Buying Advice Kubota M7040

Bubbit · Oct 18, 2012

Looking at purchasing a Kubota M7040 tractor. Any comments, suggestions regarding this piece of equipment. Don't know yet all the jobs but will be cutting 45 acres of grass, fence work, 1600 foot dirt/ (some gravel) road maintenance on property. Clearing and cutting wood.

MBTRAC · Oct 18, 2012

Generally a good/reliable tractor, only ever heard of some engagement/selection issues with the shuttle shift - though I'd make certain the 4 speed dual range transmission is matched to the applcations I had in mind ( a neighbour complained constantly his didn't have enough gears within the work range to do everything he wanted......).
For hours of grass/pasture cutting I'd appreciate an A/C Cab & for clearing/fencing/road building I'd want a FEL......

TripleR · Oct 18, 2012

There are several owners of the M7040 and M7040 Special Utility and from all I have read they are performing well. We have an M8540 and really like the Kubota M Series.

I believe it will handle everything you mentioned quite well.

Do you have any idea how you want it configured?

Bubbit · Oct 18, 2012

I do plan on spec with Front End Loader too. Don't think I can afford the CAB but that would be nice.

Bubbit · Oct 18, 2012

What are some things a should keep in mind in terms of how to configure it.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 18, 2012

Bubbit said:
What are some things a should keep in mind in terms of how to configure it.

Since you will be grading, it sure is nice to have top and tilt hydraulics on the 3pt hitch. So get the tractor built with a minimum of 2 rear remotes and I highly recommend 3. Get at least one if not two of them with the float function.

With the clearing that you will be doing, it is a lot faster to be using a grapple. So you will want to get the 3rd function for the loader to operate the grapple, i like to have the hydraulic self leveling option with the loader, but most people get along fine without it.

Good luck. :thumbsup:

Bubbit · Oct 18, 2012

Great Suggestion and will follow up my research on those. By the way what is the float function on the remotes?

TripleR · Oct 18, 2012

Pretty much in agreement with MtnViewRanch; though I don't have our M8540 set up like that or even our L5740. We have only two rear remotes on our M8540 as we HAD to have it ASAP when our CX80 went toes up. I had more time when I bought our L5740 and put three rear remotes on it. Under the heading "you never know as much as you should", I didn't get the float function on any as I really saw no need. Of course now I can see where it would be handy if not essential. It will allow your equipment to follow the terrain if you use it on your top link and if used on a side link will do the same using a scraper or blade; this according to other members since I didn't think to get one.

I have used the auto level on another tractor and while "handy" I couldn't justify the expense personally and don't miss it. If you can afford to, go for it. I get by with pallet forks for moving trees etc., but don't do a lot of it, if I did I would definitely set it up for a grapple.

I much prefer the Hydraulic Shuttle Shift over the Synchronized Shuttle Shift.

I wanted cast centers, but didn't have time to wait, so I get by with 1100+ pounds ballast on the 3PH and loaded tires. I don't see the cast centers as essential, but nice for me at least. We have them on another tractor and it pulls like you wouldn't believe and is extremely stable.

I got Ag tires and mounted the rears wide as we have a lot of slopes. I got the big tires like on the M8540.

We put hydraulic top links on our tractors and would not want to try to live without them.

I am probably missing something sand will have to think a bit more.

art · Oct 18, 2012

With the thoughts of a loader get the cast wheels for the extra rear ballast, this with three sets of rear wheel weights often is enough to offset the loader for normal or average work without over loading the tractor for it's every day chores.

bilrus61 · Oct 18, 2012

I was looking at Barlows at the M7040 and the M7040 su. They had them side by side. Both me and my dad thought it was obvious that for the price difference that the standard M7040 was the best deal for $2000 bucks more. Better seat. Floor mats. Larger looking and tougher looking loader control. Extendable links. External cylinders on the three point hitch. MUCH thicker and more heavy duty lifting rods. The whole tractor's 3pt hitch looks much heavier and beefier even though its rated the same as the SU. Tool box behind the seat. Adjustable steering colum. Goodyear rear tires that looked better to me than the Firestones on the SU. We decided the M7040 standard was just a better package for us. Good luck on your choice.

LeadPoison · Oct 18, 2012

What size mower does your property allow you to run? 10 foot? 15 foot? 45 acres is a lot of grass. How much time do you have? A 9540 might suit you better if you want run a 15 footer.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 18, 2012

Bubbit said:
Great Suggestion and will follow up my research on those. By the way what is the float function on the remotes?

Just as the loader has a float function by pushing the lever (usually) forward past a detent to let the bucket float up and down with the terrain, there are times when it is nice to be able to do that with an implement both forward-backward and-or side to side. the rear remote lever would move and actuate in the same manor.

Bubbit · Oct 22, 2012

Just talked with a John Deere Dealer and he has a 2010 5075M with 553 Loader, no cab but with Canopy with 120 hours on it. Wants $38,300. Any thoughts on this deal. Comparing it to a new Kubota 7040M comparably equipped for 35,500. Both in Alabama

Bubbit · Oct 22, 2012

I could run a 15 foot very little obstacles. It's just the cost or the cutter and a bigger tractor stopping me.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 22, 2012

Just for a comparison, get a price on a Kubota M8540, waaaaaaaaay more tractor than the M7040 and my understanding is that they are not all that much more $$$$$. Might be able to get it for the JD price and it would be a very nice machine to have IMO.

bilrus61 · Oct 22, 2012

No more 8540s available from Kubota. Or 9540s either unless you find used. Kubota is only selling the 60 series now in that power range of tractor.

MtnViewRanch · Oct 22, 2012

bilrus61 said:
No more 8540s available from Kubota. Or 9540s either unless you find used. Kubota is only selling the 60 series now in that power range of tractor.

Well, the Kubota website still shows them, but if they are all gone

, then I think that he should at least take a look at an M8560.

sixdogs · Oct 22, 2012

Bubbit said:
What are some things a should keep in mind in terms of how to configure it.

My neighbor has one and loves. it. He has cast rear centers but it's still light in the back end so maybe add a couple rear weights to each side.

TripleR · Oct 23, 2012

You may no longer order a new M8540/9540, but there are still new ones on dealers' lots, I saw some last week.

Bob Ha · Oct 23, 2012

We have a 2006 M7040 and love it. It's done everything asked of it from Tree work, dirt and gravel hauling, bailing hay, mud work and brush hogging. Only issue is it's light in the backend. Numerous times have we almost flipped it when moving hay. Anytime we pick up anything over half ton we put a bale on the back spear. We have around 1200 hours and it's never seen the shop for any reason. Excellent machine but have something done about the light back end.