Looking at buying a used Kubota RTV 900 Diesel - NEED ADVICE, PLEASE!

[smstonypoint]

I purchased my RTV 900 new in 2009. Prior to the purchase, I researched the potential problems with 900s. In earlier models there was a problem with "noisy" operation in 4WD that had been fixed by 2009. As I recall, the fix for earlier models required replacing a drive shaft carrier bearing.

Shifting gears and into/out of 4WD can be quirky, but it's something you can get used to in a short amount of time.

I'm 70 years old and I expect my 900 with less than 700 hours will outlive me. I won't hesitate in buying another if it croaks before I do.

Steve

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I purchased my RTV 900 new in 2009. Prior to the purchase, I researched the potential problems with 900s. In earlier models there was a problem with "noisy" operation in 4WD that had been fixed by 2009. As I recall, the fix for earlier models required replacing a drive shaft carrier bearing.

Shifting gears and into/out of 4WD can be quirky, but it's something you can get used to in a short amount of time.

I'm 70 years old and I expect my 900 with less than 700 hours will outlive me. I won't hesitate in buying another if it croaks before I do.

Steve

:thumbsup: I had a 2012 900 for two years and then traded up to the 4 seater 1140. These are fantastic machines. Pull the trigger. View attachment 542535

 

[rgr33]

I’ve said it before, my RTV is the most used tool on my property, more than my tractors, my truck, or any tool in the shop. I too started with an ATV and a small trailer, one day in the RTV and the Polaris remained parked most of the time.

Mine is a 2008, and it gets a thorough servicing in early spring, other than that, I have never had to do any work on it, never had any fuel or injector problems with it, but it sees a lot more mud than dust every year.
The one thing I will warn you about is the shifting, it’s wierd, it’s different, and it’s irritating until you get used to it.You have to use the compression release, especially when in reverse on a hill, to try and muscle it into gear is risking a bent linkage.

Regarding the machine with 300 hrs, I would jump on that before someone else does, it’s perfect for your operation.

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . Regarding the machine with 300 hrs, I would jump on that before someone else does, . . .

Too late. I just heard back from the guy and it's sold.

I still appreciate all the advice. I'll find another one.

 

[RedNeckGeek]

I have an '05 I purchased in '10 with about 1400 hours on it. Probably over 2000 on it now, but I'd have to look to make sure. Had to replace a steel sleeve in the head where a coolant pipe attached, then later the pinions in both rear axles, and keep the propeller shaft lubricated where it passes through the frame members, otherwise it's been trouble free. At 300 hours the one you'er looking at is barely broken in. If you think $6k is expensive, price a new one. Then again, if that one has sat outside all the time, hasn't been maintained, and shows lots of abuse, RUN the other way. If the guy selling it seems a little shady and the rest of his stuff (truck, home, tractor) look junky, RUN the other way. Also, don't expect the RTV to keep up with a quad. They're utility vehicles meant for hauling, not racing. Shifting can be a problem. I never shift while moving, and always apply the brake. Even then I sometimes have to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then the right, to get it to shift. And going out of 4WD is a lot easier if you're on level ground with no load on the transmission. The dump bed is a necessity; I can't count the number of loads of gravel and dirt I've carried in mine. I drilled and tapped holes in the tailgate and bed to mount a TSC 15 gallon sprayer, and punched a hole in the headache rack so I can carry long pipes or lumber sticking out through where a windshield would be. It's a tough little son'of'a'gun, just give it regular maintenance and it'll be a good little workhorse for you.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Spent several hours researching this today. I'm hoping to find a similar deal on a good used RTV. But, I did notice that Kubota has 0% for 48 months on the new ones. $14k for the 1120. The extra HP and a warranty would be nice. Any thoughts?

 

[ultrarunner]

Too late. I just heard back from the guy and it's sold.

I still appreciate all the advice. I'll find another one.

It happens... not that many used around here and they tend to go quickly if properly represented.

Was out in it 11 hours today... had some wind damage at the 1860 barn... then up to the squeeze barn also wind damage... it was nice having all the tools in the back to get the jobs done.

 

[Will_C]

I have a 2013. I paid 12,900 for it, so the 14k on the new one doesn't sound bad at all. My RTV only has 200 hours so I am not an expert about longevity or problems, but I haven't had a single incident. Change the engine oil and filter and air filter every spring, grease it and drive it for another year-I grease in the fall as well.

Will

 

[Bigfoot62]

That was a typo. $14k, out the door, for the 900x camo.
Almost $2k more for the 1120. Is it worth it, or is the 900 all I need?

Another question: Canopy, windshield, and winch. The salesman told me that aftermarket was cheaper. What are the best sources for those?

 

[smstonypoint]

That was a typo. $14k, out the door, for the 900x camo.
Almost $2k more for the 1120. Is it worth it, or is the 900 all I need?

I think the answer depends on the # of people you want to transport. Back before my wife passed, our RTV 900 accommodated her, our Lab, and me in the one row of seating with no problem other than the Lab overlapping the passenger's lap. Seating for three adults would be a stretch. I haven't checked the specs, but I suspect that the 1120 is longer than the 900. I have some trails with tight turns that would have to be modified to accommodate a 1140.

Steve