M7060 HDC12 New Owner, or recent shopper info needed

[tflt]

Hi Team, I'm a Kubota fan, no doubt, I own an L series and love it. I recently decided to add an M7060HDC 12 to the fleet. The machine suits my needs perfectly, fit and finish are what we expect from Kubota. The issue is that I have demoed 3 NEW machines, as well as an 8560, and it appears they all have the same issue. When applying the brakes initially, and during operation the pedal will bottom out on the floor board. It feels just like when you were a kid, in your first new, old, chevy, you remember, the one that needed the master cylinder replaced. You can pump them right back up, but the initial activation of the pedal, sporadically, drops to the floor. One dealer said they needed to be bled, did so but the problem persisted, 2 other dealers are actively seeking answers. The machines have all been sitting idle all winter, that is apparent, the first one was dead as a doornail the first time I went to see it. The issue has been documented, and I am awaiting a definitive answer about what could be causing this issue, I am ready to pull the trigger but am leery of an impending problem. I was wondering if anyone could add some insight. I feed round bales on a feed row that requires operating on hills near my barn, the issue was unnerving when backing down a slope with a bale in the hugger and having the brake pedal drop to the floor. I was able to pump them back up, but it's just not right. What's going on?? For the record, I test drove a New Holland T4.75 today, (I know Blasphemy), and have to say it's a solid #2, the lower output hydraulic pump is apparent in loader operation, but not a deal breaker! I don't need a sunroof, but it is cool, as is the kid seat.

 

[JWR]

I do not have direct experience with that size Kubota. However, "that ain't right." Absolutely make them get to the bottom of it before you buy. My first guess is the guy was right and it does need to be bled (only more so than they have done so far.) Another thought is that many of the larger tractors nowadays use what is called an "equalizer" intended to manage pressures right versus left between the two braking systems. On MF at least the very first thing many dealers do is defeat the equalizer. Unlike the do-gooders trying to protect us from ourselves, many dealers understand that if we press on a wheel brake "we really mean it" and want some immediate action. What is wild is that you have seen this issue on all 3 demo tractors. All the more reason to insist on a Kubota explanation, not just the dealer making it work.

 

[ovrszd]

This is the first I've heard of this problem with Kubotas.

JD owners have complained about a very similar problem on here. I've read a couple lengthy threads about it. But I don't recall a solution. Most times they were being told that's "normal". I'm with you,,,,, that is NOT normal. And would be unacceptable to me for sure!!!! I'm in steep timber a LOT. I'd freak out if I had to pump the brakes every time I wanted to stop just short of going into a ravine!!!!

Hopefully there will be resolution. Please post the results either way.

As for NH, they were definitely in the running for me when I bought my M9540. The biggest turnoff to me was their 3rd function on the FEL is a diverter. They don't offer true 3rd function, or didn't then anyway. I use that feature a lot and didn't want to settle for a diverter setup from a manufacturer. I do like their tractors though.

 

[tflt]

JWR, the equalizer was apparently ruled out early on. The issue has presented itself at multiple dealers now. I was present while a Kubota rep, (not the dealer), was inspecting the first machine and clearly knew there was an issue. He was explaining what is in "spec" and what is not, this was clearly way out of spec. I walked away from that machine due to the poor response from that particular dealer. I was never a fan, but they are geographically closest, and offered a good price, but I have no confidence in them. I have a dealer a little farther away, and a little higher in price, who I have had several good experiences with and would like to use for the sale, but his machines show the very same issue! The owner observed it the first time it occurred in his machine during a demo, his response was immediate in bleeding the brakes but called to let me know that there is still an issue, he advised me that in going through multiple M series machines on his lot after seeing this occur it is happening across the board. He states he'll be working with Kubota to resolve this a quickly as possible, I hope so because I've really looked at the competition and honestly nothing is equal. I think the New Holland T4.75, (I demoed one) is runner up for the 7060, but not a very close runner up.

 

[TripleR]

Like Richard, I've never heard of it on a Kubota, our 8540 works great and has to as like Richard, we operate on some steep slopes. For me there is no wiggle room, either it works perfectly or I don't use it.

 

[tflt]

This is the first I've heard of this problem with Kubotas.

JD owners have complained about a very similar problem on here. I've read a couple lengthy threads about it. But I don't recall a solution. Most times they were being told that's "normal". I'm with you,,,,, that is NOT normal. And would be unacceptable to me for sure!!!! I'm in steep timber a LOT. I'd freak out if I had to pump the brakes every time I wanted to stop just short of going into a ravine!!!!

Hopefully there will be resolution. Please post the results either way.

As for NH, they were definitely in the running for me when I bought my M9540. The biggest turnoff to me was their 3rd function on the FEL is a diverter. They don't offer true 3rd function, or didn't then anyway. I use that feature a lot and didn't want to settle for a diverter setup from a manufacturer. I do like their tractors though.

The T4 I drove had the factory 3rd function, (which I need), installed. The machine was nice, the hydraulics too slow, and the visibility from the cab not great for loader work. the controls were ok, but seemed less refined than kubotas. They were "clunky" and not very smooth to operate. So, after reading through pages of owner experiences, (various leaks, difficult to service), I would call it a distant runner up, for me. (only my opinion)

I'm rooting for Kubota to come through!

 

[tflt]

Like Richard, I've never heard of it on a Kubota, our 8540 works great and has to as like Richard, we operate on some steep slopes. For me there is no wiggle room, either it works perfectly or I don't use it.

I agree, and use a 7040 quite often with no issue, this is a 60 series issue.

 

[TripleR]

I agree, and use a 7040 quite often with no issue, this is a 60 series issue.

I didn't realize brakes was one of the changes on the 60 Series.

 

[tflt]

I didn't realize brakes was one of the changes on the 60 Series.

I'm not sure they changed, I'm just pointing out I have quite a few hours on a 7040 with no issues.

Interesting point though RRR, can anyone advise if there was a brake revision for the 60 series?

I know the front axle engages when the brakes are applied while traveling in 2 wheel drive, giving you 4 wheel braking.

 

[JWR]

You said "I know the front axle engages when the brakes are applied while traveling in 2 wheel drive, giving you 4 wheel braking." I wonder if that is a related factor ? I never knew of a tractor with that feature (e.g. triggering front wheel drive line when brakes are applied.) Just my ignorance no doubt but that one is new on me. A quick test of course would be to run it around some in 4wd and then try the brakes where the automatic shift is not required. Regardless, Kubota has to find and fix this one big time. Sounds like a recall coming considering the number of them and the observations of the rep.