New UTV buyer. RTV 500 or 610/SX Mule

s219 · May 16, 2019

Josefmd said:
The tranny differences are sufficient between the two with some people telling me the hdyrostatic tranny is no good for a UTV.

Whoever told you that is way out of touch -- the HST is what makes the Kubotas so much better for work duty and gives them better control in tight spaces and low speed situations. Not saying that is needed, but it's definitely something that sets Kubota apart from the pack in a better way.

s219 · May 16, 2019

cathy liebchen said:
You will have higher maintenance costs with the RTV, and repairs can be very costly on the Kubota.

Cathy, that is nonsense. I've owned my RTV-X1120D for almost 4 years and not only are the maintenance costs peanuts, it's proven way more reliable than pretty much every other brand UTV in my neighborhood. The RTVs are built much heavier duty and I can see from experience that they hold up a whole lot better. Not saying the OP needs that, but I think it's misleading to say the Kubota costs more to maintain and repair because my experience has been exactly the opposite.

timswi · May 16, 2019

I had an RTV500 when they first came out--Kept it for 2 years and never had an issue with it..I did property work and plowed snow with it...Not fast but did everything I ever asked of it. Only traded it because I wanted the HVAC in the RTV1100. If it's in good shape and runs good, I'd buy it in your circumstance.

Industrial Toys · May 16, 2019

I see the Kubota Hydraulic UTV as a Tool and many other UTVs as Toys. Consumer oriented, weakly engineered and built, but hey, fancy! The ads I see for these things are just absurd! If you called them compact dune buggies, that would be accurate, but Utility Vehicles? give me a break!

And you mark my words. Too many people are going to kill themselves at 60 MPH, and this whole segment will be handled differently. Too bad, for those, that just wanted, and needed a UTV.

Having said that. My 20 year old Mule has served me quite well, but I have never liked the snowmobile clutch. I have never owned a recreational vehicle, snowmobile, or one of those 4 wheel things with the handlebars and bicycle seat, so I just don't like that kind of technology.

I don't like cruising around with a snowmobile clutch, but it's probably better than cruising around with a hydrostat. For the same reason, I don't like the thought of driving a hydrostat very far.

Josefmd · May 16, 2019

I figured this might turn into a Ford vs Chevy type of discussion.

Again thanks everyone for taking the time to provide your input. Well, I put a deposit down on a used 15 hr 2018 Mule SX 4x4 carb version green in color, with a windshield as well as a roof. Picking it up for $6000 and the seller is going to meet me half way since he is in southern IL. I think it's going to serve me well with what I am going to use it for. The XC would have been nice with the bigger tires, and higher ground clearance, but not really going to be doing any real off-roading with it. Glad I ended up getting this machine because when I was first considering buying new this is the exact model I wanted to get.