RTV 900 Best Year

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Moshenfreke

New member
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This is probably here, but I am new and maybe someone can spend a minute to direct me on this. I am seriously looking at buying a used 900. Have picked up on what looks like big issues with the CV joint weakness on older units. Also gas tank issues? Is it true that the CV joints were significantly improved in 2008? Would you recommend I do not consider a 2005 machine with very easy use? How bad are these driveshaft spline and CV joint problems on a 2005 vintage machine? Anything else to be really concerned about? Have read about the shifting, but that doesn't look like that would bother me. Have noted that you can learn to shift this with a little throttle jogging. Thanks</p>
 
I have an 05 and it has worked good for me. I would not hesitate on buying a used one. My hearing is pretty bad so I don't mind the rattles like some folks do. same for the shifting. It is a minor pain at times but I get by.</p>
 
Thanks muleman. I'm on the PA side in Bradford County. What side are you on? Looks like you use your 05 the way I intend to. Knees are starting to get a little sore and I think I need a mechanized tool,wood, and rock toter.</p>
 
Welcome to the forum.</p>


I have an '04 and wouldn't hesitate to get another or an '05.</p>


The fuel tank/cap issue is that the cap is hard to get off on some due to mis-aligned threads. Considering how little fuel it uses, it's never bothered me.</p>


I haven't had any CV joint issues (yet...).</p>


Shifting gets easier as the machine breaks in.</p>


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There was a recall on that fuel cap. The new better fitting one says
"Diesel fuel" on it. Mine was changed out at no charge.</p>
 
[quote user="muleman2"]</p>


I am in n.y. 1/2 mile from the border. look out over Pa.</p>
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You're on the PA side, right? If not, poor you (taxes). I lived in NY for 20+ years but got sick of the government and taxes to I moved to PA. Too bad PA turned into a "NY lite". Next move is more westward.</p>


BTW, You should consider a new camera. The lens on yours is cracked or something causing the top of the picture to be black. :-)</p>


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Problem is that no matter where we go we're part of a deal that is putting a big IOU on our backs in the name of billion dollar studies on global warming, nationalized computer registries of our medical records, billions to those commies on the west coast that want our guns and pickups confiscated, and on and on. There isn't any place to run. Going to have to stand and fight if we want freedom. Dupes that put this bunch in charge thinking they were getting something for nothing are about to get nothing for something. Watching my country go to hell in one lifetime. Glad my Dad isn't here to see this.</p>
 
Brian: It is not the camera's fault. It is those damn curtains the wife insists on having. Like anybody is gonna be looking in our windows from 5 miles away. The taxes are not that much worse than where I lived in Pa. I live just above where potter and tioga counties meet at the N.Y.. border. About 20 miles sw of corning. If they start messing with the census it is going to get crazy. Fella told me today the only stimulus we will get is when they dip into our wallets!!</p>
 
Ask yourself this, if there is no money where it the money coming from for the stimulus. The gov borrowed it from China.Last year we owed them 500 billion. If we can not pay it back the USA will become part of China.Sobering thought isn't it.</p>
 
Hi Moshenfreke and welcome home, I have an '05 with 2490 hrs and still just love it. This is what I have done to mine since I bought it... I have replaced the front drive shaft 2X and will soon go for #3.This is the one known for rattling. I will update the shaft according to the procedure referenced to on this site when I do the job.. I have replaced the shaft bearing where the front and rear shafts meet once and will replace it again when I do the front shaft. The first time I did this bearing was around 1600 hrs. I wore out the rear ujoints last April so that was about 1800 hrs. I keep the oil changed and she purrs like a kitten.I use Kubota oil and filters which I order from Messicks and have them shipped to me way down here in Mississippi.I also order my parts from them because they are so polite and helpful.{unlike my local dealership parts guy} I decided to bite the bullet and get the shop and parts manual and they have been helpful. The fuel cap was replaced back under warranty as was the seat which cracked.I have a small strap wrench which makes removing the cap a snap since it still is tight. I am short and being able to just jump on and off the machine makes any job on the farm a pleasure and has actually make work fun... Well almost .I am so spoiled now that if my RTV was gone I would just go nuts.There are probably a few more things but nothing big.... Knowing the seller is a good thing too.A cream puff sounds good if priced right, especially with the economy in a wad. Bordercollie</p>
 
Hey Bordercollie. What a great bunch of information exactly relating to my question. Really appreciate this! The hours you give make this a non issue for me. I actually looked at a new one today at my nearby dealer, nice guy, but they are 12K without some things I need. I also am a wrench turner and motor head so reallly appreciate you telling me jujst what you had to do. My dealer told me today that only thing different about new half shafts is that spiders have zercs on them. I tell ya, man I was impressed with the construction of the 900. I am going to have to get one. Am 61 and the days lugging chain saws and such a hundred yards and back to get to my 4X4 cummins are coming to an end. Understand why you wouldn't be without one.</p>


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Glad to be of help Moshenfreke, Keep in mind the tires when you make your decision. The WS are not good for mud, in fact ,they are awful. They will just clog up with mud - cause grief and a long walk. I am glad to hear they are finally putting grease fittings in. Maybe the replacement parts for the old units will come with them as well?.By the way, check with some other dealers, maybe even Messicks, and see if there will be any promotions soon on the RTV. Last year for a time, Kubota had 0 % interest which would about offset a used unit at a higher interest rate. Good Luck .. Bordercollie</p>
 
I'd either snatch up a used one, for wait another few months for the 2009 production models which will have some improvments to the seats and a softer stopping transmission. The model number is not changing. Right now they are not building 900's as the line was stopped to fill the demand for the 500's. I believe they will start running 900's again shortly... I hope so anyway, they are becomming pretty scarce. </p>
 
I just remembered that I also changed out the ball joints last summer.. Just remembered that and thought I would mention it That would have been somewhere around 2000 hrs or so . Bordercollie</p>
 
Moshenfreke,</p>


For the record (or to put things into perspective), Bordercollie lives in the RTV. At night, the passenger compartment becomes the sleeping quarters and the dogs sleep in the back. :-) The only time it's shut off is when the oil is changed. It is left on, even when sleeping to produce some "white noise". Basically, Bordercollie racks up more hours per year than the remaining, combined forum membership does. That RTV is the benchmark for what maintenence needs done and when. Most any other breakages encountered by forum members is considered a "fluke".</p>


Brian</p>


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Zoom,</p>


I'll reply to you since you posted last and got me smiling with a few breakouts to open laughter. Looks like I hit the jackpot getting bordercollie to comment on my questions as I wanted to hear from someone who lives in his rtv (LOL). Thanks to all of you including the dealer fellow, Messick Farms. I was really pleased to receive so many comments. About an hour ago I bought a 2005 with about 320 easy hours from a fellow in Ohio off Ebay. The machine has had creampuff status being used in a residential yard setting to haul "mulch and kids". So I am really happy to get this machine for a little under $8800. I checked the new price on this the way it is equipped and it is over $14,000 from my dealer and he told me that his price was 12,000 for a machine with a hydraulic dump which this one also has. In addition, this has the glass windshield and a warn winch plus a bedliner. Also has 2" ball hitches front and back and a cable plow......"cycle country" which is a basic kind of plow. I will likely sell the plow next fall. Anyway, I am getting a strong machine and I take really good care of my iron so this one will go the distance for me. Really appreciated your posts. I got a good understanding of the quirks on these plus a short course on expected drive line life from the rtv dweller. Bordercollie, guess you have a reputation here, but you got my sincere thanks for filling me in with the life expectancy of the driveline parts. I really soaked up what you had to say. THanks to all of you and I will let you know my observations on my machine once I get it rolling the back fields of my rural PA farm. Best to all of you. Moshenfreke</p>


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Congratulations on your new RTV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>


Is that the one I saw on e-bay a few days ago?</p>


Sorry if you've already mentioned, but where in PA are you?</p>


I don't have a plow for mine (intentionally since my tractor has already lost so many jobs to the RTV) but might consider one if your price is reasonable and you're relatively close. (BTW, I'm in W. PA between I-76 and I-80, about 40 miles N of Pittsburgh).</p>


Now, we hope you've saved some money to the side because now it's time to "accessorize" it.</p>


It's also mandatory that you come up with a name for it. It may take awhile, but you'll come up with one.</p>
 
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