New Kubota RTV 900  catches the eye

Capable of a carrying two people across the roughest terrain in tandem with loads of up to 500 kilos (1 tonne with trailer attached) the new Kubota RTV 900 range of utility vehicles is as suited to the steepest slopes of the most exposed hill farm as it is to the more gentle undulations of a golf course and the uncompromising conditions found on most construction sites.

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But enough of the showroom blurb! At the recent Irish launch event a selection of these highly versatile vehicles was placed in the hands of Kubota dealers from across Ireland who then put them through their paces in ways that would challenge the most highly regarded 4x4. And with this in mind one would be hard pushed a better location than the Toddsleap Activity Centre, near Ballygawley in Co Tyrone. Owner Benny O’ Hanlon, one of Ireland’s foremost authorities on off road driving, was also given the opportunity to trial the RTV 900 range for two days around his 100 acre testing site. “I am very impressed,” he told farm-link. “The RTV 900 is one of the best off road vehicles I have ever driven. We were able to take a number of models across extreme terrain that would be above and beyond that expected on any farm. What’s more, they are extremely versatile and very safe to drive.” He added: “Toddsleap is an approved LANTRA approved training centre. All our staff are fully qualified LANTRA instructors and it is against this background that we are able to give the RTV 900 series a very high approval rating” Not surprisingly, Kubota area sales manager for Ireland Sam Thompson is reporting that demand is already strong for the new vehicles. This comes on the back of the RTV’s success in the United States, where 20,000 plus have been sold in just two years. “The vehicles’ ability to carry two people and loads of up to one tonne will make them extremely attractive on farms throughout Ireland,” he said. “Basically, they will go anywhere!” The four-wheel drive vehicle is the first machine of its type to be designed and built by Kubota, the world’s leading manufacturer of compact tractors, mini tracked excavators and diesel engines. If required, four-wheel drive can be de-selected for reduced tyre wear and fuel consumption when driving on hard, firm or level surfaces. Powered by a Kubota 22hp E-TVCS three cylinder water-cooled diesel engine easily accessed for servicing, the RTV900 is equipped with a unique three-range variable hydrostatic transmission known as VHT. The system is actuated by a single foot pedal that gives infinitely variable forward and reverse travel up to a maximum speed of 25mph. In action, VHT delivers rapid acceleration, excellent traction across all surfaces and impressive hill climbing ability thanks to the use by Kubota of an additional hydrostatic assist motor that “kicks in” when climbing a slope, delivering instantly more torque to the drive wheels. The VHT system also provides dynamic braking for safe, controlled hill starts and descents without having to use the vehicle’s brakes. Complementing the RTV900’s exceptional hill-climbing and tractive abilities is an automotive style suspension system with independent MacPherson strut-type suspension on the two front wheels and a semi-independent suspension at the rear combining a DeDion axle, leaf springs and shock absorbers. The result is a smooth, shock-free ride with class-leading load-carrying ability and minimal body tilt across challenging terrain. To enhance the suspension’s go-anywhere capabilities, Kubota has given the RTV900 full hydrostatic power steering, a ground clearance of 210mm (8.3in) on all-terrain tyres (185mm/7.3in on turf tyres) and fully-enclosed oil-immersed inboard disc brakes at the front and rear. The use of inboard sealed brakes eliminates the risk of dirt contamination and premature wear and tear, ensuring consistent and positive stopping time after time. Recognising that the RTV900 will be used for both people-carrying and load movement, Kubota offers the vehicle either with a bench seat or individual seating, both types suitable for two large adults held safely in place by side grab rails and seat belts. The optional hydraulically-tipped rear cargo box has a load capacity of 500kg (1,100lbs) within generous internal dimensions of 1.32m wide x 1.18m long x 0.29m deep.   In common with Kubota’s compact tractors, all controls and instruments on the RTV900 are positioned ergonomically for ease and speed of operation. Positioned to the driver’s right hand are the hydrostatic range change lever, 2WD/4WD selection lever and switches for the indicators, lights and hazard warning flashers. Differential lock engagement and bed hydraulic tip, when fitted, are to the driver’s left hand. There are warning lights for oil level and battery charge status and a speedometer is optional.