Kubota Grand L4760 vs Kubota M7060

[5030]

Operating a hydraulic shuttle takes a bit more hand-foot coordination than a peddle HST but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Because it's a gear drive transmission with a 'semi-automatic' clutch setup. everything becomes way more positive, that is, there is no fluid coupling between the wheels and the engine. Like I stated in another post no worry about clutch wear from a 'half clutch' situation either.

Probably the one thing I don't like about a dry plate clutch / gear transmission, sooner or later (hopefully later) the clutch will have to be renewed and that will involve a split and tons of money and the HST transmission is much more complex and much less efficient too, especially when it comes to pto shaft power.

 

[5030]

The M7060 will run circles around the L4760. Itç—´ a larger heavier frame tractor. Not to say the L is a lesser machine, but a smaller tool.

I have no problems using the loader with the hydraulic shuttle shift. I think it actually made me a more proficient operator. You値l definitely get used to it. As far as the emissions, no problems in 300 hours so far. I do exactly what the machine tells me to do. The light comes on, I raise the RPM until it stops flashing and let it do it痴 thing. Smells like burnt popcorn as it痴 doing the regen, but I continue to work it hard. Easy peasy.

My philosophy is, avoid any and all emissions related stuff if possible. Why this spring I bought another M9 hydraulic shuttle used. Problem is, a pre emission tractor, especially one with a hydraulic shuttle in a large frame is getting to be a rare bird. People (like me) are retaining them. Much less expensive and less down the road issues, running a pre emissions tractor. I don't mind putting some cash into them and not having to deal with stuff like regeneration or the eventual (and costly) replacement of the DPF unit.

I realize with the high number of potential regen cycles before the DPF must be cleaned or replaced, most owners will never have to deal with that but at some point in the life of the unit, they will have to be cleaned / replaced, maybe the second or third owner but it will have to be done at some point and it's not a cheap date (cleaning or replacement). I tend to keep my tractors a long time so if I had one, at some point I'd be cleaning or replacing it. Don't want to shell out 500 - 1500 bucks to keep the EPA happy and then there is the issues with a common rail engine as well.

Not for me, but then it's different strokes for different folks.

 

[ericm979]

70hp is a lot for a 7' cutter. Even 47hp is well above the 5hp/foot rule of thumb. Why stop at 7'?

 

[5030]

70hp is a lot for a 7' cutter. Even 47hp is well above the 5hp/foot rule of thumb. Why stop at 7'?

All depends on the amount being cut and field conditions. You can mow a sparse field with little power but get into thick, tall heavy stuff and small saplings, then it requires additional power and reduced speed which equates to more time and fuel used, plus, you get too big (as in batwing), storage and manuvering become an issue.

The 5 per foot only applies in optimum conditions on flat ground.

 

[deserteagle71]

My philosophy is, avoid any and all emissions related stuff if possible. Why this spring I bought another M9 hydraulic shuttle used. Problem is, a pre emission tractor, especially one with a hydraulic shuttle in a large frame is getting to be a rare bird. People (like me) are retaining them. Much less expensive and less down the road issues, running a pre emissions tractor. I don't mind putting some cash into them and not having to deal with stuff like regeneration or the eventual (and costly) replacement of the DPF unit.

I realize with the high number of potential regen cycles before the DPF must be cleaned or replaced, most owners will never have to deal with that but at some point in the life of the unit, they will have to be cleaned / replaced, maybe the second or third owner but it will have to be done at some point and it's not a cheap date (cleaning or replacement). I tend to keep my tractors a long time so if I had one, at some point I'd be cleaning or replacing it. Don't want to shell out 500 - 1500 bucks to keep the EPA happy and then there is the issues with a common rail engine as well.

Not for me, but then it's different strokes for different folks.

Being an official "old fart", I remember well when catalytic converters first became mandatory on automobiles. Wailing and moaning and crying about the problems they would cause and replacement costs. When's the last time anyone heard of problems with a catalytic convertor or the replacement costs?

I think a few years down the road the costs and problems with DPF ownership will also go down as the industry adjusts. For me, I love that I can bring my M7060 into the barn and not have to immediately shut it off due to fumes. That's what I have to do with my old John Deere.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Being an official "old fart", I remember well when catalytic converters first became mandatory on automobiles. Wailing and moaning and crying about the problems they would cause and replacement costs. When's the last time anyone heard of problems with a catalytic convertor or the replacement costs?
.

Ive replaced severa cats, A PITA to replace and not cheap.

The emmision system on my 08impala was shot in 4 yrs and all had to be replaced, wasnt cheap.

 

[ericm979]

I've had to replace a couple starters in my life. I'm not going back to hand cranking.

 

[5030]

Being an official "old fart", I remember well when catalytic converters first became mandatory on automobiles. Wailing and moaning and crying about the problems they would cause and replacement costs. When's the last time anyone heard of problems with a catalytic convertor or the replacement costs?

I think a few years down the road the costs and problems with DPF ownership will also go down as the industry adjusts. For me, I love that I can bring my M7060 into the barn and not have to immediately shut it off due to fumes. That's what I have to do with my old John Deere.

A catalytic converter on a gas motor and the DPF on a diesel are 2 entirely different things. A gas cat reduces the tailpipe emissions by catalytic reduction via a noble metal whereas a DPF incinerates the soot (visible particulates) and the burned soot collects in the DPF unit until it's full. Then the onboard computer determines the unit has reached it's capacity and illuminates a check engine light. If you ignore the light or message on the readout, the engine will derate or go into 'limp home' mode. All well and good with an infrequent use residential / hobby tractor. Not good with an AG tractor where hours and regen cycles accumulate pretty quickly.

I believe Kubota (at least) rates the DPF unit for 1300 regens before replacement / cleaning is required, something an ocassinal user probably will never see but in my case where I'm using the tractors intensively, that could be an issue. My one M9 has 4600 hours on the meter. If it was a DPF unit, I would have already had to have the cannister cleaned or replaced. Talking to my dealer about getting one 'refurbished', typical cost is 500 bucks for a cleaning or 1500 for replacement. Thereiin lies the issue. If the unit isn't perfect when removed, the only alternative is replacement, they are not repairable/ rebuildable.

Why I don't want a Tier 4 final tractor.

Best part about the Tier 4 mandates is, they don't just apply to diesels. In the not to distant future, your car will also have a particulate filter. What they will use as the incineration medium, I don't know, but that is coming.

 

[5030]

I'm an old fart as well. Glad I am in a way because I'll never have to deal with emissions junk. My tractors will outlast me and I'm sure my wife will sell them for top buck too.

 

[ldowney]

Thank you guys for all the input and information. You all have been very helpful. All these responses in 24 hours. Nice.

To reply to some of the above posts...as for moving to the M7060 and having to deal with regens and emissions...I have that now with my L4760. It's a 2018 model. Regens don't bother me. I just keep the rpms up until it's complete which usually isn't very long. If I'm bush hogging a dry high brush field, I just push the button to delay the regen until I'm in a safe area. That won't be a new issue for me since I'm already used to regens.

I do look forward to the additional power the M7060 offers. I know most people say the Grand L has more bells and whistles and the M series tractors as just basic. I really don't see that I'll be giving up that many bells or whistles with the M 7060. The display screen is a little smaller but the cab features seem about the same to me. I know this seems small but I love the wipers on the M series have an intermittent mode. When pushing snow in light snow or sleet, that is a nice feature.

Many have posted about going up to larger bush hog width. Most of the fields I cut for my customers range from 5-20 acres. Some residential areas I cut require me being able to fit through 8 foot gates. I think the unit I've selected with the twin tail wheels, 3 inch cutting capacity and 7 gauge steel deck will do what I need it to do.

With all that said, I do thank you all for your input and advice. Very much appreciated. I think when I take delivery of the M7060 next week, I won't look back.