M4700 Opinion?

[riverland]

I'm looking to buy a good in the 40s PTO hp 4wd tractor for a reasonable price. Plan to do a mixture of ag/dig/clearing with it -- while I know it's easier and faster to rent certain equipment for certain tasks, I don't mind taking more time and want an all around good multi-use tractor. I missed an opportunity at a good M4900 that was only 7 years old and now am looking at an M4700 that is 10 years old with around 800 hours.

Anyone have any opinions about the M4700 that would be helpful? Is/was this a good model for Kubota? Anything I should be concerned about/know about while I consider? What's a decent price for one like I described?

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[rbargeron]

The M4700, M4900, M5400 and M5700 all have the same basic chassis with gear drive and the big silky smooth 5-cylinder F2803 engine. The M4700/4900 had slightly smaller rubber. There were differences in rated hp but they were actually nearly identical at the same rpms - just slight differences in the injection pump settings. With under 1000 hours the tractor should be fine - check for intact air cleaner elements (both inner and outer) that the loader pins are still tight. A decent 4wd with loader and 50% rubber might be somewhere in the mid teens. (check Tractorhouse.com) These models have no bad habits, but it never hurts to ask why its for sale. Hope this helps.

 

[riverland]

How difficult or expensive is it to clean the air elements if they're not good? My understanding on the pins is if they are loose, there's nothing you can do (that isn't expensive).

 

[powerstroke444e]

We have a M5400 4wd with loader and it has been a great tractor, the only problem is I keeping ruining the rear tires running over fence posts(not the tractors fault). I believe it has about 700-800hrs with only normal mantiance.

 

[KubieTwo]

How difficult or expensive is it to clean the air elements if they're not good? My understanding on the pins is if they are loose, there's nothing you can do (that isn't expensive).

It isn't the filter costs you are worried about at that point. If it has been run with faulty air filters you should be very concerned about engine damage. Dirty filters are less of a concern than if both had holes in them.

 

[rbargeron]

Filters can be removed and washed or cleaned with compressed air.

Worn pins and bushings can be repaired/replaced - I got a LA680 loader redone last year - cost about $500 plus trucking and painting.

 

[KubieTwo]

Filters can be removed and washed or cleaned with compressed air.

But to your earlier point, if filters are not intact, the engine may have breathed dusty air. This (intact inner and outer filters) was an excellent comment because many would not know how much damage can be done in this situation, and how quickly. It doesn't take much dirty air to do serious engine damage.

 

[rbargeron]

........if filters are not intact, the engine may have breathed dusty air....... It doesn't take much dirty air to do serious engine damage.

Exactly right - on these "what to look for" questions I usually go on to say that a missing or damaged air filter is a deal breaker. The filter elements are very rugged and well-made - many models have visual indicators that turned red as the element becomes restricted. All of this is there for a high purpose so any evidence of it being defeated is reason to walk away.

 

[SPYDERLK]

The inner filter is a birdcatcher. It has low surface area and consequently is quite coarse - only comes into play if the outer filter actually breaks. And even then is only truly effective against big stuff. If the outer filter is maintained the inner one is unecessary and even detrimental as it adds intake restriction. Removing the one on the 7520 improved aircharge enuf to virtually eliminate black smoke at full load.
larry

 

[Ken45101]

I had an M4700, great tractor, wish I had it back

Mine was 2wd and I later added a loader. Dumb move. The loader spent most of it's life detached. I moved up to a 4WD M5040 with loader, but wish I still had the 4700 for bush hogging.