W5FL
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 1,558
- Location
- Central Texas
- Tractor
- TYM T-1104/TX10 Loader Kubota M6800SD/LA1002 Loader Kubota RTV900
Started this thread to answer Gordon's comments concerning M Series Kubota Tractors.
The M4700 was replaced this year with the M4900. The differences are significant. The large "compact" and medium utility tractors in this line are quite similar including the M4900, M5700, and M6800SD. They all come equipped with the dash mounted reverse/forward shuttle lever mounted on the dash where you can reach it while looking over your shoulder or anywhere else. It is synchronized as are ALL 4 forward gears. The Low Range/High Range is not synchronized (I don't think) giving you 8 forward and 8 reverse gears. You no longer have to stop to shift gears (that is what the S is in the 6800SD model number!
The dealer will install low profile R1 tires if you want the added stability at the expense of slightly decreased clearance under the tractor. Makes it look more like a compact, but there is also a small decrease in traction since the foot print is a little smaller. If you are considering R4 tires, then traction is probably not an issue anyway.
The Ag tires that came on mine were the Firestone Road and Field (or something like that) that have overlapping bars on the tires. The run fine on hard or soft surfaces. You couldn't give me a R4 tire, but I don't have many nails on my property or operate on concrete and I can think of any other reason for having them.
The R1 Ags are self cleaning in mud and the R4's don't have as much traction as the R1's.
Interestingly, I see many posts about people wanting lighter tractors to not sink in grassy areas, but most of the M Series have large tires both in width and surface area, where the weight per sq ft is comparable to many lighter tractors. My tractor with the tires filled and a loader and rear implement weighs about 8500 pounds but spread across the 16.5 inch wide tires lays a very light footprint on grass.
The M4900 is a fine tractor as are the M5700 and M6800SD. All three are very similar in wheelbase with the M6800SD just a little larger. The tractor width is primarily determined by the width of the tires. They are wide and have wonderful traction. I have the M6800SD and am very happy with the choice.
The Kubota loaders work properly with the 4WD tractors. The loader is designed to adequately clear the front tires. After you use a 4WD with a loader you will see why no manufacturer ever showed a 2WD tractor with a loader in their brochure.
The M6800SD has adjustable three point links and a 4 cylinder engine where the others have a 5 cylinder engine.
On the M series you can't get Mark's Hydrostatic transmission, tilt steering wheel or air bags (or was that light for the BRAKE)! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
The M4700 was replaced this year with the M4900. The differences are significant. The large "compact" and medium utility tractors in this line are quite similar including the M4900, M5700, and M6800SD. They all come equipped with the dash mounted reverse/forward shuttle lever mounted on the dash where you can reach it while looking over your shoulder or anywhere else. It is synchronized as are ALL 4 forward gears. The Low Range/High Range is not synchronized (I don't think) giving you 8 forward and 8 reverse gears. You no longer have to stop to shift gears (that is what the S is in the 6800SD model number!
The dealer will install low profile R1 tires if you want the added stability at the expense of slightly decreased clearance under the tractor. Makes it look more like a compact, but there is also a small decrease in traction since the foot print is a little smaller. If you are considering R4 tires, then traction is probably not an issue anyway.
The Ag tires that came on mine were the Firestone Road and Field (or something like that) that have overlapping bars on the tires. The run fine on hard or soft surfaces. You couldn't give me a R4 tire, but I don't have many nails on my property or operate on concrete and I can think of any other reason for having them.
The R1 Ags are self cleaning in mud and the R4's don't have as much traction as the R1's.
Interestingly, I see many posts about people wanting lighter tractors to not sink in grassy areas, but most of the M Series have large tires both in width and surface area, where the weight per sq ft is comparable to many lighter tractors. My tractor with the tires filled and a loader and rear implement weighs about 8500 pounds but spread across the 16.5 inch wide tires lays a very light footprint on grass.
The M4900 is a fine tractor as are the M5700 and M6800SD. All three are very similar in wheelbase with the M6800SD just a little larger. The tractor width is primarily determined by the width of the tires. They are wide and have wonderful traction. I have the M6800SD and am very happy with the choice.
The Kubota loaders work properly with the 4WD tractors. The loader is designed to adequately clear the front tires. After you use a 4WD with a loader you will see why no manufacturer ever showed a 2WD tractor with a loader in their brochure.
The M6800SD has adjustable three point links and a 4 cylinder engine where the others have a 5 cylinder engine.
On the M series you can't get Mark's Hydrostatic transmission, tilt steering wheel or air bags (or was that light for the BRAKE)! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif