Buying Advice 8x8 or 12x12

[FTV]

I am looking to get a new tractor and am 99% sure it will be a Kubota M7040. The last decision to make is if I should go for the 12x12 transmission option? Any advice on durability etc. My worry is that with the 8x8 I will be riding the clutch when parking wagons or mowing. Also does anyone know the cost for that option?
Thank - lots of great advice on this board.

 

[WilliamBos]

I am looking to get a new tractor and am 99% sure it will be a Kubota M7040. The last decision to make is if I should go for the 12x12 transmission option? Any advice on durability etc. My worry is that with the 8x8 I will be riding the clutch when parking wagons or mowing. Also does anyone know the cost for that option?
Thank - lots of great advice on this board.

Get the 12x12. Though I dont own a bota, do not regret the 12x12 in our MF. That will be a powershuttle of some kind?

 

[TripleR]

I don't believe the 7040 is available in the 12/12; we went 12/12 in our 8540.

 

[droptop]

8 speeds sounds like a lot, but you are always wishing for more. Go for the 12 speed.

 

[charleyfarmall]

I don't have a Kubota partly because I borrowed one from a friend to hay and I hated the 8x8. I could never find the right gear, too fast or too slow. I was so happy to get back the 12x12 on my other tractor. I don't mind it for a secondary tractor but as my main tractor there are so many good 12x12 or 16x16 tractors out there. I think Kubota is making a big mistake by not selling the entire M range with a 12x12. It's the same mistake Deere is making with the 9x3 transmission although in forward motion there is a slight advantage as it is a 3 range transmission. The first one to offer all their utility tractors with 12x12's will have a big advantage which will last until someone sells a 50-100hp tractor that is HST:licking:

 

[Robert_in_NY]

When in doubt always go with more gears. However, I have an 8x8 in my TN65 and use it for haying and have been ok with it. Of course my baler makes a difference since it can handle as much hay as I can feed it so as long as I stay close to my strokes per bale count I am happy. Other then that I am happy with it. Spraying though is where I would really want more gears so that I can find a perfect speed/rpm ratio.

My Kubota has a 10x10 in it but I have two 8x8's and a 12x12. I'm happy with all of them so far.

 

[WilliamBos]

I don't have a Kubota partly because I borrowed one from a friend to hay and I hated the 8x8. I could never find the right gear, too fast or too slow. I was so happy to get back the 12x12 on my other tractor. I don't mind it for a secondary tractor but as my main tractor there are so many good 12x12 or 16x16 tractors out there. I think Kubota is making a big mistake by not selling the entire M range with a 12x12. It's the same mistake Deere is making with the 9x3 transmission although in forward motion there is a slight advantage as it is a 3 range transmission. The first one to offer all their utility tractors with 12x12's will have a big advantage which will last until someone sells a 50-100hp tractor that is HST:licking:

I would not hold your breath for that, look at a CVT instead? That is the way that I would go...

 

[FTV]

I just sealed the deal on a new M7040 apparently the creeper gears are an add on which is done by the dealer. So I will try out the 8x8 and if it's too fast for me then I'll order the creeper set. The only problem now is waiting two weeks for the loader to come in and get installed as I want my tractor now! Thanks for the advice.

 

[WilliamBos]

I just sealed the deal on a new M7040 apparently the creeper gears are an add on which is done by the dealer. So I will try out the 8x8 and if it's too fast for me then I'll order the creeper set. The only problem now is waiting two weeks for the loader to come in and get installed as I want my tractor now! Thanks for the advice.

Great to hear!! That sucks on the loader delay though...