I have 700 engine hours on my RTV500. Very reliable so long as non-ethanol gas (marine gas in Florida) is used. Same HST used in Kubota BX tractors, which is why Kubota utility vehicles cost more than belt drive competitors. Never have heard of any Kubota HST failing. Top speed is limited by HST, which is designed for low end torque, not top speed, to 25-mph. Fast enough for me.
I tow a robust MUTS all-terrain trailer behind my RTV500, usually carrying yard and tree debris, sometime 1,000 pounds dirt. The 15.8 horsepower engine/HST accelerates 1,000 pounds of dirt slowly, but satisfactorily ~~~~~stopping that 1,000 pounds of dirt in a straight line is more difficult.
MUTS dumps 100% of loads, which few of its competitors do.
MUTS is the gold standard in all-terrain trailers and I highly recommend them. I abhor equipment down time.
((The Home Depot resin alternative is a POLAR. POLARs incompletely dump. Read POLAR reviews before making purchase decision. Some reports of wheel bearing failure. Photo #9 ))
RTV500 has never overheated despite 97 degree summer heat in Florida.
Engine is fairly loud, louder than the three cylinder diesel in my
L3560 tractor. ((
Less loud than the diesels in larger RTVs.))
I wear sound attenuating muffs when operating RTV and tractor.
If you work in woods, buy the optional factory roof. I have had large branches come down on the roof three times without damage to me or the roof. A person up to 150 pounds can work while standing on the roof, but I do not recommend that. :wink:
The REAR springs are adjustable in five increments, as operators vary from 80 pounds to 300 pounds. After a short time ALL RTV500's tilt to the left, at which time one adjusts/increases spring resistance on the left/driver's side to level up. Spring adjustment is covered in the Operator's Manual.
MORE RTV500:
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MUTS:
MUTS - Multi-Use Trailer System for your ATV, Quad and 4 Wheeler
