Kubota launches Sidekick utility vehicle

For its latest RTV, Kubota focused on improving the vehicle’s speed, cargo and towing capabilities. The RTV-XG850 Sidekick features a 48-horsepower gasoline engine that travels at speeds of up to 40 mph, compared to the top speed of 29 mph for Kubota’s RTV-X series model.

 The company showcased the new RTV at a media event this week at Lanier Islands in Buford, Georgia.

“Customers can confidently take on any task or terrain with comfortable, convenient and capable features, and with the speed to get there fast, up to 40 mph fast,” said Roger Gifford, Kubota’s product manager for utility vehicles. “(Customers) wanted speed, so we focused on getting speeds they were looking for. They really weren’t asking for 50 or 60 mph. The industry was giving them (the speed they wanted) but sacrificing durability. So, they wanted durability and the sweet spot of speed.”

A full line of more than 50 new attachments and accessory options are specifically developed for the Sidekick, including a snow plow. Gifford said the company is testing the Sidekick for sprayer and spreader attachments as well for landscape contractors.

“We don’t have them yet, but we’re working on that,” he said. “We’re taking (spreaders and sprayers) from our X series and putting them on this.”

Kubota designed its Sidekick so that it can haul up to 2,000 pounds on flat terrain and 1,500 pounds on hilly terrain. The machine can tow about 1,000 pounds of material as well. In addition, the Sidekick’s cargo capacity allows it to carry up to 15.2 cubic feet or a half ton of gears, tools or material in its heavy-duty steel cargo box. The cargo box comes with optional electric hydraulic lift for easy dumping.

“Our beds are wider, less deep and hold 1,000 pounds,” Gifford said. “When you put 1,000 pounds in the back of our machine, all the payload is distributed evenly across the chassis to improve handling and take stress off the suspension.”

To improve steering ability, the Sidekick features Electronic Power Steering. Tuned front and rear independent suspension allows for a smooth ride, and its engine-assisted braking allows for greater control and increased safety going downhill. Also, a selectable full-time 4WD system gives operators good traction and control on any terrain, even with heavy loads.

The Sidekick also comes with a continuously variable transmission with centrifugal clutch, the Sidekick’s rugged, water-cooled engine that provides torque for a quick, smooth start. The idle speed control and highland correction capabilities also ensure stable power for a variety of situations.

The Sidekick offers electrical power for a variety of equipment. The regulator and fully shielded generator are controlled by a microcomputer to use stable power for any attachment, including a work light, LED headlight, heater or wench.

For added operator comfort, shoulder guards on the ROPS keep riders within passenger area during tight turns, while half doors keep brush and other elements out of the vehicle.

The split-bench seat style provides working comfort and ample space for both driver and passenger, while offering large compartments underneath for storing tools and personal items. The glove box, cup holder and DC outlet offer convenient places to keep things secure and within reach.

Prior to the launch of the Sidekick, Kubota only offered its utility vehicles in two colors. For the Sidekick, the company will offer four color options – Kubota orange, RealTree AP camo, green and black. Gifford said the company introduced the green color model specifically for green industry professionals, so the machine could blend in better with landscapes and golf courses.

“They wanted something that was less distracting,” Gifford said. “So, the green one was brought in to support the green industry. We have our RealTree camo, as well.”

Outlook on UTV market. Increasingly, Gifford said landscape contractors are turning to utility vehicles for their versatility to perform multiple jobs year-round.

“It’s a tool for them,” he said. “They’re looking for more implements, more attachments.”

Utility vehicles are also more affordable options than pickup trucks for some applications, Gifford said. While trucks can cost up to $60,000 or more, contractors can purchase several UTVs for that price to get jobs done.

“They can put seven or so of these on jobsites for less cost, less fuel cost, less insurance cost,” he said. “They get their value in working industry.”