Reconsidering a Kubota RTV1120, are the new ones better?

[Sid Post]

I have used an older cabbed RTV. I found it be slow, like tractor slow. It was a solid rear axle (might have had leaf springs) and too little ground clearance.

I was thinking about the Kawasaki Yanmar engine model or one of the Cherry motored gas units but, it looks like the new generation RTV1120's are good machines that address my prior issues.

What do I get by upgrading to the "Worksite" model from base besides the hydraulic bed lift? What does the "Deluxe" model add?

• In terms of ground speed, assuming flat hard pack or asphalt, is 29MPH realistic?
• Is the suspension articulation good for a rough pasture either empty or loaded with feed/hay or firewood?
• Assuming appropriate tires, does this have enough ground clearance for soft ground and crossing creeks (I don't like pulling out the older one with a tractor)?
• What 'usability' differences should be considered between an RTV1120 and a gas burner like the XG-850 and similar offerings from Kawasaki, Honda, etc.? Note: this is work vehicle so, blinding acceleration and real highway velocities are not needed.

TIA,
Sid

 

[SDT]

I have used an older cabbed RTV. I found it be slow, like tractor slow. It was a solid rear axle (might have had leaf springs) and too little ground clearance.

I was thinking about the Kawasaki Yanmar engine model or one of the Cherry motored gas units but, it looks like the new generation RTV1120's are good machines that address my prior issues.

What do I get by upgrading to the "Worksite" model from base besides the hydraulic bed lift? What does the "Deluxe" model add?

• In terms of ground speed, assuming flat hard pack or asphalt, is 29MPH realistic?
• Is the suspension articulation good for a rough pasture either empty or loaded with feed/hay or firewood?
• Assuming appropriate tires, does this have enough ground clearance for soft ground and crossing creeks (I don't like pulling out the older one with a tractor)?
• What 'usability' differences should be considered between an RTV1120 and a gas burner like the XG-850 and similar offerings from Kawasaki, Honda, etc.? Note: this is work vehicle so, blinding acceleration and real highway velocities are not needed.

TIA,
Sid

I have an RTV-X1100C with most of the bells and whistles but I've only 11 or 12 hours on it so have very limited experience.

This is a commercial vehicle and is heavy. It is anything but a hot rod. When new, the 1100s will make about 25 MPH on pavement but I've been told by several that they will make upper 20s once broken in.
Like you, I plan to use mine for chores on my property and have no plans to take it on public roads.

The suspension (front, at least, haven't checked rear) is easily adjustable. I cranked mine up a notch when I bought the front mounted snow plow. Don't have the specs in front of me but the suspension appears to be robust enough and to have adequate travel for abuse, loaded or unloaded. Again, it is not a Ranger, and has less ground clearance than to the off road hot rods. I'm sure that you can find spots where it will be high centered, especially, the long wheelbase two seat models.

This is the first RTV that I have owned so I have no experience with other models, though I have looked at the 850 cc Sidekick model, which is obviously lighter.

SDT

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I bought my first RTV1140 9 years ago. Kept it for 8 years and last year traded it to a RTV X 1140. Both about the same speed wise at about 25mph on paved road and up to 27mph on paved road with a slight decline. Much slower up hills but awesome with power. The new one rides so much better that it seems very different but we (Wife and 3 grands from 8 years old to twins almost 15). I also bought a RTV500 last year and it's much more manuverable but the "Big" one is the usual preferred one we all choose to drive. The gas RTV500 seems peppeyer but still doesn't go any fast top end.
Kubota diesel RTVs are the workhorses and not the speed demons, just the facts jack! Barlows gave me close to what I paid for the RTV1140 as trade in after 8 years so one can decide if they are worth buying.

 

[Milo]

I don't know about Kawasaki's Yanmar diesel Mule but I have a Mule ProMX with a 700cc single that replaced a Ranger I had and I really like everything about it so far. My neighbor has a new ProFXS with the 3-cylinder Chery motor which is a little wider and heavier than mine and not quite as fast but pretty close, mine will do about 45 his maybe 40. Not sure how many hours on his but last time I spoke with him he said he likes his FXS and hasn't had any problem with it. Mine has about 55 hours now and other than doing the initial service I haven't done a thing to it.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

My RTV-900 will do about 27mph max. But it's a work vehicle and that's plenty fast enough for me.

I've never tried one of the newer ones, so I can't help you on any comparisons. But I absolutely love my RTV-900. If it got stolen tonight, I'd go buy another one tomorrow.

 

[ruffdog]

It's all about trade-offs. The faster and lighter the machine, the less work capability it will have. I also got a great trade-in price for my 12 year old RTV900. It was the perfect work vehicle for me.

 

[tradosaurus]

I briefly looked at the Kubota RTV's but settled on a Honda Pioneer 700-4.

I think if I was doing a lot of work, towing and hauling I might have went with the Kubota because it appeared to be a heavy built machine, and the diesel engine should give more pulling power.