10 Frequently Asked Questions About the Kubota RTV
May 15th 2023
Question 1: Where is the fuse box on a Kubota RTV 900?
Answer 1: The fuse box on the Kubota RTV 900 is on the back of the cab under a black plastic cover on the driver’s side “firewall”. To access it, you must first lift / raise the bed. On the RTV 1100, the fuse box / power distribution box is under the storage tray under the passenger-side seat
Question 2: What engine is in a Kubota RTV?
Answer 2: The X-Series Kubota RTVs are equipped with 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engines built by Kubota. The RTV-X900 engine can produce 21.6 horsepower, and the RTV-X1120D, RTV-X1140, and RTV-X1100C have engines with a power output of 24.8 HP. The smaller RTV 400s and 500s are powered by 2-cylinder, 15.8 HP, gasoline engines made by Subaru to Kubota specifications.
Question 3: How much is a Kubota RTV?
Answer 3: The price of a Kubota RTV will vary based on several factors. But for a new Kubota RTV, the MSRPs are as follows:
- Kubota RTV520 - $11,199
- Kubota Sidekick - $ $14,499
- Kubota RTV-X900 - $16,499
- Kubota RTV-X1120 - $17,199
- Kubota RTV-X1100C - $25,299
- Kubota RTV-X1140 - $20,499
Question 4: What does a Kubota 900 weigh?
Answer 4: The Kubota RTV 900 is just shy of 2,000 lbs. The RTV-X900 General Purpose Utility Vehicle is 1,907, and the RTV-X900 Worksite Utility Vehicle is 1,973 lbs.
Question 5: Do Kubota RTVs have titles?
Answer 5: Although it’s not technically a title or certificate of sale, all Kubota RTVs come with an MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) that any dealer can request from Kubota via their Kubota link dealer portal. Different states have different laws about whether or not to issue titles for off-road vehicles.
In many states, you can surrender your MSO to receive a title after all the financing / taxes are paid off – unless the dealer requests it, Kubota Credit Corp usually holds onto titles of vehicles that are financed. In other states, you may not have to register your RTV with the government at all. Every state will issue you a title as long as you have the MSO – and this is typically required to make your buggy street legal – but not all states require it.
If you’re planning on selling your Kubota RTV, a bill of sale should be sufficient. If you’re planning on buying a used Kubota RTV, we’d advise getting the unit’s VIN and running it through the NICB to make sure that it hasn't been reported stolen. Your local dealer will also have access to a national hot sheet for stolen vehicles, so checking the ID number with them is another option.
Question 6: What is the top speed of a Kubota RTV 1100
Answer 6: The Kubota RTV 1100 can reach a top speed of around 25 MPH. Check out this article we wrote to learn more about the top speed of Kubota RTVs and how to increase it!
Question 7: Why is my Kubota RTV overheating?
Answer 7: The most common cause of overheating in the Kubota RTV is a radiator with clogged fins. The auto-fan switch can also fail and cause overheating, and other culprits you can check when your rig is overheating are the thermostat, the water pump, and the coolant level. Bad head gaskets can also cause coolant to leak, and overheating issues will then shortly ensue.
Question 8: What is the difference between a Kubota RTV and a Kubota Sidekick?
Answer 8: The Sidekick is Kubota’s mixed-use vehicle designed to be more than just a workhorse. It’s the fastest of all Kubota side-by-sides (clocking in with a top speed of 40-45 MPH), and it has a CVT transmission instead of a hydrostatic transmission. Because it’s gas powered instead of diesel powered, the XG850 Sidekick requires less maintenance, and it is several hundred pounds lighter than the full-size RTVs. As such, you don’t need a heavy-duty trailer to haul it, and it’s much easier to get unstuck.
Both the Sidekick and the RTV are strong and robust, but the turtle-slow RTV can get annoying on inclines. In addition to the transmissions, the engines in the RTVs and Sidekicks are also different, with the Sidekicks (as well as the Kubota RTV 500s) using engines based off of a Subaru platform. The Sidekick lacks a hydraulic dump bed, but it also costs a lot less than many RTV models. If you’re primarily going to ride your UTV recreationally, the Sidekick is an attractive option. But if you’re mostly going to work with your UTV, an X series RTV might be a better fit for your needs.
Question 9: What kind of supplies should I keep in my Kubota RTV?
Answer 9: Everyone will have their own specific needs, and the supplies you keep on hand in your Kubota RTV will also depend on whether you’re working / riding close to home, or way out in the backcountry. Nevertheless, here are some supplies that you might consider carrying with you while riding:
- Flashlight
- Gloves
- Bug spray
- Pens
- Dog treats
- Shovel
- Chainsaw
- Tow straps / chains
- Lineman pliers
- Tape measure
- Loppers
- Mud boots
- Screw drivers
- 5-gallon bucket
- Adjustable Wrenches
- Machete
- WD-40
- Winch / Come-A-Long jack
- Tire slime / plug kit / air compressor
- Jumper cables
- Phone charger
- Toilet paper
Question 10: What are some must-have accessories for the Kubota RTV?
Answer 10: Some riders go with functional accessories, while others opt for accessories that bring added comfort. And while there is no list of Kubota RTV accessories that every rider will need, there are some popular ones that are common amongst owners. Things like rear-view mirrors are cheap and easy to install, and they are great for those who reverse frequently or pull fully-loaded tow-behind trailers. Hitches and cargo racks are also must-haves on these work machines. Hitch-mounted cargo carriers / cargo baskets are ideal for those nasty / corrosive items like fertilizer that you don't want in the bed. They're also great for hunters, as you don’t have to lift your harvested game as high to get it in. And regardless of whether you hunt or not, you’re sure to enjoy an overhead gun rack to keep your firearms at the ready!
Other must-have accessories for you and your Kubota RTV may include a winch, a front light bar, rear lights, and a windshield. Although Kubota makes many OEM accessories for their equipment, cheaper and better alternatives are often available from the aftermarket. Companies like NavAtlas and MB Quart, for example, make radio / speaker combinations that don’t suck like the OEM options, while firms like Kolpin and Razorback Offroad offer chainsaw carriers that aren’t stupid expensive. But whether you’re after tool carriers, tow-behind implements, or storage accessories, Everything Kubota Offroad is here to hook you up with great products at unmatched prices! The stock RTV / Sidekick vehicles are good, but why settle for anything less than great when all your desires can be met with the high-grade products from Everything Kubota RTV?