Unlike most ATV and UTV brands that emerged from snowmobiles or dirt bikes, Kubota (like John Deere) took the opposite route and built capable, reliable, and rugged terrain vehicles (RTVs in its own words) as downsized versions of its extensive construction, landscaping, and farming machinery. These are through-and-through workhorse quads built around robust chassis and punchy diesel engines, with the torque needed to do the heavy work so you don’t have to.
The brand runs circles around any ATV and UTV brand or model for durability and reliability. Usage is measured in hours, not mileage, with averages of 5,000 to 10,000 hours before any reported issues. These are not speed demons but see regular use on farms, ranches, construction, and worksites with class-leading hauling and towing capacities, a proprietary Variable Hydro Transmission to reduce drive belt wear, a full range of attachments, and fuel tanks for long working hours.
With heavy use and abuse, replacement parts like a heavy-duty Kubota RTV axle or drive belts (for older Kubota quads) are easy to find, as either OE or aftermarket units, considering the wide dealership network and dozens of dedicated third-party brands that have paired their business with Kubota’s workhorse reputation.
Kubota Reliability and RTV Axle Basics
Kubota’s top-of-the-line RTV-X1140 puts out comparable torque at a barely audible 2000 RPM to horsepower kings like the Polaris RZR or Can-Am Maverick spinning four times faster. That’s some serious grunt from a three-cylinder diesel engine. A wide torque band gets down to the wheels through the company’s take on the CV transmission, mimicking the simple control and manoeuvrability you’d find in tractors or skid steers. With that said, axles, joints, and transmission parts bear considerable stresses in hauling, towing, and everyday farming or site maintenance tasks.
The first parts to show signs of wear are the axles, largely from tears or punctures to the CV boots, or damage sustained to the bearings and joints from excess weight, high torque, and the increased heat from the metal-on-metal friction. Considering the typical working conditions of Kubota RTVs, lubrication loss, torn boots and binding or seized axles have been reported. Older Kubota RTVs without the new transmission may also have clutch and drive belt issues. Maybe not to the extent of gas-powered UTVs of rival brands, but no quad is immune to damage without the right replacement parts and regular maintenance.
Signs Your Axles Need Replacing
Pay attention to your quad, especially to changes in performance, difficulty in engaging the gears, or if you hear weird popping or clicking sounds from the wheels. Bestsellers like the RTV-X1100C, the Cab and Crew RTV-X utility vehicles, or older favourites like the RTV900 all have factory axles built to better standards than your run-of-the-mill UTV. That said, even mid-sized TRV520 or the gasoline Sidekick stand up to hauling and towing duties with poise. The weak points, though, are the CV joints and boots, and when these start playing up, you’ll notice :
- Clicking, grinding or popping sounds in the wheels during turns – if you notice steering gets harder and that turning needs more effort, check for odd sounds. These are louder with the wheels pointing left or right. Sounds are the result of increased friction in the joints, also eating away at the splines and bearings. This could mean lost lubrication from hairline cracks or larger punctures in the CV boots. A replacement and pre-assembled aftermarket Kubota RTV axle with thicker, heavy-duty neoprene boots to withstand rocks, stumps, and road obstacles. It is packed with high-pressure and high-temp grease for optimal lubrication.
- Clunks when on the brakes – most Kubota RTVs have a downhill assist, meaning you won’t have to press the brake to descend. That said, excess play in the shafts and joints will manifest itself even with the foot off the brake. Shafts get misaligned, splines start screeching, and bushings wear out. Driving on by disengaging the 4WD is possible, but you risk axle binding, or the shafts bending or completely snapping off. This brings a whole new set of problems, like damaged A-arms, springs, and clutch pulleys.
- Humming noises and vibrations when accelerating – humming noises as your Kubota RTV builds speeds point to damaged axles. Consistent noises on any type of terrain are worrying. Especially is there are also noticeable vibrations coming through the steering wheel. The latter points to misaligned joints, worn joint splines, or transmission problem,s and power and torque that’s not getting to the wheels.
- Power loss or locked wheels – If you lose power in one wheel, it’s likely from advanced axle wear. This can happen in the rear, but more often in a Kubota front axle. Kubota gives conservative 1000-hour warranties, and most damaged axles, seized wheels or power loss have been reported in vehicles averaging 5000 work hours or more. Where the headaches start is when you look at the company’s price list for replacement parts.
Why Aftermarket Replacements Make More Sense
OE Kubota parts are part of the reason for the famed Kubota reliability. But you’ll be shelling out nice sums for the privilege. Going aftermarket makes sense in that third-party suppliers can match or outdo the Japanese utility vehicle maker for outright quality, and offer more choice for different buyers by significantly undercutting prices.
In that context, aftermarket Kubota axles for current or older quads will get you more worry-free hours, with the savings going towards the packaged accessories packs Kubota offers for different applications. This gives you access to winches, LED work lights, skid plates, A-arm guards, and more.
Whether you’re searching for Kubota 1140 axles or older RTV-X 1100C, decide between the tiered lineups offered by aftermarket brands.
Heavy-duty axle options come with shafts made of thicker, 5140-grade stainless steel, higher tensile strength, improved heat resistance and extreme torque loading. Load your cargo bed and have no issues getting gear or materials to their destination. Shafts are mated to precision-machined joints supplied with industrial-grade bearings for smooth power delivery, reduced friction, and low rolling resistance. A major difference is the neoprene boots, beating out the stock thermoplastic parts with much higher puncture resistance for any type of terrain, and the packed industrial grease to keep friction at a minimum.
The Wellness Wheel with Regina Fridkin(Opens in a new browser tab)
These come at a fraction of the asking price Kubota charges for OE replacements. For even better performance and proven longevity, go with extreme-duty axle assemblies. Reinforced shafts made of even tougher 4340 Chromoly steel last longer in demanding work conditions, considering they’re also paired with CNC-machined joints lined with induction-treated bearings, and shielded by even thicker neoprene boots.
An added bonus is the high-temp Moly grease to prevent friction and possible wear. The increased angle in the joints also provides improved wheel articulation in ruts, when traversing streams, or negotiating trail obstacles. Extreme-duty, pre-assembled axles cost a few dollars more than heavy-duty units but offer much more. Both are also direct replacements for the front and rear in terms of size, fit, and compatibility.
Look for aftermarket Kubota axles with quality certifications, clearly defined warranties and the promise of quick installation using basic tools when your stock Kubota axles call it quits.
