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.

 

[big bubba]

you are about to make a big investment here....having had the 7040 and now 8540 (12 sp) i can say that the difference between them is huge, not just in the HD transmission w/more gears....the 12 speed also has the higher capacity 3 pt lift. in addition, the transmission lock e brake (much safer! when on & off the tractor frequently), more pto power, hyd. brakes (nice!), longer wheel base for a smoother ride, and more guts in the fel w/the larger frame.....all in all, much more machine imho. do get the hyd shuttle . i would strongly look at the 8540 if u go w/Kubota. good luck

 

[big bubba]

btw the 8540 has a slightly smaller tire size than the 9540, but the 8540 will accept the 9540 size. i have seen the larger tire size on the 85's before....since you're going w/the cab, you might inquire about the larger wheel size should u go w/the 8540...just be sure the ft & rear are matched accordingly either way

 

[ColoradoDan]

you are about to make a big investment here....having had the 7040 and now 8540 (12 sp) i can say that the difference between them is huge, not just in the HD transmission w/more gears....the 12 speed also has the higher capacity 3 pt lift. in addition, the transmission lock e brake (much safer! when on & off the tractor frequently), more pto power, hyd. brakes (nice!), longer wheel base for a smoother ride, and more guts in the fel w/the larger frame.....all in all, much more machine imho. do get the hyd shuttle . i would strongly look at the 8540 if u go w/Kubota. good luck

Thanks for the insight. This is getting very interesting. When I look at JD and Kubota, I basically have three tractors that get my attention. The Kubota M7040, M8540, and the JD 5083E Limited. The JD 5083E Limited has a little more HP and weight than the 7040. It also has the 12F/12R. It looks like the price will be close to the same between those two tractors. Then, the next step up is the M8540. I will spend about $5,000 more for that tractor. There is a lot to consider here.

Also, I have not ruled out the Massey's and New Holland's either.

I am hoping to take a look at a JD 5083E Limited today. The local dealer has received the ok from a customer who bought this tractor in May. I can go with the dealer to look at the tractor any time. Its just a matter of finding the time to get away from work.

 

[gwdixon]

If physical size is an issue then check out the measurements of the different tractors.

The M7040 fits in my barn just fine but the M8540 would only clear the opening by a few inches. That was not the only consideration, of course, but it is something worth thinking about beforehand rather than finding it out the hard way.

There are a lot of posts on TBN about tractor height causing garage door "issues".

 

[ITHINKICAN]

We are proud owners of the M7040 HDC-1. We love it.

I am not familiar with the 8f/8r gears & or the creep speed info on this thread. We do have a lever that (in my non technical description) is kinda like a cruise option with a turtle and rabbit picture - used it once. LOL. I've been keeping it simple in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear - never been to 4th yet. I will have to read the owners manual - I intended to read it soon enough anyways... just been busy. I am new - I don't know much - not yet atleast.

I was quoted $47,150 for the M7040 with a loader, cab, 4WD, and cast rear wheels. Any thoughts?

You can do MUCH better than that... I don't know if my price was a special one time thing or if it is offered to everybody - but I can tell you we did a lot of research and price comparison before we decided... your results may vary.

 

[ColoradoDan]

We are proud owners of the M7040 HDC-1. We love it.

I am not familiar with the 8f/8r gears & or the creep speed info on this thread. We do have a lever that (in my non technical description) is kinda like a cruise option with a turtle and rabbit picture - used it once. LOL. I've been keeping it simple in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear - never been to 4th yet. I will have to read the owners manual - I intended to read it soon enough anyways... just been busy. I am new - I don't know much - not yet atleast.


You can do MUCH better than that... I don't know if my price was a special one time thing or if it is offered to everybody - but I can tell you we did a lot of research and price comparison before we decided... your results may vary.

How much better can I do? PM me if you would rather go that route. Thanks for the help.

 

[ColoradoDan]

If physical size is an issue then check out the measurements of the different tractors.

The M7040 fits in my barn just fine but the M8540 would only clear the opening by a few inches. That was not the only consideration, of course, but it is something worth thinking about beforehand rather than finding it out the hard way.

There are a lot of posts on TBN about tractor height causing garage door "issues".

The Kubota specs state that both the 7040 and 8540 top of cab height is 101 inches. The JD 5083E Limited is 98.8 inches.

I have already measured my garage doors to make sure the tractor will fit in the bay where I want it to be. All of the models I have been looking at should fit. We should be good to go!

 

[rjkobbeman]

How much better can I do? PM me if you would rather go that route. Thanks for the help.

When I did a quickie quote off of Kubota's website, I got a retail/list price pretty much the same as your quote. I figured it was probably due to you having a lot more options on the tractor you got a quote for, but did not explain in your post.

You should go online and go through the quote process yourself. That way you can enter all of the options that are on the tractor you are looking at.

I read a lot of people get around 14% off of retail/list price. My experience was similar.

If your quote is close to list price, that is way too much.

 

[ColoradoDan]

When I did a quickie quote off of Kubota's website, I got a retail/list price pretty much the same as your quote. I figured it was probably due to you having a lot more options on the tractor you got a quote for, but did not explain in your post.

You should go online and go through the quote process yourself. That way you can enter all of the options that are on the tractor you are looking at.

I read a lot of people get around 14% off of retail/list price. My experience was similar.

If your quote is close to list price, that is way too much.

When I build the identical tractor on Kubota's website, I get a price of $45,963. So, the dealer quote is only $2406 less than the website. That's only about 5% off of retail price. That's why I think this quote is pretty high. I am investigating some other options right now. We'll see.

 

[bill in ny]

you're gonna love that m8540 when you get it! :thumbsup: