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The Kubota RTV 500 was released in 2008 following farmers’ need for a 4×4 utility vehicle.
Kubota is known for creating some of the best farming machines in the world, and users can testify.
For this reason, since its introduction, Kubota RTV 500 has consistently become part of the best utility vehicles.
The high performance of this 4×4 utility quad with 15hp is entrenched in its highly engineered features.
The Kubota RTV 500 has an aesthetically pleasing exterior that might lure you into purchasing it.
Its efficient engines, rear axles, minimum center gravity, and user-friendly controls place it above its competitors.
While the Kubota RTV 500 is quite innovative and efficient, it is not without its flaws. In the past, the company recalled some vehicles because of some common problems.
Hence, it is only fitting that we expose you to some of the common issues facing the Kubota RTV 500.
Common Problems With The Kubota RTV 500
In terms of efficient functionalities, the Kubota Corporation still has a lot of work to do for the Kubota RTV 500.
To purchase the Kubota RTV 500, you must be aware of these problems. Here are some of the common problems that affect the Kubota RTV 500.
Transmission Hesitation
Many owners would prefer the Kubota RTV 500 to have a more effective transmission system.
It is the underpowered transmission system it has that causes the so-called “transmission hesitation.” If you own a Kubota RTV 500, you would have experienced this.
You must have noticed the hesitation as your vehicle tries to climb up high altitudes. A 4×4 utility should be able to climb up lofty heights without having to stop and start again.
Kubota has reported that foreign transmission fluids cause this problem in the RTV model.
If you used transmission fluids other than the recommended super UDT, your car would experience transmission hesitation problems.
Braking Issues
The importance of an efficient braking system in a tractor cannot be over-emphasized. Users still have concerns because of the hydraulic disc brakes and the rear-wheel parking brake.
According to the compact tractor review, users have continuously complained about the Kubota RTV 500 braking system.
When the brakes are used during emergency stops, the vehicle moves forward without any control from the driver.
This phenomenon hardly occurs during the regular stop but still presents risks to the driver and everything around the vehicle during emergency stops.
After several attempts at troubleshooting to find the root cause of the issue, none was found.
However, there are speculations that the speed lever assembly might be the root cause of the braking system failure.
Windshield Installation
The Windshield installation is another part of the Kubota RTV 500 that users have complained about.
According to compact tractor reviews, RTV 500 users have complained about difficulty installing windshields with plastic roofs.
While there have been little or no complaints about installation with metal roofs, plastic roofs pose an issue.
Kubota has pontificated that the instructions for installation with plastic and metal roofs are stated clearly in the owner’s manual.
According to the manual, the only way to install the windshield onto a plastic roof is by loosening the interior mounting bolts.
The bolts on the front-end roof mounting brackets are the only ones that should be completely loosened during installation. After setting up the windshield, reinstall the plastic roof.
Noisy Idle
When driving your Kubota RTV 500, you might hear rattling underneath your vehicle. Many users think a faulty drive shaft causes this noise, but it’s not true.
The rattling sound is a tin-can noise generated by the transfer of harmonic vibrations from the muffler to the mounting point of the frame.
Another reason for this issue might be the frequent friction between the cables beneath the muffler.
Automatic Transmission Inefficiency
The hydrostatic transmission of the Kubota RTV 500 is evidence that durability doesn’t always equate to efficiency.
Although its transmission system is more durable than the competition’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), we cannot say the same for its efficiency.
The push and pull feature of automatic transmissions might adversely impact the transmission’s dependability. However, not everyone would experience this.
When driving at higher altitudes, the vehicle is not always uncontrollable, even though some users have reported a lack of torque.
According to the RTV owner’s manual, the only way to avoid issues with your VHT is to adjust the linkup settle and throttle cables properly.
Pedals
It might impact your vehicle’s overall performance if you don’t pay attention to the pedals when driving the Kubota RTV 500.
The bolts under the throttle cables serve as the pedal stop, and it limits the functionalities of the transmission servo valve.
It also affects the maximum speed of the four-wheeler drastically.
To avoid issues with the pedals, adjust the pedal slightly in a way that is depressed.
Also, ensure that you fix the pedal stop throttle cable so that whenever the brake pedal is fully depressed, the vehicle’s speed controller stops working.
Underpowered Motor
If you own a Kubota RTV 500, you might have noticed trouble when driving up a slope.
It is an issue because farms usually have sloped grounds, and this issue might reduce the farmer’s performance.
You might need to stop the vehicle and drop to a lower gear when driving over a slope.
Kubota has reported that this only happens when the a steep slope, but users have complained otherwise.
Whining Noise
Drivers, especially new drivers, have complained incessantly about the whining noise they hear whenever they carry heavy loads.
While the RTV 500 was made to carry heavy loads, drivers have complained that anything above 190 kg might be too much.
The whining noises are usually heard from both sides of the driver and passenger seats.
The only way to prevent these issues is to factor in the weight of the driver and passenger when considering the 190 kg maximum weight capacity.
However, if you hear this noise when carrying a light load, the need for a mechanic should suffice.
Detached Driveshaft
Drivers have reported hearing a rattling sound when driving their Kubota RTV 500.
This rattling sound has been reported by various sources to be caused by the detached or loosened driveshaft.
The transmission is connected to the driveshaft by the U-Joint. Hence, you will hear a rattling sound whenever the U-joint is faulty.
The Kubota has requested that drivers issue a formal fix report to the dealerships they bought their RTV 500.
So, whenever you hear this rattling sound when driving your RTV, please take it to the dealership to have it replaced.
The U-joint might be repaired for free if the dealership attaches a warranty to your vehicle. Other times, the dealership might fix it at a discounted price.
Final Thoughts
Are these problems deal breakers? It’s ultimately up to you.
However, one thing is for sure; the Kubota RTV 500 will provide you with a well-rounded farming experience.
It is because, at its core, the Kubota 500 RTV offers poise, reliability, and convenience to farmers. Hopefully, Kubota will soon upgrade its specs to provide better functionalities.
