We loved using the RTV 500s on our golf course because we don't have to worry about the summer hands doing stupid stuff in them😅. Really nice to see that they've updated them
Thank you for your reviews. The new 520 is awesome! We have a RTV-400 and love it. You would get me shot if I brought home a new 520! Keep the great reviews and information coming! So glad I found your channel!
Got my x1100c in February, absolutely love it, I added a v Plow to it, we had a couple of late snow storms here in Saskatchewan, the v plow worked great, I haul water and hay for our horses with it, in addition have used it to pull a chain harrow (6’) to spread out the horse cookies for pasture fertilizer. I would like to see you do a greasing and lube video as I find the manual hard to follow concisely! My X1100cab is heated and cooled 👍
I have an older 500, and it has been a huge disappointment. The hydro tranny has never been right, despite several trips to different dealers. The engine has been spot on with no problems. And then there’s the rust issue. Despite keeping it under roof, the floor pans and tailgate are in bad shape. I have a L4240 and a BX 2380, that have been great!
We got an RTV500 for our small but hilly property. As you noted, my wife is much more confident going up and down the hills with the hydrostat. The only downside is the machine has a decided list to port (driver's side), which it has always had and I cannot seem to correct.
My dealer is still trying to get a sidekick for me ( almost 3 months) looks like he finally got a 2022 on order for the beginning of Aug. Hopefully kubota won't screw us over and will continue the rebate so I can get one for my channel.
I spent the last couple of days telling my story on my experience with a Sidekick....check out any Kubota Corporation videos on the Sidekick and you will find my story if you are interested...all I can say is be careful if that thing breaks down there are literally no parts for them mine is a 21 with 32hrs on it and needs a new transmission on Tuesday 6/22/21 it will be in the shop 8 weeks and parts are still on backorder with no shipping date in the system.... In my eyes Kubota is going downhill and had the balls to tell me I could pay to expedite the parts from out of the country and the funny thing the parts don’t even exist. I paid over 27K for this machine it is loaded...I am sick about the hole deal my farm is suffering and Kubota doesn’t even seem to care, also my deal started out bad I ordered it in October of 20 and didn’t get it until the end of February of 21......all I can say is good luck but I have been steering people away from these machines.
@@tbone7630 Thanks for the info. With all the sidekicks sold I have only seen 2 with problems like yours. Have you checked your state attorney general about lemon law rules because it falls into the motor vehicle classification? I ruled out the Polaris ranger 1000 because of the many cvt transmission problems I I read about with them. So it's down to the sidekick or Honda for me. If Kubota pulls the rebate I will definitely go with the Honda but probably would have to wait 6 more months for an order. I was told Kubota can't find enough people willing to work now to get their lines back to full capacity now but offshore parts availability should be back to normal soon. It has been a different world the last year and it's not just kubota with parts availability problems. Good luck getting yours fixed. I will look for your video. Most sidekick videos seem to be from channels that got them free from kubota so that has me worried some.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 yes I do understand it has been a different world but the thing is time goes on and peoples life goes just want my machine... and I have noticed these machines being demos. Just an FYI I do not have a video I posted my story on about 32 you tubers channels and a few of the channels were the Kubota Tractor Corporation channels for the Sidekick.... thanks for the response
@@tbone7630 T Bone all companies are struggling with supply and demand right now. You are having 1st world problems, you are lucky to even have one most people are waiting for their toys. It's not Kubota's fault other people not working and supply being low since Covid hit.
@@jeremybrewer7343 hey buddy don’t tell me about waiting I ordered mine in the beginning of October 2020 and didn’t get it until the end of February 2021 plus my dealer told me they are focusing on getting caught up building new machines because they are behind so I guess that means they don’t have to make sure there are parts for the ones that are already in customers pole barns. So when you finally get yours you better hope nothing goes wrong with it or I’m sure sir you will be singing a different tune. It’s definitely easier to stay calm when your just waiting on an ordered one, drive it for 2 months after waiting as long as I did and have yours break down after paying $27K with all the add on’s I’m guessing you won’t be telling everybody else from a keyboard how they should feel.......oh and it’s not a toy to my family it’s a farm machine that affects our livelihoods
Wow very nice machine. Basically a two seater tractor with a bit of speed and a dump bed. Under 10k, why would anyone buy a quad with this utility ATV available?!
What about it makes you think that? My only beef is that they pulled the second hydraulic circuit on the x series, other than that I think it's better in most ways.
@@MessicksEquip The first complaint is they did away with the three speed transmission. The newer X series only have high and low. I know Kubota supposedly redid the gearing or something so medium range isn't needed. They also brag on their smaller tractors that have a three range transmission over JD'S two range. The bolt pattern on the tires for the older models is a 5 bolt pattern. The newer models have a 4 bolt pattern. That's a big sign of being cheaper and lighter weight. Both of those changes I could live with. The big reason I don't care for the newer X series is the smaller cargo box. Forgive me if my measurements are off because it's been a while since I compared them. If I remember correctly the X is 1/2 inch wider but 7 inches shorter. The way I use my RTV on the farm for work, cargo space is a premium feature. The new model just won't work for me anymore. I certainly don't hate all the new features of the X series but the cargo box is a deal breaker. If Kubota comes out with a bigger bed that my skid sprayer fits in I'd be standing outside my local dealership waiting for it to open so I could order a new one.
You've that right. The older one was much beefier. I used that middle range more than the other two combined. The hydraulic bed lift cylinder was twice the size of the new one. The bean counters did it to save money and be more price competitive with the competition, plain and simple. I sold my pokey 1100 after 7 years and bought a Can-Am defender limited. The Can-Am is ten times better than the Kubota in every respect (except for the 250 lb. limit on the tailgate) and it can do 65mph on our county roads (not legally, of course) vs. 25mph too speed for the Kubota.
Look into a Can-Am Defender Pro. They have a 6 ft. bed with removable sides to convert to flatbed. A farmer friend of mine uses it to haul 1500 lb.round hay bales around.
I am considering purchasing the 520 but I want to plow snow. How good does is plow snow and what plow do you recommend? I have a tractor for heavy snow and farm usage but want the 520 to haul firewood, farm chores and some light to moderate snow plowing. Thanks
Interesting quote regarding bed loading. Perhaps the specs. have changed or perhaps the specs. are different for different markets. We’ve just had one delivered in Q4 2024 and the manual states a maximum of just 200Lbs in the bed. Fortunately it wasn’t my money. After running an older 900 model, I was pretty disappointed by the 200Lbs bed loading of the 520. At 200, it’s more like a glorified wheelbarrow.
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me the vertical distance from the ground to the center of the rear hitch receiver? I want to design a sprayer boom but don't have the vehicle yet.
Is there a battery power one? I don't need a lot of power, but a nice quiet way for my wife to tool around the property with tools and flowers and junk.
Kubota Canada shows an enclosed cab with heater as a add on option. I think that would be great. Now we just need ac and it would be perfect. ( the 1100 is too much for me).
Why did Kubota underpower this model as well? My RTV 500 really needs about 22 hp. The transmission can easily handle it. It's frustrating, as I run out of juice towing my small logging trailer (under 1000lb) up hills.
@@MessicksEquip The other UTV I considered was the Honda Pioneer 500 - 28.5 HP. While it is not as good as a work unit, it has the correct engine size IMO.
Neil, Just watched this video again and ANT one of these machines! A Deluxe 520 with a Windshield, Roof and Plow all factory accessories. My local Kubota Dealer in Albion and Brockport, NY where I purchased my B2560 Tractor tells me not available to December 2021 or later! Can yoy shed any light on that and do you have inventory as I specced out in your location? Please advise and Thanks Much, Mike...
There is no inventory available across any company for this kind of equipment. No option but to place an order and wait. See my video's on inventory shortages.
No thanks, sticking with my 2007 Kubota RTV900 with aftermarket coast valve - perfect, 2300 hours on it. Hauls a ton, hydraulic lift bed and meant for Serious work on my 220 acres in West Texas - built like a tank. This looks cool but something a wife would use in her Sunday garden perhaps carrying a few flower pots. Nice, but doesn't fit my mission
Why is it hard to measure slope or pct grade? Do you own a meter stick and a level? Do you work with off road vehicles? How is it possible not to know an spend 30 seconds taking a very simple measurement?
I had a RTV 500. I'm contemplating the 520 or the Honda Pioneer 520 for more speed/oompffff. But with oompf comes noise and I'm not a fan of excess noise. This has 5" extra width and more metal but those are my two real options due to size constraints for my small barn door. Is there anyone who has driven the 520 Honda and the RTV 520 to offer side-by-side comparisons in the real world?
Kubota does a lot more right than one particular model tractor. For the price this RTV looks good, especially if driving on hilly land. I would prefer a diesel powered machine over this one but all the same this RTV is fine.
Really good video. Probably the best on internet for Kubota 520. Just bought one, pick it up in a few weeks. Subscribed.
This fits my 11.5 acres perfectly. Got the top, front glass, winch, light kit,, and mirrors. Really good machine
We loved using the RTV 500s on our golf course because we don't have to worry about the summer hands doing stupid stuff in them😅. Really nice to see that they've updated them
Bought my RTV900 new in 2007....with the dump bed option. Love it and the diesel side of it. Wouldn't get rid of it for anything I've seen to date.
Thank you for your reviews. The new 520 is awesome! We have a RTV-400 and love it. You would get me shot if I brought home a new 520! Keep the great reviews and information coming! So glad I found your channel!
The seat design shows what this vehicle is made for. The flat back of the seat means its easier to slide across and out of the vehicle when working.
Good review Neil. I'm in the market and will definitely check this model out! Love the outtakes! Lol
This is perfect for my wife on our 20ac. Top contender. Prefer electric but this engine sounds quiet so that’s great.
Seems like a great option for a smaller property and travelling trails, etc. Good price point too.
Got my x1100c in February, absolutely love it, I added a v Plow to it, we had a couple of late snow storms here in Saskatchewan, the v plow worked great, I haul water and hay for our horses with it, in addition have used it to pull a chain harrow (6’) to spread out the horse cookies for pasture fertilizer. I would like to see you do a greasing and lube video as I find the manual hard to follow concisely! My X1100cab is heated and cooled 👍
I have an older 500, and it has been a huge disappointment. The hydro tranny has never been right, despite several trips to different dealers. The engine has been spot on with no problems. And then there’s the rust issue. Despite keeping it under roof, the floor pans and tailgate are in bad shape. I have a L4240 and a BX 2380, that have been great!
Love it and the new updated look!!!
I want one, be great on trail rides too. Thanks Neil.
We got an RTV500 for our small but hilly property. As you noted, my wife is much more confident going up and down the hills with the hydrostat. The only downside is the machine has a decided list to port (driver's side), which it has always had and I cannot seem to correct.
Purchased my RTV500 new in 2017. Just paid it off and received the title. Bought another year of KTAC for $146.
Best Kubota salesman in the US.
I wish I had one and then I would buy 20 or so acres in the hills and just ride all over the place! ❤️
Have waited and will continue to wait until mine comes in (New England area) owners manual says to not run at full power until after 50 hours
My dealer is still trying to get a sidekick for me ( almost 3 months) looks like he finally got a 2022 on order for the beginning of Aug. Hopefully kubota won't screw us over and will continue the rebate so I can get one for my channel.
I spent the last couple of days telling my story on my experience with a Sidekick....check out any Kubota Corporation videos on the Sidekick and you will find my story if you are interested...all I can say is be careful if that thing breaks down there are literally no parts for them mine is a 21 with 32hrs on it and needs a new transmission on Tuesday 6/22/21 it will be in the shop 8 weeks and parts are still on backorder with no shipping date in the system.... In my eyes Kubota is going downhill and had the balls to tell me I could pay to expedite the parts from out of the country and the funny thing the parts don’t even exist. I paid over 27K for this machine it is loaded...I am sick about the hole deal my farm is suffering and Kubota doesn’t even seem to care, also my deal started out bad I ordered it in October of 20 and didn’t get it until the end of February of 21......all I can say is good luck but I have been steering people away from these machines.
@@tbone7630 Thanks for the info. With all the sidekicks sold I have only seen 2 with problems like yours. Have you checked your state attorney general about lemon law rules because it falls into the motor vehicle classification? I ruled out the Polaris ranger 1000 because of the many cvt transmission problems I I read about with them. So it's down to the sidekick or Honda for me. If Kubota pulls the rebate I will definitely go with the Honda but probably would have to wait 6 more months for an order. I was told Kubota can't find enough people willing to work now to get their lines back to full capacity now but offshore parts availability should be back to normal soon. It has been a different world the last year and it's not just kubota with parts availability problems. Good luck getting yours fixed. I will look for your video. Most sidekick videos seem to be from channels that got them free from kubota so that has me worried some.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 yes I do understand it has been a different world but the thing is time goes on and peoples life goes just want my machine... and I have noticed these machines being demos. Just an FYI I do not have a video I posted my story on about 32 you tubers channels and a few of the channels were the Kubota Tractor Corporation channels for the Sidekick.... thanks for the response
@@tbone7630 T Bone all companies are struggling with supply and demand right now. You are having 1st world problems, you are lucky to even have one most people are waiting for their toys. It's not Kubota's fault other people not working and supply being low since Covid hit.
@@jeremybrewer7343 hey buddy don’t tell me about waiting I ordered mine in the beginning of October 2020 and didn’t get it until the end of February 2021 plus my dealer told me they are focusing on getting caught up building new machines because they are behind so I guess that means they don’t have to make sure there are parts for the ones that are already in customers pole barns. So when you finally get yours you better hope nothing goes wrong with it or I’m sure sir you will be singing a different tune. It’s definitely easier to stay calm when your just waiting on an ordered one, drive it for 2 months after waiting as long as I did and have yours break down after paying $27K with all the add on’s I’m guessing you won’t be telling everybody else from a keyboard how they should feel.......oh and it’s not a toy to my family it’s a farm machine that affects our livelihoods
Wow very nice machine. Basically a two seater tractor with a bit of speed and a dump bed. Under 10k, why would anyone buy a quad with this utility ATV available?!
i think you need to do a rtv / side by side Kubota comparison.
Love my honda atv might get one of these as an addition to my farm equipment
Interesting. I wonder if I can get a local dealer to prove it will climb the hills in my yard.
I have an older Rtv 900. I love it but hate what they did with the rtv-x series. It's no longer the heavy duty workhorse it was.
What about it makes you think that? My only beef is that they pulled the second hydraulic circuit on the x series, other than that I think it's better in most ways.
@@MessicksEquip The first complaint is they did away with the three speed transmission. The newer X series only have high and low. I know Kubota supposedly redid the gearing or something so medium range isn't needed. They also brag on their smaller tractors that have a three range transmission over JD'S two range. The bolt pattern on the tires for the older models is a 5 bolt pattern. The newer models have a 4 bolt pattern. That's a big sign of being cheaper and lighter weight. Both of those changes I could live with. The big reason I don't care for the newer X series is the smaller cargo box. Forgive me if my measurements are off because it's been a while since I compared them. If I remember correctly the X is 1/2 inch wider but 7 inches shorter. The way I use my RTV on the farm for work, cargo space is a premium feature. The new model just won't work for me anymore. I certainly don't hate all the new features of the X series but the cargo box is a deal breaker. If Kubota comes out with a bigger bed that my skid sprayer fits in I'd be standing outside my local dealership waiting for it to open so I could order a new one.
You've that right. The older one was much beefier. I used that middle range more than the other two combined. The hydraulic bed lift cylinder was twice the size of the new one. The bean counters did it to save money and be more price competitive with the competition, plain and simple. I sold my pokey 1100 after 7 years and bought a Can-Am defender limited. The Can-Am is ten times better than the Kubota in every respect (except for the 250 lb. limit on the tailgate) and it can do 65mph on our county roads (not legally, of course) vs. 25mph too speed for the Kubota.
The Hydrostatic IVT is a really nice perk. I'd rather have a mini truck for the 6 foot bed though.
Look into a Can-Am Defender Pro. They have a 6 ft. bed with removable sides to convert to flatbed. A farmer friend of mine uses it to haul 1500 lb.round hay bales around.
I am considering purchasing the 520 but I want to plow snow. How good does is plow snow and what plow do you recommend? I have a tractor for heavy snow and farm usage but want the 520 to haul firewood, farm chores and some light to moderate snow plowing. Thanks
Interesting quote regarding bed loading. Perhaps the specs. have changed or perhaps the specs. are different for different markets. We’ve just had one delivered in Q4 2024 and the manual states a maximum of just 200Lbs in the bed. Fortunately it wasn’t my money. After running an older 900 model, I was pretty disappointed by the 200Lbs bed loading of the 520. At 200, it’s more like a glorified wheelbarrow.
2 years ago I bought a brand new Honda Pioneer 700-4 deluxe. The Kubota SXS was just too expensive.
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me the vertical distance from the ground to the center of the rear hitch receiver? I want to design a sprayer boom but don't have the vehicle yet.
Is there a battery power one? I don't need a lot of power, but a nice quiet way for my wife to tool around the property with tools and flowers and junk.
A golf cart can do that and is far cheaper.
@@brianhillis3701 Definitely not far cheaper
@@brianhillis3701 i have my eyes on Craigslist for a golf cart for sure.
Kubota Canada shows an enclosed cab with heater as a add on option. I think that would be great. Now we just need ac and it would be perfect. ( the 1100 is too much for me).
Just bought one!
Why did Kubota underpower this model as well? My RTV 500 really needs about 22 hp. The transmission can easily handle it. It's frustrating, as I run out of juice towing my small logging trailer (under 1000lb) up hills.
This is a pretty typical horsepower range for this size machine, there are full size units that would have a lot more pep.
@@MessicksEquip The other UTV I considered was the Honda Pioneer 500 - 28.5 HP. While it is not as good as a work unit, it has the correct engine size IMO.
the two big things to me are the quite engine and the front bumper.
440 is what it is rated for not the 600-800 pounds that we put in them.
Neil, Just watched this video again and ANT one of these machines! A Deluxe 520 with a Windshield, Roof and Plow all factory accessories. My local Kubota Dealer in Albion and Brockport, NY where I purchased my B2560 Tractor tells me not available to December 2021 or later! Can yoy shed any light on that and do you have inventory as I specced out in your location? Please advise and Thanks Much, Mike...
There is no inventory available across any company for this kind of equipment. No option but to place an order and wait. See my video's on inventory shortages.
What’s the top speed ? Thanks for the video.
No thanks, sticking with my 2007 Kubota RTV900 with aftermarket coast valve - perfect, 2300 hours on it. Hauls a ton, hydraulic lift bed and meant for Serious work on my 220 acres in West Texas - built like a tank. This looks cool but something a wife would use in her Sunday garden perhaps carrying a few flower pots. Nice, but doesn't fit my mission
I would not call that a steep hill.
Please add ball park prices Please
Why is it hard to measure slope or pct grade? Do you own a meter stick and a level? Do you work with off road vehicles? How is it possible not to know an spend 30 seconds taking a very simple measurement?
My uncle just ordered this to drive our golf ball picker machine
Lockers??? Front and rear????
a video on starting your rtv after running it dry would be great. Gas and diesel both would be great.
Both have electric fuel pumps, you just fill it up and turn the key.
@@MessicksEquip awesome, good to know. thanks.
Seems like I read the torque for the RTV 500 was 40 ft lb, does the RTV 520 have the same torque power?
Not sure on the engine, but the driving dynamics sure are improved.
Would something like this be alright for plowing snow?
Yes.
@@MessicksEquip which is one of the other reasons to use the low range for
I know you said that has Manuel steering. Does it have a power steering option or can you buy a after market power steering kit
No kits for power steering, not sure why you would. The steering effort is really low.
@@MessicksEquip Are tracks still available for this machine? Power steering would be a big help in that case.
@@DPCCGM You need to look at the larger frame machine. This is too small. Not enough power for tracks.
I had a RTV 500. I'm contemplating the 520 or the Honda Pioneer 520 for more speed/oompffff. But with oompf comes noise and I'm not a fan of excess noise. This has 5" extra width and more metal but those are my two real options due to size constraints for my small barn door. Is there anyone who has driven the 520 Honda and the RTV 520 to offer side-by-side comparisons in the real world?
I need a model 1100 and can’t find one anywhere would y’all have one?
Only way to get one is place an order and wait.
Nice machine.
Nice bird poop on the drivers side.....;-)
What's the price point for this machine?
Ordered mine about 14k with top, glass, winch, mirrors, light kit, taxes, KTAC.
Neill... Did you say that this unit would support a Snow Plow?
Yea
Looks like they missed an opportunity to put better seats on it.
Any ideas on when dealers are going to start getting rtv's in?
They roll in regularly, but the waiting list on some models is significant.
@@MessicksEquip It has been over 6 months since my local dealer has seen a 520.
1.5 hp increase is 10% better than the old model? So the old model had like 8 hp and this has 10?
15 and 17
Got any electric ATVs for sale?
No, it will come. Not seeing much that excites me yet.
10% increase, 1.5 hp... the original engine is only 15 hp? Doesn't seem right
Yes, that's pretty typical in a little machine like this.
It's woefully inadequate. It needs about 22-24. The HST can take it, Kubota really failed on this chance to fix the big problem with the RTV500.
My Kubota dealer has hardly anything in stock.What gives with that????
Covid supply chain issues.
Or get a used Jeep
One thing Kubota did right is L2501, one thing kubota did wrong is this one.......
Kubota does a lot more right than one particular model tractor. For the price this RTV looks good, especially if driving on hilly land. I would prefer a diesel powered machine over this one but all the same this RTV is fine.