7040 Questions

[ColoradoDan]

When you look at the comparable tractors in the M7040 range, all of the other big players have the 12F/12R transmission. The Kubota is the only one that doesn't. It is a major factor in my decision. Its not a deal breaker, but its definitely a concern. I am waiting for quotes from the other players, which will also help the decision. I still really like the Kubota but wish this wasn't an issue.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Any chance that the Kubota 8540 would work for you? I can't see being happy with that 8x8 trans, no matter how nice the rest of the tractor might be.

 

[RFB]

MVR beat me to the draw,

I was just getting ready to ask if the 8540 is out of the question? Without running the numbers I have zero idea on the cost differential, but the added HP and gearing would hardly ever be a negative.

If they made it in HST, I would be on an 8540 in a minute for my own uses. (I love HST if you have not guessed.)

 

[rjkobbeman]

When researching what tractor to buy, the 6-speed gearbox was one of several factors that pushed me up to the M8540HD12. Now that I have it, I am SOOOO glad I made that choice.

The $$$ to upgrade isn't that much more. I was pleasantly surprised to find out what it took to move up. Until I priced it online, I figured it would be out of my range.

 

[ColoradoDan]

The local Kubota dealer quoted me for the 8540 as well as the 7040. It is a $5,000 difference. This is based off of his original quote, before yesterday when he discounted the 7040 as part of the negotiation process.

 

[TripleR]

It would be interesting to have input from M7040 owners like GWDixon, Builder, NICOT and others as to their experience with the transmission.

 

[rjkobbeman]

The local Kubota dealer quoted me for the 8540 as well as the 7040. It is a $5,000 difference. This is based off of his original quote, before yesterday when he discounted the 7040 as part of the negotiation process.

There are too many factors here. I would suggest you go online to kubota.com and price them yourself. Prices are list, but don't be concerned about that. What you are looking for is the price difference.

 

[ColoradoDan]

There are too many factors here. I would suggest you go online to kubota.com and price them yourself. Prices are list, but don't be concerned about that. What you are looking for is the price difference.

The price difference using the online configuring system is $4500.

 

[gwdixon]

It would be interesting to have input from M7040 owners like GWDixon, Builder, NICOT and others as to their experience with the transmission.

I would suggest that ColoradoDan take the M7040 for a little test run around the dealership to see if the trans will work for him and his application.

For me, 1st gear, low range, is painfully slow even at high RPM. There is a sticker above the drink holder that shows the speed range.

The M7040HD -1 manual shows a "creep" option with 12f/12r. The dealer asked if it was wanted when the tractor was ordered so it must be available.

At about 2500 RPM (rated engine RPM):
Creep:
1 = .22 mph
2 = .31
3 = .42
4 = .69
Low:
1 = 1.6 mph
2 = 2.2
3 = 3.0
4 = 4.8
High:
1 = 6.1 mph
2 = 8.6
3 = 11.5
4 = 18.7

Unfortunately, the sweet spot for the work I do is around 4 Low and 1 High so it is necessary to clutch and shift ranges.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I would suggest that ColoradoDan take the M7040 for a little test run around the dealership to see if the trans will work for him and his application.

For me, 1st gear, low range, is painfully slow even at high RPM. There is a sticker above the drink holder that shows the speed range.

The M7040HD -1 manual shows a "creep" option with 12f/12r. The dealer asked if it was wanted when the tractor was ordered so it must be available.

At about 2500 RPM (rated engine RPM):
Creep:
1 = .22 mph
2 = .31
3 = .42
4 = .69
Low:
1 = 1.6 mph
2 = 2.2
3 = 3.0
4 = 4.8
High:
1 = 6.1 mph
2 = 8.6
3 = 11.5
4 = 18.7

Unfortunately, the sweet spot for the work I do is around 4 Low and 1 High so it is necessary to clutch and shift ranges.

Don't confuse the Creep Speed option with the 6-speed gearbox option on the M8540 (and up). I don't know if you were or not.

It looks like the CAB costs more on the M8540 as well. My ROPS M8540 was a couple thousand more than the M7040. Didn't think the CAB would be that much more. The 6-speed gearbox (12 speed) is like another $1k. It does add up doesn't it?

By the way, you can also get the Creep Speed with the 12 speed, which gives you 18F/18R. The Creep Speed is a third position on the High/Low range selector... giving you High/Low/Creep positions.

Also, the Creep Speed is meant more for "slow traveling" and not for ground engagement. It isn't meant to be a "super granny gear" for power.

The Creep Speed can also be added on later fairly easily. You gotta buy the 6-speed gearbox (12 speed) from the factory... it isn't something you have an option to do later (realistically speaking).

You get Heavy Duty / Heavy Lift 3ph lift cylinders also when you get the 12 speed.