Neil's Kubota SideKick Customization and Review

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[@randthompson5716]

Thx Neil. Not even considering anything like this but appreciate the honest insight and review. Again, Messicks exceed expectations.

[@BiffsEquipment]

These units are getting really nice. Great video Neil

[@dantadysak5485]

Your always real and I really appreciate that about you.

[@thall6076]

Just paid off my bx2380 this is next on my kubota list our dealer has some coming in very soon he said, this going will be my work horse around our property, I like all you done to yours I do love the special edition black 😍 and Iam a kubota orange fan as well.

[@stephengmeiner3264]

Very informative. I’ve often wondered what I would replace our JD Gator with. I love the Gator because of the large dump bed and ease of ingress and egress. What I don’t like is 2 wheel drive and 15 MPH. That Sidekick would look better next to my Kubota tractor than the Green and Yellow Gator!

[@Canopus68]

I have a five year old RTV 900. We use it in the woods to haul tools when we're trail building or cutting fire wood. The only problem I have with it is ground clearance. I had tracks on it for a while--got into some rocks and destroyed them. The tracks added about four or five inches and that really helped. I was in a field the other day that had been an orchard. When they cut the orchard and pine down they used a feller bunchier. The grass and weeds are three or four feet high in places. I all must got hung up a few times because we couldn't see the stumps. I would have cleared them easily with tracks. Can you buy bigger tires and wheels that give you more ground clearance. I'm on SS and don't have the money to replace the tracks as much as I wish I could.

[@MessicksEquip]

There are lift kits for it if you want to go that way.

[@Julian-do7bv]

Pretty neat little toy I'd like to have one. Another mod you could put on would be a golf cart mirror to see behind you it would make a big difference Ive ordered one for my Mahindra

[@lonnystockdale9478]

I am picking my new Kubota RTV-XG850 on Monday!

[@patrickcreath217]

Good video and thanks. No mention of the brakes though. I got a 2021 worksite model (orange of course) last March, and the wife and I just love it, be it work or play on the farm. The brakes are rather hard to apply however. This is not a real game changer, but it is noteworthy. I added a concave rear view mirror and like it. .

[@WilliamsonRidge]

Nice! We have a rzr 900s but now that we moved to our farm we need more utility, one of these could be in our future.

[@lcee6592]

Cool rig! I wouldn’t worry too much about fancy wheels, especially when eventually that large rock sticking out decides to take a chunk out of those fancy $$$ wheels! Ouch! But have fun with it and the kids!

[@robertross7666]

You the man Neil

[@deanbarr5740]

Nice machine Neil. Hafta see if my Financial Advisor aka "wife" will let me get one. I like the looks of the Kubota Sidekick. I'd even settle for a left over 2019 or 2020 model.Looks sturdy built.

[@tlbfarm4473]

Thanks for posting!!!

[@kdegraa]

UTVs are such useful machines. We have an old Club Car Carryall 295. It’s powered by a Kubota 3 cylinder diesel engine and has 4wd. We love it. It’s a capable machine and quite simple. It could benefit from power steering & an easier to move gear stick for older & weaker people. Besides that it suits us fine. I’d like to get a speaker like the one in the video. What brand is it?

[@shrekroughnecksmc5189]

I am in the market for an UTV. But I’d like to see some attachments for these. I don’t really have a “need” for a tractor. But I would use an UTV a lot for a land plane, box blade and I even saw a flail mower from Europe that was gas powered. If you need a video idea.

[@timgilchrist3065]

I am saving up for a Sidekick. The Subaru engine and the heavy front end has me sold.

[@danstevens2204]

I believe kubota now produce the engine.

[@timgilchrist3065]

The story I got is Kubota took an engine that Subaru was discontinuing and called it Kubota.

[@charliej.2716]

Love my RTV-X900.

[@ConnorOutdoors]

Nice machine and video! Time to buy the Kubota M8 next right!? 😂

[@terryroop4198]

A couple questions: 1) do your brakes squeak (mine does) 2) have you bogged the engine down cause of the rev limiter (I have and not happy when I run out of power with a load) 3) Your RTV looks level. Did you happen to put spacer in front springs to raise?

[@N98858]

Nice Unit Neil... "Food for thought" ';-)

[@patross2197]

I have had a Sidekick for almost a year now, I use it a lot for towing very heavy loads and it never lets me down. I routinely load 1300# silage bales in the bed and it never hesitates. Neil, have you looked into the Cruise Control Kit that was just offered by Orange Aftermarket? That is my second biggest complaint about the sidekick is how uncomfortable holding the pedal when trying to keep a constant speed like spraying. My biggest complaint is how annoyingly bright the LCD display is at night and there is no dim option!!

[@y.a.dproductions6819]

I’m 11 and drive a 3990 10 acres a day and a mostly custom 1860 with an aftermarket cab, some whelen lights and sirens for plowing.

[@DJC995]

Hi Neil Very Nice bit of kit Thanks

[@harveygussow7913]

Do you cut for lumber too?

[@robertheinkel7579]

I’d be lost without my rtv 900 super dependable , winch on front countless uses .

[@robertmoore8705]

Which roof is that ? Just bought one and need that larger roof, rather than the sport roof......

[@Blast357]

Nice machine!! my father own a RTV900 2010 diesel. he likes it a lot... but personnaly I think its a pain to get the transmission to shift from forward to reverse and vice versa. sometimes it goes, sometimes you have to pull on a knob while trying to shift with the other hand, awkward!... I dont know about the newer RTV tho...

[@MessicksEquip]

A lot has changed since then

[@kdegraa]

yeah the world is pretty bad in 2020. I'd pay a bit to go back to 2010.

[@BKxALLDAY]

Can you tell me where you ordered that front light bar? Have the same model looking to mount it just like yours thanks!

[@MessicksEquip]

No idea. Been kicking around my garage for 4-5 years before I put it on.

[@danstevens2204]

I like “the kids have done or might do” same as selling parts, it’s always the customers spouse or child that caused the damage 😂

[@brandoncaldwell95]

For the record, i am that kid that caused a new PTO shaft. I was banned from the tractor for abit jokigly i might add. I'm also the one with the nuts to put the tractor at a 45° so im typically the one mowing the pasture. Im almlsf 30 now and still hold the tittle of certified f**ker upper and typically told i should be the quality control for companies.

[@kelseyiddings374]

I almost tipped that

[@kelseyiddings374]

@@brandoncaldwell95 exuse me if ur saying he us ur dad ur not

[@kelseyiddings374]

@@brandoncaldwell95 and his children for ur information are not 30

[@DCockey]

Neil, have you used your Sidekick on steep hills? If so how does the belt drive CVT compare to the hydrostatic transmission on the Diesel units? We have a RTV 1120 and use it it fields with steep slopes. The hydrostatic lets us creep up and down as slow as we want, which is particularly valuable when working through grass and brush. Descending the slopes in low range the engine braking will stop or almost stop the unit without using the brakes. On the other hand the longest distance we go is about a quarter mile so top speed is not significant for us.

[@MessicksEquip]

Yea, it will not hold hills like that hydrostatic trans does.

[@steveholton4130]

That is what I do NOT like about my 2016 JD Gator HPX. Even in low gear (of 2) with the Auto Tranny, descending a hill it free-wheels after a certain degree of incline. I'm of the old school that believes the cheapest use of braking is engine back pressure. Brakes are for use when you come upon a flock of turkeys and choose not to be a hunter on that occasion.

[@kdegraa]

My UTV, a Club Car Carryall 295 does the same thing. However its an advantage for me. We have an orchard on a hillside with rows of trees going down the hill. If doing work on trees I drive up the top of the row of trees, turn around, switch the engine off and then roll down to a tree, stop, then do the work. Then roll to the next tree and continue the process. Its much more relaxing and pleasant to work without the engine running. Of course its less safe as there is the danger the vehicle will run away down the hill. On the whole though as long as the brakes are in good order and maintained, a UTV with a CVT transmission suits me more.

[@tlbfarm4473]

So my XG finally arrived at the dealer and I'm having all the goodies added to it. The 25" tires are gonna have to go though! Does anyone know if 28" tall tires will fit the XG as-is? I want go from the OEM 25x10-12 to 28x10-12. Thanks!

[@MessicksEquip]

I've heard from people on Facebook groups that have done it.

[@Adam_Newman]

Can you show the engine & talk about the transmission works thus far ? Thanks

[@MessicksEquip]

I've done other videos on this if you check back

[@Adam_Newman]

Messick's Equipment ok thanks man

[@mberry7a]

Kubota needs to build a 33+ HP diesel version of the RTV.

[@crazyjdkid]

That would mean a DPF since it is over 25hp, which would be difficult in this application.

[@bearkatljl]

Why?

[@mberry7a]

Hmm power.

[@markquasebarth2858]

Neil how is your Sidekick do when it's loaded up with firewood and going up a hill.

[@MessicksEquip]

I've only done a few loads of that (i tend to carry wood with my tractor) but i've never been in a situation where its lacked for power.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Really appreciate the honest review. Would love to add one to my garage :)

[@RogerM88]

If it had a rear PTO, and 3 point hitch, it would sell even better. And alot more, with solid axles front and rear.

[@gregingemunson5127]

I bought a Case IH 45 CVT, (2011), but can find non for on it other than implements selling them. Can you steer me to a review/ how to place. Seems like a great compact cab tractor.

[@MessicksEquip]

good tractor, not exactly sure what your asking here

[@gregingemunson5127]

Looking for someone who does what you do for kabota. You put out great info and how the tractor works, etc

[@kdegraa]

Greg Ingemunson why don’t you start doing it? There might be a gap in the utube market.

[@gregingemunson5127]

Karl Degraa - have no idea how to edit etc.

[@kdegraa]

@@gregingemunson5127 we all start from somewhere. Record stuff with a phone or camera, uploading it to Windows Photo or iMovie on a computer or even on the phone. Uploading it to KZbin. The best way to learn is to do it. It won't look as good as someone who spends hours editing and has uploaded hundreds of videos. It may only get 26 views. However costs nothing besides a bit of time and if someone gives a positive comment and appreciates the video, learning something then its worth it.

[@Kdjoao]

I cant choose betweent the orange or the black one

[@joeinmi8671]

at 48hp it should go faster than 40mph. Hopefully someone has a kit to remove the speed governor or gear it up.

[@MessicksEquip]

It would, easily

[@ferencbrown7090]

do you think Kubota will eventually come out with a UTV with the speed of the sidekick, but the power of a diesel? by the way, good video.

[@kdegraa]

I doubt they will because of a couple of reasons. Their Diesel engines are probably designed and tuned for low down grunt. Secondly a high speed diesel vehicle would compete with their petrol vehicles. I have a Clubcar Carryall powered by a Kubota diesel engine. This vehicle is also sold with a petrol engine, i think made by Kawasaki. Apparently the different engines give this vehicle different driving characteristics with the petrol powered machine going much faster but not having as much grunt.

[@MessicksEquip]

the performance feel you get on an UTV needs a high-rev responsive engine.. not diesel traits.

[@brucealvarez9263]

The question is: How often do your KIDS hit the upper rev limit ;)

[@kelseyiddings374]

not a lot hes kid is accually pretty good its me u have to b worried about i almost tipped it

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

Hey Neil. Do you guys have any Messick's swag? I get so much info from your channel I should have a Messick's sticker on my tractor, or a Messick's (or one with your face on it) hat on my head when I'm operating it.

[@kelseyiddings374]

I think they do

[@elcheapo5302]

Kubota may not sponsor you, but they should. You've sold a LOT of their tractors beyond the ones that go through your dealerships!

[@MessicksEquip]

Yea, they should

[@kdegraa]

As they are a Japanese company maybe they could send you a carton of Japanese beer once a week.

[@wyattimnotgivingyoumylastn8244]

Remember this if you want a windshield on a side by side a full windshield will make a air deadzone leading to a dusty cab

[@blindwisdom9665]

How much do they cost roughly

[@MessicksEquip]

apps.kubotausa.com/configurator/BuildMyKubota.aspx?pgId=3&bmId=1166&sId=1221

[@blindwisdom9665]

@Ro Bear ok not too bad

[@rscott6512]

Neil you have a brake light out

[@MessicksEquip]

darn kids.

[@Adam_Newman]

Does it have front/rear lock. ?

[@MessicksEquip]

rear

[@tlr-nut7275]

Has limited-slip in the front. Locker in the rear. At least the diesel version does.

[@Mark-Marine]

I'm a disabled vet and I must confess that the touchy throttle is downright disappointing on my 2021 Sidekick. I rarely get in it because of that. There seriously needs to be something that will increase the resistance. Unless I'm on a smooth level surface, there's no way for me to maintain any kind if consistent throttle. I'm open to suggestions.

[@MessicksEquip]

Did you get the update kit put on?

[@onebigbobo]

Off topic, but I will ask anyway... You mentioned that model year isn’t as relevant to tractors, but it seems to matter when a tractor is advertised. So why not wait until a new model year to buy a tractor?

[@MessicksEquip]

if you do any looking at the values the equipment brings a model year turning over has nothing to do with it. Its sometimes listed because its expected, but it has no impact on value.

[@johnhershey4010]

Is it Gas or Diesel

[@MessicksEquip]

48 Hp Gas.

[@joeyshofner4950]

A kid with his toys. Lol.

[@kelseyiddings374]

Hehe

[@kelseyiddings374]

Im glad i didnt tip that mr neil haha remember

[@class8garage308]

who cares about rims, ask me looks foolish with fancy rims, take steel black everyday week, buy can rustoleum chrome spray paint if you like silver color for 6.99

[@tomkeating65]

Should have put it on tracks

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Let be honest, he purposely cleaned his ride before showing it off. They are never that clean even sitting in the garage. Question is, garden hose job or ArmorAll? Im lifted golf cart status. More than enough for me. Want a side by side, but I'll buy used not running.