Price Check M8540/M9540 HDC

[DJamesLoveless]

Hi All! I'm just now beginning my research to purchase a tractor (between 75-100hp) and I'm getting excited! I went and sat in an M8540 this weekend and fell in love with her! (Please don't tell my fiance...we're getting married in March and I don't think she realizes my feelings for this tractor) I have not made my mind up between the 8540 and the 9540...is the extra 10 hp worth the extra $2,300

I know you can configure these tractors quite a few ways but I'm wondering if anyone has just purchased this model of tractor(s)? If so, and you don't mind sharing, I'd like to know what you paid or have been quoted. I was quoted $45,325/$47,645, respectively. This was with 0 down, 0% for 60, a FEL, F8/R8, hydro-shift and 4wd.

I own 70 acres and run a few cows as a hobby. It'll mostly be used for mowing, putting out hay and feed and some chores! Any pointers/advice in what options I should consider, what model would be best, etc would be greatly appreciated as I start my journey to a new tractor!

PS...looked at JD 5083E/5093E and they were okay, but the layout on the Kubota's seems so much user friendly.

Thanks in advance,

Derrick

 

[rjkobbeman]

Hi All! I'm just now beginning my research to purchase a tractor (between 75-100hp) and I'm getting excited! I went and sat in an M8540 this weekend and fell in love with her! (Please don't tell my fiance...we're getting married in March and I don't think she realizes my feelings for this tractor) I have not made my mind up between the 8540 and the 9540...is the extra 10 hp worth the extra $2,300

I know you can configure these tractors quite a few ways but I'm wondering if anyone has just purchased this model of tractor(s)? If so, and you don't mind sharing, I'd like to know what you paid or have been quoted. I was quoted $45,325/$47,645, respectively. This was with 0 down, 0% for 60, a FEL, F8/R8, hydro-shift and 4wd.

I own 70 acres and run a few cows as a hobby. It'll mostly be used for mowing, putting out hay and feed and some chores! Any pointers/advice in what options I should consider, what model would be best, etc would be greatly appreciated as I start my journey to a new tractor!

PS...looked at JD 5083E/5093E and they were okay, but the layout on the Kubota's seems so much user friendly.

Thanks in advance,

Derrick

Whether or not the 10 HP will make a difference, well, only you can decide if you need it based on your needs.

If you are going to get the CAB (which you implied with the HDC model), the M9540 has some really cool options that you can't get with the M8540. With the M9540HDC you can get a "dual-speed", which is in additon to the normal hi/low range selector. This gives you a total of 24F and 24R gears. It is the "24 Speed". With the "dual-speed" (24 speed) M95, you get an auto 4wd engagement when braking.

If you don't think you "need" the 24-speed and you don't think you "need" the extra 10 HP, you could save a lot going with the M8540HDC. TripleR has one and can tell you all about it. I have a ROPS M8540HD.

The platform of the M8540 and the M9540 are the same.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

Definitely looking at a cab tractor. (I figure this is the only chance I have of getting my fiance to feed the cows every now and then)

While talking to the dealer he mentioned that the only reason I would need the 24 gears is if I were to eventually use the tractor to cut and bail hay. while I might do this in the future I'm not sure its worth the price increase. He quoted the 24 speed to me at $51,000. So I'm not sure the $4,000 upgrade would be worth having that option. (The tractor he quoted to me might have had some other upgrades along with the 24 gears)

I'm really interested in what people have paid for their M8540's....when you look on tractorhouse.com or other sites that sell tractors you will see a wide variance in pricing. As I stated you can configure these tractors in so many ways that I'm not sure when I'm comparing apples to apples. Thanks for your input and I look forward to all of the posts! How are you enjoying your M8540?

 

[texasjohn]

Welcome to TBN.


I run 20 to 30 animal units on 200 odd acres using a 50 hp tractor.

Only you know your needs and tractoring background. You may well need a tractor that large...however, I do quite well with my tractor.

After numerous years of reading TBN, I'm amazed that within the past couple of weeks several new members have started out being interested in quite powerful tractors for reasonable sized places, but without a clearly stated need for such a large tractor.

That said, you will find many comments here on TBN urging people to not purchase too small a tractor.... and there have been many who bought a tractor then within a rather short time purchased a different one because they needed more power.

Now, for me, If I actually needed 85hp and could get 95hp for $2300, I'd go for it, assuming that both tractors were completely decked out with all extras I find essential, such as lights, 3 rear hydraulic circuits, top and tilt, etc., and that I still had $$ for all necessary attachments, tools, etc.....

 

[DJamesLoveless]

TexasJohn,

Thanks for the welcome! I'm already enjoying the site quite a bit. The only reason I say I need that HP is because I previously owned an 85 HP tractor and find that when I need to shred I prefer to have the horsepower to pull a 15' shredder and not have to worry about the HP. I also have fear that I'd buy a 60 or so and then regret it later. As you stated, I've seen a lot of post referencing this problem.

My thought...I'm 26 years old and plan on having this tractor for the rest of my life. (My previous tractor was 30 years old and ran great!) I want a tractor that has the potential to do everything I need it to do. Eventually if I stop running cows and just hay then I'll have the tractor to do it. I really take care anything I own. The only way I can justify spending 45,000 on a tractor is if I keep it...FOREVER!

 

[Verticaltrx]

My father has a M9540 that we use on the farm for many of the tasks you described. We pull a 15' batwing bush hog with it and it handles it well, but I certainly wouldn't want any less power(or weight.) I used to pull a 15' cutter with a 130 PTO hp tractor and it would really make that mower work. You mentioned previously having an older 85hp tractor, which presumably was 85hp at the PTO (as most tractors until recently were rated). The M9540 is 95hp at the engine, but only 82hp at the PTO. You probably already knew this, but just thought I would throw that in the discussion.

Also, I would look at the 12F/12R transmission over the 8 speed. That's what ours has and it's pretty nice having well spaced gears. The 24/24 is overkill for this size tractor IMHO.

Cast rear wheels are also a nice option, these tractors are pretty light for their HP so all the weight you can get is welcome.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

Thanks for your input! I definitely was going to look into the 12f/12r transmission.

And yes, my previous tractor was 85 at the PTO. The spec sheet I have shows the 9540 having 84 at the PTO while the 8540 has 75. At this point (especially with me having plans to keep this tractor for the rest of my life) I'm thinking that the extra 9HP is worth the $2,300 extra...

What is your fathers overall experience been with the M9540? How many hours does he put on it a year? I know durability isn't much of a concern, but it's always nice to hear people talk about some of the issues they've experienced first hand!

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for your input! I definitely was going to look into the 12f/12r transmission.

And yes, my previous tractor was 85 at the PTO. The spec sheet I have shows the 9540 having 84 at the PTO while the 8540 has 75. At this point (especially with me having plans to keep this tractor for the rest of my life) I'm thinking that the extra 9HP is worth the $2,300 extra...

What is your fathers overall experience been with the M9540? How many hours does he put on it a year? I know durability isn't much of a concern, but it's always nice to hear people talk about some of the issues they've experienced first hand!

Overall he really likes it, as do I. It only gets about 100hrs a year of use (it's one of three tractors so they don't all see very many hrs.) The only complaint is that the radial tires seem to ride a lot rougher than our other tractors with bias ply tires. I think this is due to the extremely square lugs the tires have and as they each hit on a crowned road it really shakes the tractor. Pretty minor problem though, otherwise it's a really nice tractor.

The 3pt hitch capcity is pretty impressive, 7000lbs or so, and while we don't use any implements on it that heavy I have had a fence post or two that the loader couldn't pull but the 3pt did with ease.

The 15' Woods batwing will push the tractor around a little on the steeper hills, but it works well if you are careful. For this type of work we also always either leave the loader on or a full set of front suitcase weights. The batwing has a few thousand pounds of tongue weight, and a quick flip of the shuttle shift will send the front wheels into the air.

The loader is very quick and responsive, lift capacity is also pretty robust. I have lifted some pretty large 30" pine logs with it that I was sure it wouldn't lift but it did. As I stated before, it's not a very heavy tractor for it's size so extra weight is always a plus. This one has cast rear wheels and fluid filled tires, but a set or two of wheel weights wouldn't hurt either. When plowing snow with an 8' rear blade it will slide the back of the tractor sideways if you try to take too big of a cut.

That's about all I can think of right now, I think it has about 300hrs on it now and no repairs yet.

 

[texasjohn]

OK... you know what you want and what a tractor in that category can do...so, I'm convinced.

Now, be sure and focus on all the details and options that will make the difference in your application. For me, these include
front grill
front weight capability
place to put numerous chains
front extra lights
rear facing lights
A/C
heater
quick attach FEL
chain hooks everywhere
hay spike for FEL
hay fork for 3ph
toothbar on BUCKET


Remember, a tractor is simply an engine.... it's all the attachments that make it worth something and do the work you need. Don't spend all your $$ on the engine.... budget plenty for the attachments:thumbsup:

 

[TripleR]

We bought an M8540 a few months ago. It is a cab with 12F/12R, Hydraulic Shuttle Shift, dual rear remotes and the biggest tires offered though not radials. I would like to have had the cast disk wheels, but our old tractor went toes up and we simply couldn't wait. We absolutely love it and chose it over the M8540 because we simply don't need the extra power. The added cost was not a consideration, as noted over a lifetime of use, the difference is negligible.

We pull a 10' Woods DS1260 in pretty hill conditions and it is a very stable platform.

For your needs I would choose the M9540 12F/12R and don't believe you will get any better advice than given by Verticaltrx; texasjohn has good information on setup. We did not get the HD bucket, but kind of wish we had. If you don't, you will need to reinforce the top when you put chain hooks which to me are a necessity.

We also looked at the John Deere which is a really nice tractor, but preferred the Kubota; either would be a good choice.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

We bought an M8540 a few months ago. It is a cab with 12F/12R, Hydraulic Shuttle Shift, dual rear remotes and the biggest tires offered though not radials. I would like to have had the cast disk wheels, but our old tractor went toes up and we simply couldn't wait. We absolutely love it and chose it over the M8540 because we simply don't need the extra power. The added cost was not a consideration, as noted over a lifetime of use, the difference is negligible.

We pull a 10' Woods DS1260 in pretty hill conditions and it is a very stable platform.

For your needs I would choose the M9540 12F/12R and don't believe you will get any better advice than given by Verticaltrx; texasjohn has good information on setup. We did not get the HD bucket, but kind of wish we had. If you don't, you will need to reinforce the top when you put chain hooks which to me are a necessity.

We also looked at the John Deere which is a really nice tractor, but preferred the Kubota; either would be a good choice.

I'll definitely look at the HD bucket. I think for the price I'll upgrade to the M9540. Can anyone suggest how many hydraulic hook-ups in the back? Will the two run just about what I'll need or should I go ahead and look at installing a 3rd one? Also, can anyone comment on the 3rd function remote for the FEL?

 

[TripleR]

I'll definitely look at the HD bucket. I think for the price I'll upgrade to the M9540. Can anyone suggest how many hydraulic hook-ups in the back? Will the two run just about what I'll need or should I go ahead and look at installing a 3rd one? Also, can anyone comment on the 3rd function remote for the FEL?

I only bought two rear remotes. We had our CX80 for 12 years and never used more than one set. If we ever need a third, it can be added. I understand the conventional wisdom is for three and if your equipment requires them; mine doesn't.

We don't have a third function valve either, I just couldn't see spending the money on something we might or might not need.

rjkobbeman added the third function to his after purchase, so I am sure he can be of help. He, E/S, Big Bubba and others provided great advice when I was in the process of buying mine.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/177593-buying-new-m8540.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/177637-just-bought-new-kubota-m8540.html

 

[rjkobbeman]

I'll definitely look at the HD bucket. I think for the price I'll upgrade to the M9540. Can anyone suggest how many hydraulic hook-ups in the back? Will the two run just about what I'll need or should I go ahead and look at installing a 3rd one? Also, can anyone comment on the 3rd function remote for the FEL?

I only have two rear remotes: the one that comes with it, plus an extra one. I had the extra one installed at the factory.

I order my 3rd function remote for the FEL when I ordered my tractor, but it came is much later. Rather than wait, I took delivery of the tractor and received the 3rd function remote later. The dealer said they would install it for free because it was part of the original factory purchase, however I chose to do it myself. Piece of cake.

The 3rd function remote is one of those things you can add on later if you want to save money up front.

What would you like to know about it?

 

[Verticaltrx]

If you plan on running a batwing bush hog it's best to have three rear remotes. Two with float for the wings and one regular one to lift it. I've run them with only two remotes (the wings tee-d into one) but having each wing on a separate circuit makes it more useful. We've never had a tractor with a 3rd function on the loader, if we need to run sometime hydraulic on the front I like to just run a hose back to one of the rear remotes.

 

[jdjdjd]

Hello DJamesLoveless in McAlester,

I am South of you in Texas. I have the M9540 with cab and have almost 600 hours on it. Loading the tires makes a lot of difference when using a FEL of loading large round bales.
It handles the 15' mower very well. I also cut and bale hay with a 5x6 baler.
I only have the 8 forward and reverse gears. If I had more I would probably use them but the tractor handles everything well with 8.

Good luck in your purchase. :thumbsup:

 

[DJamesLoveless]

Hello DJamesLoveless in McAlester,

I am South of you in Texas. I have the M9540 with cab and have almost 600 hours on it. Loading the tires makes a lot of difference when using a FEL of loading large round bales.
It handles the 15' mower very well. I also cut and bale hay with a 5x6 baler.
I only have the 8 forward and reverse gears. If I had more I would probably use them but the tractor handles everything well with 8.

Good luck in your purchase. :thumbsup:

Thanks for your input jdjdjd! My little "ranch" is actually just north of you in Paris, TX! I've read a lot of peoples posts about having to load the tires and/or put weights on the tractor. Looking at it I would have never guessed this!

Glad to know the it'll pull the 15' without any problems as shredding will be my main chore along with feeding 5x6 bales! Would you recommend more gears even if you weren't cutting and baling?

 

[DJamesLoveless]

I only have two rear remotes: the one that comes with it, plus an extra one. I had the extra one installed at the factory.

I order my 3rd function remote for the FEL when I ordered my tractor, but it came is much later. Rather than wait, I took delivery of the tractor and received the 3rd function remote later. The dealer said they would install it for free because it was part of the original factory purchase, however I chose to do it myself. Piece of cake.

The 3rd function remote is one of those things you can add on later if you want to save money up front.

What would you like to know about it?

Well, to tell you the truth, I'm just not familiar with what all you can use the 3rd function remote on...these bigger tractors are fairly new to me as I've always dealt with "fossil" tractors growing up. I was wondering if it was worth the extra money up front or would you invest in the self leveling feature on the bucket or in another hydraulic hook up in the rear?

 

[jdjdjd]

I am sure there is a need for more gears for some operations but so far I have never been in a situation where I had to have more than what I have.
Mowing, raking, baling, spraying, plowing, grading, FEL work, etc...this tractor has done everything I have asked of it.
As far as remotes, I have two. One is a self cancelling and the other has a float position. My Bat-wing shredder has the two wings on one remote. I actually prefer it that way, much faster and easier for me.
I also have Top-n-Tilt cylinders. Highly recommend these. Also have not needed more than the two remotes.

I am not far from Paris. My place is in Bonham.

My wife likes it too.

 

[rjkobbeman]

Well, to tell you the truth, I'm just not familiar with what all you can use the 3rd function remote on...these bigger tractors are fairly new to me as I've always dealt with "fossil" tractors growing up. I was wondering if it was worth the extra money up front or would you invest in the self leveling feature on the bucket or in another hydraulic hook up in the rear?

Basically you can use the 3rd function remote for any hydraulic implement up front. Post hole digger, trencher, grapple, etc. You can do the same thing by running hoses from the rear remote up to the front, but it is a lot more handy having the 3rd function remote up front. It depends on how often you will use it. There isn't really any advantage of buying it when you purchase your tractor or adding it on later... aside from installation costs if you don't do it yourself. (Installation is free if you buy it at the time of tractor purchase -- it is a factory install.)

The self leveling valve can also be added at a later date, but it is costly. The self leveling valve is a replacement to the regular FEL valve. If you add it on later, you will essentially be buying two valves: the regular one at the time of purchase and the self leveling one which replaces the regular one. If you buy the self leveling valve at the time of tractor purchase, you are only buying the one valve, which is like $700 or so more than the regular one. (I don't remember for sure.) I have the self leveling valve but rarely use it. It is handy for loading and unloading loaded pallets and that sort of thing. I don't use it at all when I am doing traditional FEL work (dirt digging).

One thing to remember, upgrading from the 8f/8r to the 12f/12r (aka, 12-speed), you also get the high lift capacity 3ph lift cylinders. The 12-speed is a VERY worthy upgrade.

If you are opting for the Syncro Shuttle, you can only get the 8-speed. I HIGHLY recommend the Hydraulic Shuttle. You won't regret it.

 

[DJamesLoveless]

rj, thanks for taking the time to explain the 3rd function remote. The only thing I can think I might use this on is a grappler on the FEL, but I doubt I'll purchase that. I might use the money towards another accessory!

I doubt that I do a lot of loading/unloading and will focus mostly on dirt work, fence work and tree clean up with the FEL so the $700 might be a little much for the self leveling feature. You were spot on with the price because that's what the dealer quoted me.

I will definitely upgrade to the 12f/12r and hydraulic shift.

I'm looking at purchasing the tractor in February (really dependent on taxes) The dealer said the 0% financing would be over in December. Surely this will come back soon, I hope. I haven't followed their financing offerings for a while and 0% seems to be the norm on bigger tractors like the M series for 5 years. Anyone think it won't come back soon enough?