"IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL NEW M SERIES OWNERS"

Z-Michigan · Jan 31, 2007

Debating....debating.... planning to drive that M7040 again this weekend (unless the dealer's M5040 finally arrived). What concerns me is that I have a knack for being a statistical outlier on reliability issues. My first new car was a Honda Accord, which I bought primarily for reliability since I was just about to start a full-time job... and the Accord was a lemon. In contrast I owned several american cars (and now own a Jeep) that have been just fine. In fairness to Honda, I replaced the Accord with a hybrid Civic that was the most reliable car I've ever owned - but the Accord experience soured me on relying on reputation of a brand. Yes, YMMV times 10!

riptides · Jan 31, 2007

Z-Michigan said:
I'm still reading this thread and still debating whether to buy an M5040 or the JD 5105! Can't beat the Kubota features - but I'm actively wondering about the quality/reliability.

Please! This thread is about a first year NEW model production run that seems to have some wiring issues ( majority of thread) on early produced units.

Some would note that the dealership was not aware of the wiring issue, others would note that the dealerships were not engaged in prep work to make sure the product was working 100 percent.

Some would say that Kubota was lax in letting these units out the door without alerting dealerships of the wiring issues. Or if they did, then the dealerships have not done their needed prep work to alert customers.

I am not sure how reliability fits into the equation, quality yes. Quality control - definitely.

If the dealership was aware of the wiring issue, then why was this not passed on to the customer?

If Kubota is aware of the wiring issue I would expect them to field fix it, and I would expect the dealership to be proactive and take the lead on this issue.

For warm and fuzzies on Kubota repsonses, I direct your attention to the RTV threads on this forum. MY dealership fixed, and was actively engaged in numerous field fixes on MY unit. I NEVER engaged Kubota, and with the help of TBN actually became more aware of how my RTV works and what to expect of it.

I guess to ME, IMHO this looks to be a dealer issue. And if something was not functioning on the unit, I would expect a NEW unit or FIX in response.

-Mike Z.

Muleskinner · Feb 1, 2007

Let me just say that overall I am very happy with my M7040. The basic tractor is a great tractor with lot's of power and appears to be well made like all Kubota products. If I could have Kubota change anything on the tractor it would be the FEL performance. The breakout force is weak. My friends 1987 Ford 445 with over 5,000 hours on it can pop out tree stumps, break up concrete and lift stuff my 7040 can't touch. The L48 and the L39 have larger GPM capacity hydraulic pumps than the 7040. The L48's FEL lift capacity and break out force ratings are more than the 7040's I believe also. What's up with that!!! And I don't want to hear that's because the L48 was designed for a backhoe either. Pump GPM has a direct effect on total output, preasure and FEL performance. My L39's FEL is faster operating than my 7040. It can lift almost as much also and it's only 39 HP! But, it's hydralic pump output is MUCH greater than the 7040's. I think Kubota designed the 7040's FEL for hay bales, AG chores and such. They never intended the FEL to be used in construction applications. What a shame!

Also the 7040 needs a torque converter like all other "Yellow" construction tractors. Change these two items and you will have the perfect mid size construction tractor. A lot of grading contractors such as myself like a mid size tractor for grading and such in small areas. The full size JD210LE, Case 570, Etc are too big for some jobs.

talltale · Feb 1, 2007

My new M5040 was delivered Monday. I have 3 hours in the saddle to date with no issues. No wiring or other problems. Options include Hyd. Shuttle, Fasse valve kit, second rear remote, Rimguard filled fronts and rears, and QA FEL. The Fasse control stick is for my AnBo snowblade and grapple. This tractor is a big step up from my L3830, much heavier, bigger, more powerful, and "industrial". The transition from an HST has a bit of a learning curve, but the Hyd. Shuttle is very forgiving. Best of all, this beast can really push the snow! It's cut my road clearing time in half.

Muleskinner · Feb 1, 2007

riptides said:
Please! This thread is about a first year NEW model production run that seems to have some wiring issues ( majority of thread) on early produced units.

Some would note that the dealership was not aware of the wiring issue, others would note that the dealerships were not engaged in prep work to make sure the product was working 100 percent.

Some would say that Kubota was lax in letting these units out the door without alerting dealerships of the wiring issues. Or if they did, then the dealerships have not done their needed prep work to alert customers.

I am not sure how reliability fits into the equation, quality yes. Quality control - definitely.

If the dealership was aware of the wiring issue, then why was this not passed on to the customer?

If Kubota is aware of the wiring issue I would expect them to field fix it, and I would expect the dealership to be proactive and take the lead on this issue.

For warm and fuzzies on Kubota repsonses, I direct your attention to the RTV threads on this forum. MY dealership fixed, and was actively engaged in numerous field fixes on MY unit. I NEVER engaged Kubota, and with the help of TBN actually became more aware of how my RTV works and what to expect of it.

I guess to ME, IMHO this looks to be a dealer issue. And if something was not functioning on the unit, I would expect a NEW unit or FIX in response.

-Mike Z.

And what pray tell is an "RTV" thread? And how do you access it?

Glowplug · Feb 1, 2007

Muleskinner said:
And what pray tell is an "RTV" thread? And how do you access it?

Oh come on now. It's not some sort of esoteric mystery code. An RTV is a utility vehicle. I don't know exactly what it stands for. "Recreation Terrain Vehicle"? I don't know. But I believe they are referring to Kubota's RTV900.

******************************************************

Now on to other issues:

Have any other M-series owners had any difficulty changing gears between High and Low range? Sometimes switching is effortless. Sometimes I just can't get it to go into gear. Occassionally it feels like it's in gear only to be in "neutral". Then when depressing the clutch once again and switching on into gear I get a slight gear grinding. The other day I tried to work it back and forth a few times to see if that would make it easier. It may be that once it gets more broken in it won't be a problem. Yes, I am completely stopped with the clutch depressed. Has anyone else experienced this?

Z-Michigan · Feb 1, 2007

Glowplug said:
Have any other M-series owners had any difficulty changing gears between High and Low range? Sometimes switching is effortless. Sometimes I just can't get it to go into gear. Occassionally it feels like it's in gear only to be in "neutral". Then when depressing the clutch once again and switching on into gear I get a slight gear grinding. The other day I tried to work it back and forth a few times to see if that would make it easier. It may be that once it gets more broken in it won't be a problem. Yes, I am completely stopped with the clutch depressed. Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm not an owner but I did experience that several times on my test-drive of an M7040. I even posted a different thread asking about it. Had lots of trouble shifting between the ranges and even got stuck in neutral once. I too was completely stopped with clutch in every time I tried to shift. I've also noticed that the HST L-series tractors often give trouble shifting between ranges (which are also non-synchro gears like the H/L range on the Mxx40), but I've found on those (L-series with HST) that moving the tractor just a few inches either direction in whatever range you're in will often let you get into the other range easily on the 2nd try.

Glowplug · Feb 1, 2007

Z-Michigan said:
I've also noticed that the HST L-series tractors often give trouble shifting between ranges (which are also non-synchro gears like the H/L range on the Mxx40), but I've found on those (L-series with HST) that moving the tractor just a few inches either direction in whatever range you're in will often let you get into the other range easily on the 2nd try.

Yeah that seems to work. But it's still a bit frustrating sitting there still trying to get it in gear. I feel a bit like a moron when my father-in-law is watching. He just grins and shakes his head.

Blksim · Feb 1, 2007

I know what you're talking about. But it seems as the hours progress the easier it shifts from one to the other. Dealet said just break-in. My old M5030 was the same way.

Muleskinner · Feb 1, 2007

Glowplug said:
Oh come on now. It's not some sort of esoteric mystery code. An RTV is a utility vehicle. I don't know exactly what it stands for. "Recreation Terrain Vehicle"? I don't know. But I believe they are referring to Kubota's RTV900.

******************************************************

Now on to other issues:

Have any other M-series owners had any difficulty changing gears between High and Low range? Sometimes switching is effortless. Sometimes I just can't get it to go into gear. Occassionally it feels like it's in gear only to be in "neutral". Then when depressing the clutch once again and switching on into gear I get a slight gear grinding. The other day I tried to work it back and forth a few times to see if that would make it easier. It may be that once it gets more broken in it won't be a problem. Yes, I am completely stopped with the clutch depressed. Has anyone else experienced this?

I knowe what the **** an RTV is, the poster made it sound like an acronim for a factory issue thread.