RTV 500 or Mule 610?

[janelew21]

Bought the 610 camo. Just did not like the hydro transmission. It seemed really jerky. Maybe it was just the one I drove. Also, I was not happy with the dealer in my area when he said the winch and plow was going to run me $1800, and for the exact same set-up through My Kawasaki dealer with same warn winch and plow ran me $1100, Also my kubota dealer was going to charge me $200 to deliver the unit, and the Kawasaki dealer is bringing the unit for free. Not that I should blame that in the RTV 500 on a poor dealership, But it happens.

I was told the 610 is pretty much bulletproof, and it has been around for years so the aftermarket parts are fairly cheap and tons of them. Looking forward to driving the kids around the farm and plowing alittle snow. Would have like a few of the extra features that the RTV has, but just could not justify the cost difference in everything. Also the the 500 drpped the ball on the seat, I don't consider it a full bench seat, the middle is cut out some.

All in all both great machines, and it's like comparing Ford and Chevy, I'll let everyone know if I have any problems withe the 610.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[timswi]

Congrats on the new machine. The attitude of the dealer drives the purchase. At least it has in my case...i had the opposite experience, that's why I have 2 Kubotas and am a previous owner of an RTV500. Traded that for the RTV1100. Same dealer.

That guy has recieved a ton of my money over the last six years

 

[gec343]

Bought the 610 camo. Just did not like the hydro transmission. It seemed really jerky. Maybe it was just the one I drove. Also, I was not happy with the dealer in my area when he said the winch and plow was going to run me $1800, and for the exact same set-up through My Kawasaki dealer with same warn winch and plow ran me $1100, Also my kubota dealer was going to charge me $200 to deliver the unit, and the Kawasaki dealer is bringing the unit for free. Not that I should blame that in the RTV 500 on a poor dealership, But it happens.

I was told the 610 is pretty much bulletproof, and it has been around for years so the aftermarket parts are fairly cheap and tons of them. Looking forward to driving the kids around the farm and plowing alittle snow. Would have like a few of the extra features that the RTV has, but just could not justify the cost difference in everything. Also the the 500 drpped the ball on the seat, I don't consider it a full bench seat, the middle is cut out some.

All in all both great machines, and it's like comparing Ford and Chevy, I'll let everyone know if I have any problems withe the 610.

Thanks for all the info.

I totally agree with you on the seat issue with the RTV500. I bought a new Mule 2510 in 97 and it has been extremely reliable. However, I am considering the new RTV500, although that seat may be a deal breaker. I wonder if their is a fix for that, some type of a cover or something. My dog likes to sit right next to me in my Mule, and don't think he could do that on the RTV500.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I totally agree with you on the seat issue with the RTV500. I bought a new Mule 2510 in 97 and it has been extremely reliable. However, I am considering the new RTV500, although that seat may be a deal breaker. I wonder if their is a fix for that, some type of a cover or something. My dog likes to sit right next to me in my Mule, and don't think he could do that on the RTV500.

There are a bunch of different covers available for the RTV 500

Here's one variety
Kubota rtv 500 utv camo seat cover - eBay (item 290485210341 end time Dec-06-10 18:46:03 PST)

 

[gec343]

There are a bunch of different covers available for the RTV 500

Here's one variety
Kubota rtv 500 utv camo seat cover - eBay (item 290485210341 end time Dec-06-10 18:46:03 PST)

Thanks DixieDog,

I was not clear in stating the problem with the RTV500's seat. The problem is that the middle seat has that cut out, which would make it difficult for a child or dog to sit there. I was wondering if somebody made something to fill that cut out. However, seat covers may make it a little better, plus the covers may help keep standing water off the seat.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I doubt anybody makes something to fill the cutout because you will want that to make access to your parking brake lever easier. If you fill the cutout I think it will be a bear to get to.

 

[gec343]

I doubt anybody makes something to fill the cutout because you will want that to make access to your parking brake lever easier. If you fill the cutout I think it will be a bear to get to.

DixieDog

I'm sure you're right on that, so I will seriously consider the RTV900. Thanks for your input!

 

[Agrantina]

This is a few month old post but instead of starting a new post, thought I would ask a few questions here.. I have a 610 right now like it alot but 2 things I dont like.
1.. NO leg room
2.. Not alot of power-- (Not speed) but power going up hills or thru a small creek..

Does the RTV have more leg room than the 610? Does it have any more power??

AndyG

 

[General Lee]

This is a few month old post but instead of starting a new post, thought I would ask a few questions here.. I have a 610 right now like it alot but 2 things I dont like.
1.. NO leg room
2.. Not alot of power-- (Not speed) but power going up hills or thru a small creek..

Does the RTV have more leg room than the 610? Does it have any more power??

AndyG

I'm 6'3 and the RTV500 doesn't have much leg room for me. Its tolerable but.....
As far as power.....I've never operated a mule so I can't compare, but many RTV500 owners generally complain about lack of power with the 500. Its gets the job done but Kubota skimped on HP with this model.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I will say on the power issues that when properly adjusted the RTV 500's go very well. The still aren't fast with a top speed of 25 but they do have good acceleration and the ability to pull heavy loads.