I have a 10 acre horse and donkey farm. About a year ago I was finally able to buy the tractor I have been wanting forever. Same situation, we were tired of moving round bales by rolling them across the ground. I had been considering a Kubota MX5100 or a Kioti DK40SE, but I found a good deal on a used Kubota M6040, and that's what I bought. We fed a lot of round bales last winter, and I'm glad we have the full size utility tractor. It will safely handle the big round bales with just loaded rear tires. No counterweight is needed on the three point. I just think the MX is a bit on the light side for moving round bales with the loader. It could be done, but you would need a lot if weight on the 3 point to counterbalance.
The Deere 5e series would handle the round bales just as well as the M6040 - it is a heavy full size tractor, and more comparable to my M6040 than the MX4700/5100. The M6040 is a bit nicer than the Deere, with a fully synchronized transmission and hydraulic shuttle shift, telescoping draft links, and quick attach loader.
The Deere 5e series would handle the round bales just as well as the M6040 - it is a heavy full size tractor, and more comparable to my M6040 than the MX4700/5100. The M6040 is a bit nicer than the Deere, with a fully synchronized transmission and hydraulic shuttle shift, telescoping draft links, and quick attach loader.