Kubota Owners Manual Implement Size guidelines - how strict?

[Buxus]

Getting a new Kubota M7060 next month and started looking at the owners manual. In the owners manual there is a page with implement size guidelines. There is a disclaimer that "implement size may vary depending on soil operating conditions" but the sizing seems conservative to me.

Looking for opinions as to how strictly the guidelines should be followed. For example, the lower link max lifting capacity is 4200b, but the implement page says the largest flail mower recommended is 10ft, 1760 lb. The max weight rotary cutter is 1200b. I had in mind possibly a 12 foot flail eventually, but have no problem going smaller if necessary. There's enough horsepower for a 12 footer as I will be cutting every 3-4 weeks, grass only. I understand that the further behind the weight extends, the greater the effect on the tractor, but it seems that with ballast in front a bit more weight could be managed. Is the primary concern here balance/traction, or damage to the tractor, or both?

The bank account is empty, so won't be purchasing any implements anytime soon, but it never hurts to start planning!

 

[jenkinsph]

You are on the right track with your understanding of the weight extending behind the tractor. While you may manage lifting you have to take into account handling while moving.

 

[RSKY]

Some implements extend far enough away from the rear of the tractor to make the front end extremely light causing handling problems. Then you steer with the rear wheel brakes....not fun.

A wider implement generally means slower speeds and a more comfortable ride. Something to consider.

 

[Buxus]

I've had my eye on a 12 foot Vrisimo flail (12 foot cut, 13 foot overall) weighing 2370b. I don't expect to be going more than 3-4mph. I've been told I have plenty of HP given only cutting grass every 3-4 wks. Does it sound manageable for my tractor?

 

[oosik]

I hear you, Buxus. Your implement recommendation page for your M7060 is the exact same as the one for my M6040. However, I've run a Land Pride rear blade - RB3596 @ 566# - clearing snow on my driveway for the eight years I've owned the tractor with no problems what-so-ever. The implement page recommends - 72" for the M6040 and 84" for the M7040. I think its like most things - use care and due diligence.

This conservative recommendation follows thru on most of the implements listed on that page. You will have the recommended power to run the implement but not the recommended lift capacity.

 

[Buxus]

Thanks for the advice. That is kind of what I was thinking. I have plenty of time to get to know my tractor before pulling the trigger on a mower. I will use this time to figure out how much beyond the recommendations I am willing to go.

 

[MHarryE]

My opinion is they suggest something the customer won't find too large for the tractor in the 90th percentile application. Like the 6 foot rotary cutter I used with my L5740 and will be used with my L6060. I see people talking about a tractor with that power being able to handle a much wider cutter, but in what? My Landpride cutter says 3" max brush and I use it to the limit, and have stalled the tractor. In fact I got mine for a discount because a customer had bought it for a smaller size tractor, found it didn't have enough power for his application, so the dealer took it back and sold him a foot narrower cutter. I take the book as a starting point, but the buyer really is responsible for talking to neighbors, looking over their own needs, and asking the dealer for a demo.

 

[Buxus]

I appreciate the feedback and the examples given. As I get closer to a purchase, I'll hopefully have a better sense of what the 7060 can handle.

 

[kthompson]

I have a M6800 and have had two failures in the transmission both happened pulling my disk long and hard. Hours of disking lead to both of the failures so I a fan of over loading the transmission and with that said here is what I use.
I have a 10 foot wide disk with 20 inch blades, 28 blades. I can pull it in low gear high range 75% of the time but easier on tractor in high gear low range.
Use a 500 gallon pull type sprayer. No issues.
Use 4 row planters both 3 pth and pull type. Pull type is easy while the 3 pth can make the front it a little light. Installed four front weights and fine.
Use a 12 foot wide field cultivator, 10 foot would be better this does bog my M6800 down. It also needed front weights. You need to be able to run with some speed with a field cultivator to get the dirt action you need.
Use a flail boom mower with it with four foot cutter head on it. Handles it fine.
I do not have a large 3pth cutter as with row crops runs boom mower around the field and disk the fields.
I have used a Hardee side mount ditch bank cutter with 5 foot cutter (3 pth) and it is weights enoughthe front end is too light even with four weights.
Tractor is 2 wheel drive with rear weights and loaded tires.

Our land is basically flat but we have one small field that has a much sandier soil then the other with a grade to it. The tractor has it's hands full pulling disk in that sandy soil and up the grade. Have never worked in real sandy dirt but that is hardest to pull a disk and maybe a sprayer in of any dirt.

 

[LD1]

The manuals are way too conservative. Too many variations in implements, and too many variables in how people use them.

My MX says I need to stay under 1000# 7' rotary cutter. I run a 1600# 8' twin
IT says a 6' rear blade max......the tractor is 6' wide. How am I supposed to cover the tracks angled?
It says max 7' pull type disc. I have no problems with a heavy 11' JD210 transport disc

And perhaps what I find the funniest.....the manual clearly states max 90" digging depth backhoe and that a subframe is necessary. But the backhoe that is MADE for this tractor is the BH92, which is a 110" backhoe. The 90" hoe that kubota offers is the BH76 or 77, and that would be what would go on my old, smaller, L3400.

Manual is a Joke.