When the new Kubota Sidekick roared off the line last year, we admit we were pretty impressed. It may look like a long day of fast fun (and it is), but it’s also a powerful little workhorse.
What’s an RTV?
RTV stands for Rough Terrain Vehicle, and this hardy machine really delivers, no matter what kind of ground you’re covering. It’s also a hard working UTV – Utility Task Vehicle or Utility Terrain Vehicle. You might even call it a side-by-side…because two people can sit in it. Whatever you call it, this class of off-road vehicle is typically larger than an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), seats 2 – 4 people, and is equipped with ROPS and a steering wheel (instead of handlebars).
Speed, Power, and One Sweet, Sweet Ride
The Sidekick is equipped with a gas-burning, EFI, twin-cylinder, 851cc Subaru engine that delivers 48hp, plenty of power for the 2,000 lbs towing capacity and 1,000 lbs cargo capacity. And with max speeds topping out around 40 mph, you can get where you’re going in a hurry.
Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gives you complete control, even loaded down or at high speeds. Coilover shocks and polyurethane suspension parts ensure a smooth ride even on the roughest terrain.
The cab is well designed with adjustable steering, comfortable seats, and enough headspace and legroom to easily accommodate guys who top 6 feet.
What Can You Do With a Kubota Sidekick?
A fun ride is a fun ride, but you need a working vehicle, right? Boy, does this one fit the bill. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Line-X coated steel cargo box can carry up to 15.2 cubic feet, or 1,000 lbs. of feed, firewood, river rocks, chainsaws, fence posts, puppies…or whatever else you need to haul. You can secure your load with four tie-down points.
- The optional hydraulic lift feature makes dumping the load a lot easier.
- You can tow a small boat or trailer, as long as the weight doesn’t exceed 2,000 pounds…unless you’re on an incline. In that case, you need to keep the towing weight down to 1,550 lbs.
- Travel between farms. That’s why the Sidekick was developed. Customers asked for it.
“We did a survey with our dealers and they wanted us to build a vehicle that, that would go a little bit faster and had more accessories and attachments with it,” explains Rajesh Joshi, Kubota director of product marketing, Turf/RTV. “The reason we developed this as a lot of the farmers and our customers, they have multiple farms and they needed a vehicle that could go a little bit faster between the farms.”
- Bush hog your land. Yep, you can hook up a pull behind mower or bush hog and mow your fields or lawn. Snow plows, box blades, harrows…anything you can attach to a trailer hitch, you can drag behind a Sidekick. As long as it’s less than 2,000 pounds. Which is a lot.
Cool Stuff You Can Add On
- To make your Sidekick safer and extra useful, consider tacking on some extra gear:
- Winch – Look, if you have a farm or a big property, you’re eventually going to have to pull something out of something else. It might be a stubborn stump, a calf stuck in the mud, or your neighbor’s ATV out of a ditch…but it’s going to happen. A winch is one of those things you’ll wish you had – one of these days. It comes with steel or synthetic rope for strength and durability.
- Storage containers – The Sidekick has really cool storage options that just snap into place. Convenient and easy!
- Side and rearview mirrors – There may be no traffic out in the woods, but you have habits. A set of mirrors will feel natural and let you see whether you’ve left your buddies driving slower vehicles in the dust.
- Windshield – keep the bugs out of your teeth and the branches out of your face with a poly or glass windshield.
- Kickass audio – you can get a rugged Jensen Bluetooth audio system with AM/FM radio, USB, and Auxiliary inputs.
Whether you want handy off-road transportation or another farm machine you can load down and work hard, come on in and try one on for size! You won’t be disappointed.
