7040 Questions

[Gary51]

I don't know what current tractor prices are like, but that is well over what I paid for my M9540 4WD with cab, loader, and 2 extra remotes.
I had to buy my tractor at a time when other transmission options were not available and had to go with the 8/8 trans. I love the tractor and its capabilities but I HATE the 8/8 trans in this size tractor. I bale 500 bales a year and I am constantly riding the clutch and gearing up and down when stating bale cores and rolling. Even when cutting hay, it's difficult going from areas of bermuda into sections with bahia which require a slower cutting speed. This size tractor should never have a 8/8 trans as the type of work done with it require more ground speed options.
Other than the trans, I think you will be surprised at how much power and work the Kubota can do.

 

[TripleR]

Dan,

The one duty you mentioned is something that you might consider regarding your gear selection: snow. The major drawback to limited gearing is if you ever decide to operate a pto snowblower. The folks in my neck of the woods seem to regularly have issues if they do not have a low enough gearing to match the throwing capacity and snowload. The 12/12 would give you greater flexibility in that regard.

My tractor (5030) is smaller than what you are examining but it because it is HST it is "infinitely" variable in that duty there is always a sweet spot.

Since an HST is not available in your size range (Kubota), the more latitude you build in with more gear selections the greater flexibility you will have.

In checking the web site I did not see the 12F/12R for the M7040.

 

[RFB]

TR,

You are right. I checked the spec page and was surprised to not see a 12/12 offered.

I cannot imagine performing tasks that require precision or speed-matched-to-task without a broader selection of gearing. Snowblowing is one of those tasks that requires a "constant speed propeller" regardless of ground speed.

 

[ColoradoDan]

RFB and Gary51 - Thanks for the insight regarding the gearing. I believe you have to step up to the 8540 in order to get the 12/12 transmission. I wish that wasn't the case.

I spoke with the Kubota dealer on Saturday after looking at other tractors. They are now aware that they will need to sharpen their pencil in order to get my business. We'll see how they do.

I believe the Hew Holland 4030 and 4040 have the 12/12 transmission standard. They will be giving me a quote for these as well. I liked the cab and controls of the Kubota better than the New Holland but I did still like the New Holland overall. Right now the 7040 is at the top of the list though.

 

[TripleR]

TR,

You are right. I checked the spec page and was surprised to not see a 12/12 offered.

I cannot imagine performing tasks that require precision or speed-matched-to-task without a broader selection of gearing. Snowblowing is one of those tasks that requires a "constant speed propeller" regardless of ground speed.

I know what you mean, it surprised me too. We don't have enough snow around here to bother with, but we pull a DS1260 rotary cutter through some pretty rough stuff in the hills and I do a lot of gear changing to find the right one to match the load/terrain.

 

[rjkobbeman]

Although I have no hard data to back it up, I have heard 1st gear in the 12 speed is the same as 1st gear in the 8 speed. The same goes for 6th gear in the 12 speed is the same as 4th gear in the 8 speed. You just have a couple more in-between. Don't know if it is true or not... but that is what I read somewhere.

I have the 12 speed in my M8540 and love it.

 

[Verticaltrx]

If you are planning on round bales you need to decide on the size of the bales before you decide on the size of the tractor. 4x4' or 4x5' bales (700-1000lbs) would be easily baled and handled by a 7040. If you stepped up to 5x6' bales you really need a 100+ hp tractor to bale efficiently.

We pull a 4'x4' Deere 446 round baler with either a JD 2550 (65 hp) or a Kubota M9540 (84hp). Either tractor will handle it with authority, even the 65hp JD will pull it along at 5-6mph in moderate hay. The 12x12 hyd shuttle tranny and the cab on the 9540 does make baling much more pleasant however. I don't think the 8x8 trans on the 7040 would be a deal breaker though, our JD only has a 8F/4R syncro trans and we've used it for all manners of hay making for the past 25yrs.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

My only input is that I feel that any tractor that has a cat 2 hitch should have a minimum of a 12x12 transmission. Even if the 8x8 has the same low, middle and top speeds, it does not seem to me that you would have enough in between choices for what these machines can do. I have a 12x12 trans and wish that I had a 16x16.

Just my opinion

 

[Gary51]

My only input is that I feel that any tractor that has a cat 2 hitch should have a minimum of a 12x12 transmission. Even if the 8x8 has the same low, middle and top speeds, it does not seem to me that you would have enough in between choices for what these machines can do. I have a 12x12 trans and wish that I had a 16x16.

Just my opinion

EXACTLY- That's my one disappointment with my M9540. My old tractor blew up on me in hay season and I had to buy NOW. My old tractor was the same HP and was a 16 speed and could match it well to the job. With the 8 speed it seems I never have the right speed for the windrow or cutting conditions. My problem is most of my work would be best between L4 and H1. To elminate stopping the tractor constantly to shift between low and high range, I have to accept a speed alittle too slow or too fast. Throw in some areas with pocket gophers and wild hog digs and you find yourself riding the clutch a lot.
The rest of the tractor is great and works well for the job. (Except for the idiot that put the cup holder BEHIND the drivers seat position)

 

[gwdixon]

+1 on the cup holder! It was almost a deal breaker. Well...maybe not.