Any one heard of the new M62 coming out?

[Hersheyfarm]

I would say yes, only because that came
From Messicks, and they have proven to be "in the know.

I'm sure they are. I think I always got the Curtis cab mixed up with the sims. Regardless anything less of an all glass door would be absurd. In the video of laurin cab and the factory pic of cab frame from Kubota, the style does favor a laurin instead of the cheap aftermarket paneled Curtis cab.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I'm told the reason there is no factory cab at this point is because those of us in the North East are the only ones who have really lobbied hard for it. A expensive feature on a niche tractor is hard for them to justify. I don't believe its a dead issue, some people still seem hopeful we may see it some day.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

It's a real disappointment to see Kubota going with a Curtis cab. I was really hoping for the fit and finish of a factory cab. I realize that it will be a decent unit but I doubt it'll be as nice as a factory designed cab. With the price of the M62 being relatively close to a full size tlb I'd think the niche market factor would force Kubota's hand on this one.

Matt

 

[Paystar]

I wish Kubota would get into the full size backhoe market. I think they can be competitive.

Just lost our local Case dealer (which is what we have now for a backhoe) and I truly hated the John Deere it replaced.

 

[Piston]

I've heard a lot of complaints about the increased noise in the aftermarket cabs (compared to open station) and I wonder if Curtis will do anything about this.

Also, can you use the full can with the hoe removed? I would very rarely have the hoe attached, maybe 5% of the time based on how often I use my current backhoe.

 

[rScotty]

I wish Kubota would get into the full size backhoe market. I think they can be competitive.

Just lost our local Case dealer (which is what we have now for a backhoe) and I truly hated the John Deere it replaced.

A full size Kubota would sure be an interesting machine. We have an M59 and a full size JD310SG of the same age - both are good machines. For general labor and dirt work in anything like decent weather I much prefer the M59. It's so handy that it gets the same amount of work done in spite of being smaller. The controls are that much better too. It's a pleasure to use.

For winter work, the JD's cab makes it the right choice. It also pushes deep snow around better. And you have to like the air-adjustable seat, extendahoe, and the "easy ride" bucket suspension feature. But in spite of the muscle and weight advantage, the JD almost feels like working half blind and one step removed compared to the M59. It may be that the Case is better than the JD in some ways. Particularly if the Case has something like the M59's hydrostat tranny. I don't know the Case, but hear good things.
rScotty

 

[Paystar]

We had a 310D Deere backhoe and recently replaced it with a Case 580 Super M. It wouldn't be fare to compare them, as the Deere was an older series, but the Case is WAY more comfortable, productive and just a joy to operate. But like I said, I haven't run the newer Deere's. I've always liked Case backhoe's. Can't say the same for their wheel loaders though.

The transmission in our Case can be shifted manually by rotating the direction shift lever.....but I leave it in automatic all the time. It shifts well on it's own.

But it's hard to ignore the size and price of the new Kubota TLB's are getting really close to a full size dedicated machine.

 

[mike69440]

Kubota does not need to make a full size hoe. Others do already
Maybe one at 73-74 HP and a bit under 12,000 lbs with a Cab, thumb, remotes, and HD toothed Bucket. It needs a 14 ft extension hoe to 17 Ft, a 1 yard bucket 84" max wide and 12.5 x 16.5 Front rubber, with HD Axle. Then they can sell them for same price as a std dedicated machine.

The new 1 ton Pick-ups will pull that weight SAFELY, and Kubota could take a lot of business form guys willing to give up a little weight.

 

[rScotty]

I'm told the reason there is no factory cab at this point is because those of us in the North East are the only ones who have really lobbied hard for it. A expensive feature on a niche tractor is hard for them to justify. I don't believe its a dead issue, some people still seem hopeful we may see it some day.

Thank you for sharing that explanation....but lets back up a minute and look at their explanation in a little more detail. I think someone is giving you Dealers a run-around First of all, it's not just the North East who has lobbied hard. Take a look back through TBN postings; which I'll bet that Kubota already does. You'll see that the TLB cab issue has been a constant for decade now. As for the expense feature.....well, I've worked in various fabrication factories myself - as a welder, sheetmetal guy, machinist, designer, and finally.....after getting my degree some 30 years later than planned.... as an engineer.

Frankly, I don't see a decent cab as being that difficult or expensive to design or to build. This is just the kind of job that the fab shops that surround any big company are always scouting for. And design-wise, it has the advantage of being the perfect simple project to give to a new designer. So my guess is that Kubota isn't telling you the whole story. Their "niche tractor justification" just doesn't hold water from an industrial point of view. This is a simple job. It doesn't have any requirement for new technology or large number of prototypes. Most parts are off the shelf or standard industrials. The potential user base is a known number. And cost simply cannot be the issue since any cab would be offered as an option.

Come on Dealers! Please ask for a real explanation. Kubota TLB owners like their tractors and have been asking for this factory cab option for a decade. There have always been lower quality after-market add-on universal cabs available, but clearly that isn't what is wanted by customers. Something's not making sense about TLBs and cabs. As potential customers, until we know the real reason why Kubota doesn't want to provide a cab for the TLBs then we can't be any help in getting it done.
rScotty

 

[capt_met]

Thank you for sharing that explanation....but lets back up a minute and look at their explanation in a little more detail. I think someone is giving you Dealers a run-around First of all, it's not just the North East who has lobbied hard. Take a look back through TBN postings; which I'll bet that Kubota already does. You'll see that the TLB cab issue has been a constant for decade now. As for the expense feature.....well, I've worked in various fabrication factories myself - as a welder, sheetmetal guy, machinist, designer, and finally.....after getting my degree some 30 years later than planned.... as an engineer.

Frankly, I don't see a decent cab as being that difficult or expensive to design or to build. This is just the kind of job that the fab shops that surround any big company are always scouting for. And design-wise, it has the advantage of being the perfect simple project to give to a new designer. So my guess is that Kubota isn't telling you the whole story. Their "niche tractor justification" just doesn't hold water from an industrial point of view. This is a simple job. It doesn't have any requirement for new technology or large number of prototypes. Most parts are off the shelf or standard industrials. The potential user base is a known number. And cost simply cannot be the issue since any cab would be offered as an option.

Come on Dealers! Please ask for a real explanation. Kubota TLB owners like their tractors and have been asking for this factory cab option for a decade. There have always been lower quality after-market add-on universal cabs available, but clearly that isn't what is wanted by customers. Something's not making sense about TLBs and cabs. As potential customers, until we know the real reason why Kubota doesn't want to provide a cab for the TLBs then we can't be any help in getting it done.
rScotty

I agree with this. I'm beginning to wonder if they are trying not to market this machine as a commercial machine. If commercial buyers went this route it would take some sales from their excavator and fledgling skid steer lines. We have seen this in the past when Bobcat bought the earthforce tlb line. I don't think for a minute that Bobcat planned on keeping them in production any longer than they had to. When one machine can do the job of 2 to some degree it will take sales of the 2 machines. I would guess it is more profitable to sell 2 machines than it is to sell one plus parts and repairs as well. The factory cab would go a long way toward making these machines more of an option for someone that spends a lot of time in the seat year round in other areas than just the northeast.