Kubota RTV 900 extended service

Changing engine oil & filter, tranny fluid & filters, and air filter

[@efrawley55]

Nice JOb - I learned a lot

[@AJCurtis]

Thanks. I try. Glad you liked it.

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

Thanks for the location of the transmission drain plug. I made a mistake, I removed the Allen drain plug on the driver side. It drained, but it’s a bit higher than the drain plug you showed.

[@AJCurtis]

Glad I could help. That’s my intention with channel is to help out where I can. Thanks for the comment.

[@gweggslist4460]

Was the Allen plug a magnet plug?

[@xNK98]

This video made my first time working on a RTV900 an absolute dream, saved the link along with the PDF manual on the shop computer. This way the future maintainers can learn from you as well 👍🏻

[@AJCurtis]

Thank you my friend. This is exactly why I started the channel, to help people understand they can do it as well as me. Please like and subscribe, it will help me keep posting videos just like this one. Thanks so much for the comment. 😎

[@christinekukel6896]

Nice job, good camera work. Note that the air filter is actually a two part system and you changed only the outer filter. If you look closely you will see a second filter (smaller diameter inside the larger diameter one that you changed). That also needs changing. It just pulls out as easily as the outer one. It filters smaller particles.

[@AJCurtis]

You are absolutely correct. I kind of approached the subject in my video of maintaining my L tractor. It does not have that inner filter at all. There is a different way of looking at it though. The inner filter IS a smaller particulate filter and as it traps that, it won’t let as much small particulate in. I look at it this way. If that filter is CLEAN (no visible dirt), I don’t change it until I see that it’s dirty. I do not run my equipment that many hours per year, so I keep a close eye on it. I should have said it in my video, but didn’t. I will address that in a future video. Thanks for the catch, you are paying attention.

[@AJCurtis]

By the way, my manual calls for that filter to be changed every 2 years. I have to admit I have only changed it once since 2008. Thanks again for the comment. I appreciate it.

[@user-jm3vp2dp3j]

Very good video. Lots of good information.

[@AJCurtis]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.

[@fitch8363]

I have a 2004 RTV900W with 3,200 hours on it which looks like an older twin of yours. I just finished cleaning and flushing the cooling system. If you haven't done it yet, you should know there is a lower return line from the transmission oil cooler which is what the yellow filter screws onto. That line runs along the bottom frame rail and has a splice in it just a bit to the rear of the air filter. I could see the two clamps when you were working on the air filter. To drain completely drain the coolant you need to both disconnect that split and remove the radiator drain plug. That return line and the transmission oil cooler won't drain otherwise. My service manual doesn't mention the need to do that. But it's obviously necessary. I change the coolant every two years. It has additives that help to reduce galvanic corrosion due to the dissimilar metal construction of aluminum engines with steel fittings. I've seen what happens if the coolant is allowed to get old enough that the additives are used up. It's ugly.

[@AJCurtis]

Thank you for the comment. I will take your advice on the next service maintenance and do just that. Thanks again. 😎👍

[@fitch8363]

@@AJCurtis FYI: If you pull the water line off the thermostat cover that goes to the transmission cooler, you can stick a funnel in it with the return line split and do a much better job of rinsing the flush fluid out of the cooler. It will also give you a chance to inspect the steel hose bib that is somehow shrink fit into the thermostat housing to be sure it isn't corroded into a weakened condition. I've seen them weakened to the point they fatigue fail from vibration and dump the coolant. Both ends of the coolant lines to the oil cooler and the splice are steel hose bibs. There is also a steel splice between the water pump and the bottom radiator hose. It's about impossible to get to without removing the headrest, seat and the plastic cover over the frame under the seat. That removes easily if you have a hex socket to fit it and an impact driver adaptor. I think there are 14 button head hex drive screws. But if the hose bib on the thermostat cover is significantly corroded, that splice will be too. You might find a lot of dirt and debris in there. I did when I decided to replace all the hoses. The upper radiator hose connection is inaccessible with that cover in place. So is the water pump discharge hose below the pump that connects to the bottom radiator hose. If you haven't done a flush and coolant change since new, I'd encourage you to do it right away. Like today.

[@AJCurtis]

How many hours you have on your 900? Are you the only owner?

[@fitch8363]

@@AJCurtis It has 3,200 hours. I bought it new in 2004. It's one of the first the local dealer had to sell. It has the hydraulic dump box. I had additional front and rear work lights and the one piece roof added. It's just a roof, not a cab. We have a lot of woods and I did't want to have a windshield or cab doors that could be wrecked. It's had two upgrades since new - the two piece front drive shaft was replaced with a single shaft and something was done to ease the deceleration when I took my foot off the pedal. Before that change it would almost lock its wheels if I took my foot off like I would in a car. The deceleration mod was shortly after it was new. The single piece drive shaft was a few years after it was new. It has a 3 speed transmission. The new ones have had two speeds for over a decade. I'd really miss the medium speed - it's the one I use the most. I replaced the boots on the front CV drive shafts several years ago, but the shafts are still working just fine.

[@AJCurtis]

Mine is a 2008 with about 1550 hrs on it. I bought mine brand new as well. I WILL take your advice and check out the coolant situation very soon. I am in the war of the wood right now. You can check it out on my video “ Wood for the monster “. I use the RTV extensively for putting in my winter wood. Check it out. Thanks again for your input and advice.

[@jethroleehill9813]

Nice instructional!

[@AJCurtis]

Thanks for the comment I try my best. 😎

[@loui9102]

🙏

[@robincuff]

K. Tha ks

[@vizznizz]

Thanks for the video! What coolant did you use? I’m fixing to do my 06 I just bought with 1600 hour’s! Have you done this extended service ever year? I hope my previous owner did but I’m not sure. He said machine has no issues but I found a ripped open front Cv boot and shot rear axle uJoints which seems like a common issue

[@AJCurtis]

Don’t remember the brand, but it was the green 50/50 mix. I service my machines with Hydralic oils and transmission fluids on hours. All my stuff gets an oil change and air filter ( outer element)every year or more if it goes over on hours. Grease all the time. Can’t go wrong with that. Mine has a ripped boot on pass side frt as well. Am going to fix and video soon. RTV’s are an orange mule. Great workhorse.

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

On the engine oil filter, it shows 1 turn after contact. It’s using a o-ring, not the usual flat washer. The white filter asks for 3/4 turn, and the yellow filter asks for 1 1/4 turn after contact.

[@AJCurtis]

Thanks for the info and comment.

[@traderjack6151]

Worked at Kubota since 1979 Kubota has always recommended 10w30 diesel oil, you asked why in the world would they use 3.1 quarts , the reason is Kubota are manufactured in Japan so they gave you the capacity in quarts for north America , the gold filter on side of transmission is HST hydrostatic filter the white filter is hydraulic

[@traderjack6151]

There also a suction screen in bottom of transmission, recommended in maintenance intervals (HRS)

[@traderjack6151]

Forgot to thank you for making this video for the people out there servicing there own rtv"s great little work horses

[@tomcooke6670]

I have the same rtv 900. my dipstick full marl is not near the bottom but about an 1.5 inches up. mine takes near to the 4 qts.

[@AJCurtis]

Is this oil or tranny fluid?

[@tomcooke6670]

​@AJCurtis it is engine oil

[@AJCurtis]

Gotcha. My manual says 3.1 quarts. It is actually in liters. I put 3 quarts in and it is down 1/8” on the dipstick. My engine uses no oil, so I watch it and don’t worry about the .1 thing. Thanks for the comment.

[@oriley81]

I've got a 2021 model and just did my 50 hr service this week, it went well and they have designed it well.. I wonder if I angled machine would help lose less trans fluid when only doing trans filters.. jack one side up or ramps..

[@AJCurtis]

That may work. I have not tried the jacking one side up. If you do, let me know how it works. Interesting. Thanks for the comment.

[@AJCurtis]

By the way, how do you like the newer version of the RTV?

[@oriley81]

@@AJCurtis no problems,,

[@carolinasmiles6975]

AJ, I inadvertently put coolant in the power steering Jug on my rtv 900. I was going to drain it and put the correct power steering fluid in the reservoir, however I am not sure what type to replace it with. Can you give advice as to the best way to drain the power steering and replace the fluid? Thanks

[@AJCurtis]

THAT is a good question. I have never drained mine out, so I don’t know. Whatever you do , don’t start it until you get the coolant out. It IS right next to the coolant tank, so I get the mistake. I would take the tank off to clean it. Talk to your local Kubota dealer, he’ll know. Use that fluid. It may cost a little more, but that would be my advice. Maybe a siphon pump could work as well, but you may not get it all. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment. Good luck. Let me know how you make out.

[@lbsublime2450]

How do you drain the hydraulic fluid to get the air bubbles out to fix the steering?

[@AJCurtis]

I am not sure. I will dig into it and get back to you.

[@christophersorensen9580]

Hey AJ, I got a Kubota RTV 900 and noticed that it has been losing it's power going uphill, quite a bit slower than it used to go just a few months ago. I've somewhat inherited the Kubota and don't know how long it's been since it was fully serviced like this. But do you know what may be causing that? I've cleaned the air filter for the engine, but after seeing this I will be buying a new filter for sure. Thank you for the video, very informative!

[@AJCurtis]

Try looking at your fuel filter. I bet either it’s partially plugged or you may have a bit of water in your fuel and when you go up hill the water is moved and gets sucked into the engine. Just a guess, but it’s a place to start. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Probably. Unfortunately I don’t get liters even from the Kubota dealer! Lol

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Probably. Unfortunately I don’t get liters even from the Kubota dealer! Lol

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Probably. Unfortunately I don’t get liters even from the Kubota dealer! Lol

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Probably. Unfortunately I don’t get liters even from the Kubota dealer! Lol

[@Florijnkenter]

5:05 So you have a rainbow garden with a oil shed🤣

[@AJCurtis]

?

[@Florijnkenter]

@@AJCurtis You oil the planks with oil

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Gotcha now. I do oil the wooden decks of my trailers with the old tranny oil. It’s clean unlike old motor oil and does a super job of waterproofing them. Thanks for the comment.

[@burlypenguin]

How often do you clean the spark arrester?

[@AJCurtis]

I look at it every couple years. Mine is the internal type with 2 screws to take off tail pipe from muffler. I use off road fuel and power stoke additive with cetane boost in it. I have actually never found any carbon in it. My machine has 1500 hours on it. Probably should have included it in my video, and will on the next extended maintenance video. It’s time to change out coolant and check my thermostat plus change out hydraulic oil as well. Look for that video coming soon as winter shop is just around the corner. Thanks for the comment. 😎👍

[@Daniel-rs9bw]

Where does the other end of the coolant tube connect to?

[@AJCurtis]

Not sure what you mean. Is it from the tank?

[@robincuff]

Do you have a video on how to engage the 4×4 on that same Kubota you just worked on

[@AJCurtis]

No I don’t. It is to the left of the shift lever for low, medium and high. I believe up is 4wd and down is 2wd. Need a pic of it!? Can do tomorrow.

[@AJCurtis]

Or should I make a video of all the controls and uses?

[@AJCurtis]

Video for RTV operation tutorial up on channel. Hope it helps.

[@robincuff]

@AJCurtis if you can show a video of the control s and how to operate them would be very helpful. Thanks for responding

[@AJCurtis]

Your welcome. The RTV 900 operation video is up on the channel.

[@khaithi]

What kind of engine oil did you use?

[@AJCurtis]

Rotella T-4 15w40

[@AlternativeLighting]

What kind of oil do you use?

[@AJCurtis]

Rotella T-4 15w-40. Kubota filters. Great combo. I use Kubota Super UDT-2 for tranny’s in my RTV and B sub compact tractor. Thanks for the comment.

[@Gogglechrome.]

Cabora 900 what transmission fluid does it take

[@AJCurtis]

Use ONLY Kubota UDT-2. That is what is recommended for the RTV 900. Also I only use their tranny filters as well. Thanks for the comment. Hope you will like and subscribe.

[@barktwicemofo]

wow. wish more people made great videos like this , no stupid background music , great idea , the old sock as a glove , also use it 4 a sunglasses sleeve 4 your m/c, etc .. be nice if we didnt have the @#$!! ads , tho..

[@AJCurtis]

🤣🤣Right about the ads, but what can ya do. Thanks for the comment and the laugh. Keep workin’ hard. 😎

[@barktwicemofo]

@@AJCurtis ...can you make ?/ post your video w/o ads , is that money 4 you , or !@#%!! tubes thing that they throw ad(s) in videos, ( lots o money in info , thats why i dont download apps or give out my e-mail, they dont stop!!,) people dont carry pen/ pencil, paper anymore, text me they say , i say , ...talkin gets the job done!!!, i,m a.j. , too.. gots 2 go , global warming... 61 deg 2-day, ohio, , gotta get my ' bota workin , firewood , lovin it , and, ..... made u- shaped bracket 2 hang 12v milw. rover lite from wire headache rack 2 lite up bed & nice backup lite ... need 2 get manuals , lots more info on my ??? yr. rtv 900 , need 2 find a person 2 talk 2 about mine , google it , no thanx i say , talkins quicker , gotta go , hate this @#$%!! txtn , clock dont stop , i can never die , 2 much 2 do !!!, live long & prosper , !!!

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

3.1 quarts? Probably 3 liters? Most of the world is metric.

[@AJCurtis]

Yep. Unfortunate even the Kubota dealer sells it in quarts here!