2020 Kubota RTV-X900 Review

The Kubota RTV-X900 is the perfect embodiment of everything the Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer represents. Acting as an entry point to the brand’s X series of UTVs, the Kubota RTV-X900 is highlighted by its hardworking toughness and reliability.

Unlike the sporty new Kubota Sidekick RTV-XG850, which is designed to find a compromise between work and play, the RTV-X900 is a no-frills machine that has one mission – to get the job done. And as Kubota’s best-selling UTV, it seems agricultural workers are reaping the benefits of the hardworking farm vehicle.

Powered by a 21.6hp, 3 cylinder diesel engine, the Kubota RTV-X900 shares many similarities with the brand’s tractor range, including performance and durability for long days on the farm, but low-end grunt and 4WD capabilities help it get into places where utes and tractors can’t.

Engine aside, the RTV-X900 also includes a variable hydro transmission (VHT-X), durable independent suspension, 4WD system with limited slip front differential and a locking rear differential, and dynamic braking.

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Power and performance

On paper, the Kubota RTV-X900 sure is attractive, but out in the paddocks is where it really shines. The 893cc diesel engine won’t give you the same thrills as the Sidekick, but with 21.6hp at 3200rpm, the RTV-X900 has plenty of muscle down low to get through tricky terrain, including water, mud and rocky hillclimbs.

It’s fair to say that the RTV-X900 is a stayer, not a sprinter. It does feel a touch slow and cumbersome in comparison to the performance-orientated Sidekick, but it will go all day and chug along at a decent enough pace. It is very torquey, and with just two forward gears, plus neutral and reverse, it is also easy to drive, which makes for a versatile all-round package.

The RTV-X900 suspension setup is designed for durability, but also contributes to a comfortable and fine-handling ride. The independent dual A-arm front and independent coilover rear shock soak up rough terrain, and while the UTV won’t turn on a dime, it is still agile enough to easily make it through tight bushland. The 4WD system does a brilliant job too, with supreme traction in the most slippery of surfaces.

Another great feature is the dynamic braking. When descending a hill, you can take your feet off both the brake and gas pedals, and let the engine braking slowly ease the vehicle to the bottom.

Whereas the Sidekick can tend to roll a bit too quickly down steep climbs, the RTV-X900 crawls down at a safe pace. I tried this on a steep rocky downhill, and the RTV-X900 pretty much went into autopilot. I was tempted to put my feet up and scroll through Instagram while it did its work (please don’t try this at home).

The Kubota RTV-X900 definitely isn’t the most powerful or the flashiest UTV out there, but it is extremely rugged and will get through anything.

Load handling and towing

While the X900 is perhaps lacking slightly in the speed department compared to the Sidekick, its load handling capabilities is just as good as its speedier cousin.

A heavy duty steel cargo box on the X900 is capable of carrying up to 500kg of load, whether it be firewood, tools, or some fencing supplies. An optional spray-on bed liner keeps the cargo bed clean and free of dirt and damage.

Polyethylene tank expert, Trans Tank International, installed its OnDeck 300-litre capacity UTV spray tank on the X900’s cargo box during our review to test its handling capabilities.

When filled to capacity, the spray tank weighs 390kg which the X900 handled with ease. The heavy tank added to the stability of the UTV, keeping it close to the ground even when zooming across undulating terrain. Even with a hefty load on the back, the X900 was able to negotiate bends and steep slopes with ease.

A ground clearance of 263mm with 205mm of suspension travel allows the vehicle to glide over bumps and humps in the road rather than through them.Heavy-duty steel tie-down hooks help keep load secure in the box while traveling across the paddock.

Unloading the X900 is a breeze. A lever on the side of the UTV lifts the tray hydraulically and the cargo will simply slide out on to the ground, eliminating any backbreaking work.

Unlike the Sidekick, the X900 does not have a tow hitch at the back which limits its towing capabilities, but it has a standard two-inch hitch receiver that still allows it to tow up to 590kg at the back.

Comfort and storage

Once in the cab, the comfort factor of the X900 is apparent. There is plenty of space for two people to fit comfortably in, and plenty of legroom means taller passengers don’t have to shift and squirm to make themselves comfortable.

The controls all make sense and have been ergonomically placed so drivers need not bend and turn to reach the knobs and levers. The steering wheel can be adjusted to fit the operator’s posture or stature.

A bright, easy-to-read digital meter cluster shows all key operating functions including speed, fuel levels and more.

There is plenty of utility storage space inside the cab, including an under-seat compartment and glove box that allow farmers to store personal items such as smaller tools, mobile phones and more.

Last words

It isn’t hard to see why the X900 UTV remains Kubota’s best-selling model. While it might not have the most power and capacity out of the Kubota range, it is more than capable of handling any task on the farm.

Priced at $20,750 excluding GST, the RTV-X900 is an affordable proposition for busy farmers, and it is packed with brilliant features and equipment that offer plenty of added value.

For a farmer needing a reliable workhorse with plenty of capacity and power to get the work done but isn’t keen to splash too much cash, the X900 is an ideal choice.

Specs: 2020 Kubota RTV-X900

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Engine: 3-cylinder, 4-cycle, diesel, OHV
Displacement: 898cc
Horsepower: 21.6hp
Transmission: Varible hydro transmission (VHT-X)

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Steering: Hydrostatic power
4WD System: Limited-slip front differential /foot-operated locking rear differential
Front: Suspension: Independent, Dual A-arms with adjustable spring pre-load, selectable 4WD
Rear Suspension: Independent with coil over shock
Wheel: Steel (alloy optional)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Weight: 865kg
Max Travelling Speed: 64.4 km/h
Towing Capacity: 590kg
Payload Capacity: 755kg
Cargo Bed Load: 500kg
Cargo Bed Volume: 0.43m3
Dumping System: Manual with hydraulic power lift
Fuel Tank Capacity: 30L

OTHER STUFF
RRP: From $20,750 excluding GST
Colour: Orange
Test vehicle supplied by: Kubota Australia