Used Kubota RTV900 Diesel(?)

[genusCastor]

Just got back from looking at this one. Apparently the engine rebuild was because the temperature warning system (light or gauge?) quit working, the engine overheated and locked up. He's not the original owner, third owner at least. He got it from his boss.

One thing that was weird was it stops when you let up on the fuel peddle. I mean an abrupt stop, don't need brakes. I could gracefully stop by easing up. He said it's always done that and he got used to it.

All in all, as far as a used utility vehicle goes, I think this one is prolly as decent as I'll find. The guy didn't come across as a shyster; owns 23 acres, raising animals, trying to be self sufficient with wife and little girl... He had a nice hog that looked tasty. lol

- djb

 

[aczlan]

One thing that was weird was it stops when you let up on the fuel peddle. I mean an abrupt stop, don't need brakes. I could gracefully stop by easing up. He said it's always done that and he got used to it.

Thats how they work. There is a coast valve kit that helps some, but its the nature of the beast.

Aaron Z

 

[timswi]

Thats how they work. There is a coast valve kit that helps some, but its the nature of the beast.

Aaron Z

Exactly. I see it as a benefit. Got used to it on mine in no time.

 

[genusCastor]

OK, good to hear the insta-stop is a feature, not an issue.

What about maintenance on these? Are there any models that are cheaper (or more expensive) to maintain? Gas vs diesel? Alternators, brakes, drive train, etc?

- djb

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Just got back from looking at this one. Apparently the engine rebuild was because the temperature warning system (light or gauge?) quit working, the engine overheated and locked up. He's not the original owner, third owner at least. He got it from his boss.

One thing that was weird was it stops when you let up on the fuel peddle. I mean an abrupt stop, don't need brakes. I could gracefully stop by easing up. He said it's always done that and he got used to it.

All in all, as far as a used utility vehicle goes, I think this one is prolly as decent as I'll find. The guy didn't come across as a shyster; owns 23 acres, raising animals, trying to be self sufficient with wife and little girl... He had a nice hog that looked tasty. lol

- djb

Thats how they work. There is a coast valve kit that helps some, but its the nature of the beast.

Aaron Z

Exactly. I see it as a benefit. Got used to it on mine in no time.

I've bought several Kubotas. One being an RTV1140 which my Grands, wife and I really like. My Grandson has been driving it since he was around 6, have had it for about 4 years. The no brakes stopping is a good/GREAT feature and that's how Kubota HSTs work, except for my new BX25D which continues to coast on in forward after pedal is released and I DON'T LIKE IT AT ALL ESPECIALLY AFTER GETTING USED TO THE STOP ON RELEASE OF PEDAL.:confused3:

 

[texasjohn]

Just got back from looking at this one. Apparently the engine rebuild was because the temperature warning system (light or gauge?) quit working, the engine overheated and locked up. He's not the original owner, third owner at least. He got it from his boss.

One thing that was weird was it stops when you let up on the fuel peddle. I mean an abrupt stop, don't need brakes. I could gracefully stop by easing up. He said it's always done that and he got used to it.

All in all, as far as a used utility vehicle goes, I think this one is prolly as decent as I'll find. The guy didn't come across as a shyster; owns 23 acres, raising animals, trying to be self sufficient with wife and little girl... He had a nice hog that looked tasty. lol

- djb

Yes, the stopping feature is the way the HST works, The radiator is down low in the dust trail of the front wheel. Thus, will get clogged with debris and/or dust and needs to be cleaned out to avoid overheating. I think there is a gauge...my 1140 has a gauge and when heat begins to rise it is time to clean the radiator...water is needed to get the dust out, easy to do.

Many, myself included, install a high rise air intake to keep the air filter clean, else it gets clogged easily on dusty roads. That said, the RTV is bullet proof given reasonable maintenance.

When engine is turned off, fan will continue to run if hot...you can listen for this...if hot and no fan sound, it's a sign of a problem. I noticed this and an elevated but not red line temperature. Investigation showed that the fan attachment to plastic shroud had come loose, fan sagged into radiator stopping blades and burning out fan. Replaced fan with one from scrap toyota and it's still working several years later. Only mechanical problem I've had.

 

[genusCastor]

The radiator is down low in the dust trail of the front wheel.

Sounds like a good design. :confused2:

Many, myself included, install a high rise air intake to keep the air filter clean, else it gets clogged easily on dusty roads.

That mod is on this vehicle, was done by the dealer when the engine was rebuilt.

Thanks for all the input.

- djb

 

[texasjohn]

Sounds like the rebuild was responsibly done...that would give me confidence that the rest of the vehicle is in fully operational condition. Price looks good. Know that it is a WORK VEHICLE... some people expect to outrun motorcycles in an RTV....nope, it is for ranch work, not a speed demon...that said, mine goes as fast as I want to on my 200 acres. And, pulls very heavy loads easily in low range,.

 

[murphy1244]

I used to think they were just a souped up golf cart till my neighbor bought one and man I'm impressed.

 

[genusCastor]

I used to think they were just a souped up golf cart till my neighbor bought one and man I'm impressed.

I just located another one that looks much cleaner, for just a little more money than the [well used] one I looked at last night. Looks like this one has been kept in a bag. lol But it's located 2 hrs from me...

This one does not have a hydraulic dump bed, manual dump. I wondered how much I'd use a hydraulic dump anyway. Got me wondering, though, if the manual dump has any kind of assist(?)

- djb