Buying Advice Kubota M7060 vs M8560?

[big bubba]

OP also specified relatively shallow angle on boat ramp, and I presumed from that also mostly flat ground getting there. I pull a 5800 pound boat with my 1400 pound BX in and out of our ramp. I have no ability to stop the boat, but it pulls it quite happily if I go slowly. An MX should easily pull and control a 9000 pound boat on the flat. paulL2


the mx series does fit nicely into many applications. however, given all the tasks the OP described, i sure would be looking at his original choices. the M utility series is in a completely different league than the compact mx series. no comparison. plus the M70/85 utility series would open up a lot more future options.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, totally different tractors designed for different work.

I went from an L4400 to M9540. Only similarity was orange paint.

 

[big bubba]

likewise, went from L4400, to Mx5000, then current tractor. i enjoy mine every time i start up, regardless of task. think the OP has chosen a good match, that is if one could be found @ those prices. he may consider Mxx40 series as well, less emission stuff. all the best to the OP

 

[mopardude318]

I think the M8560 has the 1353 loader which lifts more than the M7060’s 1154. Kubota doesn’t even show the M8560 on their build my tractor anymore. It goes from the 7060 straight to the M4.

 

[aventino68]

Thanks all for the info, a ton of questions answered and a bunch of links to read up. I'm happy with the M7060 or smaller and I agree it should do all I want it to, I'm selectively clearing only 3 acres of trees and bush with a bush hog and then using tractor to build a house, lift equipment and materials on site. Then mowing and snow blower. Land has hills but 1:6 gradient at worst and driveway is only 600 ft long but we get a decent snowfall. The only other reason I would go bigger is because I have no idea what the ratio is between the weight of the tractor and the weight of the trailer and boat I'm moving about. If the 8540/8560 isn't massively more expensive and its a similar size for manoeuvring then it might be safer for controlling the boat. Plenty of info online about figuring out a truck and what weight trailer with combined weight can be but I can't find much written about tractors and hitching a boat on behind. I'm thinking if tractor is at least half the weight it should be fine or am I too optimistic?

And, very sorry, should have mentioned that I need a cab and with A/C for when I'm away for a few days for work and the wife needs to use the snowblower. So by default that rules out the MX which looks very capable otherwise.

Agree with Mopardude318, it seems to go from 75 straight to 92 hp on the Kubota website these days.

 

[goeduck]

How available are those models in your area or are you willing to have one trucked in? Finding some used models locally is like finding hens teeth

 

[KWentling]

I have a 7060 and run a 84" blower and a 12' batwing and rarely run short of hp. Mine has the wheels set at maximum width for mowing stability and the 84" blower doesn't quite cover the tire track. If you're on side hills that is something to consider when sizing attachments. Narrowed up a 72" blower might work OK. +1 on more remotes is better. A grapple could be run on a rear remote as an alternative to the 3rd function, but would not be as handy. Creeper gears for snowblowing would be nice also. I don't have them and have to clutch sometimes to let the blower catch up. Might add them in the future.

 

[ovrszd]

I think the M8560 has the 1353 loader which lifts more than the M7060’s 1154. Kubota doesn’t even show the M8560 on their build my tractor anymore. It goes from the 7060 straight to the M4.

My 9540 uses 1353. Beast of a loader.

In my foggy memory seems like the 85 and 95 are maybe being phased out with the M4 and M5 series???

 

[ovrszd]

In regards to pulling the boat or any wheeled trailer load without brakes. I sometimes pull my 7K lb GN trailer. I've hauled 8K lb load on the trailer. Pulling it is no problem. Stopping it is something else!!!!! In this scenario once you go past the weight of the tractor you are at risk!!!

 

[jeff9366]

1) How many acres is your property? Fields, woodland or combination?
2) What would be a heavy snowfall in inches where you live and how often does a heavy snowfall occur?
Snowblowers are for DEEP snow. Most use the FEL bucket, a snow push box or a rear/angle blade to move MODERATE snow.

I should have mentioned I need a cab with A/C for when I'm away and the wife needs to use the snowblower. That rules out the MX which looks very capable otherwise.

Equivalent to the MX series in weight but available with a cab, research the Kubota Grand L series: L5060, L5460 and L6060. The MX series are economy tractors. The Grand L tractors are de luxe models. Front PTOs are an option for the Grand Ls, so you can operate a front mount snowblower and a front mount, angling snow blade.

VIDEOS: Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube

Kubota Grand L66 Auto-hitch and attachments (walk around and demo) - YouTube

KUBOTA WEB SITE: https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/l60.pdf?sfvrsn=bad1e991_6

I have no idea what the ratio is between the weight of the tractor and the weight of the trailer and boat I'm moving about. If the 8540/8560 isn't massively more expensive and its a similar size for manoeuvring then it might be safer for controlling the boat. Plenty of info online about figuring out a truck and what weight trailer with combined weight can be but I can't find much written about tractors and hitching a boat on behind. I'm thinking if tractor is at least half the weight it should be fine or am I too optimistic?

Road vehicles and tractors are not comparable. TRACTORS ARE PRIMARILY DESIGNED TO PULL, trucks are not. Tractors have bevel gears in the front, so a large tractor will turn in a smaller space than your truck. While we do not answer many questions about tractors and boats, we answer regularly relative to tractors and hay wagons and tractors and grain wagons both of which weigh more than 9,000 pounds loaded and pull from a tongue. A 4-WD tractor with a bare tractor weight of 4,000 pounds will be ample for moving and controlling your boat. The Loader will add 1,300 pounds, the cab will add 750 pounds. ((I am making the assumption your boat trailer has dedicated brakes.))

My concern for you on the larger tractors with cabs is how MASSIVE they seem to new operators and barn storage space required.

Very few wives, very few, could be convinced to operate a 6,000 pound bare weight tractor.