new equipment
Smith Power Equipment marketing
manager, Robert Keir.
These days, with the increasing mechanisation
of mining operations, specialised vehicles
are being used to accomplish many of these
previously manual tasks.
Side-by-side vehicles are well suited to this
type of task, and the new Kubota RTV-X900
diesel has a number of features and benefits
that make it a popular choice in the South
African mining sector, where several hundred
are already in operation. The base vehicle is
powered by a three-cylinder 16.1kW Kubota
D902-E4-UV diesel engine, and its unique
fluid-drive transmission system (variable hydro
transmission, or VHT-X) allows for rear-wheel
or four-wheel drive, making the RTV-X900
suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
Modifications for underground
The strict requirements for underground
operations necessitate customising the Kubota
RTV-X900 according to specific tasks, and
Brits-based Kubota dealer Maubra customises
the vehicle specifically for use underground.
“Because of the stringent regulations
governing the mining industry, particularly
underground, Maubra has had to modify the
RTV quite extensively,” says Maubra managing
director, Kevin Clarke. “We’ve increased its
safety features, changed out the braking system,
and rubberised the whole unit to withstand
For underground operations, the RTV-X900’s
maximum height has been dropped to 1.4m
by lowering the floor pan, the seats, and the
roll cage height.
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SEPTEMBER 2017
Front
Rear
Headlights
Occupant Protective System (OPS)
certification
Seat belts
Weight
Payload capacity
Fuel tank capacity
Sound rating at operator’s ear at max.
rpm
Tyres
Cargo bed
Length × Width × Depth
Volume
Bed height (unloaded)
Cargo bed (loaded)
Dimensions
Length x Width x Height
Wheelbase
Ground clearance
Front axle
Rear axle
Under foot platform
Turning radius
Towing capacity
Kubota
D902-E4-UV
3-cylinders, 4-cycle, diesel, OHV (overhead valve)
900cc
16.1kW @ 3200
Liquid
540 CCA (cold cranking amps)
Variable hydro transmission (VHT-X)
0–40km/h
Limited-slip differential
Foot operated differential lock
Hydrostatic power
Wet-disc brakes
Rear wheel, hand operated
Independent, Dual A-arms with adjustable spring pre-
load
Independent with coil over shock
Two 37.5 watt halogen
SAE J2194 and OSHA 1928 ROPS
2-point
865kg
755kg
30ℓ
85dB
25 × 10 - 12, 6-ply (front and rear)
1465mm × 1030mm × 285mm
0.43m 3
887mm
500kg
3055mm × 1605mm × 2020mm
2045mm
266mm
263mm
280mm
4m
590kg
Kubota RTV-X900 base vehicle specs
Engine
Make
Model
Type
Displacement
Power
Cooling system
Battery
Transmission
Maximum travelling speed
Front differential
Rear differential
Steering
Brakes
Front/Rear
Parking
Suspension