Kubota gives more to their UTV range

Kubota UK Ltd launched the latest UTV from the Japanese giant onto the UK and Irish markets. The new diesel Kubota RTV-X900 will ultimately replace its faithful diesel RTV900.

Bruce Lett

8 July 2015

The new Kubota RTV-X900, only shares the same engine as the previous model

The new Kubota RTV-X900 looks very similar to the old models at first glance, but according to Tim Yates from Kubota UK, the only thing it has in common with the old model is the engine.The engine in the RTV-X900 is Kubota’s own D902, 21.6HP, 898cc, three-cylinder liquid-cooled unit. Kubota is one of the few manufacturers to use a hydrostatic transmission in a UTV. The vast majority of manufacturers use a belt-based CVT unit, while Honda uses a transmission derived from its auto sector.

The new Kubota RTV-X900 looks very similar to the old models at first glance, but according to Tim Yates from Kubota UK, the only thing it has in common with the old model is the engine.

The engine in the RTV-X900 is Kubota’s own D902, 21.6HP, 898cc, three-cylinder liquid-cooled unit. Kubota is one of the few manufacturers to use a hydrostatic transmission in a UTV. The vast majority of manufacturers use a belt-based CVT unit, while Honda uses a transmission derived from its auto sector.

The RTV-X900 features a new hydrostatic transmission – Kubota’s new advanced VHT-X unit. According to the firm: “It offers a wider torque band and large coolers to boost performance and durability.”

The new unit has two forward speeds and one reverse. The transmission used in Kubota’s outgoing RTV900 is a three-speed unit plus reverse. The engine and transmission sits into a new chassis with new suspension. Gone is the rigid back axle and leaf spring suspension. In its place is independent, double-wishbone suspension on all four corners.

Springs and shock absorbers are combined in single McPherson struts at each corner. According to the folks at Kubota UK, these provide around eight inches of suspension travel. Suspension comfort and height can be manually adjusted on each to suit the terrain or load. There are five settings in total. An anti-roll bar has also been added to the rear axle to aid comfort levels.

The new suspension system on the Kubota RTV-X900 increases its ground clearance considerably in comparison with the previous model. Ground clearance on the new machine is quoted at 260mm – around 65mm more than its predecessor.

Drive shafts are now similar to those found on cars, with rubber boots sealing the CV joints from dirt. Load capacity remains the same at 500kg. Towing capacity has been doubled to 1,000kg, which is considerable for such a machine.

There were numerous roll cage and cab options available on the old RTV900. These included Kubota-manufactured options from the rollover protection system (ROPS) frame right through to full cab options, plus the option of a full cab from Austrian firm Mauser.

If a Mauser cab was specified by the customer, the Kubota ROPS frame had to be removed and then the Mauser cab installed. This was not a cost-effective system considering the cost of the ROPS frame being made redundant and the extra time required to remove it.

This has been simplified, with Kubota UK opting for an all-Mauser solution. The new RTV-X900 now arrives from the USA without any ROPS frame or cab.

Base specification RTV-X900s are fitted with a Mauser ROPS frame and canopy. There are three steps or options to build up to a fully enclosed cab. Step one adds an opening front windscreen and wiper. Step two adds doors (plus step one), while step three is the fully kitted-out cab which includes a heater, sun visor and room for a radio.

Cosmetics

Aside from the Mauser frame to cab options, cosmetically the RTV-X900 is quite different from the older machine. A full-width auto-style bonnet incorporates headlights.

Opening the bonnet reveals that the air filter and radiator have been relocated. On the RTV900, the air filter was positioned on the outside of the chassis under the load bed, while the radiator was under the driver’s seat and vulnerable to debris from the front wheel.

The new radiator is 20% bigger according to Kubota and easier to get at and clean. The air filter has not just been relocated but is also placed in a much higher and safer position.

In the cab itself there is a new layout. Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced instead with a digital dash. Gear selection is easier with a straight slot and the handbrake is also now mounted on the dash. Seating arrangements are a single seat for the driver and a double seat for two passengers. Homologated versions get road lighting.

On fully cabbed versions, noise levels at the driver’s ear have been reduced by two decibels (dB) according to Kubota, down from 85dB to 83dB.

Standard features include a hydraulically tipping load bed. An external double-acting hydraulic service is also available. In addition to cab options, there is a camouflage option, road legal versions plus various tyre and implement options.

Pricing is expected to be around €16,000 plus VAT.