Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – There is no slow start to spring on the farm. By the time the snow disappears, producers are already balancing livestock chores, field prep and equipment maintenance.
“Farmers this time of year are on double duty,” said Ben Slute, product manager, turf & RTV, for Kubota Canada .”The jobs don’t stop in the springtime, they almost double.”
That pace continues throughout the summer. Haying season brings its own demands, water runs to pasture become routine and there is always something that needs hauling, fixing or moving around. For many producers, a utility vehicle has become another important tool on the farm.
Kubota’s RTV line has built a strong following in Canadian agriculture over the past two decades and, according to Slute, much of that comes down to how the machine was designed.
“The Kubota RTV is the closest you’re ever going to get to a cross between a Kubota tractor and a utility vehicle,” he said. “This machine was designed by Kubota’s tractor engineers and it really shows in the features.”
Those features separate it from more recreational side-by-sides. The RTV uses a variable hydrostatic transmission rather than a belt drive, similar to the system found in Kubota’s subcompact tractors. It also includes a hydraulic bed lift powered directly by the engine, enclosed wet disc brakes and a pedal-operated rear differential lock positioned where tractor operators would expect it.
For producers who spend long hours on tractors, that familiarity matters. It can also make training new workers easier during busy seasons.
“Having something that is easy to use, something you can show someone around very quickly and trust that they can operate it reliably and safely is very important when you’re looking at return on your investment,” Slute said.
On cattle operations, producers use RTVs for hauling feed to calf hutches, carrying tools for fence repairs, checking fields and towing equipment around the yard. The machine is four-wheel drive with a limited slip front differential and two-inch receivers on both the front and rear for attaching a hitch. It is built to handle work around the farm rather than high-speed trail riding.
Read more: Equipment Spotlight: Kubota Tractors Built for Canadian Conditions
“This machine was designed for work,” Slute said. “Anyone in a commercial application should definitely consider the RTV.”
That commercial use extends beyond agriculture. Municipalities, mining operations and commercial snow removal companies also use the machines, showing the need for equipment that can handle daily work in a range of conditions. Kubota says it has produced more than 30 million engines and the diesel engines used in the RTV line have built a reputation for durability.
Durability becomes especially important during busy seasons when downtime can quickly slow an operation.
“You want something that you don’t have to think about,” Slute said. “Something that you can rely on every day, especially when you’re relying on this machine for your business, for your livelihood.”
Operator comfort also plays a key factor on long days in the field or around the yard. The RTV includes independent front and rear suspension, adjustable seating and steering, and an easy-clean vinyl interior designed for muddy or dusty conditions. The hydrostatic transmission also provides dynamic braking, slowing the machine when the operator lets off the throttle and adding more control on uneven terrain.
For producers considering an RTV, Slute says reliability and ease of use are two of the biggest factors.
“It’s really a tried and true power unit in the market,” he said. “These things have been around for over 20 years and they’ve proven themselves to farmers.”
Slute encourages producers interested in the machines to stop by a local dealer and see one in person.
To learn more visit Kubota Canada.
