RTV 500 Rattle Sound

[timswi]

I also have the noise...Sounds like it's coming out of the pulley cover. Not getting worse fortunately

 

[737pilot]

I think the alternator drive pulley is the cause of the noise but waiting on Kubota to positively identify it. Since your in the snow belt have you checked out the full enclosure that sell on EBay for about $350. Don't know anything about it but looks nice a warm to me. Basically what I paid for just the upper windshield. You could install a heater and push snow all day long. I Like your Kubota but the snow plow looks scary. Always said that if the local hardware store carries snow removal equipment I'm driving further south. Ha. Ha.

 

[timswi]

I did look at the canvas enclosures..Only problem is that when the snow/rain hits the plastic, you cant see what you're doing. I plow 9 neighborhood driveways, so can't be blinded. The plow is scary in more ways than one. It's too heavy for gravel. They should offer an ATV sized plow for this.
If I was plowing something paved it would be perfect. It want's to dig in. The plow is an engineering blunder. They put a piece of 5"x1/4" plate on the bottom that's too big to do anything with and the skid shoes don't work. They don't lift the plow. I had to plow again tonight and the chain fell off the actuator.. I like this machine, but there were some serious mistakes made. I'll make that clear on the survey I just got.
I have a BX23 that I love. No issues at all with that thing, but this...Guess time will tell.
Just found a serious squeak in the rear when backing up...Going back to the dealer I guess.
I'm hoping for the best..Like I said, I do like it, but there are some things that don't make sense.

 

[737pilot]

Just for your Info the rain will obscure your vision on my windshield. I bought a hand window sweeper that I leave in the glove box that works nicely to get rid of any dew or rain on the windshield. I would like to hear from other rtv 500 owners about the unacceptable rattle sound. I'm happy with the machine if you don''t expect more out of it than it's designed for. I was looking for a golf cart to hunt with when I bought this. I also looked hard at the Polaris ranger, which I really liked, and the Yamaha rhino, it scared me due to roll over history. The rtv 500 is fine for me. As you see I just need the basic utility that it offers. It could use some more HP at times .ie I have to put it in Low to get it in the trailer. The seats are a little to firm for me but love the easy in/out access. I bought it for it's low noise levels and that's why I'm disappointed with any unwanted sounds. Also the price I paid $10200 included Kubota's 42 mth insurance protection.

 

[timswi]

I was planning to put a Kubota windshield wiper on it...So that should take care of it..Thanks though!!!

 

[timswi]

Quick question...Do tree breanches scratch the windshield?

 

[Eagleview]

sized plow for this.
If I was plowing something paved it would be perfect. It want's to dig in. The plow is an engineering blunder. They put a piece of 5"x1/4" plate on the bottom that's too big to do anything with and the skid shoes don't work. They don't lift the plow.

A couple of pump up castor wheels on the back of the blade would make all the difference , maybe you could mention that on the survey .

In regards to the rain on the screen , there is a product called RainX which is used on the visors of motorbike helmets for the same reason . It stops beading and makes the water run off .

 

[TWO GUNS]

737,
Yours is the first I've seen with a windshield..... Looks great !!!!

I remember when I purchased my 900, my dealer asked me 'bout a windshield, told him didn't need one...... WRONG, Mrs. Two Guns and myself like to have froze to death for a week before I could get it back to install one.
Great machine you have there, enjoy !!!!!

~~~~~~~~ two guns

 

[timswi]

two guns...I have to agree with you...I spent a few hours plowing and man was I frozen. Temp was single digit. I used to do this with a quad and figured I didn't need one either...Wrong!!!...I'm gonna get a roof and windshield just like 737's with a windshield wiper.

 

[timswi]

A couple of pump up castor wheels on the back of the blade would make all the difference , maybe you could mention that on the survey .

In regards to the rain on the screen , there is a product called RainX which is used on the visors of motorbike helmets for the same reason . It stops beading and makes the water run off .

Not sure if that will work on loose gravel though...The weight of this thing is too much...It's a slightly smaller version of a pick-up plow...Do you have a picture of what you're talking about?...I posted a picture of the plow a post or so prior.
Forgot about rainex..that just might work and save me some $$$$...Thanx

 

[737pilot]

I haven't had any scratches so far from branches but do try and avoid them if possible. The top windshield is glass and bottom removable piece is a scratch resistant plastic. It really blocks the wind and makes it enjoyable in cold weather. You do get some wind from the back due to the negative pressure the windshield creates so I just purchased from Cabella's for $50 a rear wind blocker in camo pattern. This should make it really comfortable. Hey you veteran Kubota guys I was looking at the maintenance schedule and it looks expensive. Like around 500 hours engine timing belt, hoses, brake's etc. Is the recommended maintenance expensive? I replaced my 98 Grizzly 600 atv with this baby and haven't done a thing to it except change oil and filter every year.

 

[Eagleview]

Not sure if that will work on loose gravel though...The weight of this thing is too much...It's a slightly smaller version of a pick-up plow...Do you have a picture of what you're talking about?...I posted a picture of the plow a post or so prior.
Forgot about rainex..that just might work and save me some $$$$...Thanx

This what i was refering too . You would need one on each side as you can't center mount a single wheel .

 

[Jason537]

The only rattling sound I can think of that I notice when it is idling is from the throttle linkage that is located right at the throttle body. It is ment for starting, specifically cold weather and controls the baffle inside. It is suppose to tap on the stop screw, so that might be what you are hearing.

 

[737pilot]

Thanks Jason for the input. I received a email from Kubota that their looking into the the rattle. It's very apparent on my 500 but was different to varying degrees on all the 500's that my dealer started. It's a defect in my book that Kubota and most owners of a $8300 machine should not accept as normal or satisfactory. Only complaint I have so far. I'm enjoying everything else. When I get some feed back from Kubota I'll post it here but feel all RTV 500 owners most likely will know about it through a recall notice that Kubota is more than likely gonna have to issue. Any other 500 owners or dealers out there that hear the rattle sound at idle I would like your opinion.

 

[mtrain]

[Any other 500 owners or dealers out there that hear the rattle sound at idle I would like your opinion.[/QUOTE]

When I first read your comments, I went out and listened to one of our RTV500's that we have in stock. I didn't hear a thing, one of the techs can over wondering what I was doing and suggested that I raise the bed. We still didn't notice anything annoying but do notice a very slight rattle sound only at idle. Every one of the RTV500's that we have sounds the same.
I haven't had the first complaint from any of our customers and doubt that many people would notice it. I am curious as to what they determine is causing it.
They probably engineered it that way intentionally so that you can tell if the engine is running because these things are so quiet. : )
I understand your complaint being quietness was one of your reasons for buying it. Hopefully Kubota and or your dealer will be able to rectify your complaint.

 

[Jason537]

I am a dealer and gave my opinion, obviously it was only worth a grain of salt,. oh also forgot, been Kubota mechanic since 2000.

The only other rattle I can think is maybe the tailgate.

 

[timswi]

I am a dealer and gave my opinion, obviously it was only worth a grain of salt,. oh also forgot, been Kubota mechanic since 2000.

The only other rattle I can think is maybe the tailgate.

It's definitly not the tailgate...I listened very closely for the rattle..It appears to be coming in or around the pulley cover on the left side of the motor. It's very noticable at idle, almost sounds like something loose in there.

Was told by the dealer that all of the 500's in stock made the same noise.

 

[737pilot]

TIMSWI you described it exactly. The dealer that posted before you says he heard nothing then goes on to say he hears a slight faint rattle sound at idle. Well hello.......that's the sound I hear and my dealer hears. It's a small thing to some but it ain't right and I know Kubota will make it right. If yours doesn't make the sound then It tells me something is definitively wrong with mine.

 

[timswi]

TIMSWI you described it exactly. The dealer that posted before you says he heard nothing then goes on to say he hears a slight faint rattle sound at idle. Well hello.......that's the sound I hear and my dealer hears. It's a small thing to some but it ain't right and I know Kubota will make it right. If yours doesn't make the sound then It tells me something is definitively wrong with mine.

Just filled out my buyers survey...Registered my feelings on a number of things. I'm not holding my breath, but we'll see if they respond.

 

[timswi]

737,

When you are climbing hills do you have to let off of the gas to gear down the HST? If i keep it floored the rpms drop even in low range...They told me that letting off of the pedal is normal...Sounds absurd to me...More gas should equal more power , no?