2012 Kubota RTV500 Orange

I've owned 2 RTV 900's and 2 RTV 500's with my current model (2012) being my latest purchase. I work in the vineyards and many of my clients have narrow rows at 6' and 8' so the RTV 500 is perfect as it is only 4' wide at the tires. Also, it fits perfectly in the back of my Chevy P/U. I load it up ... with a pair of aluminum 3,000 lb. ramps and close the tailgate and I'm gone. The RTV itself is not meant for speed or the sand dunes but think of it as a tug boat instead of a drag boat. It is at home on the ranch and does exactly what it is designed to do. The engine/ trans combo (hydrostatic) works just like a tractor. Engine braking is a big help especially on hills and once you get used to it (about 10 mins) you will hardly ever use the brakes. This thing is built like a tank and being gasoline powered makes it quieter than the diesel powered RTV 900. I originally bought an '08 model, got laid off so I sold it. It held its value and I only lost $500 after 2 years of ownership. Things got back on track as far as the job market goes so I just purchased a 2012 model. It is almost identical to the '08 model. Nothing has changed worth mentioning. Servicing these RTV 500's is a breeze. Very straight forward and not time consuming. If you can change the oil on your car, these are no different. The seat is comfortable and wide. By that I mean you're not just sitting on your butt bone but rather the whole back side of your thigh as well. Firm but comfortable seating. Steering isn't power assisted but it is not needed and it turns on a dime. The bed is all steel with a diamond plate floor. The latches for the tailgate are strong and solid as well. The bed lifts up w/ one finger after disconnecting positive contact latches on either side. The gas gauge is backasswards though as it reads a red line when it's full and a white line when empty. Also, checking the fuel is done by lifting seat on driver's side. Kind of goofy. Should've put a true gauge on dash but oh well. Has an open type glove box and cup holders although with the ride being as firm as it is, you'll probably never use them. The hood opens to reveal much about nothing. They could've put another $5 worth of molded plastic and made a tool storage compartment of sorts. Has a nice full size (2") reciever both front and back. Full size battery under seat, easy access and works perfectly for attaching wires for spray pumps or whatever. Overall a very strong little utility vehicle that will out climb the comparable Gator. It sips fuel, fires up within 1 revolution every time and (in my opinion) cannot be beat for ranch / farm work. If I HAD to gripe about something, it would be that it's geared about 2 mph too low when trans is in "low". Well, that and the price of these things. Spending close to 10 grand hurts a bit but Kubota seems in line with the rest of the crowd as far as pricing goes. I'm a fanatic on maintenance and truly feel that a little now saves a lot later. If you take care of your tools (& the RTV500 is a tool), it'll work when needed. Bottom line, if you're looking for a compact workhorse of a utility vehicle, you won't be dissapointed with the RTV 500. I would recommend it over the RTV 400 simple due to the engine / drivetrain difference.

this thing is absolutely the biggest pile of junk i have ever driven. It wouldnt pull itself over a ant hill. definition of kubota rtv 500 is disapointment to the fullest. it hurts me to say this i am a big kubota fan or was i should say

Very disappointed in the lack of power and comfort the RTV has, wish it had more power