Why is the RTVX series so highly regarded for tough work?

[NT5224]

Hi folks

I introduced myself previously to this forum, but to those who missed it I’m a soon to be owner of a new RTVX 1130, delivery due next week.

I have a general question. The RTVX series is obviously highly regarded for its work capacity, perhaps more so than other side by side brands and models. I understand this is in part due to sturdiness of construction and reliable diesel motor. However given some rival brands offer almost four times the power, and much superior torque, I really don’t understand why the RTVX is so highly rated as a utility work vehicle. Is the hydrostatic transmission really that significant for hauling heavy loads or towing heavy weights?

I have already made my choice for a Kubota diesel, needing a purely work vehicle, but could anybody explain why our underpowered machines are rated so highly against rivals like the Can Am Defender Pro long bed? On paper at least, wouldn’t highly powered machines make better working machines in real world conditions?

Thanks for your thoughts

Alan

 

[Doc]

I think it's the longevity. RTV is tough and lasts a long long time. They started making the RTV in 2004 or 05. We still have those machines working according to our members. I do not think the other side by sides last near as long without major issues.

Another plus, the RTV has had a hydraulic dump which is a big plus in my book. I do not know of any other side by side with that.

 

[ItBmine]

Hello. Well I'm going to say, yes it is slow and less power, but it is power and a transmission that need next to no regular maintenance other than oil changes, and they live forever. And they use a LOT less fuel than the others. And the RTV is nice smooth power. You can easily inch along without being abrupt or jerky. They are quieter than most others. And the braking effect you get from the hydro transmission is unmatched by any other.

I've had a couple new Polaris's that needed all four wheel bearings, shocks and coil springs by 2500 KM. Whereas I see RTV's used in the mine I work at and others with powerline contractors that take all kinds of abuse and just keep going and going.

 

[ItBmine]

I will add, if you need a machine to work around the yard AND go on fast trail rides and only want one machine, then buy one of the others.

But if you can have two machines like I do, or if you don't care about speed, I would NEVER go without my RTV. It works so good around my property in combination with my B2620 tractor/loader/backhoe as a little dump truck, and the wife and I love trail riding with it.
But I did end up buying a second machine that is faster just because I go on lots of 100 plus mile trail rides with friends and we often have sections of roads we have to travel to connect trails, so I need something that can go at least 45 MPH for that.

 

[ItBmine]

And I don't have any front end parts wore after 4 years of this.

 

[bczoom]

However given some rival brands offer almost four times the power, and much superior torque

If you're comparing diesel vs gas/petrol, It's not the same IMHO. I have friends with the high HP go-fast Rangers and similar but there's no way their petrol engine can compete against the diesel RTV in terms of pure grunt, put the power to the ground.

 

[Doc]

I also have two side by sides. RTV x1100c and a newer Honda Pioneer 1000. I had sold my previous RTV's when I bought the Honda. I missed the hydraulic dump and needed it to spread some gravel on a long stretch of my trails. I found a good buy on a 2015 x1100c and bought that. It was like new, just 224 hours.

I have a garage for often used equipment and a pole barn for my tractor and stuff not used daily. The Honda had occupied the garage side by side space when I bought the RTV. Didn't take long for the RTV to take over and the Honda was moved to the pole barn.

The RTV is much preferred for the work around my property. The Honda is fun for trail riding and hauling more people as it is a 5 seater. RTV has solid doors with heat and a/c both of which come in handy. Given the choice, as I am, I pick the RTV every time. I use it every day. Love it. If I didn't have a river lot at the rear of my property that we have to use the side by sides to get kids and grandkids down to the boats I'm sure I would have sold the Honda by now.

 

[ItBmine]

Ya, it's a funny thing. They are slow and heavy, but once you have one, you love it and can't go without it, LOL

 

[NT5224]

If you're comparing diesel vs gas/petrol, It's not the same IMHO. I have friends with the high HP go-fast Rangers and similar but there's no way their petrol engine can compete against the diesel RTV in terms of pure grunt, put the power to the ground.

Hi ItBMine,

Thanks for your response. Can you explain exactly how it is that the RTVx puts more power to the ground as grunt ( torque?) than vehicles with substantially greater horsepower and torque specs. I am absolutely prepared to believe this true (I have put a lot of money down on my rtvx,) but I’m just trying to understand how that is? I have never owned any brand of side by side, so have no practical experience with them.

Doc’s point about people still operating rtvs after 20 year, and this being unheard of among higher revving two cylinder gas powered units is completely taken…

Cheers

Alan

 

[ItBmine]

Well, I wasn't the one that said they put more power to the ground. But, how can I describe this.......with a gas UTV you need to be on the throttle to engage the clutch and make power, and thus make noise and burn fuel.
The Kubota will move fully loaded just off idle and pull that load. No revving required. So it stays nice and quiet at that low RPM. And moves very smoothly. No abruptness of a CVT clutch engaging.
But as others have said, when you get pulling a big hill, and it starts to lug or stall out in extreme pulls, you don't give it more throttle, you back off, then it will start pulling harder again and recover, then you can get back into the throttle.

And as for fuel, on the same trail loop that my gas side by side burns just over 2 gallons of gas, my diesel RTV is still full.

 

[ItBmine]

I might go move some more gravel with mine today, so if I do I will get some pics of it loaded on my hills.

 

[ItBmine]

Sorry, didn't get to it today, hopefully tomorrow. Ended up mowing.

 

[ItBmine]

Here's a couple from last year for now. This is the small hill, but you really can't tell the steepness in picture. But it's a good workout walking up it. The RTV will do 7 to 9 MPH up it with the two buckets full in box and AC on. It will do the faster speed when it is warmed up good. I usually just haul 2 buckets from the B2620. It's got a 53 inch wide bucket. I find it perfect loading from the rear.

 

[NT5224]

Here's a couple from last year for now. This is the small hill, but you really can't tell the steepness in picture. But it's a good workout walking up it. The RTV will do 7 to 9 MPH up it with the two buckets full in box and AC on. It will do the faster speed when it is warmed up good. View attachment 15414View attachment 15415View attachment 15416I usually just haul 2 buckets from the B2620. It's got a 53 inch wide bucket. I find it perfect loading from the rear.

Thanks for these pics ItBmine! I can see hill is there and interesting to see the earth dumped. That is exactly one purpose we have in mind for our 1130. We move lots of earth about.

Unfortunately our gradients are really steep in places, but we wouldn’t take them at more than walking pace anyway because of the risk.. So I’m interested to see how the Kubota performs under load.

I have a neighbour who scoots around in a Can Am Defender. It accelerates up the steepest and most rocky tracks no problem and is great fun to drive, but my neighbour insists he will not put over 500lbs in the bed because it becomes ‘too unstable’. My hope is the 1130 will be the perfect tool for hard work around the district.

In theory our 1130 should be available any day now as our choices of tyres are fitted. Will post pics to the forum when we get it home.

 

[ItBmine]

Hope you are happy when you get it. Like I said, not a race car, but they can do work. I hauled 330 metric tonne for my roads with my little B2620 one bucket a time. But when I got the RTV to use as a dump truck, even though it only carries two buckets, it saves a lot of time just because it can travel so much faster than the tractor.
And the RTV will dump way more than the two buckets, but I'm in no hurry, so I don't bother working my stuff to the limit. I plan on keeping them a long time.
I will also add....with that load in the picture.....no suspension sag at all.

 

[NT5224]

Just had word from my stealer that the ATV tyres have turned up on a truck and are being fitted ‘as soon as possible’. So delivery day looming…

Alan

 

[ItBmine]

I still didn't get you recent pics of the RTV hauling NT5224. I ended up playing with my antique tractors yesterday. Now it's raining out. Not that that matters in the RTV but my loader tractor is open station, LOL

 

[ItBmine]

Had these pics of the layout of my bush road. Hard to judge grade in pics, but my RTV-X1100C will drive all the way up, loaded with two buckets of pitrun gravel from my B2620 and AC on at 7 to 9 MPH in high gear.
There are points where you do have to ease up on pedal to keep it pulling at full speed.

 

[ItBmine]

Well, how are you making out with the Kubota NT? Are you satisfied with it for your application?

 

[NT5224]

Hi ItBMine

To be honest I haven’t had time to use the 1130 much… Just so busy around the property! We have only had two or three drives in it and haven’t had time to use it for work.

First impressions were very favourable. I’m currently fitting a folding windshield and hood rack and mirrors.

Will post something on it when those chores are done

Cheers

Alan