Special feature: Kubota RTV-X

It’s been a worthwhile wait for the newest Kubota RTV offerings, with the most recent updates to the RTV-X showcased at a recent launch event

When it comes to the new Kubota models, the main headlines read: more power, 10x tougher hydrostatic transmission and almost double the towing capacity, according to Mark Basile, the ANZ UTV product manager, who explains the model simplification down to the two variations, the RTV-X two-seater and RTV-X Crew.

Engine

The proven 3-cylinder diesel engine producing a max 21.6hp remains largely unchanged. Kubota has stuck with liquid cooling and to enhance this, the radiator and air intake are mounted high to reduce clogging and debris.

Transmission

Kubota is the only manufacturer to run a hydrostatic transmission in its machines – most others in the market run a belt-driven CVT. In terms of towing, the hydrostat is superior in torque, and it eliminates the belt heating and slipping issues associated with a CVT.

Kubota admit the previous iteration of its transmission hasn’t been without fault but the new (shoe-type HST) design has been tested far beyond 4000 hours in the toughest conditions (I assume that means a Kiwi dairy farm), which allows them to stand by their 10 x tougher claim.

In terms of shifting, the simple L-H-N-R shift pattern is much like a tractor. On the older models when changing often, the gears were not perfect to align and there was a bit of binding. However, these new models have had a change in gear cut angle and are much smoother. When you put your foot on the brake, I can physically feel a lot of that pressure get released off the transmission – unlike the older models where you often had to tap the gas a little bit to get it into gear, so this is definitely a clear improvement.

From the driver’s seat

Up front is where most of the styling changes are found. The RTVs come standard with the LED headlights tucked in behind the nice wraparound front bumper. There is also plenty to like sitting in the nice spongy driver’s seat, complete with under seat storage and extra storage in the glovebox. The creature comforts don’t stop there either, with the hydrostatic power steering and the park brake now much easier to engage and disengage over the previous model. Max speed of 40km/h remains, and while this might seem like a snail’s pace compared to some of the petrol versions on the market, this machine is aimed at the rugged, proven towing end of the market and not the flashy drifting end. Also, by having this speed limit, you don’t need safety doors. It’s really efficient not to have to worry about doors if you’re in and out of this machine all day, or three-point seat belts (you can still have them fitted) – this is a big plus from me.

The deck

The spray-in bed liner is optional as is the three-way bed that has fold down sides and rear tailgate. These can be removed to make it a flat deck (this isn’t available on the Crew model). The hydraulic bed tipper is another awesome feature that comes as standard and is controlled by a lever in the operator station.

Suspension

The suspension on the RTV-X series remains largely the same, with independent suspension for both the front and the rear axles. There are now two new tyre options, the base spec are called the HDMP (heavy duty multipurpose) tyres or the new premium alloy rims can be spec’d if you’re feeling flashy. Either way the tyres are a little bit more aggressive than the previous tyre but remain what I would determine an ‘industrial’ tread pattern – other Kiwi V tread options are also available.

Summary

Kubota prides itself on being a tractor company making UTVs and not an ATV company juicing up quads to make side-by-sides. The RTV-X models certainly have more of a tractor feel to it than others on the market but therein lies the genius. If I could live in a world where my tractor R&M and my bike R&M were closely aligned, I would be a happy man, because that’s not currently the case!