Kubota RTV cargo box quickly converts to flatbed without tools

BOONE, Iowa — The new Kubota RTV-X utility vehicle features a cargo box that can be quickly and easily converted into a flatbed.

“We’ve done a lot of revisions compared to our old model,” said Andrew Pittard, Kubota RTV product marketing specialist, at the company’s booth during the Farm Progress Show.

“One of the key features of the premium package is the new ProKonvert cargo box where all the sides fold down and you can remove the sides with no tools in about 1.5 minutes,” Pittard said. “It is a true flatbed.”

The cargo box is made of steel.

“We’re known for our metal cargo box that is much more durable,” Pittard said. “It’s a work vehicle so the box is heavy duty and resistant to dents and chemicals.”

The RTV-X cargo box can hold 1,100 pounds and the vehicle has the capacity to tow 1,300 pounds.

“There are three trims available — basic, standard and premium,” Pittard said. “The premium has alloy wheels that makes it stand out from the competition.”

“The 24.8 horsepower diesel engine has been around for a long time and it’s been extremely reliable,” he said. “It provides you with a common fuel source so it makes it simple since you’re already running equipment on diesel.”

The variable hydro transmission does not have any belts.

“It’s run by hydraulic pressure and the hydraulic bed lift makes it much easier to lift heavy loads,” Pittard said. “The hydrostatic power steering absorbs bumps and rocks much better than traditional power steering.”

The RTV-X has a revised front end.

“It has a more aggressive look and we’ve added LED headlights with both high and low on certain packages,” Pittard said.

The heavy-duty, multipurpose tires on the utility vehicle can handle all types of terrains.

“They are very aggressive tires that are great in dirt and snow,” Pittard said.

“We’ve done small changes including our parking handle,” he said. “We revised it to make it much more comfortable to use because now it’s more of a pistol grip.”

Melon Man

Kubota is one of many sponsors for Ross Chastain, who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing in the No. 1 Chevrolet.

“We have an RTV that we use for pit department to haul out our equipment at the shop,” Chastain said.

“We have an area where we’ve built pit stalls so we can practice all kinds of scenarios,” he said. “The RTV gets our large cart out to that practice area.”

Chastain also utilizes a Kubota RTV on his family’s watermelon farm near Alva, Florida.

“My brother and I are eighth-generation watermelon farmers,” he said. “We plant watermelons the first week in January and harvest from the middle of April to the end of May on about 650 acres.”

The farmers often jump on the RTV to scout the watermelon fields.

“It is much closer to the plants so we can look for disease and other problems,” Chastain said.

“We do irrigation so we’re looking and listening for leaks,” he said. “It is a lot quieter machine with this transmission so that makes a lot of sense for us.”

“From the largest operations to the smallest hobby farms, this machine can provide avenues for people to get away from the crazy world and work the land,” Chastain said. “I’m excited about the updates and getting back home to drive one.”

An assortment of attachments is available for the RTV-X, including blades, snow blowers and spreaders for ice treatments.