TORRANCE, Calif. (September 10, 2008) - Kubota introduces the new gas-powered, RTV500 compact utility vehicle that comes with the comfort, technology and refinement of a larger utility vehicle, but is compact enough to fit in the bed of a full-size, long-bed pickup truck. The RTV500 is powerful enough to handle the toughest challenges on rugged terrain. At 54.7 inches wide and 72 inches tall, the RTV500 gets the job done with a 15.8 horsepower, liquid-cooled, two-cylinder Kubota gas engine, four-wheel drive, and a top speed of 25 miles-per-hour.

“During the past 35 years Kubota has built its quality reputation on meeting and exceeding customer expectations; the RTV500 is another example of how we continually deliver everything our customers value,” says Dan Muramoto, product manager for Kubota. “Compact, gas-powered quiet and refined, the RTV500 provides exceptional ease of transportation making the vehicle ideal for moving to and from worksites or for recreational uses such as camping or hunting trips.”

Gas-Powered Engine and Variable Hydro Transmission
No other compact utility vehicle comes with the quiet, smooth, reliable performance of an electronic fuel-injected Kubota gasoline engine. Unlike ATV-based powerplants that require constant throttle adjustments to maintain RPM levels, the Kubota GZ460FE3UV engine features a liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder design that ensures smooth, quiet, consistent power delivery throughout its powerband. The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) further improves engine performance by providing quick, easy starts, even in the most severe weather conditions, as well as on-demand power, optimized acceleration, and eliminates the need to adjust the carburetor.

The RTV500 comes standard with Kubota’s exclusive new “VHT Plus” variable hydrostatic transmission, which eliminates the need to adjust belt drives and provides smooth, reliable transmission-assisted braking and hill-holding capabilities. Weighing a modest 1,278 pounds, the RTV 500 can handle upwards of 440 pounds or nine cubic feet in its durable, metal, dumping cargo box. The RTV500 can tow up to 1,100 lbs.

Operator Comfort
Kubota’s RTV500 is designed to ensure comfort and safety. The durable bench seats are roomy and comfortable, the dash layout is simple and intuitive and the flat floor provides lots of unobstructed legroom. The standard, integrated Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) meets OSHA 1928.53 rollover protection standards.

The Kubota RTV500 is available in both Kubota Orange and Realtree® Hardwoods Camouflage, and features an extensive list of optional accessories and implements, including a state-of-the-art modular cab, rugged 60-inch snow blade, 2,500 lbs capacity winch, work lights and more.

Kubota Tractor Corporation, Torrance, Calif., is the U.S. marketer and distributor of Kubota-branded equipment, including a complete line of tractors up to 103 PTO hp, performance-matched implements, compact and utility-class construction equipment, consumer lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles.

For product literature or dealer locations, contact Kubota Tractor Corporation at 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503, (888) 4-KUBOTA [(888) 458-2682], Ext. 900, or visit www.kubota.com.

®Realtree is a registered trademark of Jordan Outdoor Enterprises Ltd.

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The Kubota RTV500 gas-powered utility vehicle is available in both Kubota Orange and Realtree® Hardwoods Camouflage, and features an extensive list of optional accessories and implements, including a state-of-the-art modular cab, rugged 60-inch snow blade, 2,500 lbs capacity winch, work lights and more.