Buying Advice Do Kubota M4 exist?

Mousehunter · Jul 19, 2019

I have 300 acres. Currently need a tractor for some mowing, road work, and spraying. Maybe some year I might want to bail as the custom bailers are too busy for clients (they lease too much hay land and use it for their own herds).

Last year I could not decide between a M7060 and a M5. Now the M4 looks like it could be a good compromise. Just curious if they are in the wild anywhere.

I have a long road ahead of me to get 40 acres of hay fields in production again, not to mention fully restocking my herds. Till then will probably winter with bag feed (or small trip hopper). Nothing messes up a ranch like 10 years of absentee lessors. I know that 70hp is too little for full sized bailers, but some mid sized units should work and give bails easier to handle than 1200lb ones.
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I do have a 50hp open cab, but the shredder is not working. That said I like the comfort and safety of a cab. Too many bee attacks lately.

Mousehunter · Jul 20, 2019

I know that for the most part you can not have too much tractor... I know that the M5 would be better suited for bailing (which I may never do). I am under the impression (perhaps erroneously) that an M4D will be an overall nicer tractor (accept for size) than a comparable M5. Honestly, however, I have never seen a comparable M5 at a dealer in S. Texas as they all seem fairly base models to hit price point - which is still a bit more than the M4D. The M4 would have an M6 sized cab (which means maybe someday my grandchildren could ride with me - but my youngest is not quite 7 and a couple dogs would love to keep me company too). It would have the 12 speed rather than the 8 speed transmission. It would have the extra hydraulic remotes. Not sure if both use the same A/C system.

The ranch is technically a business. But it is also purpose, therapy, and relaxation... It can be work, but it needs to be enjoyable work.

mikescruggs · Jul 21, 2019

I spoke with my dealer last fall about the M7060 for a new tractor. Then during the winter we also talked about the M4. The M4 has some nice features on it. I also talked with the dealer about the Radial R1 tires. They don't get many requests for them and did not have a set on hand. He told me that he ordered a M4 with the Radial R1 tires. Then we explored pricing and the M4 was about $5k more. The M7060 on the lot is from an earlier price list so I saved more than the $5k. I was going to get the radials from the M4 when it arrived, but there are some unknown delays so the dealer ordered a set of radials (not sure with another tractor or alone).

I needed to upgrade the tractor size/weight and loader capacity. I also went to a cab. This is from a L4240. I am not familiar with the needs for farm implements, but if the M7060 is not enough or questionable I think the M4 would be as well. With that issue and availability you might be better off with a M5 or M6.

Mousehunter · Jul 21, 2019

A M6 is a significantly larger tractor. It can do more, or do faster - but would ultimately be over 75% more expensive across the board. More expensive tractor, larger more expensive implements, and more fuel use. The M4 has all the conveniences of the M6, just scaled down. My humble understanding is the current M5 would be a compromise with a more power and weight than the M4 but with a slightly more dated layout. The layout issue is a thorn in my side even if I could deal with its higher cost.

tradosaurus · Jul 21, 2019

If the majority of your work will be on dirt and grass I would recommend R1 tires.

I'm really surprised that new tractors don't come standard with R1.

ovrszd · Jul 21, 2019

Yeah, especially in that chassis size.

I'm a Radial tire advocate also. I think they ride better and get better traction. Can't prove that though.

Mousehunter · Jul 22, 2019

Ran buy my local dealership this afternoon. Their parent company apparently has one in route (they have a serial number on it). So appears they probably exist and I might get a chance to peek at one in the next week or two. Will know more tomorrow I hope.

MessickFarmEqu · Jul 25, 2019

Mousehunter said:
A M6 is a significantly larger tractor. It can do more, or do faster - but would ultimately be over 75% more expensive across the board. More expensive tractor, larger more expensive implements, and more fuel use. The M4 has all the conveniences of the M6, just scaled down. My humble understanding is the current M5 would be a compromise with a more power and weight than the M4 but with a slightly more dated layout. The layout issue is a thorn in my side even if I could deal with its higher cost.

M5 is not dated, its the same style as the new M4D.

ovrszd · Jul 25, 2019

MessickFarmEqu said:
M5 is not dated, its the same style as the new M4D.

Good stuff. Thanks for posting.

Mousehunter · Jul 25, 2019

Tractor arrived at the parent dealership today. Guess I spoke up loudly enough, as my salesman had it on a flatbed coming to the local shop this evening. I happened to be in the neighborhood so looked at it a couple minutes when they unloaded after hours (salesman saw me drive by the shop and called me on my cellphone).

I can not say the exact differences between the 7060, M4 and M5. There is not an M5 on the lot right now so that makes the comparison just that much more difficult. Will take a tape measure tomorrow to get a better feel. Right now trying to research the differences as much as possible.

The salesman noticed that the M4 has a 6 pillar cab like the 7060 (with a rear glass and 2 curved corner corner glass panels). The M5 has a 4 pillar cab - with a single curved rear glass. Based on what I remember from last year, I think that the instructor seat might be slightly larger on the M4 than the M5 - but that might simply be wishful thinking. I do not recall if I have seen an M6 to compare it to.

Wish I could measure the 3 cabs side by side. Website looks like the M5 has the same style cab... Maybe salesman is mistaken.