobile while the RTV 500 is a hydro. Big Red offers 3 drive choices which range from 2 WD with an open diff to full 4WD lock.

Yes Big Red costs more than the RTV 500 but you get a lot more machine too.

As a side note for the OP, a 2009 Big Red just sold on Ebay with a plow and winch for $7300, appeared to be low use. That was a very good buy. Deals are out there, just have to search.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Misfire]

Ok.. haven't heard a negative side to the 500 yet..... would like to order by the end of the week.. only thing I have not drove is the 610 mule..the interior room looks about the same but I know it must be louder and cant be as smooth.. and cvt... only about a 1 k price difference.... is anyone out there going to talk me out of the 500 into the mule for any reasons I am missing? Thank you all for the great feedback.. this is a healthy purchase and I just want something we will enjoy for a long time without major issues... the mules body almost looks identical but not as "solid"...

RTV500s are now out of stock in this area with none available until October. That's according to multiple dealers, including the place I bought mine from. I got his last RTV500 on Friday. You might want to check with your dealer if you plan to buy soon.

The Mule has some advantages over the RTV500. It has much better storage and snorkel air intakes for the engine and CVT case. No engine braking and drum brakes are the major disadvantages, especially if you have steep hills to deal with. Price goes in the Mules favor, too.

Personally, I thought the Mules I drove were quiet. I liked the 610, but it wasn't for me because of my steep terrain.

 

[swamprunner]

Stonehaller... I see that you are also from mid Michigan.. did you buy your kubota from the west branch dealer?

 

[Stonehaller]

I got it at Lingle Equipment in Saginaw. Nice folks. A couple days after they delivered it, I discovered the four wheel drive did not work. They sent a mechanic out to look at figuring it was just a maladjustment. I told them it was not and the mechanic confirmed what I said and he took it back to the shop. The next day I stopped in they showed me the little transfer case that engages the front wheels was missing a gear. Obviously misassembled at the factory. They said that the component came as an assembly from Japan and there was no stock in the U.S. Rather than make me wait, they swapped my RTV 500 with a new one out of the crate and delivered it the next day.