If you’re in the market for a new utility vehicle in Houston, popular utility vehicle brands such as John Deere and Kubota may come to mind. The current UTV market is chock-full of different options for buyers, which is convenient, but also a little overwhelming.
Lucky for you, we’ve done all the research and narrowed it down to two of the best UTV models available. In this article, we’re going to compare the John Deere Gator XUV 865M and the Kubota RTV-X1120, America’s best-selling diesel utility vehicle.
If you’re thinking about straying away from John Deere and considering Gator competitors, look no further. We’ve gathered all the information for you in this side-by-side Kubota/Gator comparison.
While these two vehicles are very similar in size, there are some aspects that make all the difference. Let’s look at the exact specifications of the John Deere Gator and Kubota RTV-X.
After looking at these numbers, it appears that the Kubota has a larger fuel tank, cargo bed load, and payload capacity. This means fewer tank refills and more carrying capabilities for the user. The Kubota is also the heavier machine, providing extra stability. This will come in handy when traveling in rough areas.
John Deere’s Gator XUV Crossover Utility Vehicle is built with a Yanmar diesel engine with a total displacement of 854 cc and maximum horsepower of 22. 8.
The Kubota RTV-X is equipped with a Kubota D1105 OHV engine with a total displacement of 1123 cc and maximum horsepower of 24.8. Overhead valve (OHV) engines are known for their durability and longevity. Maneuvering through rugged terrain is a piece of cake in Kubota’s dependable X-series.
Both vehicles are similar in that they are both powered by 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-cycle diesel engines and have 4WD. But when it comes to displacement and horsepower, Kubota is number one.
The John Deere Gator features a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with clutch enclosure, while the Kubota RTV-X has exclusive Variable Hydro Transmission (VHT-X). As for gear selection, both options have Hi-Lo range forward, neutral, and reverse.
The Kubota has a maximum traveling speed of 29 mph while the Gator can only reach 15 mph in low range and up to 28 mph in high range.
Price
John Deere’s Gator UTV will cost you at least $16,999.00 while the Kubota RTV-X starts at the unbeatable price of $14,299. 00.
Before we wrap up, let’s cover all our bases by comparing a few remaining features of each UTV model.
We hope this guide helped you see that when it comes to John Deere Gator vs. competition, Kubota is the clear winner. The Kubota X-series offers comfort, convenience, and power, all for a great price. This well-engineered, reliable utility vehicle will fulfill all your hauling and towing needs.
Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment is a distinguished Kubota dealer serving the Greater Houston Area. If you’re thinking about buying a new mid-sized to full-sized utility vehicle, come to Bobby Ford. We’ll help you choose the right UTV based on your specific needs.
Contact us today for more information on our select Kubota utility vehicles.
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 this hardworking farm vehicle.
Powered by a 21.6hp, three-cylinder diesel engine, the Kubota RTV-X900 shares many similarities with the brand's tractor range, including performance and durability. However, it's the UTV's low-end grunt, manoeuvrability and off-road prowess that help it reach places utes and tractors simply 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.
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 hill climbs.
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-arms up front and the independent coil-over rear shock down the back 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 on 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 just about anything.
While the X900 is perhaps lacking slightly in the speed department compared to the Sidekick, its load handling capabilities are just as good as those of 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 – and the X900 handled the load 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 safely and competently negotiate bends and steep slopes.
Ground clearance of 263mm plus 205mm of suspension travel allows the vehicle to glide over bumps and humps in the road rather than deflecting off them.
Meanwhile, heavy-duty steel tie-down hooks help keep a 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. This limits its towing capabilities, but it has a standard two-inch hitch receiver that still allows it to tow up to 590kg when required.
Once in the cab, the X900's comfort factor is readily apparent. There is plenty of space for two people, and taller occupants will surely appreciated the decent legroom.
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.
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 any farmer needing a reliable, practical and effective workhorse that doesn't cost the earth, the Kubota RTV-X900 is an ideal choice.
Colour: Orange
Tyres: General purpose ATV tyres/worksite tyres
Engine: 3-cylinders, 4-cycle, diesel, OHV
Displacement: 898cc
Horsepower: 21. 6hp
Transmission: Variable hydro transmission (VHT-X)
Max Travelling Speed: 40km/h
Steering: Hydrostatic power
4WD System: Limited-slip front differential / Foot operated locking rear differential
Suspension – Front: Independent, Dual A-arms with adjustable spring preload
Suspension – Rear: Independent with coil over shock
Weight: 865kg
Towing Capacity: 590kg
Payload Capacity: 755kg
Cargo Bed Load: 500kg
Cargo Bed Volume: 0.43m3
Dumping System: Manual with Optional hydraulic power lift
Fuel Tank Capacity: 30L
RRP: From $20,750 excluding GST
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from kvadr
2017 Kubota RTV-X1100C Orange Specifications
Engine model | Kubota |
Engine type | Inline |
Number of cylinders | 3 |
Stroke | 4-stroke |
Brake horsepower/kW | 24.8 / 18.5 |
Horsepower RPM | 3000 |
Cooling type | Liquid |
Engine configuration | OHV |
Displacement (cc/cf) | 1123 / 68.5 |
Starter type | Electric |
Fuel requirement | Standard |
Fuel type | nine0014 Diesel|
Carburetor | + |
Injection type | Carburetor |
Transmission type | Automatic |
Number Of Speeds | 2 |
Drive type | Belt |
Reverse | + |
Up/down | + |
Wheel material | Steel |
Chamber | Tubeless |
Front wheel diameter | 25 |
Rear wheel diameter | 25 |
Front wheel width | 10 |
Front disc diameter | 12 |
Rear wheel width | 10 |
Rear disc diameter | 12 |
Front tires | 25 x 10 - 12 ATV |
Rear tires | 25 x 10 - 12 ATV |
Tread Type | All Terrain |
Front | Hydraulic |
Rear | Hydraulic |
Engine braking system | Standard |
Front suspension | Independent Double A-Arm |
Front Suspension Size (in/mm) | 8 / 205 |
Suspension fork pre-setting | + |
Rear suspension | Independent |
Rear Suspension Size (in/mm) | 8 / 205 |
Rear adjustable shock / spring preload | + |
Rear shock absorbers | 2 |
Pneumatic adjustment | – |
Steering | Power |
Steering controller | Steering wheel |
Tilt Steering | Standard |
Length (ft) | nine0014 10. 21|
Width (in/mm) | 65.4 / 1660 |
Height (in/mm) | 82.3 / 2090 |
Base length (in/mm) | 80.5 / 2045 |
Turning radius (feet) | 13.1 |
Ground clearance (in/mm) | 10.4 / 263 |
Front Tread Width (in/mm) | 48.8 / 1240 |
Rear Tread Width (in/mm) | 48.8 / 1240 |
Length (foot/foot) | 10 |
Length (foot/inches) | 2.5 |
ATV dry weight (pounds/kilograms) | 2370 / 1075 |
Load capacity (lb/kg) | 1629 / 739 |
Tow Weight (lb/kg) | 1300 / 590 |
Fuel tank capacity (gallon/l) | 7.9 / 30 | nine0018
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc) | 0.47 |
Seat type | Bench |
Material | Vinyl |
Folding seat | – |
Headrest | – |
Seats | 2 |
Number of rows | 1 |
Handrail or strap | Standard |
Frame material | Steel |
Chain guard | – |
Power bumper | + |
LightGuard | + |
Protective cover | Standard |
Front bumper | Standard |
Front wheel arch liners | Standard | nine0018
Rear fenders | Standard |
Skid Plate | + |
Visor | Rigid |
Camouflage | – |
Roll cage | Standard |
Rollbar | Standard |
Door | Rigid |
Cab / Bed Divider | Standard | nine0018
Dashboard | Standard |
Odometer | Standard |
Speedometer | Standard |
Hour meter | Standard |
Engine temperature sensor | Indicator |
Fuel level sensor | Indicator |
Basic warranty (Mo. /Condition) | 12 / Limited |
Battery warranty (months) | 0 |
Vehicle type | Utility |
Production | Japan |
Model year | 2014 |
Minimum driver age (recommended by manufacturer) | 16 |
Parent company | Kubota |
Full name | RTV-X1100C Orange |
Image | – |
Windshield Mounts | Standard |
Drive type | Switchable 4X2 / 4X4 |
Number of modes | 2 |
Rear differential lock | + |
Location of limited slip differential | Front |
Differential lock location | Rear |
Size (in/cm) | 2 / 5. 1 |
Rear Hitch Type | Receiver |
Front Hitch Type | Receiver |
Rearview Mirrors | Standard |
Height Adjustable | – |
Tinted | – |
Heated | – |
Folding seat | – |
Underseat Storage | Standard |
Number of cupholders | 2 |
Load bed length (in/mm) | 40.5 / 1030 |
Load platform height (in/mm) | 11.2 / 284.5 |
Load bed width (in/mm) | 57.7 / 1465 |
Platform capacity (lb/kg) | 1102 / 500 |
Tilt loading platform | + |
Load platform material | Steel |
Volume (ft3, m3) | 15. 2 / 0.4 |
Glove box | Standard |
Headlight Mounts | Standard |
Halogen headlights | Standard |
Tail/Stop lights | Standard |
Head light | Standard |
Type | Halogen |
Heater | Standard |
Seat belt | Standard |
Metallic | – |
Considering all types of cars and motorcycles, it is very difficult to find a more all-terrain vehicle than a quad bike. This type of motor technology originated as a hybrid of a car and a motorcycle with off-road capabilities. The first samples appeared in the 80s of the last century, this solution was so successful that for many years the demand for ATVs significantly exceeded supply. nine0005
All over the world, the quad bike is called the short abbreviation ATV, which stands for All Terrain Vechicle (off-road motor vehicle). This name fully reflects the essence of this technique. ATVs have become indispensable in sports, tourism, hunting, special services, and when there is demand, the range of products offered is always evolving.
Now on the market you can find not only expensive and ultra-reliable models from well-known brands, inexpensive Chinese analogues with quite decent characteristics are gaining popularity. The proposed equipment differs in carrying capacity, speed characteristics and all-terrain limits. nine0005
Almost all models can be divided into three main groups:
The first place in popularity is occupied by utilitarian models. Their main feature is versatility. These samples are supplied with an economical, but traction engine, with a volume of about 400 cm3, which makes it easy to overcome mud, mounds, streams, and transport a large amount of cargo.
Utility ATVs are ideal for farming, many models are specially designed for this purpose, allowing you to connect a trailer, mower, plow, sprayer and other agricultural equipment to them. The payment for the versatility of these models is the maximum travel speed limited at the level of 40-60 km/h. nine0005
Sports models can be divided into two large subgroups:
Deciding on the desire to buy these ATVs in Nizhny Novgorod and Dzerzhinsk, you need to choose a model according to your own preferences, which include speed or high cross-country ability. High-speed models are equipped with a powerful engine up to 1.2 liters with water or air cooling. Drive in them is only the rear pair of wheels. All this allows the ATV to accelerate to a speed of 160 km / h, moving through the fields of country dirt roads. The high-speed design feature eliminates the possibility of connecting all-wheel drive, as well as transporting a large amount of cargo. nine0005
All-terrain models are equipped with a special transmission that allows you to turn on the 4 * 4 mode if necessary. At the same time, it is forbidden to use this mode constantly, as this leads to overheating of the dispenser and its failure. The power of the engines installed on these ATVs lies in the range from 0.4 to 1 liter, which gives enough power to move off-road with a large additional load. All-terrain models of ATVs are a popular purchase among hunters, tourists, and fishermen. nine0005
Children's ATV models are equipped with a light moped engine with a volume of 50 cm3 and cannot carry more than 70-80 kg. Their design does not imply the possibility of using all-wheel drive and high-speed driving. At the same time, wide-spaced wheels and leg protection make it possible to minimize the likelihood of the model tipping over. You can buy a children's ATV for any strong child and not worry about his safety while walking outside the city.
Teenage models are equipped with an engine with a capacity of up to 150 cm3, which allows them to carry from 80 to 120 kg of cargo.