Construction, groundcare and agricultural machinery specialists Kubota has launched a brand new range of compact and high performance all terrain utility vehicles.
The new 4WD Kubota RTV400Ci and RTV500 have been designed to offer a powerful, robust and reliable utility vehicle that provides users with exceptional handling and a host of innovative features to maximise control, even in the toughest of conditions.
Adrian Langmead, Kubota’s business development manager, commented: “Utility vehicles are used for a wide range of jobs, from caring for livestock, to shooting or just getting around your property, estate or park for instance. The type of vehicle you choose very much depends on what it is being used for and the type of terrain it needs to get across.
“The new RTV400Ci and RTV500 have been specifically launched to strengthen our range of utility vehicles and ensure we have the right machine for every application. Along with these new compact solutions, our customers also have access to our more powerful RTV900 and RTV1140 ranges.”
The RTV400Ci incorporates a new, high revving 16HP air-cooled, single cylinder petrol engine, along with Kubota’s newly designed CVT Plus (Continuously Variable Transmission) with inertial clutch.
The CVT Plus keeps the vehicle’s double cogged, wide belt drive system tight at all times, resulting in minimal slippage, giving drivers greater response and better durability. To complement this, the machine provides dynamic braking, helping users to maintain total control during ascents and descents with engine assisted deceleration.
Similar in power, the RTV500 features a 15.8HP, two-cylinder petrol engine. However, the RTV500 engine is liquid cooled to ensure reliability and to minimise noise and vibration. This reduces operator fatigue and increases the efficiency of the vehicle. The machine also includes Kubota’s innovative VHT Plus (variable hydrostatic transmission) system, which further enhances vehicle performance and handling.
Both the RTV400Ci and RTV500 include an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system that not only provides on-demand power and helps optimise acceleration, but also improves the machine’s responsiveness.
Adrian continued: “The EFI system helps to eliminate cold starting issues and manual choke adjustments that can often plague other carbureted utility vehicles that are available on the market from some of our competitors. The key benefits of this include increased reliability and improved engine serviceability.”
The compact nature of the RTV400Ci and RTV500 mean the vehicles have an excellent centre of gravity and equal weight distribution. All the wheels have robust semi-independent rear suspension systems to compensate for rough terrain and uneven ground.
Operator comfort is further enhanced with ergonomic, well placed controls and a comfortable seat, so the driver and passenger can use the vehicles for extended periods of time without fatigue. Ample and trouble-free legroom also make it easy to get on and off the vehicle.
Other key features of the both the RTV400Ci and RTV500 include a standard frame integrated ROPS and a manually tilting dumping cargo bed that can haul up to 200kg of dirt, gravel or hay for example.
Kubota www.kubota.co.uk