Kubota RTV 500 Uphill Pulling / Towing

[General Lee]

Thanks, guys. I would rarely be towing that much weight -- just threw those numbers out to see what the consensus would be. It would be nice to have that capability, but, as you say, I can always make another trip. Your responses do suggest that the 500 is probably stronger than I thought. I hope to put one through its paces on Friday.

Its stronger than your thought, but its slow gettin to where its gettin. Those up hill slpoes towing that weight will HAVE to be done in LOW gear and 4WD minimum. May even have to lock the rear. Sit back and you'll have time to eat that ham sandwich on the way up.

Just hauling from here to there on flat terrain, it does just fine. It has no suspension articulation and for that reason alone I would not buy one again.

 

[Milo]

Thanks again. Given the limitations on size, the only other machines I've considered are the JD Gator XUV 550 and the Kawasaki Mule 610. Both are belt-driven and use carbs. What I'm hearing is that the RTV 550 will at least perform on par with those machines and will certainly last longer.

What about a mid size Ranger? 2013 Polaris RANGER 500 EFI Solar Red Side by Side: Features

 

[DIXIEDOG]

When you tow heavy amounts with the RTV 500 you'll have to be careful that you don't get in any tight areas or areas where you need to make sharp turns....the load will push the RTV 500 all over the place....I've pulled my bass boat with the one I had and it moved it well.


I think the Gator 550 has a pretty good advantage with true 4WD....the RTV 500 doesn't have that and you mention traction being a big deal...if it's a major issue for you I would look into the Gator or a Ranger 400 or 500....get a real 4 WD machine and you can go more places.

 

[jeff9366]

DIXIEDOG, who makes so many informative posts here on TBN:

Clarify ....the RTV500 doesn't have....true 4WD.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

DIXIEDOG, who makes so many informative posts here on TBN:

Clarify ....the RTV500 doesn't have....true 4WD.

That is correct, the RTV 500 has the ability to lock the rear axle but not the front. It's certainly a nice unit but if the original poster needs maximum traction he will not get it with a Kubota RTV. The Gator and Ranger both have true 4WD on demand.

 

[Travieso5]

You guys are over my head on this.

 

[DT86]

You guys are over my head on this.

Try reading "How Stuff Works Four Wheel Drive Differential"

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/four-wheel-drive3.htm

 

[timswi]

You guys are over my head on this.

It's really 3 wheel drive with the differential lock engaged...This was never an issue for me.

I just moved a minimum 4000# trailer with my RTV1100 on snow/ice...Same 4x4 configuration and I was WAY over limit...No problem...Dangerous, yes, but still no problem. Handle the machine according to what it is that you are doing.

Pulled the same 2000# (once emptied) trailer up a very steep snow/ice covered road...No diff lock and in 4x4...Again, no problem.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

It's really 3 wheel drive with the differential lock engaged...This was never an issue for me.

I just moved a minimum 4000# trailer with my RTV1100 on snow/ice...Same 4x4 configuration and I was WAY over limit...No problem...Dangerous, yes, but still no problem. Handle the machine according to what it is that you are doing.

Pulled the same 2000# (once emptied) trailer up a very steep snow/ice covered road...No diff lock and in 4x4...Again, no problem.

I guess the big thing is knowing your limitations, I didn't get stuck with my RTV 500 all the time either but that's because I avoided situations where I knew I would get stuck. My Gator 825i has been through areas that my RTV500 wouldn't have stood a chance. The power added with 4 wheels turning makes a huge difference in off road ability in limited traction situations. The faster revving cvt of the competition makes a difference too...the RTV is a great machine but it's offroad prowness is not it's strong suit and hill climbing under slippery conditions is not it's strong suit.

 

[jeff9366]

I have had my RTV500 in commercial use for 18 months and nothing has fallen off, nothing has broken.

Nor have I ever been stuck, pulling the trailer, not pulling the trailer, in 4-WD or not in 4-WD. I have needed the differential lock perhaps six times in 18 months. Did not get stuck then either.

Everyone has different experiences.

These have been mine.

RTV500 is a Kubota design. Kubota has great expertise in sub-compact tractors. Tractor genes evident in the RTV500 design. It is 200-300 pounds heavier than its competitors; extra weight is in the frame and HST (tractor) transmission.