RTV900 Speedometer

[lloyd123]

That black plug in the dash where the speedometer goes was bothering me on my worksite model - the speedometer is only standard equipment on the Rec version - so I decided to install one myself.

I bought the kit from Tractorsmart.com for $65 plus $5 shipping. I had tried a few other vendors but no one else seemed to have one in stock. My own Kubota dealer is an hour round trip so mail order is much easier and I doubt they'd have one anyway. The last time I checked there they didn't even stock Super UDT fluid for over the counter sale.

The good news is the wiring harness and plugs are already factory installed. The bad news is that you have to drain the transmission fluid to install the speed sensor. I drove the right side of the RTV up on ramps to raise the sensor plug hole to the high side and make access to the HST easier. I then carefully cleaned around the drain plug and removed the bottom skid plate. Using a clean plastic bucket I removed the plug to only drain about a gallon of fluid. Remove the sensor factory plug - install the speed sensor - install a cable clamp and some plastic ties - install and connect the speedometer - replace the transmission fluid.

The speedometer is very sensitive - registering just 1 mph movement.

Did I need this? Of course not. I'm not even sure why they put one in the Rec version. But as long as there're ways to spend money on my new toy I'll be telling my wife about the "mandatory" upgrades needed to bring the RTV into full complience.

I've also installed a nifty orange "suicide" knob from Kubotaparts.com.

Edit - Sorry, that was kubotastore.com for the knob, not Kubotaparts.com

 

[Zeus]

Yeah, I know what you mean, it would have bothered me also. I just got my Recrea. model on Tuesday. Are there any tricks or maintenance secrets that I need to know? How do you like yours so far? So far I've just been able to look at it but next Monday, a friend has a large exotics ranch and I'm going to take some pictures so I'll probably get to use it some then. Seems like a lot of trouble to get the Speed. in the RTV. Neat addition though. I have the Hydraulic lift and rear work lights on order. Hopefully I'll get them in soon. Wife likes it so it wasn't so hard to convince her of the need......GS

 

[lloyd123]

I haven't done any maintenance yet as I only have about 10 hours on it so far.

I've got the hard cab, plow, HD spings, wiper, heater and worklights on order. The dealer will pick up and install later this year but they've been paid for already. I wouldn't want to deal with installing the HD springs. I believe you'd need some kind of spring compressor that works under high pressure to remove the stock ones and install the new ones.

In the RTV900 parts manual it also lists a HD strut option where I assume the gas cylinder and spring are both heavy duty. I wonder if that would be a better option than just the HD springs when working with a cab and plow. They don't offer the HD strut in the accessory book yet so maybe that option will be necessary with some future option such as a FEL? I doubt that but maybe they've got something else in mind.

After you add the hydraulic bed lift be aware that you'll need 25 quarts of Super UDT fluid for the 200 hour maintenance. That includes the transmission, hydraulics and power steering.

 

[Dargo]

I've been trying to get a speedo for my worksite for months with no luck. Now that you mention that the install is more than "plug and play", I'm wondering if I want it. I, too, have this dislike of the black rubber cover where the speedo goes. About how much time is required to install the speedo in your opinion?

 

[lloyd123]

I'd say about an hour - I spent most of that trying to figure the best way to drain off a gallon or so of transmission fluid. If you had a siphon it would probably work even better. I didn't have a readily available supply of replacement Super UDT so I wanted to reuse what I drained out. Putting the drain plug back in while it was still draining was a little messy but I don't think I lost more than a few ounces.

The actual installation and connection of the speed sensor and speedometer is fairly easy. Like I mentioned in my first post, the wiring and connectors are already installed at the factory.

Tractorsmart.com said they had several in stock. Give the parts department a call at 423-928-4042.

Edit - Toll free at 1-800-540-1704

 

[Zeus]

Thanks for the heads up Lloyd. Man, after you install all of that, you'll have a small tank. Can you order a turret for it? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Do they make heavier springs for the back if you are going to haul dirt and such routinely or will the stock ones hold up for a while? I will not haul a lot but every now and then I will have to move maybe 3-4 yards total for a day. Mainly, mulch will be hauled but you will not have much weight even when loaded all the way with the mulch. I'll probably move the usual 2 yards at a time but there are a few times that I may have to move as much as 10-15 in a day. Varies by location. the standard springs in the rear appear that they will do fine though. Just curious if there was an option or going to be an option in the future. Thanks again. GS

 

[Dargo]

I got my spedo from the good people at Tractorsmart as suggested. Very fast delivery. On the installation, I just jacked up the passenger side about 24" and used jack stands to hold it up. Doing so, I was able to install it without draining any fluid or having any run out. It worked like a charm and the total installation took about 20 minutes start to finish. All works great and no leaks or even drips. I found out that as advertised, my RTV runs exactly 25.5 mph in high range, 18 mph in medium. It even works in reverse. I'm not sure I really needed the speedo, but it works great and is cool. I actually figured that when I use it to pull my sprayer I can run at the suggested speed to properly spread the weed killer and insectiside etc.

 

[lloyd123]

Glad to hear that your install was a success. Wish that I had known that I didn't really need to drain any fluid.

Next project may be a aftermarket tach. I saw one on the web that hooks onto one of the fuel injector lines and converts impulses into rpm's.

 

[milkman]

Hey guys, when do we get to see some pics of these mods??

 

[flyingn]

well?? how fast did you get er up to?? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Frank