I work for a gas co. and we bought a RTV to use on the pipeline right of way. We are very dissappointed with this machine. On hills you cant hardly get it to shift. No matter how long you sit and wait you still have to jerk and jerk to get it out of gear. It also will NOT back up a steep hill, it just sits there, it wont spin a tire. Climbing a steep hill in low it has done the same thing, just sit there and do nothing but make noise no matter where the throttle pedal is, no tire spinning or nothing. On other occassions you'll be climbing a hill in low and it will run clear out of power and stallout. we've tried easing up on the throttle pedal like the dealer told us tod do to allow it to gear down but sometimes it still stalls out. To me when your climbing a hill with this thing it should either climb the hill, spin out, or flip over backwards not stall out. We work on very steep ground and thought this machine would be the ticket. We dont haul much in it, two guys and 200 pounds and still have these problems. Today we broke a front axle while we were trying to get it out of the mud. Has anyone experienced any of these problems. We have a similar polaris vehicle on the same job that can run circles around this machine. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
KUBOTA RTV PROBLEMS
- Thread starter RAMROD
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Rip
Platinum Member
Can not speak for the RTV, but we do have a Ranger 6x6 and had it up to Webster Pass a couple weeks ago at about 12,000 ft with no problems at all with power or traction.... good ride too. Lots of rough steep terrain.... big horn sheep country.
Keybal
Bronze Member
While we haven't stressed our RTV a whole bunch, we have pulled a 1800 to 2000# load up a 20 to 25% grade with no problem in 2nd gear. It is also a pain to **** gears, but so far I have been able to eventually get it into the gear selected. Sounds like you got a bad unit.
Sorry, right now my biggest problem is if it going to rain tomorrow in Kauai, Hawall where we are staying for a week
Keybal
Sorry, right now my biggest problem is if it going to rain tomorrow in Kauai, Hawall where we are staying for a week
Keybal
Dargo
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In an earlier post I'd complained loudly about my RTV having the same problems. The only way I could get mine out of gear on the side of a hill was to shut it off and wait a few seconds. Obviously unacceptable.
I went and bought both hydro filters and the Kubota Super UDT fluid needed to change the transmission fluid and it's filters, even though I only had about 23 hours on mine. It made a world of difference. I have no problem shifting. I sometimes have to put on the emergency brake if I'm on a really steep hill, but it comes out of gear easily enough now. Also, on hills that I couldn't make it up when I first bought it (because it would just spin), it got to where it just grunted and wouldn't move or spin. After the filter and fluid change, it will now spin the much more aggressive Maxxix Bighorn Radial tires I have on mine. I can climb hills in 2 wheel drive with these tires that I couldn't climb in 4 wheel drive with the other tires; now it will spin all 4 of these more aggressive tires in low range.
Apparently during the break in process the transmission filters become clogged with particles and severely restrict flow. By doing so, they also cause pressure on the gears because of back pressure from oil that can't easily flow through the filters, which makes it darn near impossible to get out of gear. I was ready to get rid of mine (I'd already bought a Yamaha Rhino to go along with it - and it will climb any hill, it's just a matter of how brave you are and how fast you want to climb the hills) but after the oil and filter change in the transmission, it's back to what I expect of it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Hopefully this helps for you, it sure did for me. I was about sick because I liked so much about the RTV except for the problems you mentioned that I'd also experienced. Again, I think this procedure should work for you, because it did work for me. Good luck.
I went and bought both hydro filters and the Kubota Super UDT fluid needed to change the transmission fluid and it's filters, even though I only had about 23 hours on mine. It made a world of difference. I have no problem shifting. I sometimes have to put on the emergency brake if I'm on a really steep hill, but it comes out of gear easily enough now. Also, on hills that I couldn't make it up when I first bought it (because it would just spin), it got to where it just grunted and wouldn't move or spin. After the filter and fluid change, it will now spin the much more aggressive Maxxix Bighorn Radial tires I have on mine. I can climb hills in 2 wheel drive with these tires that I couldn't climb in 4 wheel drive with the other tires; now it will spin all 4 of these more aggressive tires in low range.
Apparently during the break in process the transmission filters become clogged with particles and severely restrict flow. By doing so, they also cause pressure on the gears because of back pressure from oil that can't easily flow through the filters, which makes it darn near impossible to get out of gear. I was ready to get rid of mine (I'd already bought a Yamaha Rhino to go along with it - and it will climb any hill, it's just a matter of how brave you are and how fast you want to climb the hills) but after the oil and filter change in the transmission, it's back to what I expect of it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Hopefully this helps for you, it sure did for me. I was about sick because I liked so much about the RTV except for the problems you mentioned that I'd also experienced. Again, I think this procedure should work for you, because it did work for me. Good luck.
MessickFarmEqu
Super Member
I'd ask your dealer to take it back and address those problems. It should have plenty of power on hills and the axle is a manufacturing problem.
Shifting on hills is a problem, if the transmission is loaded you can't change gears. Thats the reality of an HST transmission. You can do the parking break trick or try getting yourself turned sideways.
Shifting on hills is a problem, if the transmission is loaded you can't change gears. Thats the reality of an HST transmission. You can do the parking break trick or try getting yourself turned sideways.
Ramrod,
Welcome to TBN.
The shifting issue has been a big thing on the RTV, especially on hills. Dargo had the worst experience and like he said, it was corrected.
Using the emergency brake is a huge help also. Read through previous threads for discussions but this technique fixed the shifting issue for most of us.
If these don't correct it, like Messick says, return it to the dealer for them to look at.
BTW - another thing just came to mind. How old is your RTV? Do you have the newer version where when you let off the pedal, it slows gradually or the older version where when you let off the pedal, the machine pretty much stops on a dime. If the newer, there's other (pretty straight forward) alternatives to fix your issue.
Many of us have found that the tranny and shifting loosen up after awhile. Locations I had difficulty shifting in the past are no longer an issue.
Welcome to TBN.
The shifting issue has been a big thing on the RTV, especially on hills. Dargo had the worst experience and like he said, it was corrected.
Using the emergency brake is a huge help also. Read through previous threads for discussions but this technique fixed the shifting issue for most of us.
If these don't correct it, like Messick says, return it to the dealer for them to look at.
BTW - another thing just came to mind. How old is your RTV? Do you have the newer version where when you let off the pedal, it slows gradually or the older version where when you let off the pedal, the machine pretty much stops on a dime. If the newer, there's other (pretty straight forward) alternatives to fix your issue.
Many of us have found that the tranny and shifting loosen up after awhile. Locations I had difficulty shifting in the past are no longer an issue.
milkman
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Dargo,
I've seen several references to the shifting problem with the RTV. Yesterday, I drove one at the dealer and it would sling gravel all over the parking lot in high range when taking off. I was reading in the brochure that the hydrostat automatically shifts down on hills, if this is correct then why the need to stop and shift? Wish I could have run it longer and over some hilly areas. Sure liked the power steering and it was quieter than the Rhino. Still confused about the shifting issue. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I've seen several references to the shifting problem with the RTV. Yesterday, I drove one at the dealer and it would sling gravel all over the parking lot in high range when taking off. I was reading in the brochure that the hydrostat automatically shifts down on hills, if this is correct then why the need to stop and shift? Wish I could have run it longer and over some hilly areas. Sure liked the power steering and it was quieter than the Rhino. Still confused about the shifting issue. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Dargo
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milkman, as you likely have seen in my "signature", I have an RTV and a Rhino. They are completely different beasts. You pointed out one thing that actually surprised me; that is that the RTV is quiter than the Rhino. I would have expected the opposite, but that is not the case.
I generally put my RTV in "H" most all of the time. However, if I'm going to be going up a steep hill, it will run out of power in high gear. That is where I first discovered the problem of trying to shift out of gear on the side of a hill. Mine flat wouldn't come out of gear unless I shut off the engine and waited a few seconds. As you also likely read, that problem was completely fixed by changing the transmission fluid and filters. Apparently during the break in process the filters have a tendency to become clogged, and that causes back pressure on the gears, making them hard to impossible to change.
Now to your changing gear question; the RTV doesn't actually down shift when going down a hill. I believe the term they use is dynamic braking. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on the terminology. All that does is use the engine and transmission as a brake. You really never need to use the brakes on the RTV. Once you get used to it, it's really nice. If you are going to go up a steep hill, especially if you are fully loaded, you will need to put it into low range first. Then, even with fairly aggressive tires, I have no problem with power.
However, that power is not to be confused with the power of the Rhino. On the Rhino, I can really spin all 4 tires in a big way and rocket up most any hill. I'm generally using the brakes to keep from going 40 feet high on a 30 foot high hill. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I've added the "BlackRhino" CDI unit to mine which takes out the speed limiter, so my Rhino runs about 53 mph. It seems to run that empty or loaded.
As I also mentioned in an earlier post, I initially set out to buy a Polaris 6X6, figuring that it would be the best of both worlds. Two friends of mine who own Polaris ATV's talked me out of it. Neither is pleased (I'm putting it mildly compared to the way they described it) with the durability of their Polaris. When I did drive the Polaris 6X6, it was quite a bit faster than the RTV, but quite a bit slower than the Rhino. It was also heavier than the Rhino, but quite a bit lighter built than the RTV. My guess is that you would be hard pressed to get one hung up though! That part was impressive. If you run in really muddy places, it may be the best choice for you. Well, if I put some really aggressive tires on the Rhino and stood on the throttle, it likely would rip through quite a bit as well.
So, to have a real work horse that I could fuel up in my barn with my existing diesel tank and that would carry the load, I bought the RTV. The transmission (not a belt drive) and the power steering was a big selling factor for me. Otherwise, I likely would have gone with the HPX Diesel Gator. For a vehicle that would be a blast to drive, would be really quick, and could also haul a reasonable load, I also bought the Rhino. The Rhino is mean, fast, tough, and Yamaha has a history of producing some very high quality products. Sorry for the long reply, but it took a lot of thought to decide that I needed two UV's. Good luck with whatever you purchase.
I generally put my RTV in "H" most all of the time. However, if I'm going to be going up a steep hill, it will run out of power in high gear. That is where I first discovered the problem of trying to shift out of gear on the side of a hill. Mine flat wouldn't come out of gear unless I shut off the engine and waited a few seconds. As you also likely read, that problem was completely fixed by changing the transmission fluid and filters. Apparently during the break in process the filters have a tendency to become clogged, and that causes back pressure on the gears, making them hard to impossible to change.
Now to your changing gear question; the RTV doesn't actually down shift when going down a hill. I believe the term they use is dynamic braking. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on the terminology. All that does is use the engine and transmission as a brake. You really never need to use the brakes on the RTV. Once you get used to it, it's really nice. If you are going to go up a steep hill, especially if you are fully loaded, you will need to put it into low range first. Then, even with fairly aggressive tires, I have no problem with power.
However, that power is not to be confused with the power of the Rhino. On the Rhino, I can really spin all 4 tires in a big way and rocket up most any hill. I'm generally using the brakes to keep from going 40 feet high on a 30 foot high hill. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I've added the "BlackRhino" CDI unit to mine which takes out the speed limiter, so my Rhino runs about 53 mph. It seems to run that empty or loaded.
As I also mentioned in an earlier post, I initially set out to buy a Polaris 6X6, figuring that it would be the best of both worlds. Two friends of mine who own Polaris ATV's talked me out of it. Neither is pleased (I'm putting it mildly compared to the way they described it) with the durability of their Polaris. When I did drive the Polaris 6X6, it was quite a bit faster than the RTV, but quite a bit slower than the Rhino. It was also heavier than the Rhino, but quite a bit lighter built than the RTV. My guess is that you would be hard pressed to get one hung up though! That part was impressive. If you run in really muddy places, it may be the best choice for you. Well, if I put some really aggressive tires on the Rhino and stood on the throttle, it likely would rip through quite a bit as well.
So, to have a real work horse that I could fuel up in my barn with my existing diesel tank and that would carry the load, I bought the RTV. The transmission (not a belt drive) and the power steering was a big selling factor for me. Otherwise, I likely would have gone with the HPX Diesel Gator. For a vehicle that would be a blast to drive, would be really quick, and could also haul a reasonable load, I also bought the Rhino. The Rhino is mean, fast, tough, and Yamaha has a history of producing some very high quality products. Sorry for the long reply, but it took a lot of thought to decide that I needed two UV's. Good luck with whatever you purchase.
We serviced the RTV changed all the filters and fluids 2 weeks ago and that didn't help. We got it about 2 months ago and sent it back to the dealer shortly after to get some of these problems fix and he claims there is nothing wrong with it. I cant imagine throwing gravel in one of these machines ,ours would never do that in any gear. Ours would never be able to pull a very steep hill with a full heavy load in it either. High gear is good for flat ground or down hill only. I dont know if this is the newer version or not, the throttle lever seems to have some kind of a plunger control on it.
grandad
Platinum Member
Sorry to hear of your problems with the RTV. This is just a friendly suggestion... maybe it will be helpful.
In each of your posts you mention the "throttle pedal". It's pretty important with these hydro-drive units to understand that thing on the floor isn't a throttle, and if you use it like a gas pedal, you are setting yourself up to have exactly the kind of driveability problems you have been describing.
With a "gas pedal", the harder you stomp on it, the more you open the throttle and rev the engine... thus more power and torque to the drivetrain, which typically has a set amount of gear reduction based on what gear you have it in.
With an HST pedal, the harder you stomp on it, the engine stays at the same RPM setting and you are effectively changing the gear reduction to a taller gear, so it's like starting out in 4th or 5th gear on a manual tranny.
So, to get the maximum amount of gear reduction, you don't want to tromp on the pedal and then ease off; you want to apply a gradual, small amount of pedal, and only then add more to build speed once you are moving.
If you have been "flooring it" to pull a heavy load up an incline, it's no wonder it acts like there is no power because you are, in effect, operating in the highest possible gear.
Maybe you have a bad unit, but if you don't understand how a hydro tranny works, it only makes the situation worse. Best of luck... I hope you get it straightened out.
In each of your posts you mention the "throttle pedal". It's pretty important with these hydro-drive units to understand that thing on the floor isn't a throttle, and if you use it like a gas pedal, you are setting yourself up to have exactly the kind of driveability problems you have been describing.
With a "gas pedal", the harder you stomp on it, the more you open the throttle and rev the engine... thus more power and torque to the drivetrain, which typically has a set amount of gear reduction based on what gear you have it in.
With an HST pedal, the harder you stomp on it, the engine stays at the same RPM setting and you are effectively changing the gear reduction to a taller gear, so it's like starting out in 4th or 5th gear on a manual tranny.
So, to get the maximum amount of gear reduction, you don't want to tromp on the pedal and then ease off; you want to apply a gradual, small amount of pedal, and only then add more to build speed once you are moving.
If you have been "flooring it" to pull a heavy load up an incline, it's no wonder it acts like there is no power because you are, in effect, operating in the highest possible gear.
Maybe you have a bad unit, but if you don't understand how a hydro tranny works, it only makes the situation worse. Best of luck... I hope you get it straightened out.
