Kubota RTV400 - petrol

Specification

The RTV400 is Kubota’s entry-level UTV and is powered by a single-cylinder engine, delivering 16hp. Transmission is a two-speed belt unit in common with most other UTVs on test. Again, a Perspex windscreen provides forward-facing weather proofing and there is no wiper but the windscreen does open out on gas struts.

Up front, there is McPherson strut suspension, while the rear features coil-over-shock suspension. Four-wheel drive and diff-lock are selected by dash-mounted levers either side of the main gearstick.

Driving

Controls are clearly laid out so are easy to understand. The lack of a wiper is a problem, but the opening front windscreen is at least a partial solution. Seat height and cab access is good on the RTV400, ideal for jumping in and out around the farm. The RTV400’s single-cylinder engine is quite noisy.

Time trial

The Kubota fared quite badly on our time trial – it was the worst of the petrols and second-worst overall. Ground clearance again was a problem for these smaller machines, especially when loaded.

Likes

  • Simple and easy to understand.
  • Opening front windscreen.

    • Dislikes

  • Ground clearance poor when loaded.
  • No road-legal kit available.
  • Small load capacity.