Pulled the Trigger on the RTV 500

[ScipioUSA]

Well, after much debate my wife and I decided to get the RTV500. Ordered it with the HD tires and the plow from Kubota, also got the roof and the windshield. I know its $$$ upfront to get the stuff that way, but hopefully that means it will last.

For now Im just going to try and hunt down the work light wiring diagrams/install instructions with the hope of adding my own separate set of lights, and figuring out the maintenance schedule. Looks like at 50 hours Im doing engine oil, filters all the way around, and Ill probably do the hydrostat fluid then instead of waiting to 400 hours. Is anyone using Rotella 10w-30 in their RTV? I use it for my air cooled lawn equipment, and it seems to work well, but curious about any other experience with it.

Any new owner tips or tricks I should be aware of?

 

[Thomas]

Congrats on your new investment. :thumbsup: we all like pics.

 

[AllDodge]

Congrats, and the manual states use 10W-30 SG, SH, SJ or higher (above 0F or 5W-20 or 5W-30 below 0F), and I'm sure Rotella meets the spec along with many others

 

[jeff9366]

After six months the RTV500 will sag to the driver's side.

Adjust left shock one increment harder or right shock one increment softer and you will be set for life.

Turf tires take on a "set" in 24 hours of sitting. Takes about five minutes for tires to return to round as they warm.

I put a little Seafoam additive in with the gas.

Great vehicle.

 

[Tennsawdust]

After six months the RTV500 will sag to the driver's side.

Adjust left shock one increment harder or right shock one increment softer and you will be set for life.

Turf tires take on a "set" in 24 hours of sitting. Takes about five minutes for tires to return to round as they warm.

I put a little Seafoam additive in with the gas.

Great vehicle.

I see you have cat litter buckets running out your ears too. ��

My neighbor has an RTV 500 as well. He nearly lives in it. We give him a hard time because he will drive up to his ponds and fish from the seat of his Kubota.

 

[jeff9366]

I see you have cat litter buckets running out your ears too. ��

No more.

Last year I changed to TSC's Equine Compressed Pine Pellets. Now used litter gets some high nitrogen pasture fertilizer and some Argentine Bahia seed, then is used to fill low spots in the lawn. In four months, in temperate Florida, the sawdust decays into the dirt, improving moisture retention and adding a little acid to our high pH soil.

 

[5030]

My wife went with the Kubota Sidekick UTE. The diesel ones are too slow (and more expensive). I see the oil change interval on the sidekick (initial change and filter) is 20 hours. It really scoots. Took it up town yesterday for gas and to fill my extra diesel cans. Drove it right down main street, it's 100% legal to road (here in Michigan) with all the required devices. Turn signals, horn, 4 way hazard flashers, rear view mirror and DOT approved tires. Got the Rhino lined bed too.

Nice buggy. Got to install the winch yet. Got it with the fold down windshield and top. Needs the windshield as it scoots pretty fast.

 

[ScipioUSA]

Congrats on your new investment. :thumbsup: we all like pics.

Investment is certainly the right word! It hurt to spend that much on what I could get away with cheaper, but I figure with the right maintenance, it should last me a few decades. And it should be a little more reliable than the 25 year old golf cart we run around with currently.

Congrats, and the manual states use 10W-30 SG, SH, SJ or higher (above 0F or 5W-20 or 5W-30 below 0F), and I'm sure Rotella meets the spec along with many others

Thanks! Im debating on if I should change the oil soon since I intend to plow with it, or if I will be OK if the temps dip a little below zero and I give it plenty of time to warm up first... My thought would be to keep the first fill until the 50 hour change just to let things wear in. (Not sure if Kubota uses a high moly oil or anything like that for their factory oil) Rotella has treated me well, is readily available, and a few times a year has a rebate going with it. I know its also not much oil in the crank case, so I might just bite the bullet and go with the stuff from the dealer.

After six months the RTV500 will sag to the driver's side.

Adjust left shock one increment harder or right shock one increment softer and you will be set for life.

Turf tires take on a "set" in 24 hours of sitting. Takes about five minutes for tires to return to round as they warm.

I put a little Seafoam additive in with the gas.

Great vehicle.

Thanks for the tip! Im going to try and keep the ethanol out of this one, and I treat with MMO and Startron, and it has done me well so far in most of my OPE. I see you have definitely put yours to work, and I really like your trailer.

I have seen some pics of people that have built some side rails for the bed. It doesnt look too hard, and could help when hauling brush or stacking up firewood... Any suggestions there?

 

[AllDodge]

going to try and keep the ethanol out of this one

Might be able to keep ethanol out if you can find E0, but if you use seafoam :thumbdown: note it has denatured alcohol in it along with machine oil and naphtha.

 

[jeff9366]

I see you have put yours to work, and I really like your trailer.

I have seen some pics of people that have built some side rails for the bed. It doesnt look too hard, and could help when hauling brush or stacking up firewood... Any suggestions there?

No tractor?

I personally would not carry heavy loads in the bed, though many do. Center of gravity would be too high in my estimation, with the potential for a rollover.

I suggest pulling a trailer. The eight year old, single axle, dumping MUTS I have is the berries.

Polar trailers are high value but do not dump 100%. Polar trailers are sold by Lowe's and Home Depot on their web sites. PHOTO

LINK: MUTS – The “SWISS ARMY KNIFE” of ATV work trailers – THE BEST ATV WORK TRAILER EVER!